Tyrandis
19-03-2005, 04:08
http://www.flightdailynews.com/paris2003/06_15/images/defence/dassault.jpg
RVQA-25 Bandit Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
History:
With the quantum leaps in the development and fielding of Air Defense Systems by various nations, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was contacted to develop a cost-effective replacement for the aging (and ailing) F-4G Phantom fighters that filled the dedicated SEAD role for the Imperial Air Force. Kotoko Aircraft Corporation responded to the call with the RVQA-25 'Bandit'.
The RVQA-25 is an extreme endurance, high-altitude Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, designed to detect, track, and destroy RADARs of any and all types using anti-radiation missiles, all the while remaining undetected through any form of sensor. It is fitted with the latest RHAW (RADAR Homing And Warning) suites, stealth measures, and control systems for this task. Effectively, the Bandit is invisible to all conventional forms of detection (RADAR, InfaRed, visual, ESM, etc.), making the aircraft virtually unstoppable in its role as a first-strike unit.
Technical Data:
Type: "Wild Weasel" (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) Unmanned Combat Platform
Contractor: Kotoko Aircraft Corporation
Personnel: None (excludes ground control crew)
Dimensions/Weights:
Wingspan - 70 ft
Length - 36 ft
Weight (Standard) - 12,450 lbs
Systems/Avionics
The RVQA-25 'Bandit' is remotely piloted from a Ground Control Station, a thirty foot mobile trailer containing pilot and payload operator consoles, three Data Exploitation and Mission Planning Consoles and two ISAR (inverse synthetic aperture) RADAR systems, together with satellite and LOS (line of sight) ground data terminals. The Ground Control Station can also transmit imagery and data gathered by the RVQA-25 via JTIDS to higher force command, if necessary.
Systems
EW/ARS-2 - RVQA-25's RADAR Homing and Warning system, mounted in the aircraft's fuselage. The ARS-2 first takes in the datastream from the Bandit's RADAR Warning Receiver, and analyzes the approximate range and direction based on the relative strength of the RADAR signals. The system is sensitive enough to locate RADAR emitters of most wavelengths (50 MHz+) and standard power within a half-degree of its actual location. It also correlates the munitions launch with target shut-down time, to verify kills with 99.9% accuracy.
AN/USI-1 - RADAR for the RVQA-25, which is an phased array, inverse synthetic apeture system, mounted in the aircraft's nose and a tail housing, with sufficient Moving Target Indicator capability to burn through 5th Generation stealth (F-22 level) at up to 200 kilometers. The AN/USI-1 is a No Probability of Interception system, meaning that the waveforms of the RADAR have a much longer pulse and lower amplitude, as well as a narrower beam and virtually no sidelobe radiation. The result of this waveform modification is that the AN/USI-1 is virtually undetectable by enemy ESM receivers, a critical element to the Bandit's SEAD role.
AZMTS-5 - Anti-Radiation Targeting System, fitted in the Bandit's nose. The AZMTS-5 coordinates target data gleaned from the EW/ARS-2 RHAW with the Bandit's onboard High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles, improving accuracy.
MSRE-1 - Laser-Optical sensor, mounted underneath the aircraft's fuselage in a small pod. The MSRE-1 is a full EO package that uses a ytterbium-doped fiber optic laser to scan a 8x8 degree sector in front of the aircraft. Capability-wise, it can find a one centimeter cable at a range of two kilometers, even in poor weather conditions, further improving Bandit weapons accuracy.
Vehicle Control
NACS Mk. II - Aircraft control system, composed of an advanced Fly-By-Light scheme that is made up of fiber-optic cables just nanometers thick. The NACS gives the Bandit far superior agility and manuverability to any legacy fly-by-wire system, thanks to the improved signal transfer speed that light offers. Furthermore, the NACS Mk. II renders the aircraft virtually immune to electro-magnetic interference, a problem that plagued FBW aircraft such as the GR.Mk.1 Tornado in service with Great Britain. The system binds all of the aeroelastic control surfaces, making the UCAV extremely manuverable.
AVLO "Chameleon" Smart Skin - This is a visual camouflage system that is meshed with the exterior carbon-nanotube skin. Through use of a number of minature photo-receptors that are mounted throughout the aircraft, the AVLO first takes in the overall color that surrounds the aircraft and processes it. It then transfers this data to the fiber-optics that are embedded in the aircraft's skin, which is manipulated by a separate computer. The AVLO then changes the color of these light-sensitive diodes to match the UCAV's surroundings, rendering the aircraft virtually invisible to the human eye against any neutral background (sky, ocean).
---
Stealth
Taking lessons from its previous stealth concepts such as the RADAR Absorbent Structure and NCPCAS-12 Active Cancellation System, Kotoko Aircraft Corporation manufactured the RVQA-25 Bandit for maximum Low-Observable performance.
RADAR -
The RVQA-25 'Bandit' employs technologies to significantly reduce RADAR Cross Section (RCS). RCS reduction represents the paramount feature considered in Kotoko Aircraft Corporation's design. To reduce RCS, the Bandit employs a geometrically based radar dispersing configuration, mimicking the American F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. Developed utilizing computational RCS modeling, the configuration employs facets approximated by curvelinear, polynomial sections. Ultimate RCS reduction for the RVQA-25, however, is dependent upon a combination of RAS construction, internal shaping and the implementation of the NCPCAS-12 Active Stealth System.
NCPCAS-12 Active Stealth System
Between the external bandpass skins and the internal graphite hull backed by an alloy geodetic structure is a cavity. Within this cavity a low temperature plasma is achieved. This plasma, as manipulated by the RVQA-25’s computer driven self-protection network, provides an unparalleled level of active stealth technology whereby incoming RADAR energy is substantially disrupted such that return signal is reduced to undetectable levels or chaotic, undecipherable signals. Rather than rely solely upon shaping, the technology adapts to frequency and bandwidth, allowing maximum low observance performance against all air-to-air and ground based RADAR types alike.
RADAR Absorbent Structure (RAS)
The RVQA-25 takes the RAM concept a step further, creating what the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency calls a “Radar Absorbent Structure”. The frame is manufactured of honeycombed Kevlar sections, treated with a proprietary glaze based on carbon, and then bonded to reinforced carbon-carbon skins on its front and back, creating a rigid panel. The honeycombs are three centimeters in length, and incoming RADAR waves are absorbed. The RAS panels are integral to the Bandit's construction. Testing of the RAS indicated that the material could dependably absorb RADAR of all frequencies higher than 10 MHz, giving the UCAV a cross-section of 0.0001 sq meters.
Infared -
Reduction of IR emissions is achieved through the use of a dedicated engine bay cooling/IR signature reduction system, as well as the use of an advanced thermal gel in the engines. Also, an advanced IR suppression system is mounted inside the airframe itself. The design feature provides IR suppressors that are built into the exhaust, providing ample length for complete and efficient mixing of engine exhaust and cooling air flowing through inlets above the tail.
The RVQA-25 also features IR reduction by using its two vertical control surfaces to shield the exhaust pipes from view by opposing sensors. It also dumps what little airframe heat it generates into the fuel, a technique copied from the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaisance plane.
Sound -
To achieve acoustic signature reduction, the UCAV features Active Frequency Damping (AFD) and comparable active noise control systems.
---
Airframe:
The RVQA-25 Bandit is constructed of as few metals as possible, to keep its RADAR cross-section at a minimum. It is constructed mostly of reinforced carbon-carbon, an immensely strong and heat-resistant material. RCC is creates by baking and carbonizing a titanium matrix containing carbon fiber. It also absorbs RADAR energy very well, an added virtue indeed. The exterior is a composite sandwich of a polylanaline derivative, carbon fiber, and titanium intended to withstand fire from a standard 30mm gun, such as a Gsh cannon.
Powerplant:
In the struggle to make the RVQA-25 as difficult a sensor target as possible, it uses a single nonafterburning TC-167 turboprop.
Range:
1,750 kilometres
Maximum Speed:
High subsonic (Mach 0.8)
Ceiling:
Classified, though released data confirms 73,000+ ft above sea level
Armament:
2x High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles, mounted underneath the RVQA-25's fuselage.
Price for Export:
Initial cost of 50 million USD for each control station
10.5 million USD for the aircraft itself
RVQA-25 Bandit Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle
History:
With the quantum leaps in the development and fielding of Air Defense Systems by various nations, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency was contacted to develop a cost-effective replacement for the aging (and ailing) F-4G Phantom fighters that filled the dedicated SEAD role for the Imperial Air Force. Kotoko Aircraft Corporation responded to the call with the RVQA-25 'Bandit'.
The RVQA-25 is an extreme endurance, high-altitude Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, designed to detect, track, and destroy RADARs of any and all types using anti-radiation missiles, all the while remaining undetected through any form of sensor. It is fitted with the latest RHAW (RADAR Homing And Warning) suites, stealth measures, and control systems for this task. Effectively, the Bandit is invisible to all conventional forms of detection (RADAR, InfaRed, visual, ESM, etc.), making the aircraft virtually unstoppable in its role as a first-strike unit.
Technical Data:
Type: "Wild Weasel" (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) Unmanned Combat Platform
Contractor: Kotoko Aircraft Corporation
Personnel: None (excludes ground control crew)
Dimensions/Weights:
Wingspan - 70 ft
Length - 36 ft
Weight (Standard) - 12,450 lbs
Systems/Avionics
The RVQA-25 'Bandit' is remotely piloted from a Ground Control Station, a thirty foot mobile trailer containing pilot and payload operator consoles, three Data Exploitation and Mission Planning Consoles and two ISAR (inverse synthetic aperture) RADAR systems, together with satellite and LOS (line of sight) ground data terminals. The Ground Control Station can also transmit imagery and data gathered by the RVQA-25 via JTIDS to higher force command, if necessary.
Systems
EW/ARS-2 - RVQA-25's RADAR Homing and Warning system, mounted in the aircraft's fuselage. The ARS-2 first takes in the datastream from the Bandit's RADAR Warning Receiver, and analyzes the approximate range and direction based on the relative strength of the RADAR signals. The system is sensitive enough to locate RADAR emitters of most wavelengths (50 MHz+) and standard power within a half-degree of its actual location. It also correlates the munitions launch with target shut-down time, to verify kills with 99.9% accuracy.
AN/USI-1 - RADAR for the RVQA-25, which is an phased array, inverse synthetic apeture system, mounted in the aircraft's nose and a tail housing, with sufficient Moving Target Indicator capability to burn through 5th Generation stealth (F-22 level) at up to 200 kilometers. The AN/USI-1 is a No Probability of Interception system, meaning that the waveforms of the RADAR have a much longer pulse and lower amplitude, as well as a narrower beam and virtually no sidelobe radiation. The result of this waveform modification is that the AN/USI-1 is virtually undetectable by enemy ESM receivers, a critical element to the Bandit's SEAD role.
AZMTS-5 - Anti-Radiation Targeting System, fitted in the Bandit's nose. The AZMTS-5 coordinates target data gleaned from the EW/ARS-2 RHAW with the Bandit's onboard High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles, improving accuracy.
MSRE-1 - Laser-Optical sensor, mounted underneath the aircraft's fuselage in a small pod. The MSRE-1 is a full EO package that uses a ytterbium-doped fiber optic laser to scan a 8x8 degree sector in front of the aircraft. Capability-wise, it can find a one centimeter cable at a range of two kilometers, even in poor weather conditions, further improving Bandit weapons accuracy.
Vehicle Control
NACS Mk. II - Aircraft control system, composed of an advanced Fly-By-Light scheme that is made up of fiber-optic cables just nanometers thick. The NACS gives the Bandit far superior agility and manuverability to any legacy fly-by-wire system, thanks to the improved signal transfer speed that light offers. Furthermore, the NACS Mk. II renders the aircraft virtually immune to electro-magnetic interference, a problem that plagued FBW aircraft such as the GR.Mk.1 Tornado in service with Great Britain. The system binds all of the aeroelastic control surfaces, making the UCAV extremely manuverable.
AVLO "Chameleon" Smart Skin - This is a visual camouflage system that is meshed with the exterior carbon-nanotube skin. Through use of a number of minature photo-receptors that are mounted throughout the aircraft, the AVLO first takes in the overall color that surrounds the aircraft and processes it. It then transfers this data to the fiber-optics that are embedded in the aircraft's skin, which is manipulated by a separate computer. The AVLO then changes the color of these light-sensitive diodes to match the UCAV's surroundings, rendering the aircraft virtually invisible to the human eye against any neutral background (sky, ocean).
---
Stealth
Taking lessons from its previous stealth concepts such as the RADAR Absorbent Structure and NCPCAS-12 Active Cancellation System, Kotoko Aircraft Corporation manufactured the RVQA-25 Bandit for maximum Low-Observable performance.
RADAR -
The RVQA-25 'Bandit' employs technologies to significantly reduce RADAR Cross Section (RCS). RCS reduction represents the paramount feature considered in Kotoko Aircraft Corporation's design. To reduce RCS, the Bandit employs a geometrically based radar dispersing configuration, mimicking the American F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. Developed utilizing computational RCS modeling, the configuration employs facets approximated by curvelinear, polynomial sections. Ultimate RCS reduction for the RVQA-25, however, is dependent upon a combination of RAS construction, internal shaping and the implementation of the NCPCAS-12 Active Stealth System.
NCPCAS-12 Active Stealth System
Between the external bandpass skins and the internal graphite hull backed by an alloy geodetic structure is a cavity. Within this cavity a low temperature plasma is achieved. This plasma, as manipulated by the RVQA-25’s computer driven self-protection network, provides an unparalleled level of active stealth technology whereby incoming RADAR energy is substantially disrupted such that return signal is reduced to undetectable levels or chaotic, undecipherable signals. Rather than rely solely upon shaping, the technology adapts to frequency and bandwidth, allowing maximum low observance performance against all air-to-air and ground based RADAR types alike.
RADAR Absorbent Structure (RAS)
The RVQA-25 takes the RAM concept a step further, creating what the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency calls a “Radar Absorbent Structure”. The frame is manufactured of honeycombed Kevlar sections, treated with a proprietary glaze based on carbon, and then bonded to reinforced carbon-carbon skins on its front and back, creating a rigid panel. The honeycombs are three centimeters in length, and incoming RADAR waves are absorbed. The RAS panels are integral to the Bandit's construction. Testing of the RAS indicated that the material could dependably absorb RADAR of all frequencies higher than 10 MHz, giving the UCAV a cross-section of 0.0001 sq meters.
Infared -
Reduction of IR emissions is achieved through the use of a dedicated engine bay cooling/IR signature reduction system, as well as the use of an advanced thermal gel in the engines. Also, an advanced IR suppression system is mounted inside the airframe itself. The design feature provides IR suppressors that are built into the exhaust, providing ample length for complete and efficient mixing of engine exhaust and cooling air flowing through inlets above the tail.
The RVQA-25 also features IR reduction by using its two vertical control surfaces to shield the exhaust pipes from view by opposing sensors. It also dumps what little airframe heat it generates into the fuel, a technique copied from the SR-71 Blackbird reconnaisance plane.
Sound -
To achieve acoustic signature reduction, the UCAV features Active Frequency Damping (AFD) and comparable active noise control systems.
---
Airframe:
The RVQA-25 Bandit is constructed of as few metals as possible, to keep its RADAR cross-section at a minimum. It is constructed mostly of reinforced carbon-carbon, an immensely strong and heat-resistant material. RCC is creates by baking and carbonizing a titanium matrix containing carbon fiber. It also absorbs RADAR energy very well, an added virtue indeed. The exterior is a composite sandwich of a polylanaline derivative, carbon fiber, and titanium intended to withstand fire from a standard 30mm gun, such as a Gsh cannon.
Powerplant:
In the struggle to make the RVQA-25 as difficult a sensor target as possible, it uses a single nonafterburning TC-167 turboprop.
Range:
1,750 kilometres
Maximum Speed:
High subsonic (Mach 0.8)
Ceiling:
Classified, though released data confirms 73,000+ ft above sea level
Armament:
2x High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles, mounted underneath the RVQA-25's fuselage.
Price for Export:
Initial cost of 50 million USD for each control station
10.5 million USD for the aircraft itself