United Elias
02-03-2004, 18:13
The EA-34 Helicopter is the final answer to a long standing Elias Air Force and Marine requirement for an advanced, stealthy and reliable combat helicopter that could be built in large numbers with costs being offset by export sales. Indeed the Elias Air Force has at current levels, less than 150 EA-26 attack helicopters which is still only an extensove upgrade of a Ka-50. Under new plans, a total of 370 EA-34 helicopters will be procured in an initial purchase and the government of United Elias has once again put its faith in the Elias Aerospace Corporation as have hundreds of foreign militaries.
Design
The airframe is crashworthy and ballistically tolerant to up to 25mm gunfire. The fuselage is mainly of aluminium-lithium construction. The aerodynamic rotor blades are constructed from carbon/glass with nomex honeycomb and rohacell foam. Active vibration control of the structural response uses a vibration-cancelling technique. The radar cross section has been minimised, primarily by the precisely shaped fuselage and weapons configuration. The helicopter has a composite four-bladed bearingless main rotor and an enclosed composite fantail tailrotor for increased anti-torque capability. The rear rotor is able to withstand impact by 12.7mm rounds, and provides a 180 degree turn in 4.7 seconds in hover mode and an 80-knot snap-turn-to-target in 4.8 seconds.
The helicopter operates in temperatures ranging from -20 to +50 degrees C. An ice protection system allows operation in known icing conditions. An engine inlet particle separator system provides protection in sandy environments. High flotation tyres and efficient landing gear permit operation from soft or rough terrain.
Cockpit
The EA-34 has two identicalcockpits for the pilot and the co-pilot, which are sealed and have a positive pressure air system for protection against chemical and biological warfare. Unlike other attack helicopter designs, the EA-34 has two fully qualified pilots who can either act as gunner or pilot, this decreases workload and improves safety becasue of rendundancy in workloads. The fly-by-light flight control system is quadruple redundant. The cockpit is fitted with an integrated pilot's night vision system and the pilots have a wide field of view with an Electronic Helmet Integrated Display Sighting System (HIDSS). HIDSS employs active matrix liquid crystal display technology and the direction of the 30mm gun turns in the direction of where the designated gunner is aiming his head. Targets can be designated and the weapons fired from collective and sidestick control push buttons or voice controls. Each integrated cockpit has flat screen liquid crystal displays, a colour display for teh fully digital moving map system, tactical situation and night operation displays.
The EA-34s has an integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) suite. The CNI suite features secure multi-wave, multiband multimode wireless communications, satellite communications and Enhanced Position Locating Reporting System via the tactical internet.
Sensors
The EA-34 can be equipped with the Elias Radar Systems ERS-118-23 millimetre-wave radar. The radar dome is elctronically 'unmasked' for a single radar scan and then 'remasked'. The processors determine the location, speed and direction of travel of a maximum of 256 targets.
The Millimeter Wave sensor is an option on the EA-34 with the antenna and transmitter located above the aircraft main rotor head. It enhances system capabilities by providing rapid automatic detection, classification, and prioritization of multiple ground and air targets. The radar provides this capability in adverse weather and under battlefield obscurants. The FCR has four modes: (1) the Air Targeting Mode (ATM) which detects, classifies, and prioritizes fixed and rotary wing threats; (2) the Ground Targeting Mode (GTM) which detects, classifies, and prioritizes ground and air targets; (3) the Terrain Profiling Mode (TPM) which provides obstacle detection and adverse weather pilotage aids to the crew; (4) and the Built in Test (BIT) Mode which monitors radar performance in flight and isolates electronic failures before and during maintenance.
The advanced fire control radar incorporates an integrated radar frequency interferometer for passive location and identification of radar-emitting threats. An advantage of millimetre wave is that it performs under poor-visibility conditions and is less sensitive to ground clutter. The short wavelength allows a very narrow beamwidth, which is resistant to countermeasures.
The standard EA-34 without the millimetric radar system is still impressivley equipped with Low-light level TV, thermal sighting, a laser range-finder (16 km), FLIR, air data sensor, and digital data-link which interface with a fire control com-puter, an autopilot, a helmet sighting system and HUD for target location, acquisition, designation, and firing. Night/Poor Weather capable. The Target Acquisition Designation Sight, (TADS) and the Pilot Night Vision Sensor provides direct-view optics, television and three-fields-of-view forward-looking infrared (FLIR) to carry out search, detection and recognition, and laser rangefinder/designator. PNVS consists of a FLIR in a rotating turret located on the nose above the TADS. The image from the is displayed in the monocular eyepiece of the Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System, worn by the pilot and copilot/gunner.
Countermeasures
The EA-34 is the first helicopter to incorporate the next generation countermeasures system known as 'Full Guard'. Te system incoproates a huge range of components that provide a full and integrated solution to any type of threat.
IR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
'Full Guard' includes: a new development set of IR flare decoys the Advanced Infrared Countermeasures Munitions (AIRCMM), and passive IR features. These features include host platform modifications such as engine exhaust/heat suppression, and special coatings, intended to reduce the platform IR signature. The ATIRCM is part of the integrated concept of IR protection. The CMWS consists of six electro-optical sensors and an internally mounted Electronics Control Unit (ECU), which detects incoming missiles, provides warning to the crew, and dispenses countermeasures. CMWS is a totally passive detection system, requiring only the electro-optic (EO) signature of the missile plume. The ECU determines the threat status of detection’s using flight parameter data received from the aircraft Central Computer (CC). The ECU provides missile threat declaration, Direction-Of-Arrival (DOA) and elevation information to the CC which generates the crewstation display and warning tone. The CMWS allows for automatic or manual Countermeasures Dispenser (CMD) operation.
The IR system contributes to full-dimensional protection by improving individual aircraft probability of survival against an increasingly sphisticsted range of advanced infrared (IR) guided missiles. It is a software reprogrammable system intended to provide automatic passive missile detection, threat declaration, positive warning of a post launch missile which is homing on the host platform, countermeasures effectiveness assessment, false alarm suppression, and cues to other onboard systems such as expendable countermeasures dispensers.
As part of this system another component that consists of two subsystems: infrared missile warning system and a directed infrared countermeasure system intended to be operationally deployed on tactical aircraft. The system will defend the host aircraft from infrared-guided attacking missiles by detecting the approaching threat and disabling it through the use of directed laser energy. The system should provide full coverage about the host aircraft and survive extreme thermal, vibration, and other environmental conditions experienced by tactical aircraft. In conjunction with flares, this system ensures nearly complete defence from IR guided missiles.
RF PROTECTION SYSTEMS
The other part of the 'Full Guard' protection system is the Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Countermeasures (SIRFC) which is an integrated electronic combat system which provides RF threat awareness and active self-protection jamming capabilities for aircraft against RF air defense systems actively engaging the aircraft. The SIRFC provides defensive, offensive, active and passive countermeasures (ECM) to ensure optimum protection against Active, Pulse, Mono-Pulse Radar, and Continuous Wave radars. SIRFC consists of the Advanced Threat Radar Warning Receiver (ATRWR) and the Advanced Threat Radar Jammer.
The SIRFC core consists of an Advanced Threat Radar Warning Receiver (ATRWR) and the Advanced Threat Radar Jammer (ATRJ). The core Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) design is comprised of four components. The Receiver/Processor containing the receiving, processing, and electronic countermeasures (ECM) generation functions of the ATRJ. The Remote Transmitter provide the self-protection transmitting capability of the ATRJ. The Advanced Countermeasures Module (ACM) provides advanced ECM techniques against a particular class of weapons. Finally, the Antenna Group which contains the receiver antenna for reception of microwave and millimeter wave signals and transmit antenna for transmission of microwave ECM signals.
The system is capable of operating in either an automatic or manual (command) mode. It provides warning (situational awareness), active jamming (self protection), and when necessary expendable countermeasures to defeat threat radar guided weapon systems. Radar guided air defense artillery threat systems include surface to air missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA).
Weapons
The EA-34 has two stub wings on either side if the fuselage each with two under wing hardpoints and a wingtip hardpints. The wing hardpoints can each accommodate either 4 Hellfire/TOW/similar ATGMs, or two free flight rocket pods. The wingtip hardpints can each accomodate either a pair of AAMs or a single Hellfire/TOW/similar ATGM.
The EA-34 is equipped with a turreted gun system for anti-personel and anti-armour missions. The externally powered, three-barrel, 30mm Gatling gun is capable of firing 750 or 1,500 rounds per minute. The gun is mounted on a, low observable, composite turret, under the nose of the helicopter. The 1500-round ammunition supply system can be reloaded in less than fifteen minutes by two crew members.
Specifications
Powerplants: 2x EPE-12M2 turboshafts producing 2340 shp driving a fourbladed main rotor and fantail enclosed tail rotor.
Dimensions:
Length (rotors turning): 15.80
Width (main rotor stowed): 4.55m
Main Rotor diameter: 13.40m
Tail Rotor diameter: 1.47m
Performance:
Cruising speed: 158 knots.
Max Speed: 176 knots
Max Range: 420 nautical Miles for B version, 525 for C version (can be increased by 200nm with external tanks fof erry flights)
Versions
EA-34A: Technology Demonstartor Only
-NOT FOR SALE
EA-34B: Standard Air Force Version, described above.
-18.50 million each.
EA-34C Navy/Marine Version, as described above except with salt corrosion protectors, emergency inflatable flotation pods, carrier operations equipment and conformal fuel tanks (increases range by 105nm)
-19.75 million each
Options
Millimetric Tracking/Fire Control Radar Package (see details above)
-1.4 million
Air to Air Refueling Probe
-$200,000
EA-24B on attack run
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-34B.bmp
A formation of Elias Air Force EA-34Bs
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-342.jpg
EA-34C Marine Version, note the conformal fuel tanks around landing gear and rotor mounted optional millimetric radar system.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/images/wz-10_pic2.jpg
Design
The airframe is crashworthy and ballistically tolerant to up to 25mm gunfire. The fuselage is mainly of aluminium-lithium construction. The aerodynamic rotor blades are constructed from carbon/glass with nomex honeycomb and rohacell foam. Active vibration control of the structural response uses a vibration-cancelling technique. The radar cross section has been minimised, primarily by the precisely shaped fuselage and weapons configuration. The helicopter has a composite four-bladed bearingless main rotor and an enclosed composite fantail tailrotor for increased anti-torque capability. The rear rotor is able to withstand impact by 12.7mm rounds, and provides a 180 degree turn in 4.7 seconds in hover mode and an 80-knot snap-turn-to-target in 4.8 seconds.
The helicopter operates in temperatures ranging from -20 to +50 degrees C. An ice protection system allows operation in known icing conditions. An engine inlet particle separator system provides protection in sandy environments. High flotation tyres and efficient landing gear permit operation from soft or rough terrain.
Cockpit
The EA-34 has two identicalcockpits for the pilot and the co-pilot, which are sealed and have a positive pressure air system for protection against chemical and biological warfare. Unlike other attack helicopter designs, the EA-34 has two fully qualified pilots who can either act as gunner or pilot, this decreases workload and improves safety becasue of rendundancy in workloads. The fly-by-light flight control system is quadruple redundant. The cockpit is fitted with an integrated pilot's night vision system and the pilots have a wide field of view with an Electronic Helmet Integrated Display Sighting System (HIDSS). HIDSS employs active matrix liquid crystal display technology and the direction of the 30mm gun turns in the direction of where the designated gunner is aiming his head. Targets can be designated and the weapons fired from collective and sidestick control push buttons or voice controls. Each integrated cockpit has flat screen liquid crystal displays, a colour display for teh fully digital moving map system, tactical situation and night operation displays.
The EA-34s has an integrated Communications, Navigation and Identification (CNI) suite. The CNI suite features secure multi-wave, multiband multimode wireless communications, satellite communications and Enhanced Position Locating Reporting System via the tactical internet.
Sensors
The EA-34 can be equipped with the Elias Radar Systems ERS-118-23 millimetre-wave radar. The radar dome is elctronically 'unmasked' for a single radar scan and then 'remasked'. The processors determine the location, speed and direction of travel of a maximum of 256 targets.
The Millimeter Wave sensor is an option on the EA-34 with the antenna and transmitter located above the aircraft main rotor head. It enhances system capabilities by providing rapid automatic detection, classification, and prioritization of multiple ground and air targets. The radar provides this capability in adverse weather and under battlefield obscurants. The FCR has four modes: (1) the Air Targeting Mode (ATM) which detects, classifies, and prioritizes fixed and rotary wing threats; (2) the Ground Targeting Mode (GTM) which detects, classifies, and prioritizes ground and air targets; (3) the Terrain Profiling Mode (TPM) which provides obstacle detection and adverse weather pilotage aids to the crew; (4) and the Built in Test (BIT) Mode which monitors radar performance in flight and isolates electronic failures before and during maintenance.
The advanced fire control radar incorporates an integrated radar frequency interferometer for passive location and identification of radar-emitting threats. An advantage of millimetre wave is that it performs under poor-visibility conditions and is less sensitive to ground clutter. The short wavelength allows a very narrow beamwidth, which is resistant to countermeasures.
The standard EA-34 without the millimetric radar system is still impressivley equipped with Low-light level TV, thermal sighting, a laser range-finder (16 km), FLIR, air data sensor, and digital data-link which interface with a fire control com-puter, an autopilot, a helmet sighting system and HUD for target location, acquisition, designation, and firing. Night/Poor Weather capable. The Target Acquisition Designation Sight, (TADS) and the Pilot Night Vision Sensor provides direct-view optics, television and three-fields-of-view forward-looking infrared (FLIR) to carry out search, detection and recognition, and laser rangefinder/designator. PNVS consists of a FLIR in a rotating turret located on the nose above the TADS. The image from the is displayed in the monocular eyepiece of the Integrated Helmet And Display Sighting System, worn by the pilot and copilot/gunner.
Countermeasures
The EA-34 is the first helicopter to incorporate the next generation countermeasures system known as 'Full Guard'. Te system incoproates a huge range of components that provide a full and integrated solution to any type of threat.
IR PROTECTION SYSTEMS
'Full Guard' includes: a new development set of IR flare decoys the Advanced Infrared Countermeasures Munitions (AIRCMM), and passive IR features. These features include host platform modifications such as engine exhaust/heat suppression, and special coatings, intended to reduce the platform IR signature. The ATIRCM is part of the integrated concept of IR protection. The CMWS consists of six electro-optical sensors and an internally mounted Electronics Control Unit (ECU), which detects incoming missiles, provides warning to the crew, and dispenses countermeasures. CMWS is a totally passive detection system, requiring only the electro-optic (EO) signature of the missile plume. The ECU determines the threat status of detection’s using flight parameter data received from the aircraft Central Computer (CC). The ECU provides missile threat declaration, Direction-Of-Arrival (DOA) and elevation information to the CC which generates the crewstation display and warning tone. The CMWS allows for automatic or manual Countermeasures Dispenser (CMD) operation.
The IR system contributes to full-dimensional protection by improving individual aircraft probability of survival against an increasingly sphisticsted range of advanced infrared (IR) guided missiles. It is a software reprogrammable system intended to provide automatic passive missile detection, threat declaration, positive warning of a post launch missile which is homing on the host platform, countermeasures effectiveness assessment, false alarm suppression, and cues to other onboard systems such as expendable countermeasures dispensers.
As part of this system another component that consists of two subsystems: infrared missile warning system and a directed infrared countermeasure system intended to be operationally deployed on tactical aircraft. The system will defend the host aircraft from infrared-guided attacking missiles by detecting the approaching threat and disabling it through the use of directed laser energy. The system should provide full coverage about the host aircraft and survive extreme thermal, vibration, and other environmental conditions experienced by tactical aircraft. In conjunction with flares, this system ensures nearly complete defence from IR guided missiles.
RF PROTECTION SYSTEMS
The other part of the 'Full Guard' protection system is the Suite of Integrated Radio Frequency Countermeasures (SIRFC) which is an integrated electronic combat system which provides RF threat awareness and active self-protection jamming capabilities for aircraft against RF air defense systems actively engaging the aircraft. The SIRFC provides defensive, offensive, active and passive countermeasures (ECM) to ensure optimum protection against Active, Pulse, Mono-Pulse Radar, and Continuous Wave radars. SIRFC consists of the Advanced Threat Radar Warning Receiver (ATRWR) and the Advanced Threat Radar Jammer.
The SIRFC core consists of an Advanced Threat Radar Warning Receiver (ATRWR) and the Advanced Threat Radar Jammer (ATRJ). The core Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) design is comprised of four components. The Receiver/Processor containing the receiving, processing, and electronic countermeasures (ECM) generation functions of the ATRJ. The Remote Transmitter provide the self-protection transmitting capability of the ATRJ. The Advanced Countermeasures Module (ACM) provides advanced ECM techniques against a particular class of weapons. Finally, the Antenna Group which contains the receiver antenna for reception of microwave and millimeter wave signals and transmit antenna for transmission of microwave ECM signals.
The system is capable of operating in either an automatic or manual (command) mode. It provides warning (situational awareness), active jamming (self protection), and when necessary expendable countermeasures to defeat threat radar guided weapon systems. Radar guided air defense artillery threat systems include surface to air missiles (SAMs) and anti-aircraft artillery (AAA).
Weapons
The EA-34 has two stub wings on either side if the fuselage each with two under wing hardpoints and a wingtip hardpints. The wing hardpoints can each accommodate either 4 Hellfire/TOW/similar ATGMs, or two free flight rocket pods. The wingtip hardpints can each accomodate either a pair of AAMs or a single Hellfire/TOW/similar ATGM.
The EA-34 is equipped with a turreted gun system for anti-personel and anti-armour missions. The externally powered, three-barrel, 30mm Gatling gun is capable of firing 750 or 1,500 rounds per minute. The gun is mounted on a, low observable, composite turret, under the nose of the helicopter. The 1500-round ammunition supply system can be reloaded in less than fifteen minutes by two crew members.
Specifications
Powerplants: 2x EPE-12M2 turboshafts producing 2340 shp driving a fourbladed main rotor and fantail enclosed tail rotor.
Dimensions:
Length (rotors turning): 15.80
Width (main rotor stowed): 4.55m
Main Rotor diameter: 13.40m
Tail Rotor diameter: 1.47m
Performance:
Cruising speed: 158 knots.
Max Speed: 176 knots
Max Range: 420 nautical Miles for B version, 525 for C version (can be increased by 200nm with external tanks fof erry flights)
Versions
EA-34A: Technology Demonstartor Only
-NOT FOR SALE
EA-34B: Standard Air Force Version, described above.
-18.50 million each.
EA-34C Navy/Marine Version, as described above except with salt corrosion protectors, emergency inflatable flotation pods, carrier operations equipment and conformal fuel tanks (increases range by 105nm)
-19.75 million each
Options
Millimetric Tracking/Fire Control Radar Package (see details above)
-1.4 million
Air to Air Refueling Probe
-$200,000
EA-24B on attack run
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-34B.bmp
A formation of Elias Air Force EA-34Bs
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-342.jpg
EA-34C Marine Version, note the conformal fuel tanks around landing gear and rotor mounted optional millimetric radar system.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/china/images/wz-10_pic2.jpg