NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.colinmil.mcmail.com/s37c.gif

Name: K-32 "Firehawk"
Description- Long range interceptor with forward swept wing. Can be modified with terrain following radar system for better ground attack capability, turning it into a fighter-bomber, but this comes at the expense of the powerful air interception radar. This ground attack version is designated the K-35. The forward swept wing gives greater maneuverability (with a theoretical max turn of 10.5 G) at a higher range of speeds than conventional rear swept wings. It is therefore remarkably agile and very forgiving in flight.

Stealth Capabilities: Carbon fiber laminate over titanium airframe. Experimental thermal diffusion system (Not available for export as yet. Confuses the hell out of IR missiles.) Ionized gas projector may be included in a near future upgrade.

Weight: Empty: 25,500 kg (Interceptor) 27,500 kg (Fighter-Bomber)
Max Takeoff: ~42,000 kg (maximum recommended 38,000 kg)
Height: 6.5 m
Wingspan: 15 m
Length: 21.5m
Max Speed: Slightly in excess of Mach 3 for lightly laden (3 missiles) interceptor version. Fighter-Bomber while laden cannot exceed Mach 2.
Stall Speed: 105 kph (!)
Service Ceiling: 62000 feet
Range at 20000ft, mach 1: 4800km.
Engines: Thrust Vectored, Kanabian design. Exact thrust rating currently not available.
Weaponry: Capable of firing all Eastern bloc missiles, from AA-8s, to PL-7s, to AA-12s. With some system modification, can carry western models as well. (Kanabian models can fire Magic 2 missiles, though usually other types are mounted.). One 30mm cannon on interceptor, Two on fighter-bomber version (Low stall speed brings a cannon strafing ability not usually used on modern aircraft, apart from of-course, the A-10). 9 hardpoints (1 centre, 2 fuselage, 3 on each wing, though it is unusual for all of these to be utilized)

Other features worthy of note: Radar range in interceptor is 150 NM, and can link to satellites and AWACS aircraft for additional range and contact information. Fighter-Bomber is only capable of 75NM, and cannot link directly to the above mentioned systems. Capable of multiple target tracking (up to 5 aircraft). A helmet mounted HUD improves situational awareness, and the pilot seat is at a somewhat reclined angle so to decrease pilot fatigue from G forces. 3 customisable MFD's. Programmable Autopilot. In-flight Refueling probe. Interceptor version includes provision for heated soup and a toilet inbuilt into the seat, to vastly improve pilot morale, endurance and comfort. Cockpit is of course, pressurised.

Unit cost: $65 million US (same price for both models)
A discount will be applied to members of the Communist International. We reserve the right to refuse any potential purchasers. Limited quantities available, if aircraft is popular, we will open more production lines.

New weapons systems are being developed for this craft, these shall be made available at a later date.

BUMP :)

Your speed numbers seem slightly in excess......

Well, its a two engined aircraft, and for an interceptor, it *needs* to be fast. The MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83 in a straight line, and this a technological leap over that aircrafts airframe. Bear in mind that this is a maximum speed and cruise speed would be significantly lower. This aircraft is about the same size as the MiG-31, and this one is slightly heavier, so we'll assume a heavier and somewhat more powerful engine.)

If i can find a reliable equation to calculate engine thrust by weight to equal speed, then maybe i can post a more accurate airspeed. Thats why i put "Exact thrust rating currently not available"

Theres one thing that made the MiG-31 and 25 so fast. The HUGE engines. You can stand in the MiG-25 intake. This craft needs to have revoultionary engines to be able to reach even near mach 3

I'm pretty sure I've seen the top speed for the S-37/Su 47 estimated around Mach 2.4.

That's with it's engines that are more powerful then the Su 27/3x series.

The current Su 47 prototypes use the MiG 31 engine or the Su 37 engine, interchangably.

Even with more powerful, next-generation engines it will likely not go much faster.

To get to MACH 3 you need extremly powerful engines to get through the air resistance. The MIG25 could get to mach 3.2 by it's HUGE very low bypass ration engines, huge intakes and massive max height (The highest one has gotten under own power is 125,00ft)

The age of superfast fighters is over, 5th Generation fighter tend to max around MACH 2.2.

As i have said, the above version is an "interceptor" with a *maximum* speed (under full afterburner obviously) of Mach 3. It is a very similar size to the MiG-25 and MiG-31, and has a somewhat heavier weight when unladen. This would imply a larger engine. Even if it is huge, it is possible. If any of you can conclusively prove that the aircraft cannot reach this speed for whatever reason, I will change it to Mach 2.5. But think about it- The Tupolev TU-160 Blackjack bomber, to use an example, has a maximum speed of Mach 1.88. If a flight of bombers travelling close to this speed is detected 1000 km away from the airbase where these aircraft are stationed, enroute to their target which happens to be closer(which they will fire missiles at on reaching 100-200km distance from it), speed is critical. Also consider that maximum speed will probably bleed off a lot of fuel and cause excess heat buildup in the airframe and wont be sustainable for long periods of time. I do realise these things. Also note that i did not post cruise speed. Hell, i'm no aeronautical engineer :)

The Fighter bomber is different though. It has a smaller engine, and compensates in weaponry at the expense of speed. It clocks in at a maximum of Mach 2, equivalent to modern aircraft of its type, as stated above.

Now, is anyone going to buy it, or are you all going to keep bagging my limited knowledge of aeronautics? lol

Everyone seems to get nailed on their designs, it takes time to make somthing really bielivable.

No, it seems good, but the reason the speed is said to be in excess, IMHO, is the structural limitations of a forward-swept plane...I believe they can't really go past Mach 2....

EDIT - We are impressed by this aircraft, and would like to supplement our air superiority fighters with 200 of these K-32s, and would also like to acquire 100 K-35 fighter-bomber versions to get our air force a fighter bomber better than our current F-15Es and Su-34s. $19.5 billion, I believe?

OOC: Well, it is my first design so i know its not perfect :) I'll look up more on FSW aircraft and find out speed limitations, stability, etc. But for now, we'll pretend it works.

IC: Zoogie People, your order is confirmed. We currently have 90 K-32s, and 70 K-35's ready for transport immediately. The rest will be ready ASAP. Please wire payment.

Thank you, money has been wired.

The first units are on their way now. By the end of two years (OOC: 2 real life days by my reckoning), all units will have been delivered.

Thank you - already we have expressed interest in acquiring more of these to supplement our forces later on (in our Grand Scheme of Things Militarilistically Speaking eight-rl-week plan)

No problem. Just let us know if you want more.

Is anyone else interested in purchasing some?

this post was deleted

I am willing to buy a Firehawk. I also speak for the Dominion of Adderton which is also willing to buy one.

Only one each? Well, that's fine. They are on their way. Payment is $70 million. I am assuming that you wanted the interceptor version?

Bump, anyone else interested?

Well, its a two engined aircraft, and for an interceptor, it *needs* to be fast. The MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83 in a straight line, and this a technological leap over that aircrafts airframe. Bear in mind that this is a maximum speed and cruise speed would be significantly lower. This aircraft is about the same size as the MiG-31, and this one is slightly heavier, so we'll assume a heavier and somewhat more powerful engine.)

If i can find a reliable equation to calculate engine thrust by weight to equal speed, then maybe i can post a more accurate airspeed. Thats why i put "Exact thrust rating currently not available"

Sorry to bring up an ancient thread, but just because an interceptor NEEDS to be fast, doesn't mean it can just be fast.

e.g. To eliminate any chance of being shot down, most aircraft would probably need to be equiped with missiles ranging in ecess of 500km. But if anyone built anything with stats like that your going to get ignored.

Well, its a two engined aircraft, and for an interceptor, it *needs* to be fast. The MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83 in a straight line, and this a technological leap over that aircrafts airframe. Bear in mind that this is a maximum speed and cruise speed would be significantly lower. This aircraft is about the same size as the MiG-31, and this one is slightly heavier, so we'll assume a heavier and somewhat more powerful engine.)

If i can find a reliable equation to calculate engine thrust by weight to equal speed, then maybe i can post a more accurate airspeed. Thats why i put "Exact thrust rating currently not available"

Sorry to bring up an ancient thread, but just because an interceptor NEEDS to be fast, doesn't mean it can just be fast.

e.g. To eliminate any chance of being shot down, most aircraft would probably need to be equiped with missiles ranging in ecess of 500km. But if anyone built anything with stats like that your going to get ignored.

Eh? Can you please rephrase that? The meaning wasn't exactly clear whether you are saying that my aircraft is godmodding or saying that the speed is possible

Well, its a two engined aircraft, and for an interceptor, it *needs* to be fast. The MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83 in a straight line, and this a technological leap over that aircrafts airframe. Bear in mind that this is a maximum speed and cruise speed would be significantly lower. This aircraft is about the same size as the MiG-31, and this one is slightly heavier, so we'll assume a heavier and somewhat more powerful engine.)

If i can find a reliable equation to calculate engine thrust by weight to equal speed, then maybe i can post a more accurate airspeed. Thats why i put "Exact thrust rating currently not available"

Sorry to bring up an ancient thread, but just because an interceptor NEEDS to be fast, doesn't mean it can just be fast.

e.g. To eliminate any chance of being shot down, most aircraft would probably need to be equiped with missiles ranging in ecess of 500km. But if anyone built anything with stats like that your going to get ignored.

Eh? Can you please rephrase that? The meaning wasn't exactly clear whether you are saying that my aircraft is godmodding or saying that the speed is possible

Well, its a two engined aircraft, and for an interceptor, it *needs* to be fast. The MiG-31 can reach Mach 2.83 in a straight line, and this a technological leap over that aircrafts airframe. Bear in mind that this is a maximum speed and cruise speed would be significantly lower. This aircraft is about the same size as the MiG-31, and this one is slightly heavier, so we'll assume a heavier and somewhat more powerful engine.)

If i can find a reliable equation to calculate engine thrust by weight to equal speed, then maybe i can post a more accurate airspeed. Thats why i put "Exact thrust rating currently not available"

Sorry to bring up an ancient thread, but just because an interceptor NEEDS to be fast, doesn't mean it can just be fast.

e.g. To eliminate any chance of being shot down, most aircraft would probably need to be equiped with missiles ranging in ecess of 500km. But if anyone built anything with stats like that your going to get ignored.

Eh? Can you please rephrase that? The meaning wasn't exactly clear whether you are saying that my aircraft is godmodding or saying that the speed is possible