United Elias
09-03-2004, 20:46
The EA-135 is the product of a joint requirement from not only the Elias Air Force and Navy but also the nations of Wolfish and Seversky. From the outside it is based on the design of the Lockheed Martin F-35 but it is in fact a very different aircraft offering improved capability in nearly every field.
Design
The EA-135 has been designed using the latest technologies and processes often incoporating features from the EA-220 Joint Tactical Bomber (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88103&highlight=) which has led to an incredibly capable and reliable aircraft.
In order to minimise the structural weight and complexity of assembly, the wing box section integrates the wing and fuselage section into one piece. To minimise radar signature, sweep angles are identical for the leading and trailing edges of the wing and tail (planform alignment). The fuselage and canopy have sloping sides. The seam of the canopy and the weapon bay doors are saw-toothed and the vertical tails are canted at an angle.
The aircraft is constructed of carbon fire composites, glass-reinforced plastic, aluminium lithium, titanium and aluminum casting. Stealth technology features include low radar cross-section, passive sensors, RAM absorbent coating and super cruise ability (can fly supersonic without afterburners)
Unlike the standard F-35, the EA-135 has larger wing and tail control surfaces to better manage low-speed approaches, attack runs and generally improving performance. The extra wing area is provided by larger leading-edge flaps and foldable wingtip sections. A larger wing span provides increased range and payload capability so it is a much more capable aircraft. The EA-135 has almost twice the range of an F/A-18C on internal fuel. The design is also optimized for survivability, a key requirement for a fighter aircraft.
Flight Controls and Sensors
The pilot controls the aircraft through a highly computerised digital fly-by-wire system which provides artificial stabilisation and gust elevation to give good control characteristics throughout the flight envelope. The pilot's control system is a voice-throttle-and-stick system (VTAS). The stick and throttle tops house 28 fingertip controls for sensor and weapon control, defence aids management, and in-flight handling. The direct voice input allows the pilot to carry out mode selection and data entry procedures using voice command.
The Helmet Mounted Symbology System and Head Up Display show the flight reference data, weapon aiming, cueing, and the FLIR imagery. The cockpit has four multifunction, colour displays which show the tactical situation, systems status and map displays. The Moving Map Display This uses digital terrain information to depict a graphical map of an area around the aircraft. The current position of the plane is obtained using the GPS and Inertial Navigation Systems. This map can then be overlaid with the complete air and ground picture surrounding the aircraft including target identification information. So this single display can give the pilot an almost unprecedented level of non-conflicting data enabling an effective attack (or retreat) strategy to be defined in a matter of seconds.
Radar:
The EA-135 uses an advanced low emissions CFES MK4009R radar designed and built by the nation of Crookfur which has developed so many excellent quality electronic systems. This system provides a unprecedented level of sensory awareness to the pilot and means combined with the stealth features of the aircraft, will mean that an enemy can be detected before they can detect the aircraft. However is more than just a radar but a complete target identification and engagement management system with automatic threat prioritization and combat analysis.
Stats:
Targets: 25 air targets
Air surveillance: 320km
Detail Scan: 400km
Surface scan (full power) vs. large targets: 300km
Surface scan (full power) vs. small targets: 70km
Surface scan (stealthy) vs. large targets: 90km
Surface scan (stealthy) vs. small targets: 30km
Rear radar: 120km
Weapons Delivery Systems:
An electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) provides long-range detection and precision targeting, along with the a Distributed Aperture System thermal imaging system, which incorporates a mid-wave third generation FLIR, dual mode laser, CCD TV, laser tracker and laser marker.
A fully integrated system where the plan selects the best weapon for the Rules of Engagement and mission type so that the pilot chooses the target from the data that is gathered by all systems, a data link to other units is of course included for those who like the info sphere idea and so your Forward Air Controllers can double check your targets (if you use Rather gung-ho pilots).
Countermeasures
The aircraft's defensive aids sub-system is accommodated within the aircraft structure and integrated with the avionics system and includes: an electronic countermeasures/support measures system (ECM/ESM), front and rear missile approach warners, full automatic radar/ millimetric/ laser illumination detection and threat warning,supersonically capable towed decoy systems, laser warning receivers, 50 round chaff/ flare/ DPS launcher and active IR/ laser missile dazzler system.
Powerplant
The EA-135 is powered by a single EPE-184 High bypass turbofan producing 44,690lb of thrust. The power plant has been developed using advanced technology by the Elias Precision Engineering Corporation specifically for this aircraft.
The EPE-184 is equipped with a number of advanced technologies for unmatched operational performance and reliability. Its three-stage fan has shroud less titanium fan blades and is powered by a single-stage low-pressure turbine. The engine's core has an aerodynamically efficient six-stage compressor driven by a single-stage high-pressure turbine featuring the next generation of single-crystal superalloy blades with improved cooling management. The robust, but compact, high-pressure compressor features integrally bladed rotor disks for improved durability and three-dimensionally designed airfoils.
The engine delivers unparalleled aircraft maneuverability with its unique two-dimensional thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle. This convergent/divergent nozzle vectors thrust 20 degrees either up or down. Nozzle position management is automatically controlled by the full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC), which controls hundreds of other engine and aircraft operating parameters. The FADEC also features advanced diagnostic and on-condition management systems for maintenance awareness, autonomic logistics support, and automatic field data and test systems.
Propulsion system support and maintainability are enhanced by the engine's maintenance-focused design. It has approximately 40 percent fewer parts, which also improves reliability. All line-replaceable components can be removed and replaced with a set of six common hand tools. And, the EPE-184 has a 50 percent lower infrastructure support requirement compared to current engines.
To fulfill the vertical lift requirement the EA-135 uses the Lift Fan concept which generates a column of cool air that produces nearly 20,000 pounds of lifting power using variable inlet guide vanes to modulate the airflow, along with an equivalent amount of thrust from the downward vectored rear exhaust to lift the aircraft. The Lift Fan has a clutch that engages for STOVL operations and a telescoping "D" -shaped hood to provide thrust
deflection.
Fuel and Range
The plane carries two main internal fuel tanks, one in each wing. Both tanks are connected, with a small integrated computer system controlling flow between the tanks if necessary. The system is accessible from the cockpit, so the pilot can take over manually. A backup physical control will be situated in the cockpit as well, in case of computer malfunction.
A small backup tank situated in the middle of the plane provides some fuel reserves, so that the actual range of the plane is slightly farther than what the fuel systems and official range state. This is also connected to the automatic fuel distribution system.
In the carrier/land based version (because there is no lift fan) there is a third internal fuel tank in the fuselage which increases range significantly.
Finally, the two main weapons bays can carry fuel pods. These, too, are wired into the distribution system.
All aspects of the distribution can be sealed off within .025 seconds.
In-flight Refueling
A retracting refueling probe for air to air tanking is fitted as standard and is compatible only with the hose and drogue system (used by all air air forces as well as the USN and USMC, only exception USAF and IAF) If your nation uses the boom-receptacle system hen orders can be modified upon request to fit this requirement.
Weapons
One of the most important features of the EA-135 is the flexibility of its warload; the aircraft can carry a vast array of weapon systems for nearly every conceivable role, including the full NATO range of guided munitions and their eastern equivalents. The weapons bays have retracting doors powered by electronic servo motors provide quick opening and closing of the main bay. Should electronics fail for whatever reason a hydraulic system opens the doors at a slightly slower pace. Whether they are open or closed the main bay doors do not protrude from the fuselage.
There are two main internal bays which house the majority of the aircraft's ordnance. The bay itself consists of two weapons stations. Air-to-ground stores like JSOW and JDAM are to be carried on the outboard station. Air-to-air weapons can also be carried in this position, but will primarily be carried on the inboard station that is specifically dedicated to this purpose. One of the unique features of the design is that the air-to-air station will swing out on a hinged rail as the inboard bay door opens.
The outboard station is designed to accomodate a single air to ground weapon in the 1000-2000lb range and no longer than 14ft. Weapons suitable for internal carriage would be the 1000lb, 500lb and 2000lb JDAM variants, Paveway II LGB EAW-40 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) PGM and EAW-38 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) JSOW. Alternatively each bay can accomodate two smaller air to ground weapons such as two Small Diameter bombs, two 250lb JDAMs, or two wind corrected munitions dispensers. In an air to air mission the outboard station could also carry medium range AAMs.
The inboard station of each main bay is designed for a medium range AAM no longer than 13 feet and a typical load could be two AMRAAM missiles or two EAW-78 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) Air to Air missiles.
The EA-135, unlike other F-35 variations, also has two small internal bays in the outer fueselage next to each main bay which are specifically designed for short range air to air missiles which must be mo longer than 118 inches. Typical internal carriage would be two ASRAAMs/2 AIM-9Xs or two EAW-67 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) missiles.
External stores pylons can be attached to all variants to provide a much larger warload, at the expense of stealth. The inner 2 pylons on each wing are rated for up to 3,500 pounds while the outer pylon is rated for just 250 pounds as it is designed for AAMs.
EA-135 Weapons Configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135_weapons2.jpg
Due to the considerable weight savings and improved capability, the EA-135 uses an 1 Gsh-6-23 internal gun system mounted above the engine inlet on the left side of the plane, as shown in the diagram below.
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135_gun_system.jpg
Specifications
Summary of Specifications
Wing Span:
Overall: 43 feet 6 inches
Length: 50 feet 9 inches
Height:
Overall: 15 feet 6 inches
Wing Area: 620 square feet
Empty Weight: 31,000 pounds
Maximum Weapon Load: 18,000lb
Max Takeoff Weight : 64,000 pounds
Performance:
Max Speed: Mach 1.65
Max Supercruise Speed 1.45
Cruise Speed: Mach 0.95
Service Ceiling: 54,000ft
Design Load Factor: 7.9 Gs
Range:
Combat Radius
EA-135B- avg. load: 650 nm
EA-135A, EA-135C - avg. load: 710 nm
Ferry range:
EA-135B: 1,450nm
EA-135A, EA-135C : 1,530nm
In reality, all of these ranges are about 60 nm further than stated, thanks to the backup systems and reserve tanks, but this is generally only used in emergencies.
Armament: See Above
Countermeasures: See Above
EA-135A CTOL version, configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135A.jpg
EA-135B V/STOL version, configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/F-35E.jpg
EA-135C Carrier Based Version, configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135C.jpg
Standard F-35B Configuration FOR COMPARISON WITH EA-135
http://globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/x-35b-3view.jpg
Prices
EA-135A Land based Version: 43.5 million per unit
EA-135B V/STOL Version: 51 million per unit
EA-135C Carrier based Version: 47.5 million per unit
Design
The EA-135 has been designed using the latest technologies and processes often incoporating features from the EA-220 Joint Tactical Bomber (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88103&highlight=) which has led to an incredibly capable and reliable aircraft.
In order to minimise the structural weight and complexity of assembly, the wing box section integrates the wing and fuselage section into one piece. To minimise radar signature, sweep angles are identical for the leading and trailing edges of the wing and tail (planform alignment). The fuselage and canopy have sloping sides. The seam of the canopy and the weapon bay doors are saw-toothed and the vertical tails are canted at an angle.
The aircraft is constructed of carbon fire composites, glass-reinforced plastic, aluminium lithium, titanium and aluminum casting. Stealth technology features include low radar cross-section, passive sensors, RAM absorbent coating and super cruise ability (can fly supersonic without afterburners)
Unlike the standard F-35, the EA-135 has larger wing and tail control surfaces to better manage low-speed approaches, attack runs and generally improving performance. The extra wing area is provided by larger leading-edge flaps and foldable wingtip sections. A larger wing span provides increased range and payload capability so it is a much more capable aircraft. The EA-135 has almost twice the range of an F/A-18C on internal fuel. The design is also optimized for survivability, a key requirement for a fighter aircraft.
Flight Controls and Sensors
The pilot controls the aircraft through a highly computerised digital fly-by-wire system which provides artificial stabilisation and gust elevation to give good control characteristics throughout the flight envelope. The pilot's control system is a voice-throttle-and-stick system (VTAS). The stick and throttle tops house 28 fingertip controls for sensor and weapon control, defence aids management, and in-flight handling. The direct voice input allows the pilot to carry out mode selection and data entry procedures using voice command.
The Helmet Mounted Symbology System and Head Up Display show the flight reference data, weapon aiming, cueing, and the FLIR imagery. The cockpit has four multifunction, colour displays which show the tactical situation, systems status and map displays. The Moving Map Display This uses digital terrain information to depict a graphical map of an area around the aircraft. The current position of the plane is obtained using the GPS and Inertial Navigation Systems. This map can then be overlaid with the complete air and ground picture surrounding the aircraft including target identification information. So this single display can give the pilot an almost unprecedented level of non-conflicting data enabling an effective attack (or retreat) strategy to be defined in a matter of seconds.
Radar:
The EA-135 uses an advanced low emissions CFES MK4009R radar designed and built by the nation of Crookfur which has developed so many excellent quality electronic systems. This system provides a unprecedented level of sensory awareness to the pilot and means combined with the stealth features of the aircraft, will mean that an enemy can be detected before they can detect the aircraft. However is more than just a radar but a complete target identification and engagement management system with automatic threat prioritization and combat analysis.
Stats:
Targets: 25 air targets
Air surveillance: 320km
Detail Scan: 400km
Surface scan (full power) vs. large targets: 300km
Surface scan (full power) vs. small targets: 70km
Surface scan (stealthy) vs. large targets: 90km
Surface scan (stealthy) vs. small targets: 30km
Rear radar: 120km
Weapons Delivery Systems:
An electro-optical targeting system (EOTS) provides long-range detection and precision targeting, along with the a Distributed Aperture System thermal imaging system, which incorporates a mid-wave third generation FLIR, dual mode laser, CCD TV, laser tracker and laser marker.
A fully integrated system where the plan selects the best weapon for the Rules of Engagement and mission type so that the pilot chooses the target from the data that is gathered by all systems, a data link to other units is of course included for those who like the info sphere idea and so your Forward Air Controllers can double check your targets (if you use Rather gung-ho pilots).
Countermeasures
The aircraft's defensive aids sub-system is accommodated within the aircraft structure and integrated with the avionics system and includes: an electronic countermeasures/support measures system (ECM/ESM), front and rear missile approach warners, full automatic radar/ millimetric/ laser illumination detection and threat warning,supersonically capable towed decoy systems, laser warning receivers, 50 round chaff/ flare/ DPS launcher and active IR/ laser missile dazzler system.
Powerplant
The EA-135 is powered by a single EPE-184 High bypass turbofan producing 44,690lb of thrust. The power plant has been developed using advanced technology by the Elias Precision Engineering Corporation specifically for this aircraft.
The EPE-184 is equipped with a number of advanced technologies for unmatched operational performance and reliability. Its three-stage fan has shroud less titanium fan blades and is powered by a single-stage low-pressure turbine. The engine's core has an aerodynamically efficient six-stage compressor driven by a single-stage high-pressure turbine featuring the next generation of single-crystal superalloy blades with improved cooling management. The robust, but compact, high-pressure compressor features integrally bladed rotor disks for improved durability and three-dimensionally designed airfoils.
The engine delivers unparalleled aircraft maneuverability with its unique two-dimensional thrust vectoring exhaust nozzle. This convergent/divergent nozzle vectors thrust 20 degrees either up or down. Nozzle position management is automatically controlled by the full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC), which controls hundreds of other engine and aircraft operating parameters. The FADEC also features advanced diagnostic and on-condition management systems for maintenance awareness, autonomic logistics support, and automatic field data and test systems.
Propulsion system support and maintainability are enhanced by the engine's maintenance-focused design. It has approximately 40 percent fewer parts, which also improves reliability. All line-replaceable components can be removed and replaced with a set of six common hand tools. And, the EPE-184 has a 50 percent lower infrastructure support requirement compared to current engines.
To fulfill the vertical lift requirement the EA-135 uses the Lift Fan concept which generates a column of cool air that produces nearly 20,000 pounds of lifting power using variable inlet guide vanes to modulate the airflow, along with an equivalent amount of thrust from the downward vectored rear exhaust to lift the aircraft. The Lift Fan has a clutch that engages for STOVL operations and a telescoping "D" -shaped hood to provide thrust
deflection.
Fuel and Range
The plane carries two main internal fuel tanks, one in each wing. Both tanks are connected, with a small integrated computer system controlling flow between the tanks if necessary. The system is accessible from the cockpit, so the pilot can take over manually. A backup physical control will be situated in the cockpit as well, in case of computer malfunction.
A small backup tank situated in the middle of the plane provides some fuel reserves, so that the actual range of the plane is slightly farther than what the fuel systems and official range state. This is also connected to the automatic fuel distribution system.
In the carrier/land based version (because there is no lift fan) there is a third internal fuel tank in the fuselage which increases range significantly.
Finally, the two main weapons bays can carry fuel pods. These, too, are wired into the distribution system.
All aspects of the distribution can be sealed off within .025 seconds.
In-flight Refueling
A retracting refueling probe for air to air tanking is fitted as standard and is compatible only with the hose and drogue system (used by all air air forces as well as the USN and USMC, only exception USAF and IAF) If your nation uses the boom-receptacle system hen orders can be modified upon request to fit this requirement.
Weapons
One of the most important features of the EA-135 is the flexibility of its warload; the aircraft can carry a vast array of weapon systems for nearly every conceivable role, including the full NATO range of guided munitions and their eastern equivalents. The weapons bays have retracting doors powered by electronic servo motors provide quick opening and closing of the main bay. Should electronics fail for whatever reason a hydraulic system opens the doors at a slightly slower pace. Whether they are open or closed the main bay doors do not protrude from the fuselage.
There are two main internal bays which house the majority of the aircraft's ordnance. The bay itself consists of two weapons stations. Air-to-ground stores like JSOW and JDAM are to be carried on the outboard station. Air-to-air weapons can also be carried in this position, but will primarily be carried on the inboard station that is specifically dedicated to this purpose. One of the unique features of the design is that the air-to-air station will swing out on a hinged rail as the inboard bay door opens.
The outboard station is designed to accomodate a single air to ground weapon in the 1000-2000lb range and no longer than 14ft. Weapons suitable for internal carriage would be the 1000lb, 500lb and 2000lb JDAM variants, Paveway II LGB EAW-40 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) PGM and EAW-38 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) JSOW. Alternatively each bay can accomodate two smaller air to ground weapons such as two Small Diameter bombs, two 250lb JDAMs, or two wind corrected munitions dispensers. In an air to air mission the outboard station could also carry medium range AAMs.
The inboard station of each main bay is designed for a medium range AAM no longer than 13 feet and a typical load could be two AMRAAM missiles or two EAW-78 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) Air to Air missiles.
The EA-135, unlike other F-35 variations, also has two small internal bays in the outer fueselage next to each main bay which are specifically designed for short range air to air missiles which must be mo longer than 118 inches. Typical internal carriage would be two ASRAAMs/2 AIM-9Xs or two EAW-67 (http://www.nationstates.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=135324&start=0) missiles.
External stores pylons can be attached to all variants to provide a much larger warload, at the expense of stealth. The inner 2 pylons on each wing are rated for up to 3,500 pounds while the outer pylon is rated for just 250 pounds as it is designed for AAMs.
EA-135 Weapons Configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135_weapons2.jpg
Due to the considerable weight savings and improved capability, the EA-135 uses an 1 Gsh-6-23 internal gun system mounted above the engine inlet on the left side of the plane, as shown in the diagram below.
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135_gun_system.jpg
Specifications
Summary of Specifications
Wing Span:
Overall: 43 feet 6 inches
Length: 50 feet 9 inches
Height:
Overall: 15 feet 6 inches
Wing Area: 620 square feet
Empty Weight: 31,000 pounds
Maximum Weapon Load: 18,000lb
Max Takeoff Weight : 64,000 pounds
Performance:
Max Speed: Mach 1.65
Max Supercruise Speed 1.45
Cruise Speed: Mach 0.95
Service Ceiling: 54,000ft
Design Load Factor: 7.9 Gs
Range:
Combat Radius
EA-135B- avg. load: 650 nm
EA-135A, EA-135C - avg. load: 710 nm
Ferry range:
EA-135B: 1,450nm
EA-135A, EA-135C : 1,530nm
In reality, all of these ranges are about 60 nm further than stated, thanks to the backup systems and reserve tanks, but this is generally only used in emergencies.
Armament: See Above
Countermeasures: See Above
EA-135A CTOL version, configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135A.jpg
EA-135B V/STOL version, configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/F-35E.jpg
EA-135C Carrier Based Version, configuration
http://img12.photobucket.com/albums/v36/United-Elias/EA-135C.jpg
Standard F-35B Configuration FOR COMPARISON WITH EA-135
http://globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/images/x-35b-3view.jpg
Prices
EA-135A Land based Version: 43.5 million per unit
EA-135B V/STOL Version: 51 million per unit
EA-135C Carrier based Version: 47.5 million per unit