FACS Aerospace Forces Unveil Technology Demonstrator
Autonomous City-states
06-04-2004, 15:43
The Federation Aerospace Forces today released pictures of the XB-9 "Vampire" technology demonstrator bomber. While a production model B-9 is planned, a final decision on configuration has not been made yet. Technical specifications are classified for now, but sources in the government indicate the bomber makes use of the latest mission-adaptable wing technology and refined hybrid pulse-detonation engines.
http://phalanx.i8.com/FACS/aerospace/X_bombertest.GIF
Scenic view of the Vampire undergoing flight tests
http://phalanx.i8.com/FACS/aerospace/X_bombdrop.GIF
The XB-9 Vampire conducting inert bomb drop testing
Autonomous City-states
06-04-2004, 15:57
OOC: Comments and suggestions welcome.
Scandavian States
06-04-2004, 16:05
[What's the likely top speed and payload? If Zoogie can't offer me a bomber to match one of my requirements, I might buy this.]
Autonomous City-states
06-04-2004, 16:22
Likely top speed is around Mach 2.6 and payload is estimated as follows:
Up to 96 conventional 500-pound bombs, or 36 cluster bombs, or 28 cruise missiles.
McLeod03
06-04-2004, 16:23
OOC: Where do i sign? Nice work mate, as usual.
Autonomous City-states
06-04-2004, 16:36
Given the tremendous interest in the "Vampire," Transdynamics Consortium is developing an export variant of the XB-7 for Federation allies and confirmed friendly nations.
Autonomous City-states
06-04-2004, 17:18
The XB-7 can also serve as a light satellite launch platform for nations lacking suitable launch facilities.
http://phalanx.i8.com/FACS/aerospace/X_vampire-b.GIF
XB-7 demonstrates dorsal rocket carry capability
Scandavian States
06-04-2004, 17:29
[This bomber looks stealthy. Is it? That's one of the qualifications for my new bomber contracts, so I need to find out.]
Autonomous City-states
06-04-2004, 17:30
Yes, the XB-7 incorporates RAM and shaping to reduce RCS.