Rhodesia and Nyasaland
05-12-2003, 21:36
(Before anybody moans about my age, im a ressurected nation.)
The Royal Rhodesian Air Force has long been seeking a replacement for its F-4, A-4 and Mirage F1 aircraft that have provided the majortiy of ground attack capbility. The answer eventually came in modfiying the F-16C airframe to facilitate deep strike missions and Close Air Support.
The result the F/A-16 is an aircraft with superior performance and weapons load while retaining the economic and operational advantages of the orginal.[/b]
Advantages
50% increase in range due to additional fuel capacity, increase in max take off weight to 52,100lb and high speed performance increased to a max level speed of mach 2.2.
Also an internal Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) targeting system replaces the pods in earlier aircraft . With state-of-the art components and packaging technology, the Internal FLIR Targeting System (IFTS) incorporates an advanced multi-functional FLIR/laser system into the F-16 nose to improve lethality and survivability with lower weight and drag. The elimination of bulky pods also enhances stealthiness.
There is an integrated electronic warfare suite with internal electronic countermeasures, advanced radar, an electronic warfare management system, and up to eight chaff/flare dispensers, as well as advanced friend or foe. The aircraft's advanced avionics suite has room available for future improvements. The F/A-16 modular mission computer has a processing throughput of 12.5 million instructions per second and provides sensor and weapons integration.
The ALQ-165 electronic countermeasures system, also known as the Airborne Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ), is a sophisticated, high-power jamming system which fat out performs the equivalent on early versions. Missile warning systems on the F/A-16 provide advanced warning of approaching missiles so the pilot can activate countermeasures in time. The F/A-16 can accommodate both active and passive missile warning systems currently under development.
Any F-16 pilot can perform mission tasks with his head up and his eyes looking out of the cockpit and with his hands on the flight controls. The F/A-16 adds to this excellent pilot-aircraft interface by incorporating three advanced 5-inch by 5-inch color displays. The aircraft has wiring and space allocated for a helmet-mounted cuing system that can be added to improve pilot situation awareness.
The F/A-16 retains the full armament capability of the Block 50s and adds several new capabilities. The planes basic design and weapon interfaces are compatible with projected future weapons including new air-to-air missiles such as the advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). The aircraft will also support all-weather standoff weapons, such as the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), and AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM).
The other main addition is the incorporation of the GAU-8 30mm cannon in the nose to gibve the F/A-16 a much better close air support capability.
The F/A-16 has been developed with planned growth improvements and technology advances in virtually all major areas, including engines, avionics, and weapons.
Each F/A-16 costs 35 million
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/e999/AF-16.jpg
Revised Cockpit Layput:
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/fa-18-ef-cockpit.jpg
_____________________________________________________________
The Royal Rhodesian Air Force, in an attempt to increase military self sufficiency, decided to procure indigenously built version of the Denel CSH-2 Rooivalk, which feature some imrpovements over the original and reduce reliance on South Africa for Rhodesian weapons systems.
The RCH-2B 'Osprey' Attack helicopter has been designed not only to support armour and infantry but also other more peaceful tasks such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, electronic soundwave jamming and even, bcause of its power as an airborne crane.
COCKPIT
The cockpits are in stepped tandem configuration. The Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) is seated in the front cockpit and the pilot is seated in the cockpit above and behind the WSO. The cockpits, which are fitted with crashworthy seats and are armour-protected, are equipped with hands on collective and stick (HOCAS) controls.
A Thales Avionics TopOwl helmet-mounted sight display (HMSD) provides the crew with a head-up display of information for nap-of-the-earth flight (NOE). TopOwl incorporates an integrated measurement system for directing an articulated weapon such as the cannon, or air-to-air missile seeker heads. It has an integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.
The 'Osprey' has a crash-resistant structure and is designed for stealth with low radar, visual, infrared and acoustic signatures.
WEAPONS
The RCH-2B carries a comprehensive range of weaponry selected for the mission requirement, ranging from anti-armour and anti-helicopter missions to ground suppression and ferry missions. The aircraft can engage multiple targets at short and long range, utilising the nose-mounted cannon and a range of underwing-mounted munitions.
The 20mm FN supplied dual-feed gas-operated cannon fires high-speed (1,100m/s) ammunition at a firing rate of 740 rounds per minute. Two ammunition bins hold up to 700 rounds of ready-to-fire ammunition. The slew rate of the cannon is 90° per second. The cannon is chin mounted on the helicopter.
The RCH-2B is armed with the Mokopa long-range anti-armour missile developed by the Rhodesian Aviatin Company. Mokopa has a semi-active laser seeker head and is equipped with a tandem warhead. Range is over 8.5km. RCH-2B can also fire Hellfire or TOW missiles.
RCH-2B can carry four air-to-air missiles such as the FIM-92 Stinger. It is equipped to fire 70mm Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR) with a range of warheads, selectable according to the type of targets being engaged.
SELF-DEFENCE
The RCH-2B's electronic warfare suite is the fully integrated Helicopter Electronic Warfare Self-protection Suite (HEWSPS), incorporating radar warning, laser warning and countermeasures dispensing system. The system is flight line programmable and in-flight adaptable to match the threat library with the mission's area of operation.The radar warner features low effective radiated power (ERP)/Pulse Doppler radar detection beyond radar detection range, ultra broadband frequency coverage, high pulse density handling and internal instantaneous frequency measurement.The laser warner provides broadband laser frequency coverage to detect and display rangefinding, designating and missile guidance laser threats.
The countermeasures dispensing system, which is operated in manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic mode is charged with chaff and flare cartridges.
Extensive all-round armour installed in the cockpit protects the pilot against 12.7mm armour piercing bullets and 23mm projectile fragments. The rotor blades are rated to withstand several hits of ground-based automatic weapons
FIRE CONTROL AND OBSERVATION
Target detection, acquisition and tracking are carried out using the nose mounted stabilised sight, TDATS. The TDATS sight is equipped with a low level television sensor, Forward Looking Infrared sensor (FLIR), autotracker, laser rangefinder and laser designator.
NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
The helicopter is equipped with an advanced navigation suite including Doppler Radar Velocity Sensor, Thales Avionics eight-channel Global Positioning System, Heading Sensor Unit and an Air Data Unit.
The communications suite consists of two VHF/UHF transceivers with FM, AM and digital speech processing, one HF radio with frequency hopping and secure voice and data channels and an IFF transponder.
EJECTION
Unlike its South African Brethren, the 'Osprey' features a crew rescue ejection system, which allows the crew to escape at all altitudes and speeds, the rotors are first blown off in milliseconds, with preset explosive charges.
Dimensions
Main rotor diameter 14.5 metres
Length with rotating rotors 15.9 metres
Overall height 4.9 metres
Wing span 7.3 metres
Weights
Empty weight 7,692 kg
Normal take off weight 9,800 kg
Maximum take off weight 10,800 kg
Weight of consumable combat load 610 kg
Weight of maximum combat load 1,811 kg
Engines
Two TV3-117VMA engines 2 x 2,200 h.p
Landing gear
Retractable tricycle nosewheel type landing gear
Performance
Maximum level flight speed 310 km/h
Diving speed 390 km/h
Cruise speed 270 km/h
Hovering ceiling 4,000 metres
Service ceiling 5,500 metres
Vertical rate of climb at 2,500 m 10 m/s;
Range of flight with normal take-off weight 460 km
Ferry range 1,160 km
Each RCH-2B costs 17.5 million.
http://globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/images/roo04.jpg
http://www.flygplan.info/images/Denel%20Aviation%20CSH-2%20Rooivalk.jpg
____________________________________________________________________
After giving nearly fifty years of continuous service to the Military, the Royal Rhodeisan Arms Company have ceased production of the FN FAL 7.62mm rifle which has now been deemed to outdated for military use.
Instead the RRAC will start producing the new RCR-556 assault rifle which is more modern and offers 5.56mm rounds rather than the previous standard NATO round of 7.62mm. Other improvements are made in accuracy, weight and relaibilty and so far the first army perosnnel to use teh weapon are pleased with its performance.
New Rifle: RCR-556
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm (.223 Remington)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 960 mm (810 mm when butt folded)
Barrel length: 460 mm
Weigth: 3.48 kg with empty magazine
Rate of fire: 700-900 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds standard (any M16-type magazine will fit)
Modes: 3 round Burst, Single. Automatic
Available Sights: Standard Iron sight, optical sight, 4x sight.
http://world.guns.ru/assault/sr88a.jpg
RCR-556: $750 each.
Old Rifle
Caliber : 7,62mm NATO (7.62x51)
Action: Gas operated, tilting breechblock, select-fire or semi-auto only
Length: 1100 mm
Barrel length: 533 mm
Weight: 4.45 kg empty
Magazine capacity: 20 rounds
Rate of fire: 650-700 rounds per minute
Available Sights: Standard Iron sight
http://www.btinternet.com/~the_22nd_sas2/sem/weapons/fn_fal.jpg
FN FAL (200,000+ surplus): $200 each
_____________________________________________________________
As part of the army's new equipment drive, the Royal Rhodeisan Arms Company has started to produce a licensed copy of the Vektor SS77 7.62mm support weapon. The machinegun is designed to replace the older FN MAG that uses the same ammuntion but is more cumbersome and outdated.
The RSS-77 Mini will also be produced which is a lighter weapon that uses the 5.56mm NATO round as opposed to the 7.2mm round of the standard version. This allows M16 type magazines to be used as well as ammo belts/ammo boxes.
New Machinegun: RSS-77 & Mini-RSS
Caliber: 7,62mm NATO (5.56x45mm NATO in Mini version)
Weigth: 9.6 kg on bipod (8.26 kg in Mini configuration)
Length: 1155 mm (1000 mm Mini-RSS)
Length: of barrel 550 mm (515 mm Mini-RSS)
Feeding: belt, 30 round magazine, 100 round box.
Rate of fire 600-900 rounds per minute
Available Sights: iron Sights, optical sight
http://www.nucleus.com/~wildoats/Vektor_SS77_7.62mm_and_MINI_SS_5.56mm_Machine_Guns.jpg
Standard Right, Mini Left.
RSS-77 7.62mm: $6,450
RSS-77 7.62mm (Pintle Version): $5,950
Mini-RSS 5.56mm: $4,890
Old Machinegun: FN MAG
Caliber: 7,62x51mm NATO
Weight: 13 kg on bipod
Length: 1260 mm
Barrel length: 545 mm
Feed: belt
Rate of fire: selectable, 650-750 and 950-1000 rounds per minute
Available Sights: iron Sights only
http://remtek.com/arms/fn/mag/gpmg.jpg
FN MAG 7.62m: $1,250
The Royal Rhodesian Air Force has long been seeking a replacement for its F-4, A-4 and Mirage F1 aircraft that have provided the majortiy of ground attack capbility. The answer eventually came in modfiying the F-16C airframe to facilitate deep strike missions and Close Air Support.
The result the F/A-16 is an aircraft with superior performance and weapons load while retaining the economic and operational advantages of the orginal.[/b]
Advantages
50% increase in range due to additional fuel capacity, increase in max take off weight to 52,100lb and high speed performance increased to a max level speed of mach 2.2.
Also an internal Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) targeting system replaces the pods in earlier aircraft . With state-of-the art components and packaging technology, the Internal FLIR Targeting System (IFTS) incorporates an advanced multi-functional FLIR/laser system into the F-16 nose to improve lethality and survivability with lower weight and drag. The elimination of bulky pods also enhances stealthiness.
There is an integrated electronic warfare suite with internal electronic countermeasures, advanced radar, an electronic warfare management system, and up to eight chaff/flare dispensers, as well as advanced friend or foe. The aircraft's advanced avionics suite has room available for future improvements. The F/A-16 modular mission computer has a processing throughput of 12.5 million instructions per second and provides sensor and weapons integration.
The ALQ-165 electronic countermeasures system, also known as the Airborne Self-Protection Jammer (ASPJ), is a sophisticated, high-power jamming system which fat out performs the equivalent on early versions. Missile warning systems on the F/A-16 provide advanced warning of approaching missiles so the pilot can activate countermeasures in time. The F/A-16 can accommodate both active and passive missile warning systems currently under development.
Any F-16 pilot can perform mission tasks with his head up and his eyes looking out of the cockpit and with his hands on the flight controls. The F/A-16 adds to this excellent pilot-aircraft interface by incorporating three advanced 5-inch by 5-inch color displays. The aircraft has wiring and space allocated for a helmet-mounted cuing system that can be added to improve pilot situation awareness.
The F/A-16 retains the full armament capability of the Block 50s and adds several new capabilities. The planes basic design and weapon interfaces are compatible with projected future weapons including new air-to-air missiles such as the advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). The aircraft will also support all-weather standoff weapons, such as the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), and AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM).
The other main addition is the incorporation of the GAU-8 30mm cannon in the nose to gibve the F/A-16 a much better close air support capability.
The F/A-16 has been developed with planned growth improvements and technology advances in virtually all major areas, including engines, avionics, and weapons.
Each F/A-16 costs 35 million
http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/e999/AF-16.jpg
Revised Cockpit Layput:
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/fa-18-ef-cockpit.jpg
_____________________________________________________________
The Royal Rhodesian Air Force, in an attempt to increase military self sufficiency, decided to procure indigenously built version of the Denel CSH-2 Rooivalk, which feature some imrpovements over the original and reduce reliance on South Africa for Rhodesian weapons systems.
The RCH-2B 'Osprey' Attack helicopter has been designed not only to support armour and infantry but also other more peaceful tasks such as intelligence gathering, surveillance, electronic soundwave jamming and even, bcause of its power as an airborne crane.
COCKPIT
The cockpits are in stepped tandem configuration. The Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) is seated in the front cockpit and the pilot is seated in the cockpit above and behind the WSO. The cockpits, which are fitted with crashworthy seats and are armour-protected, are equipped with hands on collective and stick (HOCAS) controls.
A Thales Avionics TopOwl helmet-mounted sight display (HMSD) provides the crew with a head-up display of information for nap-of-the-earth flight (NOE). TopOwl incorporates an integrated measurement system for directing an articulated weapon such as the cannon, or air-to-air missile seeker heads. It has an integrated Gen IV image intensifier and FLIR capability and provides transition from day to night use at the push of a button.
The 'Osprey' has a crash-resistant structure and is designed for stealth with low radar, visual, infrared and acoustic signatures.
WEAPONS
The RCH-2B carries a comprehensive range of weaponry selected for the mission requirement, ranging from anti-armour and anti-helicopter missions to ground suppression and ferry missions. The aircraft can engage multiple targets at short and long range, utilising the nose-mounted cannon and a range of underwing-mounted munitions.
The 20mm FN supplied dual-feed gas-operated cannon fires high-speed (1,100m/s) ammunition at a firing rate of 740 rounds per minute. Two ammunition bins hold up to 700 rounds of ready-to-fire ammunition. The slew rate of the cannon is 90° per second. The cannon is chin mounted on the helicopter.
The RCH-2B is armed with the Mokopa long-range anti-armour missile developed by the Rhodesian Aviatin Company. Mokopa has a semi-active laser seeker head and is equipped with a tandem warhead. Range is over 8.5km. RCH-2B can also fire Hellfire or TOW missiles.
RCH-2B can carry four air-to-air missiles such as the FIM-92 Stinger. It is equipped to fire 70mm Folding Fin Aerial Rockets (FFAR) with a range of warheads, selectable according to the type of targets being engaged.
SELF-DEFENCE
The RCH-2B's electronic warfare suite is the fully integrated Helicopter Electronic Warfare Self-protection Suite (HEWSPS), incorporating radar warning, laser warning and countermeasures dispensing system. The system is flight line programmable and in-flight adaptable to match the threat library with the mission's area of operation.The radar warner features low effective radiated power (ERP)/Pulse Doppler radar detection beyond radar detection range, ultra broadband frequency coverage, high pulse density handling and internal instantaneous frequency measurement.The laser warner provides broadband laser frequency coverage to detect and display rangefinding, designating and missile guidance laser threats.
The countermeasures dispensing system, which is operated in manual, semi-automatic or fully automatic mode is charged with chaff and flare cartridges.
Extensive all-round armour installed in the cockpit protects the pilot against 12.7mm armour piercing bullets and 23mm projectile fragments. The rotor blades are rated to withstand several hits of ground-based automatic weapons
FIRE CONTROL AND OBSERVATION
Target detection, acquisition and tracking are carried out using the nose mounted stabilised sight, TDATS. The TDATS sight is equipped with a low level television sensor, Forward Looking Infrared sensor (FLIR), autotracker, laser rangefinder and laser designator.
NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATIONS
The helicopter is equipped with an advanced navigation suite including Doppler Radar Velocity Sensor, Thales Avionics eight-channel Global Positioning System, Heading Sensor Unit and an Air Data Unit.
The communications suite consists of two VHF/UHF transceivers with FM, AM and digital speech processing, one HF radio with frequency hopping and secure voice and data channels and an IFF transponder.
EJECTION
Unlike its South African Brethren, the 'Osprey' features a crew rescue ejection system, which allows the crew to escape at all altitudes and speeds, the rotors are first blown off in milliseconds, with preset explosive charges.
Dimensions
Main rotor diameter 14.5 metres
Length with rotating rotors 15.9 metres
Overall height 4.9 metres
Wing span 7.3 metres
Weights
Empty weight 7,692 kg
Normal take off weight 9,800 kg
Maximum take off weight 10,800 kg
Weight of consumable combat load 610 kg
Weight of maximum combat load 1,811 kg
Engines
Two TV3-117VMA engines 2 x 2,200 h.p
Landing gear
Retractable tricycle nosewheel type landing gear
Performance
Maximum level flight speed 310 km/h
Diving speed 390 km/h
Cruise speed 270 km/h
Hovering ceiling 4,000 metres
Service ceiling 5,500 metres
Vertical rate of climb at 2,500 m 10 m/s;
Range of flight with normal take-off weight 460 km
Ferry range 1,160 km
Each RCH-2B costs 17.5 million.
http://globalsecurity.org/military/world/rsa/images/roo04.jpg
http://www.flygplan.info/images/Denel%20Aviation%20CSH-2%20Rooivalk.jpg
____________________________________________________________________
After giving nearly fifty years of continuous service to the Military, the Royal Rhodeisan Arms Company have ceased production of the FN FAL 7.62mm rifle which has now been deemed to outdated for military use.
Instead the RRAC will start producing the new RCR-556 assault rifle which is more modern and offers 5.56mm rounds rather than the previous standard NATO round of 7.62mm. Other improvements are made in accuracy, weight and relaibilty and so far the first army perosnnel to use teh weapon are pleased with its performance.
New Rifle: RCR-556
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm (.223 Remington)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 960 mm (810 mm when butt folded)
Barrel length: 460 mm
Weigth: 3.48 kg with empty magazine
Rate of fire: 700-900 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds standard (any M16-type magazine will fit)
Modes: 3 round Burst, Single. Automatic
Available Sights: Standard Iron sight, optical sight, 4x sight.
http://world.guns.ru/assault/sr88a.jpg
RCR-556: $750 each.
Old Rifle
Caliber : 7,62mm NATO (7.62x51)
Action: Gas operated, tilting breechblock, select-fire or semi-auto only
Length: 1100 mm
Barrel length: 533 mm
Weight: 4.45 kg empty
Magazine capacity: 20 rounds
Rate of fire: 650-700 rounds per minute
Available Sights: Standard Iron sight
http://www.btinternet.com/~the_22nd_sas2/sem/weapons/fn_fal.jpg
FN FAL (200,000+ surplus): $200 each
_____________________________________________________________
As part of the army's new equipment drive, the Royal Rhodeisan Arms Company has started to produce a licensed copy of the Vektor SS77 7.62mm support weapon. The machinegun is designed to replace the older FN MAG that uses the same ammuntion but is more cumbersome and outdated.
The RSS-77 Mini will also be produced which is a lighter weapon that uses the 5.56mm NATO round as opposed to the 7.2mm round of the standard version. This allows M16 type magazines to be used as well as ammo belts/ammo boxes.
New Machinegun: RSS-77 & Mini-RSS
Caliber: 7,62mm NATO (5.56x45mm NATO in Mini version)
Weigth: 9.6 kg on bipod (8.26 kg in Mini configuration)
Length: 1155 mm (1000 mm Mini-RSS)
Length: of barrel 550 mm (515 mm Mini-RSS)
Feeding: belt, 30 round magazine, 100 round box.
Rate of fire 600-900 rounds per minute
Available Sights: iron Sights, optical sight
http://www.nucleus.com/~wildoats/Vektor_SS77_7.62mm_and_MINI_SS_5.56mm_Machine_Guns.jpg
Standard Right, Mini Left.
RSS-77 7.62mm: $6,450
RSS-77 7.62mm (Pintle Version): $5,950
Mini-RSS 5.56mm: $4,890
Old Machinegun: FN MAG
Caliber: 7,62x51mm NATO
Weight: 13 kg on bipod
Length: 1260 mm
Barrel length: 545 mm
Feed: belt
Rate of fire: selectable, 650-750 and 950-1000 rounds per minute
Available Sights: iron Sights only
http://remtek.com/arms/fn/mag/gpmg.jpg
FN MAG 7.62m: $1,250