Soviet Bloc
23-07-2004, 00:43
SAH-24A Future Attack Helicopter
http://img21.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Chlevenkov/SAH-EXGE.jpg
The SAH-24A, being the 5th Generation Soviet Bloc Attack Helicopter, has some serious boots to fill. It will replace the aging SAH-04 advanced attack helicopter as our primary reconaissance and attack helicopter. It will complement the larger, heavier SAH-17 Heavy Attack Helicopter and give our forces a swift and lethal strike force. The SAH-24A was developed and built from the ground up with advanced technology. Every piece of this aircraft is advanced from its composite radar absorbing skin to its advanced no-tail-rotor system. You couldn't ask for a more capable helicopter/anti-tank platform than this...
Advanced No Tail Rotor System
The Soviet Bloc NTR-TA (No Tail Rotor- Tail Assembly) system doesn't use the more widely used twin main rotor system to counter-act torque. The NTR-TA system uses an advanced duct and vent system to use some of the engine's exhaust to assist in turning and anti-torque abilities.
Advanced Vectored-Thrust System and Sideways Movement
Most of the engine's exhaust is used to propel the aircraft forward, or assist the rotor. To make this helicopter even more maneuverable, we have added a second series of exhaust ports that are connected to a 360 degree vertical plane and 200 degree horizontal plane thrust vectoring system. Meaning the helicopter can redericts its primary thrust behind it, at angles, to the sides, and even to forward angles (of 10 degrees on each side). This allows for unparalleled maneuvering and gives the helicopter an ability no other shares (except the Comanche): sideways movement. To aid in sideways movement, there is one massive vent system on each side. Engine thrust is redirected through these vents (on either side) to provide thrust in either of the two directions. Secondary systems just inside of each vent allow it to also move at sideways angles, such as moving sideways and down, or sideways and up. The SAH-24A can move at nearly seventy miles per hour sideways and even faster moving at an angle. All of these features combine to make it supremely maneuvarble.
Barrel Roll Made Possible (well continuous barrel roll)
Using the sideways movement noted above and the SAH-24's primary avionics computer, the SAH-24 can execute maneuvers never once possible for a helicopter. Using the side vents and their secondary up/down thrust vectoring system, the SAH-24 can execute barrel rolls by diverting 75% thrust to one side, then diverting the remaining thrust to the other side while simultaneously edging the secondary up/down thrust vectoring system to a down position (vectoring the thrust downwards). This will accelerate the one side, while the other side shoots upwards. The computer will allow this to happen and automatically correct itself. The maneuver usually happens too fast for any serious side effect to occur to the rotors (since the computer automatically slows them down, alters their pitch and angle of attack during the maneuver).
Enhanched combat survivability functions include:
Shielding of vital components by less important ones with armour composite plates in between and on outer shell;
Main rotor made of extensive composites and reinforced to ensure survival in any event;
Back-up emergency hydrualics systems stored deep within the SAH-24 to allow it to still function properly if main hydraulics fails;
Armored pilot's cockpit is fitted with ceramic armoured fuselage, bullet-proof windshields and armoured partition between crew members;
Self-sealing polyurethane foam-filled fuel tanks with enhanced composite armor protection;
Fuel system outfitted to deny any explosions, along with re-route systems to re-route fuel flow if the onboard computer deems it safe to,
Armored tail section to increase survivability of anti-torque vent system
The SAH-24 is outfitted with enhanced survivability functions with a dampening zone in front of pilot that can crush inwards in event of a controlled crash and can increase survivability in an unplanned crash. Enhanced frame design also improves survivability.
The SAH-24 is equipped with dual SB-AFEHTHHP-HE4 that can momentarily extend compression and strain variables to allow for extreme maneuvers.
Stealthy
The SAH-24 was built with stealth in mind, as one of its many roles is reconaissance. Its shape allows for the scattering of most radar signals away from any receiver in any direction. It was also coated with radar absorbant materials. Its weapons are held internally to minimize RCS and its main cannon is detachable as well. If a wing pylon is added, it is advisable it be coated in radar absorbant paint/materials as well as the missiles held on the pylons.
In the area of infrared stealth, the SAH-24 is king. Since the primary threat to helicopters is shoulder-launched, short-range infrared-guided missiles, the SAH-24 contains numerous heat-signature reducing systems. All along the tail assembly are heat dissipators, which take the engine's heat and dissipates it over a wide area, meaning, its a larger but much, much weaker heat signal to lock on to. The rotor assembly is air cooled, of course, and produces little heat. The vectored thrust systems are near infrared signature-less due to a series of dissipators and cooling systems on the helicopter's inside. Meaning the exhaust fired out the thrust vectoring ports and the side vents is hardly above the air temperature around it (especially at lower altitudes), meaning there's a much less chance of the missile getting a lock-on.
Advanced Countermeasures
The SAH-24 also maintains numerous countermeasures... One of which is housed in the lower fuselage-mounted targetting and countermeasures pod...
AFFC/SIRR-12 - This system uses a small radar system in the 'pod' to locate the incoming radar pulses of a radar-guided missile, it then fires its own radar pulses at a set frequency and size (determined from the missile's radar pulses). This confuses the enemy radar and usually causes it to believe that it has reached its target, it then explodes... The secondary portion of this countermeasures suite is its medium range (40km for this jamming) computer jamming system which can jam radars at their computer core and infrared systems. This usually proves very effective. Both of these systems are housed in the SB-TTJP-UF-2 self-sustainable system housing (pod on the underneath of the aircraft). Also located in this 'pod', is a selective jamming system that fires intense yet controlled pulses of electromagnetic disturbance towards the incoming missile (using the same small radar system)
Modularity
Due to the types of roles it must fill, this aircraft was meant to be modular. Meaning anything can be replaced or taken off to mission-specific guidelines. Examples are for reconaissance, the cannon can be removed as well as pylons, making it much stealthier. For anti-armor roles, cannon added as well as heavy pylons for even more munitions. And for air-to-air roles, cannon removed (or added) as well as the medium-duty pylons. Systems can be removed and replaced easily.
Modularity also helps in its maintenance. The SAH-24 was designed to not be a pain in the ass to field mechanics in the battlefield and it utilizes take-out/drop-in maintenance techniques, the affected equipment can be basically pulled out and replaced with minimal effort. Meaning, the mechanics can pull out ruined equipment, drop in new replacements, and then, while the helicopter is gone, fix the old one and when it comes back in, drop it back in and repair the other.
Systems:
These systems are both active and passive. Passive systems are used on reconaissance missions.
All systems that are connected to the pilot and WSO's helmets give them a wide field-of-view (35ox52o).
ASD-4: This suite includes all the information gathering equipment that one could possibly wish for, including radar, millimeter wave, infrared, optics, a laser rangefinder and nightvision. All those sensors are extremely resistant to jamming and countermeasures due to the short wavelength used, which bypasses all but the most advanced jamming devices with brute force. One of our unique features is the ability to track and determine the direction of incoming weapons fire by analyzing the disruption of the air particles then extrapolating the origin of the incoming bullets/missiles/etc. With a range of 20-24 km, depending on conditions, and the ability to track over 400 objects at the same time, we assure you that this helicopter will never be blind. This system built and designed by Exonerate. (Housed in fuselage)
ED-CMSQ-34A: Includes radar jammers, radar warning receivers, laser warning receivers, millimeter wave warning receivers, infrared countermeasures, and chaffs dispensers. These features will significantly increase the survivability of the helicopter by disrupting enemy communications, decreasing the detectability of the helicopter, and alerting the crew of incoming dangers. This system built and developed by Exonerate. The system was named by ARSB engineers but credit was given to Exonerate by putting the ED in the designation. (Housed in fuselage)
ARENA Mk. III: Scrambles enemy ATGM's radars and tracking systems. Also disables enemy jamming systems on missiles and aircraft, interferes with enemy radar and interferes with enemy tracking systems. (Housed in fuselage)
SB-AMRQ/R72- This system is the SAH-24A's advanced medium range radar. (Housed in fuselage)
SB-MMRQ/M8- Millimetric Radar (housed in the SB-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
SB-PRQ/P4- Passive Radar (Housed in fuselage)
SB-IIQ/FR9- Infrared (housed in the SB-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
SB-STQ/S81- Infrared Search and Track system (housed in the SB-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
AEISCN-02: Shares target information with other friendly units in the field along with other information, also allows friendly units in large numbers to make coordinated attacks through out the battlefield. Also allows friendly units to instantly reorganize into new squadrons and divisions for new assaults and also relays all information back to command. This system also checks in every 2 minutes (or shorter/longer; can be adjusted) with GPS and military satellites to update terrain and enemy movements. Also tracks and labels targets and sends their coordinates and readings through satellites and ground antennae to control centers, ground forces, air forces, and naval forces. AEICSN-02 also connected to the world-wide Soviet Bloc Offensive/Defensive Military Operations Net. (Housed in fuselage)
SB-ACDAMS-02: Anti-missile and countermeasure deployment system. Automatically launches countermeasures and scrambles enemy radar as well as providing the pilot with paths that provide a chance to out-maneauver the missile (not likely). If feature is engaged, when a certain missile threat level is detected (set in by pilot or CO) the helicopter can act on its own to effectively out-maneuver the missile through maneuvers a normal human could not even think of. Downside of this feature: May cause blackout of pilot due to excessive G-forces, if the pilot is found to be unconscious, the helicopter will act on its own until the pilot regains consciousness by heading for a friendly area and by engaging threatening targets.(Housed in fuselage)
AHUD-8CA: Advanced Heads-Up Display, displays all information about enemy unit including possible routes. Provides direct fire scenarios and target areas. Can be configured to cover entire window-area of cockpit. This system also utilizes the visor on the pilot/WSO's helmet. Using this, it can display all information on the pilot and WSO's helmet visors. The system also tracks the WSO's retina or head movements to move the mounted gun. To fire cannon, buttons are located on the pilot's collective and the WSO's weapon joysticks. (Housed in cockpit)
SB-AFCS/OG- Advanced Flight Control Systems, Optical Guided- Advanced system that uses high-intensity fiber optics for flight controls, allowing quicker, more effecient maneuvering and decreasing the weight by removing heavy copper and gold wiring. Is also quadruple redundant. It is also immune to electromagnetic pulses (Housed in fuselage)
SB-AEAS- Advanced Exhaust Assist System
FLIR, Laser Designator (housed on under-body hardpoints)
Also for survivability:
Infrared signature suppressors on engine manifold, exhuast ports ;
Radar warning receivers, advanced anti-missile equipment, rotor brakes, chaff&flares, IFF, infrared jammers.
SB-AHES/RES- Advanced Helicopter Ejection Seat/ Rotor Ejection System- In the event of a critical hit on the helicopter, the pilots can activate their ejection seats, which will signal the turbine to shut down, the rotor shaft to lock up at a certain point and eject the rotors down and away from the helicopter, leaving a clear path of exit for the ejection seats. After the rotors are ejected, the cockpits are blown off by explosive charges and the ejection seats are fired. The entire process takes roughly 3 seconds.
SB-AAHCS- Advanced Autonomous Helicopter Control System- In the event the pilot and WSO are killed or incapacitated, this feauture can be activated manually or automatically (in event of pilot and WSO death) to automatically pilot the helicopter. Granted, this 'robotic' helicopter is not quite as efficient or deadly as a human-piloted one, but if it weren't for this system the helicopter would be lying in pieces on the ground, so, in the end, this 'robotic' helicopter could prove useful. When this feuture is activated, the helicopter will continue on entered waypoints, track and engage enemy targets, and destroy objectives along a pre-entered waypoint path. If crews of multiple helicopters are killed but the helicopters are still in operating condition, this system automatically communicates with the other helicopters, trade target information, and set up attack plans. If a commanding officer does not want these pilot-less helicopters to engage targets on their own, they can be configured to return to the home airfield, preventing large amounts of time and money being spent on purchasing new helicopters, searching for crew members, cleaning up the pieces, and defending the crash site. Also, when configured, the helicopter with this feature can be operated by a crew that is at the home base, becoming an Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicle of sorts, or controlled by other WSO's.
Armament:
Hardpoints: The SAH-24 has three internal bays. One on each side of the aircraft and one on the underside. Each side bay has the ability to hold up to six medium-sized missiles (such as Hellfires or our own ATM-15A anti-tank missiles). The bottom bay can hold up to 6 Hellfire-sized missiles or a sensors and recon suite. All side bays are covered by pneumatic, recessing panels. Also, two studs are located on each side about midsection, covered by access panels that allow the attachment of a weapons pylon, doubling the possible weapons loadout but also reducing speed and stealth ability. When a missile is selected to fire from one of the side bays, as soon as the button is depressed, the pneumatic doors are instantly recessed into the helicopter's body (unless they were already opened) and a sharp blast of compressed air is let out on the missile (after locks have disengaged) that shoots the missile out into the sky, fast enough to clear the helicopter and to a distance of about 30 yards, where the missile's rocket motor will engage.
Total possible weapons load-out (using the Hellfire as an example)- 18 Hellfire missiles (internally) and three externally (or add-on sensor suites in a shape that reduces RCS)
With optional (and easily removable/added) pylons (stub wings)- 18 Hellfire missiles (internally), 8 Hellfire missiles externally, 4 Stinger (or any other air to air munition) (Externally)
Cannon (can be easily removed): Located under nose on the under-nose hardpoint, outfitted for the SQB-32MX Twin-Barreled 30mm automatic cannon. The SQB-32MX can fire 3200 rounds per minute and has 1200 stored rounds in the ammunition canister mounted on the swivel system. The cannon can engage anything in front and below the helicopter and has an optical, infrared, and low-light (night-vision) system mounted on it which is then wired to the pilot or WSO's helmet. The system can also engage anything to the sides of the helicopter, anything to its negative rear, and anything at twenty degree positive angle to the sides and front.
Base specifications:
Number x Power, rated horsepower.
New SB-NGHTS-AAS-17AD Turbines
2 x 3,150
Vertical Climb Rate - 1050 feet per minute
Flight speed (at rated altitude: 1200 ft), mph:
Maximum dash speed (in IDEAL conditions) - 242 mph
cruise - 220 mph
Hovering ceiling, feet
14,100 feet
Service ceiling , feet
18,800 feet
Range:
465 nm Max Range (internal fuel)
1,460 nm self-deployment range
DIMENSIONS (w/o rotors), feet:
Length- 53 feet
Width- 11 feet
Height-14 feet
Main rotor diameter- 48 feet
Crew- 2 (pilot, WSO [Weapons Service Officer])
Cost- $18.9 million USD
http://img21.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Chlevenkov/SAH-EXGE.jpg
The SAH-24A, being the 5th Generation Soviet Bloc Attack Helicopter, has some serious boots to fill. It will replace the aging SAH-04 advanced attack helicopter as our primary reconaissance and attack helicopter. It will complement the larger, heavier SAH-17 Heavy Attack Helicopter and give our forces a swift and lethal strike force. The SAH-24A was developed and built from the ground up with advanced technology. Every piece of this aircraft is advanced from its composite radar absorbing skin to its advanced no-tail-rotor system. You couldn't ask for a more capable helicopter/anti-tank platform than this...
Advanced No Tail Rotor System
The Soviet Bloc NTR-TA (No Tail Rotor- Tail Assembly) system doesn't use the more widely used twin main rotor system to counter-act torque. The NTR-TA system uses an advanced duct and vent system to use some of the engine's exhaust to assist in turning and anti-torque abilities.
Advanced Vectored-Thrust System and Sideways Movement
Most of the engine's exhaust is used to propel the aircraft forward, or assist the rotor. To make this helicopter even more maneuverable, we have added a second series of exhaust ports that are connected to a 360 degree vertical plane and 200 degree horizontal plane thrust vectoring system. Meaning the helicopter can redericts its primary thrust behind it, at angles, to the sides, and even to forward angles (of 10 degrees on each side). This allows for unparalleled maneuvering and gives the helicopter an ability no other shares (except the Comanche): sideways movement. To aid in sideways movement, there is one massive vent system on each side. Engine thrust is redirected through these vents (on either side) to provide thrust in either of the two directions. Secondary systems just inside of each vent allow it to also move at sideways angles, such as moving sideways and down, or sideways and up. The SAH-24A can move at nearly seventy miles per hour sideways and even faster moving at an angle. All of these features combine to make it supremely maneuvarble.
Barrel Roll Made Possible (well continuous barrel roll)
Using the sideways movement noted above and the SAH-24's primary avionics computer, the SAH-24 can execute maneuvers never once possible for a helicopter. Using the side vents and their secondary up/down thrust vectoring system, the SAH-24 can execute barrel rolls by diverting 75% thrust to one side, then diverting the remaining thrust to the other side while simultaneously edging the secondary up/down thrust vectoring system to a down position (vectoring the thrust downwards). This will accelerate the one side, while the other side shoots upwards. The computer will allow this to happen and automatically correct itself. The maneuver usually happens too fast for any serious side effect to occur to the rotors (since the computer automatically slows them down, alters their pitch and angle of attack during the maneuver).
Enhanched combat survivability functions include:
Shielding of vital components by less important ones with armour composite plates in between and on outer shell;
Main rotor made of extensive composites and reinforced to ensure survival in any event;
Back-up emergency hydrualics systems stored deep within the SAH-24 to allow it to still function properly if main hydraulics fails;
Armored pilot's cockpit is fitted with ceramic armoured fuselage, bullet-proof windshields and armoured partition between crew members;
Self-sealing polyurethane foam-filled fuel tanks with enhanced composite armor protection;
Fuel system outfitted to deny any explosions, along with re-route systems to re-route fuel flow if the onboard computer deems it safe to,
Armored tail section to increase survivability of anti-torque vent system
The SAH-24 is outfitted with enhanced survivability functions with a dampening zone in front of pilot that can crush inwards in event of a controlled crash and can increase survivability in an unplanned crash. Enhanced frame design also improves survivability.
The SAH-24 is equipped with dual SB-AFEHTHHP-HE4 that can momentarily extend compression and strain variables to allow for extreme maneuvers.
Stealthy
The SAH-24 was built with stealth in mind, as one of its many roles is reconaissance. Its shape allows for the scattering of most radar signals away from any receiver in any direction. It was also coated with radar absorbant materials. Its weapons are held internally to minimize RCS and its main cannon is detachable as well. If a wing pylon is added, it is advisable it be coated in radar absorbant paint/materials as well as the missiles held on the pylons.
In the area of infrared stealth, the SAH-24 is king. Since the primary threat to helicopters is shoulder-launched, short-range infrared-guided missiles, the SAH-24 contains numerous heat-signature reducing systems. All along the tail assembly are heat dissipators, which take the engine's heat and dissipates it over a wide area, meaning, its a larger but much, much weaker heat signal to lock on to. The rotor assembly is air cooled, of course, and produces little heat. The vectored thrust systems are near infrared signature-less due to a series of dissipators and cooling systems on the helicopter's inside. Meaning the exhaust fired out the thrust vectoring ports and the side vents is hardly above the air temperature around it (especially at lower altitudes), meaning there's a much less chance of the missile getting a lock-on.
Advanced Countermeasures
The SAH-24 also maintains numerous countermeasures... One of which is housed in the lower fuselage-mounted targetting and countermeasures pod...
AFFC/SIRR-12 - This system uses a small radar system in the 'pod' to locate the incoming radar pulses of a radar-guided missile, it then fires its own radar pulses at a set frequency and size (determined from the missile's radar pulses). This confuses the enemy radar and usually causes it to believe that it has reached its target, it then explodes... The secondary portion of this countermeasures suite is its medium range (40km for this jamming) computer jamming system which can jam radars at their computer core and infrared systems. This usually proves very effective. Both of these systems are housed in the SB-TTJP-UF-2 self-sustainable system housing (pod on the underneath of the aircraft). Also located in this 'pod', is a selective jamming system that fires intense yet controlled pulses of electromagnetic disturbance towards the incoming missile (using the same small radar system)
Modularity
Due to the types of roles it must fill, this aircraft was meant to be modular. Meaning anything can be replaced or taken off to mission-specific guidelines. Examples are for reconaissance, the cannon can be removed as well as pylons, making it much stealthier. For anti-armor roles, cannon added as well as heavy pylons for even more munitions. And for air-to-air roles, cannon removed (or added) as well as the medium-duty pylons. Systems can be removed and replaced easily.
Modularity also helps in its maintenance. The SAH-24 was designed to not be a pain in the ass to field mechanics in the battlefield and it utilizes take-out/drop-in maintenance techniques, the affected equipment can be basically pulled out and replaced with minimal effort. Meaning, the mechanics can pull out ruined equipment, drop in new replacements, and then, while the helicopter is gone, fix the old one and when it comes back in, drop it back in and repair the other.
Systems:
These systems are both active and passive. Passive systems are used on reconaissance missions.
All systems that are connected to the pilot and WSO's helmets give them a wide field-of-view (35ox52o).
ASD-4: This suite includes all the information gathering equipment that one could possibly wish for, including radar, millimeter wave, infrared, optics, a laser rangefinder and nightvision. All those sensors are extremely resistant to jamming and countermeasures due to the short wavelength used, which bypasses all but the most advanced jamming devices with brute force. One of our unique features is the ability to track and determine the direction of incoming weapons fire by analyzing the disruption of the air particles then extrapolating the origin of the incoming bullets/missiles/etc. With a range of 20-24 km, depending on conditions, and the ability to track over 400 objects at the same time, we assure you that this helicopter will never be blind. This system built and designed by Exonerate. (Housed in fuselage)
ED-CMSQ-34A: Includes radar jammers, radar warning receivers, laser warning receivers, millimeter wave warning receivers, infrared countermeasures, and chaffs dispensers. These features will significantly increase the survivability of the helicopter by disrupting enemy communications, decreasing the detectability of the helicopter, and alerting the crew of incoming dangers. This system built and developed by Exonerate. The system was named by ARSB engineers but credit was given to Exonerate by putting the ED in the designation. (Housed in fuselage)
ARENA Mk. III: Scrambles enemy ATGM's radars and tracking systems. Also disables enemy jamming systems on missiles and aircraft, interferes with enemy radar and interferes with enemy tracking systems. (Housed in fuselage)
SB-AMRQ/R72- This system is the SAH-24A's advanced medium range radar. (Housed in fuselage)
SB-MMRQ/M8- Millimetric Radar (housed in the SB-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
SB-PRQ/P4- Passive Radar (Housed in fuselage)
SB-IIQ/FR9- Infrared (housed in the SB-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
SB-STQ/S81- Infrared Search and Track system (housed in the SB-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
AEISCN-02: Shares target information with other friendly units in the field along with other information, also allows friendly units in large numbers to make coordinated attacks through out the battlefield. Also allows friendly units to instantly reorganize into new squadrons and divisions for new assaults and also relays all information back to command. This system also checks in every 2 minutes (or shorter/longer; can be adjusted) with GPS and military satellites to update terrain and enemy movements. Also tracks and labels targets and sends their coordinates and readings through satellites and ground antennae to control centers, ground forces, air forces, and naval forces. AEICSN-02 also connected to the world-wide Soviet Bloc Offensive/Defensive Military Operations Net. (Housed in fuselage)
SB-ACDAMS-02: Anti-missile and countermeasure deployment system. Automatically launches countermeasures and scrambles enemy radar as well as providing the pilot with paths that provide a chance to out-maneauver the missile (not likely). If feature is engaged, when a certain missile threat level is detected (set in by pilot or CO) the helicopter can act on its own to effectively out-maneuver the missile through maneuvers a normal human could not even think of. Downside of this feature: May cause blackout of pilot due to excessive G-forces, if the pilot is found to be unconscious, the helicopter will act on its own until the pilot regains consciousness by heading for a friendly area and by engaging threatening targets.(Housed in fuselage)
AHUD-8CA: Advanced Heads-Up Display, displays all information about enemy unit including possible routes. Provides direct fire scenarios and target areas. Can be configured to cover entire window-area of cockpit. This system also utilizes the visor on the pilot/WSO's helmet. Using this, it can display all information on the pilot and WSO's helmet visors. The system also tracks the WSO's retina or head movements to move the mounted gun. To fire cannon, buttons are located on the pilot's collective and the WSO's weapon joysticks. (Housed in cockpit)
SB-AFCS/OG- Advanced Flight Control Systems, Optical Guided- Advanced system that uses high-intensity fiber optics for flight controls, allowing quicker, more effecient maneuvering and decreasing the weight by removing heavy copper and gold wiring. Is also quadruple redundant. It is also immune to electromagnetic pulses (Housed in fuselage)
SB-AEAS- Advanced Exhaust Assist System
FLIR, Laser Designator (housed on under-body hardpoints)
Also for survivability:
Infrared signature suppressors on engine manifold, exhuast ports ;
Radar warning receivers, advanced anti-missile equipment, rotor brakes, chaff&flares, IFF, infrared jammers.
SB-AHES/RES- Advanced Helicopter Ejection Seat/ Rotor Ejection System- In the event of a critical hit on the helicopter, the pilots can activate their ejection seats, which will signal the turbine to shut down, the rotor shaft to lock up at a certain point and eject the rotors down and away from the helicopter, leaving a clear path of exit for the ejection seats. After the rotors are ejected, the cockpits are blown off by explosive charges and the ejection seats are fired. The entire process takes roughly 3 seconds.
SB-AAHCS- Advanced Autonomous Helicopter Control System- In the event the pilot and WSO are killed or incapacitated, this feauture can be activated manually or automatically (in event of pilot and WSO death) to automatically pilot the helicopter. Granted, this 'robotic' helicopter is not quite as efficient or deadly as a human-piloted one, but if it weren't for this system the helicopter would be lying in pieces on the ground, so, in the end, this 'robotic' helicopter could prove useful. When this feuture is activated, the helicopter will continue on entered waypoints, track and engage enemy targets, and destroy objectives along a pre-entered waypoint path. If crews of multiple helicopters are killed but the helicopters are still in operating condition, this system automatically communicates with the other helicopters, trade target information, and set up attack plans. If a commanding officer does not want these pilot-less helicopters to engage targets on their own, they can be configured to return to the home airfield, preventing large amounts of time and money being spent on purchasing new helicopters, searching for crew members, cleaning up the pieces, and defending the crash site. Also, when configured, the helicopter with this feature can be operated by a crew that is at the home base, becoming an Unmanned Aerial Combat Vehicle of sorts, or controlled by other WSO's.
Armament:
Hardpoints: The SAH-24 has three internal bays. One on each side of the aircraft and one on the underside. Each side bay has the ability to hold up to six medium-sized missiles (such as Hellfires or our own ATM-15A anti-tank missiles). The bottom bay can hold up to 6 Hellfire-sized missiles or a sensors and recon suite. All side bays are covered by pneumatic, recessing panels. Also, two studs are located on each side about midsection, covered by access panels that allow the attachment of a weapons pylon, doubling the possible weapons loadout but also reducing speed and stealth ability. When a missile is selected to fire from one of the side bays, as soon as the button is depressed, the pneumatic doors are instantly recessed into the helicopter's body (unless they were already opened) and a sharp blast of compressed air is let out on the missile (after locks have disengaged) that shoots the missile out into the sky, fast enough to clear the helicopter and to a distance of about 30 yards, where the missile's rocket motor will engage.
Total possible weapons load-out (using the Hellfire as an example)- 18 Hellfire missiles (internally) and three externally (or add-on sensor suites in a shape that reduces RCS)
With optional (and easily removable/added) pylons (stub wings)- 18 Hellfire missiles (internally), 8 Hellfire missiles externally, 4 Stinger (or any other air to air munition) (Externally)
Cannon (can be easily removed): Located under nose on the under-nose hardpoint, outfitted for the SQB-32MX Twin-Barreled 30mm automatic cannon. The SQB-32MX can fire 3200 rounds per minute and has 1200 stored rounds in the ammunition canister mounted on the swivel system. The cannon can engage anything in front and below the helicopter and has an optical, infrared, and low-light (night-vision) system mounted on it which is then wired to the pilot or WSO's helmet. The system can also engage anything to the sides of the helicopter, anything to its negative rear, and anything at twenty degree positive angle to the sides and front.
Base specifications:
Number x Power, rated horsepower.
New SB-NGHTS-AAS-17AD Turbines
2 x 3,150
Vertical Climb Rate - 1050 feet per minute
Flight speed (at rated altitude: 1200 ft), mph:
Maximum dash speed (in IDEAL conditions) - 242 mph
cruise - 220 mph
Hovering ceiling, feet
14,100 feet
Service ceiling , feet
18,800 feet
Range:
465 nm Max Range (internal fuel)
1,460 nm self-deployment range
DIMENSIONS (w/o rotors), feet:
Length- 53 feet
Width- 11 feet
Height-14 feet
Main rotor diameter- 48 feet
Crew- 2 (pilot, WSO [Weapons Service Officer])
Cost- $18.9 million USD