NationStates Jolt Archive


Sea Spectre FA.1, FA.2

Isselmere
07-12-2004, 21:36
New from Detmerian Aerospace!

Sea Spectre FA.1, FA.2

The Sea Spectre is the first indigenous military design from Detmerian Aerospace, plc (formerly Fennerby Aerotechnics). The multi-role version of this fighter is an impressive, modern design offering superb role flexibility, extreme manoeuvrability, and stunning stores-carrying versatility.

Flight control is entirely electro-mechanical and managed by three computers. The wing offers the best compromise between low level performance with its naturally high wing loading (at clean take-off, 376 kg/m2), while the mid-range aspect ratio adaptive wing ensures high lift and superlative roll-rates. Canards attached to the leading edge extensions (LEX) improve roll and pitch rates further, as do the three-dimensional thrust vectoring engines. The canards serve to lower landing speeds to a modest 115 kt., while the engines provide exceptional response in case you need to bolter or to surprise your enemies. Even better, the two ATG-8 engines enable the Sea Spectre to cruise at supersonic speeds, saving fuel during engagements while minimising detection when conducting interception or interdiction missions.

The engines are well protected from detection. The intakes wind to baffle radar reflections from the turbine blades, while cool air bled through vents into the final stages of the exhaust lower its temperature minimising the IR signature.

The airframe in its clean state possesses few angles that would increase the Sea Spectre's radar cross-section (RCS) and is made, insofar as possible, of radar absorbent materials (RAM). While the conformal stations aren't as stealthy as internal bays, the latter was found too space-intensive and insufficiently versatile, whereas the increased drag and RCS from the conformal stations was found too slight to impair stealthy operations. Lightweight, high strength composites mean a lightweight frame able to carry a heavy load to target as well as sustain heavy damage and still return to base.

Seven hardpoints and six missile stations are provided, all stressed to sustain at least 6-g sustained. There are two wingtip stations for short-range air-to-air missiles or additional light equipment. The missiles are located under the station, permitting the widest field of reception for the radar warning and laser warning receivers (RWR and LWR). Three hardpoints are under each wing. The two stations inboard of the wing-fold are plumbed for fuel tanks as well as a wide variety of arms. Four conformal stations are located under the fuselage for missiles, additional navigational equipment (such as LANTIRN pods), imaging and designation pods, and countermeasures. The centreline station can support buddy-buddy refueling equipment, a large ferry tank, or a large anti-ship missile like the GWS.52A Pelican.

Internally, the Sea Spectre carries a 30mm cannon with a revolving chamber developed by the Royal Arsenal of Isselmere-Nieland (RAIN). Though the single-barrelled 30mm cannon may not fire as quickly as a Gatling-style gun, every hit it makes is much more powerful. The revolving chamber mechanism also permits a higher rate of fire than most single-barrelled cannons.

The main sensor suite of the Sea Spectre is comprised of the ARG.231 Hel radar and the AAS.233 infra-red sensor. The Hel radar is a multifunction synthetic aperture radar system capable of long range detection of over 90nm (167km+) and tracking of more than twenty-four aerial and surface targets as well as serving as a passive receiver for friendly and enemy radars permitting the Sea Spectre to engage in undetected attacks. Its ability to jump frequencies means the Hel radar allows the Sea Spectre to avoid detection while array itself offers only a minute RCS. The ARG.231 can also serve as a powerful jammer over its own waveband while being strong enough to burn through most ECM at a reasonable range. The AAS.233 IR sensor located in front of the cockpit enables passive detection and prosecution of targets whether in conjunction with the ARG.231 or alone.

Both systems, in combination with the helmet mounted targetting sight (HMTS), permit off boresight engagement of targets allowing your pilots to strike at the enemy wherever they see them. A 21cm x 21cm heads-up display (HUD) delivers similar information to the HMTS, indicating exhaust nozzle positioning, fuel state, navigational information, and expected time on target.

The wing-folds each contain one fibre-optic towed countermeasure (ALQ.212 Cuckoo) to defeat surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles. The fuselage supports four sixteen-cell countermeasure ejectors for chaff and flares. The Sea Spectre’s ECM and ESM suite comprises of the ALR.217 Sif RWR system, the ALR.218 LWR, the ALR.220 launch detection system, and the ALQ.221 self-protection jammer. These systems are tied into the AEQ.239 threat management system which may operate automatically or in conjunction with pilot input. The ALQ.221 may be used in connection with the Sea Spectre’s ARG.231 Hel radar which can operate as a powerful jammer over its waveband to thwart enemy air defences over extremely long ranges.

The Sea Spectre is fitted with an in-flight refueling probe.

Characteristics
Crew: (FA.1): 1; (FA.2): 2, pilot and radar operator/weapons system operator
Wings: span: 13.2m; folded width: 10m; area: 56.02 m2
Fuselage: length: 19.45m; height: 4.96m
Powerplant: 2 x Isselmere Motor Works ATG-8 (140 kN max. (31,474 lb st) max. a/b, 88 kN max. dry (19,784 lb st) each)
Mass: Empty: 14,758 kg (32,541 lb); Clean take-off: 21,082 kg (46,487 lb); Maximum take-off: 32,582 kg (71,830 lb)
Performance: Operational maximum velocity at altitude Mach 2.54, velocity in supercruise Mach 1.62; Standard maximum velocity (clean, at altitude): 2,500 km/h, (clean, sea level): 1,428 km/h; Range (maximum, at altitude): 3,800 km; (maximum, at low altitude): 1,475 km; Service ceiling: 20,000 m (65,617 ft)
Payload: maximum: 11,500 kg (25,353 lb)
Hardpoints/Stations: 13; 2 wingtip stations (175 kg), 2 outboard of wing-fold (570 kg), 4 inboard of wing-fold (2,500 kg), 4 conformal fuselage stations (250 kg), centreline (2,500 kg).
Fuel fraction: 0.30
Thrust loading: maximum: 1.35 (clean) – 0.88 (max. load); military: 0.85 (clean) – 0.55 (max. load)
Wing loading: 376 kg/m2 clean take-off; 582 kg/m2 maximum take-off
Cost: $54 million
Isselmere
09-12-2004, 01:08
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