NationStates Jolt Archive


ooc: Helicopter interest thread

No endorse
26-03-2005, 05:31
This is just an interest thread. I'm thinking about making a line of specialty helicopters.
They'd include:

-Pocket light gunships for tight city fighting
They are light and modular, but little range. They are designed to have good lift, but not much speed, as faster craft would hit buildings in the areas these craft operate in. They have one main cannon on a swivel turret (M230 Automatic Gun (http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/aircraft/systems/m230.htm) I think), and may or may not have mounts for an extremely limited amount of missiles. Their size allows for a skilled pilot to go between buildings (think of the choppers in the Godzilla in New York movie), and their low speed allows for a much more stable field of fire and for easier maneuvering in such spaces. The airframe will present a small target, and the IR emissions will be less as the engines are smaller than most. The emissions will hopefully broken up by the close buildings too.
(Based on Schweitzer 300 series, McDonnell Douglas MD 500/530 series, etc)

-Medium gunships for standard operations
These are good strike helicopters, and are decent fire support. Pretty much same mission designation as their RL counterparts. Only difference is that there has been a significant upgrading to get them up to 2005 standards, and some designs have been modified to compensate for deficiencies noted in current designs.
(Based on Kawasaki OH-1, AH1, AH64, etc)

-Heavy gunships for support fire
These are modified versions of standard heavy lift helicopters, with better sensor suites and modified engine arrays to increase speed. They are mounted with excessive weaponry, and their speed and maneuverability shows it despite their upgraded engines. Best for support during sieges and protecting absurdly large installations popular in NS. They can be used as assault platforms, but need escort.
(Based on Mi-6 'Hook,' Boeing CH-47 Chinook, etc)

-Speed gunships
These are high speed helicopters made for precision strikes. They will have light armor and weaponry, but will be comparatively stealthy and fast, able to fly under radar.

I'm thinking of making one where the rotors actually stop spinning when a certain speed is reached, and lock down in a low drag position. They can be restarted by the pilot when the craft nears the target. While cruising, a turbofan jet powers the craft forwards, and stub wings provide the necessary lift. This is a lightly armed single-seat helicopter, and has limited range and lift. It has almost no maneuverability at high speeds, but the tail is shaped to operate like an airplane's tail at high speeds. Flaps are mounted on the tail spar, allowing for altitude changes in cruise mode. Communications is top notch and the radar suite is quite advanced, in order to coordinate attacks with significant flexibility.
(Will be custom, as I don't know of any choppers of this type that have been made)

-Support platforms:
Fire support/tracking platform
A helicopter with extensive sensor suites. Armament is extremely limited, but range is good. Think a helicopter version of a JSTAR.
(Will again be custom, as I don’t know of a helicopter with such abilities, probably a modified troop carrier)

This is just an interest thread. If you’re interested, then please post here by all means. Comments/suggestions? Please post here too! This will be my first time making custom craft. ^_^
No endorse
26-03-2005, 05:54
bump lol
Democratic Colonies
26-03-2005, 06:00
-Medium gunships for standard operations
These are good strike helicopters, and are decent fire support. Pretty much same mission designation as their RL counterparts. Only difference is that there has been a significant upgrading to get them up to 2005 standards, and some designs have been modified to compensate for deficiencies noted in current designs.
(Based on Kawasaki OH-1, AH1, AH64, etc)


OOC:
I would be interested if you were to sell some kind of upgrade kit for this type of thing. If a new helicopter is based on an older airframe, like an AH-64, then it might be possible to retrofit an AH-64D Longbow to whatever specifications you come up with for the newer design, yes? My nation would be interested in purchasing domestic production rights to some kind of upgrade kit that would upgrade our AH-64 Apaches from thier current specs up to newer levels.
No endorse
26-03-2005, 06:10
I would be interested if you were to sell some kind of upgrade kit for this type of thing. If a new helicopter is based on an older airframe, like an AH-64, then it might be possible to retrofit an AH-64D Longbow to whatever specifications you come up with for the newer design, yes? My nation would be interested in purchasing domestic production rights to some kind of upgrade kit that would upgrade our AH-64 Apaches from thier current specs up to newer levels.

I don't see why this wouldn't be possible. The only problems would arise in models with major airframe differences. It would be quite expensive though, as the sensor suite, comm array, and possibly even weapons systems and engine array will be upgraded. Most models will probably not include airframe changes, so this will be possible for some. I'm planning on having the light gunships be essentially the same, but with weapons and armor. (you can't do much with craft as small as a Schweizer 300 after all, but they fit places a Commanche wouldn't even dare for a fraction of the price)

The AH-64 airframe is still a good airframe, the systems need a bit of a modernization, but overall it's still a fine craft. Most in US service are old (some have seen both Gulf wars I believe), but built new they would be good helicopters. I'll be sure to look into the idea of an upgrade kit ^_^
Democratic Colonies
26-03-2005, 06:20
I'll be sure to look into the idea of an upgrade kit ^_^

Thank you. To be honest, the main reason I'd be interested in purchasing production rights to an upgrade kit is that I haven't actually taken the time to figure out how many attack helicopters I should have IC. I've RPed my nation operating AH-64 varients in the past, but I really have no idea how many I should have IC. And, while it is a less important point, using an upgraded AH-64 would allow me (and you for that matter) to just use pictures of an AH-64 if we want to show what the upgraded varient looked like, unless there are radical airframe alterations.
No endorse
26-03-2005, 06:39
Eh, the first few won't have major alterations (still getting the hang of this... I'm figuring out models still lol), but the AH-64 doesn't need a lot frame-wise. It needs a bit of a sensor, nav, and comm upgrade, and possibly even a good once over the engine array, but the basic frame is great!
Hammers Slammers
26-03-2005, 18:59
OOC: What about Kiowa variants, it's a bretty good platform to start with, and the Kiowa would make the pocket and speed gunships extremely easy to make. Also the HU2 is a very good heavy gunship, despite it's age. The medium gunship could use a Blackhawk's "Nightstalker" variant as it's base rather well, the "Nighthawk" could also be used, but its light armament isn't quite up to the task from my perspective.
No endorse
26-03-2005, 19:29
OOC: What about Kiowa variants, it's a bretty good platform to start with, and the Kiowa would make the pocket and speed gunships extremely easy to make. Also the HU2 is a very good heavy gunship, despite it's age. The medium gunship could use a Blackhawk's "Nightstalker" variant as it's base rather well, the "Nighthawk" could also be used, but its light armament isn't quite up to the task from my perspective.

So it's the:
Kiowa
HU2 (Do you mean the UH2, AKA SH2? This is the SH2 Seasprite, ASW and anti-ship platform. Is a nice platform for sea warfare, but not really a land/air combatant.)
Blackhawk Nightstalker
Nighthawk

I'll be sure to look into these! There'll be more than one type of helicopter in each class (as having only one type of weapon is a good way to get owned by a diversified force)
Hammers Slammers
26-03-2005, 19:34
I just realized I messed up, it's suppsed to be UH2 not HU2, it's the vietnam era super huey transport\support gunship
No endorse
27-03-2005, 03:19
I'm not familiar with the Super Huey... do you have a link for it? I have the UH1 Huey, but that only carries:

one of:
-M-240 7.62mm machine gun
-GAU-16 .50 caliber machine gun
-GAU-17 7.62mm automatic gun

plus one of:
-two 7-shot 2.75" rocket pods
-two 19-shot 2.75" rocket pods

One chaingun and two rocket pods is respectible, and the speed and cargo/passenger abilities are excellent, but the armor is too light. Seriously, men wore "Chicken Plates" (or some different bird... like a turkey or something... I forget), or a slab of armor on their chests to provide some sembalence of protection. It'd need a lot of work.
Armed Military States
27-03-2005, 05:26
Hello everyone,

I would like to invite all of you to experience our budding Helicopter Market. Below are two models to choose from. This offer includes a 2 year, $5 billion contract for the order of 1,200 rotary aircraft (helicopters), made for both civilian and military purposes. Your choices are as follows:

Civilian models:

STC Stargazer Mach 1:
A light helicopter, wieghing at only 3 tons each, this aircraft is extensively used throughout the AMS's airspace for both private and public use. Quick, manuverable, and gas-friendly, this craft is powered by one 2,100 hp twin-turbo 2-bladed rotary prop, with room for 5-6 people. It also comes with multible privacy/luxury options, ranging from the Base Model (Mach 1-BSE) to the Luxury Model (Mach 1-LXY)*, and finally the Executive Model (Mach 1-EXM)*.

Top Speed: 150 mph
Max. Altitude: 8,200 feet (not recommended)
Range: 500 miles
Cost: $120,000 (Base), $170,000 (Luxury), $213,000 (Executive)**
Maximum weight available to carry: 2 tons
Crew: 2

*NOTE: Models also come with optional landing-gear options (wheels, struts, etc.)

**NOTE: All prices shown are "when sold separately from the contracted offer").



SDR Skyliner C.T.C.:
The SDR Skyliner C.T.C. (Civilian-Troop-Cargo) aircraft is a huge, slow, but powerful helicopter, designed for your specific needs. This is the work horse of the helicopter industry. An extremely sucessful design, the Skyliner can be agumented for Civilian Transport, Military Troop Transport, or special Cargo Hauling Transports. Very Powerful, the copter is powered by two, three-bladed rotars, with each powered by a 13,000 hp Twin Turbo GMC Engine. While extremely versatile and useful, be warned: this aircraft is slow and bulky by Copter standards. Weighing in at 60 tons, it is easy to see why this is so. Please note, that Military Variants are NOT available to the general public. Military Variants are extremely versatile, and can be converted from a troop transporter to a Flying Fortress in just a matter of an hour.*

Top Speed: 115 mph
Max. Altitude: 10,000 feet
Range: 700 miles
Max. Wieght available to carry: 30 tons
Crew: 3-4 (Depending on specifications/needs)
Number of people available to carry: 30**
Cost: $3.7 million per craft*** (when sold separately from contracted offer).

*NOTE: Results depend on the number of people working on the aircraft, and what weapons/equipment is used.

**NOTE: Depends on Variant and people/equipment used.

***NOTE: Prices may vary, depending on model or customer specifications.


That is all for now. I will be sure to include more if you are interested. We also have a huge line of Military Aircraft available, along with many more Civilian Transports. Contact me for more information.

-Regards,

Morgan Hasek Davion
Marshal of the Armies, acting Leader of AMS
Strathdonia
27-03-2005, 12:49
A couple of thoughts for you:

The next gen light armed recon helos for the US army (currently in early bidding phase) are porbabaly going to be a MD 530/littlebird based development (personally i would go for the 900 explorer) or a development of the bell 407
http://www.aviationnews.com.au/News_Stories/News_Story_Images/Bell%20ARH%203-4%20Front-lowres.jpg
For a super cheap base model the Robinson R44 is hard to beat, the various small eurocopters are also worth looking at (EC120, the various Ecuriel/fennec models) but for total left feild stuff the is the Romaian IAR 317 Airfox (got to love those romainians and their ability to turn both alouettes and pumas into gunships)
http://avia.russian.ee/vertigo/iar-317-r.html


As for your helicopter version of the JSTARS platform there is the french Cougar horizon
http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/horizon/
No endorse
30-03-2005, 05:42
Thanks! I'll be sure to look into these! I don't have any stats out yet for anything, as I'm still figuring things like armor schemes, airspeed, armor, and the like, but I'm getting a good idea of what copters would fit (with modification) into each class!