NationStates Jolt Archive


New Attack Chopper developed- Nightshade

Belem
23-08-2004, 04:42
The Imperial Army is pleased to announce the release of a new attack chopper to replace Belem's aging stock of Apache and Cobra choppers. The Nightshade has been designed to perform the dual roles of both Apache and Cobra in order to reduce the logistical support that was needed to operate two different model choppers.

The Nightshade can be field modifed to either the A(ttack) model or S(cout) model. Both models have an internal weapons bay capable of stowing away 6 missiles, or 2 HYDRA launchers. Both models also have a 30mm cannon that can be rotated to a stowed away position that reduces drag and radar detection. The Scout version only utilizes the internal weapons and the cannon. The Attack version has 2 pylons attached to the side each wing can accomadate up to 2 weapons pods and 1 missile per wingtip.

The Nightshade is designed to give off an extremely small radar cross section, only slightly larger then a missile for the S model and about half the size of the chopper for the A model. The helicopter using a specially designed fivebladed rotar reduces its noise by over 50%. Using intergrated IR reduction technology that vents the exhaust with cold air the Nightshade only gives off 25% of an IR signature for a similary sized chopper.

The Nightshade is fitted with advanced target detection systems and interlinked squadron computers like those used in Belem fighters and bombers. It features a HUDs display for pilot and gunner and forward looking IR. It posesses a minimized anti stealth radar system. All electronics are shielded by EMP or use fibreoptics to negate the effects of an EMP blast.

Nightshade will begin being phased into all divisions within the next 5-7 years with the Inquisition recieving the first models to roll off the lines withing 6 months.

Lenght: 50 feet
Maximum speed: 176 knots.
Crew: 2 (1 pilot, 1 copilot/gunner)