Soviet Bloc
08-05-2005, 00:24
SAH-27A "Peregrine" Next Generation Attack Helicopter
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Chlevenkov/SAH-27AIII.png
The SAH-27A Peregrine has a sole purpose on the battlefield... To descend upon its prey like a famished hawk on a scurrying rabbit, at speed unmatched, and tearing the animal to shreds before its prey has even realized what has occured. The scene is the same, the powerful, graceful SAH-27A descending upon and ultimately wiping the poor, pathetic, scurrying rabbit of an opponent from the face of this earth and to whatever realm they believe exists after death. That is their sole piece of solace in an encounter with this bird of prey, for they will not be given mercy, compassion, or a quick demise, instead they shall be given a time of pure suffering and pain, of which they will contemplate and brood on why the hell they ever decided to take arms against the Armed Republic.
Armed with a ferocious twin-barreled 30mm SQB-32MX automatic cannon, and the ability to carry ATGMs, air-to-air missiles, electronics packages, guided bombs, and additional fuel tanks, the SAH-27A provides a new dimension to the helicopter doctrine, the ability to dominate both air and ground targets with a ferocity unmatched by dozens of other attack helicopters. The SAH-27A, within itself, has the confined power of a flight of attack helicopters, its immeasurable power waiting to be unleashed upon an enemy of the Armed Republic, an enemy with a sudden urge to experience death, first-hand, and that lacks the determination or knowledge to survive. Because, against the SAH-27A, there will be no survivors, a one-sided slaughter where the SAH-27A will prevail, a victor amid the horrors of war, death, and destruction, standing proud, above its brethren, for the SAH-27A is the next generation.
Propulsion
The SAH-27A utilizes twin fully enshrouded, fully armor protected SB-TFM/HT-TP2 turbines each producing some 3,450 horsepower, capable of propelling the helicopter to the absolute maximum for helicopter design, roughly two hundred and fifty miles per hour (250 MPH). However, the notable features of the propulsion system for the SAH-27A does not end there, included is the advanced No Trail Rotor - Vector Assist [NTRVA] counter-torque system. Instead of using a conventional tail rotor, or in the case of other no tail rotor systems, twin counter-rotating rotors, instead uses a vent and duct system to utilize exhaust and vectored thrust to counteract the torque in a safer, more efficient way, reducing the mechanical complexity of a rear rotor, and reducing the sheer complexity of having twin counter-rotating rotors.
Aside from that, the SAH-27 also utilizes the Advanced Helicopter Vectored Thrust System [AHVTS], a comprehensive horizontal and vertical plane movement assist system. To make the helicopter even more manueverable, the SAH-27A sports a second series of exhaust ports that are connected to an engine thrust vectoring system, giving the SAH-27 the ability redirect its engine-produced thrust behind it, at angles, to the sides, or even forward to a small degree. This allows for the unparalleled manuevering properties of the SAH-27A and gives the helicopter an ability no other can match: side-ways 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-27A can move at nearly ninety miles per hour sideways and even faster moving at an angle. All of these features combine to make it supremely maneuverable.
An armored drop down shutter prevents shrapnel or debris from entering the engine through the side vents.
Using the sideways movement noted above and the SAH-27As primary avionics computer, the SAH-27A can execute maneuvers never once possible for a helicopter. Using the side vents and their secondary up/down thrust vectoring system, the SAH-27A 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).
Design
The SAH-27A was designed to survive and kill, pure and simple. Everything about her is survival... Specific survivability features include titanium armor plated cockpit, redundant flight control system separated by fuel tanks, manual reversion mode for flight controls, foam filled fuel tanks, ballistic foam void fillers, and a redundant primary structure providing “get home” capability after being hit. The reason the engines are located above the fuselage [and not hanging out the side] is to reduce the chance of a hit on either engine.
All of the aircraft's glass are bulletproof and the cockpit itself is surrounded by a heavy tub of titanium with a reinforcing kevlar layer and a layer of carbon whiskers. Titanium armor protects both the pilot/WSO team and critical areas of the flight control system. Fire retardant foam protects the fuel cells which are also self sealing in the event of puncture.
The redundant primary structural sections allow the aircraft to enjoy better survivability during close air support. Seperation of all of the crucial battle and flight systems. The wheels poke out of the aircraft which lets the helicopter perform emergency landings without significant damage to the aircraft [wheels automatically deploy a small amount when damage control systems activate, also automatically deploy in rapid descents (unless disengaged by pilot)]. Dual engines are mounted above the aircraft's fuselage with enough space in between that in the event of a fire on one engine it doesn't spread to the other (an emergency freon extinguisher system is also present to prevent that from happening); if one is destroyed, the other can propel the craft to safety. This redundancy allows the pilot to control a battle damaged SAH-27, even after losing all hydraulic power. Furthermore, redundant primary structural and control surfaces enhance survivability.
Stealth
The SAH-27A was built with stealth in mind. Its shape allows for the scattering of most radar signals away from any receiver in any direction. It was also coated with radar absorbing materials. Its weapons are held internally to minimize RCS (at least for some missions) and its main cannon is detachable as it presents a considerable cross-section when present. If a wing pylon is added, it is coated in radar absorbant material and produced from a carbon fibre composite, transparent to radar. All external obstructions are coated in RAM and produced from carbon fibre composite.
In the area of infrared stealth, the SAH-27A is king. Since the primary threat to helicopters is shoulder-launched, short-range infrared-guided missiles, the SAH-27A 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.
Armament
The SAH-27A was designed, as a base helicopter, to be fairly stealthy while providing ample weapons ability. However, the stealthy version lacked the sincere punch of a dedicated attack helicopter so the helicopter was modified to accept additional weapons pylons, making it a truly lethal force on the battlefield.
Within the SAH-27A, there are two dedicated air-to-air missile bays capable of each housing two medium/small air to air missiles [equivalent to an FIM-92 Stinger] in a side-by-side magazine format (when one is fired it is quickly dispensed and the second missile slides into the first's position. Aside from the two dedicated air-to-air bays, there are two other internal bays, each can hold three medium or large sized munitions [equivalent to a Hellfire or other ATGM]. When an ATGM is selected to fire from one of the ATGM bays and the button is depressed, pneumatic doors which cover the bays are instantly recessed into the helicopter's body [unless already opened] and a sharp blast of compressed air, assisted by a mechanical arm, propels the missile from the bay [after locks have been disengaged] fast enough to where the missile clears the helicopter and out to a distance of roughly thirty yards where the missile's rocket motor will engage, propelling it to its target.
Besides the internal hardpoints, the SAH-27A maintains three external hardpoints for the additions of bombs, rocket pods, additional cannonry, electronics, camera/recon devices, or external fuel tanks. However, two of the hardpoints [on the sides] are required when adding the stub wings, which do carry gear which can allow for the addition of electronics, additional fuel tanks, etc.
When modified for a gunship or anti-tank role, the SAH-27A can be outfitted with two stub wings, each providing two pylons and a wingtip point to carry as manny as eighteen additional missiles [two air-to-air (wingtip), sixteen ATGM (in four-missile pods on each pylon)].
One interesting note of this aircraft is its mini-turret, the AS/ET-15A, which houses three sensors: electro-optical, thermal, and a laser system. The turret can rotate a full 360 degrees and track/target effectively anything. The system is wired directly into the weapons service officer, who translates all targetting data into readable data to be consumed by the pilot. The WSO can operate the turret, rotating it and locating targets using the optical sensor or thermal sensor for low light conditions. He can then designate that target with a laser, in order to guide in other aircraft, attack helicopters, or to guide his SAH-27A's own launched laser guided munition. An example would be that the aircraft enters the area of conflict, the WSO finds an enemy tank, lights it up with the laser. He then launches a laser guided munition as they pass nearby, he guides it to its target as they pass while the pilot engages a seperate target. The AS/ET-15A also contains its own SIRR-12, which is a targetting system, meaning the turret can operate alone (it rotates, finds enemy target with its thermal imager, lights it up with laser, tracks it while pilot/WSO fires off munitions).
The SAH-27A also utilizes the SQB-32MX Twin-Barreled 30mm Automatic Cannon, a refined killing machine that's served on four of the ARSB's helicopters, and can be directly tied to operate with the AS/ET-15A such as a ground suppression tool, automatically targetting and wiping out enemy air defense vehicles while the pilot/WSO team concentrate on enemy tanks or other units.
SQB-32MX Twin-Barreled 30mm Automatic Cannon
Caliber: 30mm
Weight: 350 lb. (Estimated)
Length: 6 ft. (Barrel) 9.2 feet (Full unit/firing apparatus, excluding housing)
Rate of Fire: 3,200 RPM
Muzzle Velocity: 1200 fps [HE]; 1450 fps [AP]
Maximum Range: ~2 mi. (practical)(4000 meters; 4km)
Shell Weight: 3.3 lb [AP]; 4.8 lb [HE]
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-27A 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
3ADS (ARQ-690)- Integral Fire Control System- This system is a series of infrared, IRST, millimetric wave radars, and flat panel directive wave radar systems designed to give the commander an all-around view of the tank and anything within its viewing range. The system utilizes these modes of detection located in many different 'banks' of sensors which are usually armor protected. The system is connected to a threat identification computer as well as a fire control computer (which is then linked to the AEISCN or Soviet Bloc DefenseNet) giving the crew the ability to fire on targets while watching targets on the sides and rear (which can be miles away but being detected using another unit's sensors) and even fire on those targets using ATGMs or other sutiable weaponry.
HTS-2S: 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 40-44 km, depending on conditions, and the ability to track over 400 objects at the same time. (Housed in fuselage, foreign developed)
CMSQ-74A: 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.
ARENA Mk. III- The ARENA Mk. III is a revolutionary new system, using a mini-turreted microwave emitter as its active missile defense system. The emitter uses microwaves to fry an incoming missile's electronics at ranges of several hundred meters, rendering the missile useless and likely either causing it to crash or detonate prematurely.
JOA-AMRQ/R72- This system is the SAH-27As advanced medium range radar. (Housed in fuselage)
JOA-MMRQ/M8- Millimetric Radar (housed in the JOA-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
SB-ALDRS-58D - Joint LIDAR/LADAR system with emitters, receivers, and central processing unit. (Housed in fuselage with emitters in housings)
JOA-PRQ/P4- Passive Radar (Housed in fuselage)
JOA-IIQ/FR9- Infrared (housed in the JOA-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
JOA-STQ/S81- Infrared Search and Track system (housed in the JOA-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
AEISCN-09: 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 thirty seconds (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)
JOA-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.
JOA-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)
JOA-AEAS- Advanced Exhaust Assist System
FLIR, Laser Designator (housed on under-body hardpoints)
ACST-30 uses the computer to utilize information from the aircraft's radar and other sensors to track an aircraft in front and below the SAH-27A in a small cone that radiates outwards. This allows the cannon to actively target and engage targets automatically with approval of the WSO. This means that the SAH-27A only has to point its nose in a general direction while its cannon moves and locks onto the aircraft then opens fire either on its own or by the pilot's control. the firing solution computer for the ACST-30 is a small version of the ALMRS/TTAC-03Mk II.
ADVSCAD- Advanced Deep Visual Scan Canopy Awareness Display System- This system is a series of projectors located through-out the cockpit that project data onto the canopy in a seemingly ‘deep’ environment. Using known faults in the human eye, the system projects data that seems out in the air surrounding the canopy, when in reality it is on the canopy glass. This system shows targeting information, enemy whereabouts, heading information, aircraft information, battle information, command information, radar information, and others. It is fully configurable and can be modified to suit pilot needs or requests. [USED IN PLACE OF DNI TECHNOLOGY IF REQUESTED]
AFFC/SIRR-12: This is the SAH-27As active electronic camoflauge system. A series of five passive radar receivers detect an incoming radar pulse, it is quickly analyzed and a pulse of similar nature with the same frequency, wavelength etc. is deployed, cancelling the radar waves out (active wave cancellation). This effectively means the aircraft can become invisible to most if not all types of radar at any range (only limited by the aircraft's radar's range). (SEE COUNTERMEASURE SECTION)
Crew and Helicopter Survivability
JOA-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.
JOA-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.
Stub wings, rear boom, rotor, and most of the other parts of the vehicle which are external and 'obstructive' are coated in radar absorbant materials and made of radar-transparent carbon fibre in order to reduce radar cross-section. Chaff, flares, radar warning receivers, IFF, infrared reduction gear, and a number of other survivability systems are utilized, including a foam filled, self-sealing fuel tank to prevent leakage and ignition [coupled with a freon fire extinguishing system] with enhanced carbon composite armour. The fuel system is outfitted to deny any explosions, with an extensive valve network designed to stem the flow of fuel in the event an explosion or fire is imminent. The tail section is armoured and strengthened to increase survivability to the anti-torque vent system.
Other surviability measures 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-27A 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;
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.
Countermeasures
The SAH-27A maintains a single electronic countermeasures system (the AFFC/SIRR-12) which is an active radar cancellation system and utilizes a small radar dome underneath the aircraft 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 (by canceling out its own waves) and usually causes it to believe that it has reached its target, it then explodes... This system is networked with five panels of radar emitters facing forward, to the right, left, rear, and to the ground and can project the cancellation waves against most radar-emitting sources (it even works on ground radar). It works by canceling out the radar wave, meaning the station that sent the wave will never notice a ‘black spot’ or any type of return as the wave is cancelled out. The small ‘pod’ with the system in it is the active anti-missile portion of the system. The panels are the anti-ground radar portion. The anti-missile portion also doubles as to cancel aircraft radar as well.
The system's range is limited as well as the power of the signal. Some ground stations are far too powerful to cancel out. However, the system works beautifully for close range air defense (as well as against missiles and other aircraft), since the radars used are not as powerful and with smaller range. The system also works at very long ranges, basically cancelling out the incoming signal (but it leaves a 'black spot' which could be noticed).
This system also has a new feature, ARCMD (Active Radar Confusion and Mis-Designation). This allows the system to actually selectively alter the incoming radar wave and sending back an altered wave depicting a large object or many objects, confusing any pilot while overloading a radar-guided missile's computer. It can also 'project' as being somewhere else.
The secondary portion of this countermeasures suite is its short computer jamming system which can jam radars at their computer core and infrared systems. This is accomplished by using a localized microwave emitter located in the same ‘pod’. The emitter fires an intense, but short pulse of microwaves which would strike the missile and effectively ‘melt’ the circuitry as well as royally fuck up anything made of metal.
Direct Neural Interface- Helicopter
The DNI-H is a Direct Neural Interface system (originally developed for the VEPR NGCS Infantry Combat System) that allows the pilot to actively pilot the aircraft using his own mind. Targetting information is transferred directly into the pilot/WSO's vision and the pilot/WSO can operate all aircraft systems using their own mind. The DNI is a neural implant that intercepts signals from the crew's mind and transfers it directly to a computer system (or vice versa; computer to mind). The Active Neural Pilot System (ANPS) allows the pilot to pilot and control all facets of the aircraft through his mind, mating man and machine to create a perfect killing machine. Since the system is all neural, the pilot does not have to move (although emergency controls are present in the event of a DNI-H failure) and pilots the aircraft using his own thoughts and movements. What was once 'moving' his arm is now controllong pitch, yaw, roll, etc. etc. The flawless interface gives the pilot/aircraft combination near unlimited power and potential.
Targetting information is gleaned from all active and passive detection systems and organized into easy-to-understand, readable displays in the pilots and WSO's minds. Each system is seperate and shows each seperate crewmember information specific to their mission (pilot sees weapons, tracking, flight data; WSO sees weapons, tracking, general flight [heading, speed], enemy, and intelligence data). A central computer system takes all data and turns it into two streams (one to each crewmember) which then enter the crewmember's mind directly by stimulating different portions of the brain. The Weapons Service Officer has the ability to control tracking system as well as weaponry using his mind although emergency controls are present. The Pilot has the ability to fly the aircraft, fire weaponry, and cycle through data as he sees fit without moving a single muscle, aside from the eye...
General Specifications of the SAH-27A Next Generation Attack Helicopter
Powerplant
Twin SB-TFM/HT-TP2 turbines each producing 3,450 horsepower
Flight Statistics
Vertical Climb Rate - 1250 feet per minute
Flight Speed (at rated altitude: 1200 ft) - 247 mph [Maximum Dash Speed (MDS)]; 230 mph [Short Sustained Cruise (SSC)]
Hovering Ceiling- 14,100 feet
Service Ceiling-18,800 feet
Range- 565 nm [Maximum Range; Internal Fuel], 1560 nm [Self-Deployment Range]
Dimensions
Length- 56 feet
Width- 14 feet
Height-16 feet
Main Rotor Diamater- 51 feet
Crew
Pilot
Weapons Service Officer
[Seated in Tandem]
COST
Unfortunately, not for sale yet. Will be sold only to allies. We may consider orders if you post your interest.
OOC- Comments? Questions? Criticism?
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v63/Chlevenkov/SAH-27AIII.png
The SAH-27A Peregrine has a sole purpose on the battlefield... To descend upon its prey like a famished hawk on a scurrying rabbit, at speed unmatched, and tearing the animal to shreds before its prey has even realized what has occured. The scene is the same, the powerful, graceful SAH-27A descending upon and ultimately wiping the poor, pathetic, scurrying rabbit of an opponent from the face of this earth and to whatever realm they believe exists after death. That is their sole piece of solace in an encounter with this bird of prey, for they will not be given mercy, compassion, or a quick demise, instead they shall be given a time of pure suffering and pain, of which they will contemplate and brood on why the hell they ever decided to take arms against the Armed Republic.
Armed with a ferocious twin-barreled 30mm SQB-32MX automatic cannon, and the ability to carry ATGMs, air-to-air missiles, electronics packages, guided bombs, and additional fuel tanks, the SAH-27A provides a new dimension to the helicopter doctrine, the ability to dominate both air and ground targets with a ferocity unmatched by dozens of other attack helicopters. The SAH-27A, within itself, has the confined power of a flight of attack helicopters, its immeasurable power waiting to be unleashed upon an enemy of the Armed Republic, an enemy with a sudden urge to experience death, first-hand, and that lacks the determination or knowledge to survive. Because, against the SAH-27A, there will be no survivors, a one-sided slaughter where the SAH-27A will prevail, a victor amid the horrors of war, death, and destruction, standing proud, above its brethren, for the SAH-27A is the next generation.
Propulsion
The SAH-27A utilizes twin fully enshrouded, fully armor protected SB-TFM/HT-TP2 turbines each producing some 3,450 horsepower, capable of propelling the helicopter to the absolute maximum for helicopter design, roughly two hundred and fifty miles per hour (250 MPH). However, the notable features of the propulsion system for the SAH-27A does not end there, included is the advanced No Trail Rotor - Vector Assist [NTRVA] counter-torque system. Instead of using a conventional tail rotor, or in the case of other no tail rotor systems, twin counter-rotating rotors, instead uses a vent and duct system to utilize exhaust and vectored thrust to counteract the torque in a safer, more efficient way, reducing the mechanical complexity of a rear rotor, and reducing the sheer complexity of having twin counter-rotating rotors.
Aside from that, the SAH-27 also utilizes the Advanced Helicopter Vectored Thrust System [AHVTS], a comprehensive horizontal and vertical plane movement assist system. To make the helicopter even more manueverable, the SAH-27A sports a second series of exhaust ports that are connected to an engine thrust vectoring system, giving the SAH-27 the ability redirect its engine-produced thrust behind it, at angles, to the sides, or even forward to a small degree. This allows for the unparalleled manuevering properties of the SAH-27A and gives the helicopter an ability no other can match: side-ways 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-27A can move at nearly ninety miles per hour sideways and even faster moving at an angle. All of these features combine to make it supremely maneuverable.
An armored drop down shutter prevents shrapnel or debris from entering the engine through the side vents.
Using the sideways movement noted above and the SAH-27As primary avionics computer, the SAH-27A can execute maneuvers never once possible for a helicopter. Using the side vents and their secondary up/down thrust vectoring system, the SAH-27A 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).
Design
The SAH-27A was designed to survive and kill, pure and simple. Everything about her is survival... Specific survivability features include titanium armor plated cockpit, redundant flight control system separated by fuel tanks, manual reversion mode for flight controls, foam filled fuel tanks, ballistic foam void fillers, and a redundant primary structure providing “get home” capability after being hit. The reason the engines are located above the fuselage [and not hanging out the side] is to reduce the chance of a hit on either engine.
All of the aircraft's glass are bulletproof and the cockpit itself is surrounded by a heavy tub of titanium with a reinforcing kevlar layer and a layer of carbon whiskers. Titanium armor protects both the pilot/WSO team and critical areas of the flight control system. Fire retardant foam protects the fuel cells which are also self sealing in the event of puncture.
The redundant primary structural sections allow the aircraft to enjoy better survivability during close air support. Seperation of all of the crucial battle and flight systems. The wheels poke out of the aircraft which lets the helicopter perform emergency landings without significant damage to the aircraft [wheels automatically deploy a small amount when damage control systems activate, also automatically deploy in rapid descents (unless disengaged by pilot)]. Dual engines are mounted above the aircraft's fuselage with enough space in between that in the event of a fire on one engine it doesn't spread to the other (an emergency freon extinguisher system is also present to prevent that from happening); if one is destroyed, the other can propel the craft to safety. This redundancy allows the pilot to control a battle damaged SAH-27, even after losing all hydraulic power. Furthermore, redundant primary structural and control surfaces enhance survivability.
Stealth
The SAH-27A was built with stealth in mind. Its shape allows for the scattering of most radar signals away from any receiver in any direction. It was also coated with radar absorbing materials. Its weapons are held internally to minimize RCS (at least for some missions) and its main cannon is detachable as it presents a considerable cross-section when present. If a wing pylon is added, it is coated in radar absorbant material and produced from a carbon fibre composite, transparent to radar. All external obstructions are coated in RAM and produced from carbon fibre composite.
In the area of infrared stealth, the SAH-27A is king. Since the primary threat to helicopters is shoulder-launched, short-range infrared-guided missiles, the SAH-27A 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.
Armament
The SAH-27A was designed, as a base helicopter, to be fairly stealthy while providing ample weapons ability. However, the stealthy version lacked the sincere punch of a dedicated attack helicopter so the helicopter was modified to accept additional weapons pylons, making it a truly lethal force on the battlefield.
Within the SAH-27A, there are two dedicated air-to-air missile bays capable of each housing two medium/small air to air missiles [equivalent to an FIM-92 Stinger] in a side-by-side magazine format (when one is fired it is quickly dispensed and the second missile slides into the first's position. Aside from the two dedicated air-to-air bays, there are two other internal bays, each can hold three medium or large sized munitions [equivalent to a Hellfire or other ATGM]. When an ATGM is selected to fire from one of the ATGM bays and the button is depressed, pneumatic doors which cover the bays are instantly recessed into the helicopter's body [unless already opened] and a sharp blast of compressed air, assisted by a mechanical arm, propels the missile from the bay [after locks have been disengaged] fast enough to where the missile clears the helicopter and out to a distance of roughly thirty yards where the missile's rocket motor will engage, propelling it to its target.
Besides the internal hardpoints, the SAH-27A maintains three external hardpoints for the additions of bombs, rocket pods, additional cannonry, electronics, camera/recon devices, or external fuel tanks. However, two of the hardpoints [on the sides] are required when adding the stub wings, which do carry gear which can allow for the addition of electronics, additional fuel tanks, etc.
When modified for a gunship or anti-tank role, the SAH-27A can be outfitted with two stub wings, each providing two pylons and a wingtip point to carry as manny as eighteen additional missiles [two air-to-air (wingtip), sixteen ATGM (in four-missile pods on each pylon)].
One interesting note of this aircraft is its mini-turret, the AS/ET-15A, which houses three sensors: electro-optical, thermal, and a laser system. The turret can rotate a full 360 degrees and track/target effectively anything. The system is wired directly into the weapons service officer, who translates all targetting data into readable data to be consumed by the pilot. The WSO can operate the turret, rotating it and locating targets using the optical sensor or thermal sensor for low light conditions. He can then designate that target with a laser, in order to guide in other aircraft, attack helicopters, or to guide his SAH-27A's own launched laser guided munition. An example would be that the aircraft enters the area of conflict, the WSO finds an enemy tank, lights it up with the laser. He then launches a laser guided munition as they pass nearby, he guides it to its target as they pass while the pilot engages a seperate target. The AS/ET-15A also contains its own SIRR-12, which is a targetting system, meaning the turret can operate alone (it rotates, finds enemy target with its thermal imager, lights it up with laser, tracks it while pilot/WSO fires off munitions).
The SAH-27A also utilizes the SQB-32MX Twin-Barreled 30mm Automatic Cannon, a refined killing machine that's served on four of the ARSB's helicopters, and can be directly tied to operate with the AS/ET-15A such as a ground suppression tool, automatically targetting and wiping out enemy air defense vehicles while the pilot/WSO team concentrate on enemy tanks or other units.
SQB-32MX Twin-Barreled 30mm Automatic Cannon
Caliber: 30mm
Weight: 350 lb. (Estimated)
Length: 6 ft. (Barrel) 9.2 feet (Full unit/firing apparatus, excluding housing)
Rate of Fire: 3,200 RPM
Muzzle Velocity: 1200 fps [HE]; 1450 fps [AP]
Maximum Range: ~2 mi. (practical)(4000 meters; 4km)
Shell Weight: 3.3 lb [AP]; 4.8 lb [HE]
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-27A 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
3ADS (ARQ-690)- Integral Fire Control System- This system is a series of infrared, IRST, millimetric wave radars, and flat panel directive wave radar systems designed to give the commander an all-around view of the tank and anything within its viewing range. The system utilizes these modes of detection located in many different 'banks' of sensors which are usually armor protected. The system is connected to a threat identification computer as well as a fire control computer (which is then linked to the AEISCN or Soviet Bloc DefenseNet) giving the crew the ability to fire on targets while watching targets on the sides and rear (which can be miles away but being detected using another unit's sensors) and even fire on those targets using ATGMs or other sutiable weaponry.
HTS-2S: 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 40-44 km, depending on conditions, and the ability to track over 400 objects at the same time. (Housed in fuselage, foreign developed)
CMSQ-74A: 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.
ARENA Mk. III- The ARENA Mk. III is a revolutionary new system, using a mini-turreted microwave emitter as its active missile defense system. The emitter uses microwaves to fry an incoming missile's electronics at ranges of several hundred meters, rendering the missile useless and likely either causing it to crash or detonate prematurely.
JOA-AMRQ/R72- This system is the SAH-27As advanced medium range radar. (Housed in fuselage)
JOA-MMRQ/M8- Millimetric Radar (housed in the JOA-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
SB-ALDRS-58D - Joint LIDAR/LADAR system with emitters, receivers, and central processing unit. (Housed in fuselage with emitters in housings)
JOA-PRQ/P4- Passive Radar (Housed in fuselage)
JOA-IIQ/FR9- Infrared (housed in the JOA-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
JOA-STQ/S81- Infrared Search and Track system (housed in the JOA-TTJP-FF-1 Forward facing self-sustainable system housing)
AEISCN-09: 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 thirty seconds (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)
JOA-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.
JOA-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)
JOA-AEAS- Advanced Exhaust Assist System
FLIR, Laser Designator (housed on under-body hardpoints)
ACST-30 uses the computer to utilize information from the aircraft's radar and other sensors to track an aircraft in front and below the SAH-27A in a small cone that radiates outwards. This allows the cannon to actively target and engage targets automatically with approval of the WSO. This means that the SAH-27A only has to point its nose in a general direction while its cannon moves and locks onto the aircraft then opens fire either on its own or by the pilot's control. the firing solution computer for the ACST-30 is a small version of the ALMRS/TTAC-03Mk II.
ADVSCAD- Advanced Deep Visual Scan Canopy Awareness Display System- This system is a series of projectors located through-out the cockpit that project data onto the canopy in a seemingly ‘deep’ environment. Using known faults in the human eye, the system projects data that seems out in the air surrounding the canopy, when in reality it is on the canopy glass. This system shows targeting information, enemy whereabouts, heading information, aircraft information, battle information, command information, radar information, and others. It is fully configurable and can be modified to suit pilot needs or requests. [USED IN PLACE OF DNI TECHNOLOGY IF REQUESTED]
AFFC/SIRR-12: This is the SAH-27As active electronic camoflauge system. A series of five passive radar receivers detect an incoming radar pulse, it is quickly analyzed and a pulse of similar nature with the same frequency, wavelength etc. is deployed, cancelling the radar waves out (active wave cancellation). This effectively means the aircraft can become invisible to most if not all types of radar at any range (only limited by the aircraft's radar's range). (SEE COUNTERMEASURE SECTION)
Crew and Helicopter Survivability
JOA-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.
JOA-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.
Stub wings, rear boom, rotor, and most of the other parts of the vehicle which are external and 'obstructive' are coated in radar absorbant materials and made of radar-transparent carbon fibre in order to reduce radar cross-section. Chaff, flares, radar warning receivers, IFF, infrared reduction gear, and a number of other survivability systems are utilized, including a foam filled, self-sealing fuel tank to prevent leakage and ignition [coupled with a freon fire extinguishing system] with enhanced carbon composite armour. The fuel system is outfitted to deny any explosions, with an extensive valve network designed to stem the flow of fuel in the event an explosion or fire is imminent. The tail section is armoured and strengthened to increase survivability to the anti-torque vent system.
Other surviability measures 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-27A 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;
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.
Countermeasures
The SAH-27A maintains a single electronic countermeasures system (the AFFC/SIRR-12) which is an active radar cancellation system and utilizes a small radar dome underneath the aircraft 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 (by canceling out its own waves) and usually causes it to believe that it has reached its target, it then explodes... This system is networked with five panels of radar emitters facing forward, to the right, left, rear, and to the ground and can project the cancellation waves against most radar-emitting sources (it even works on ground radar). It works by canceling out the radar wave, meaning the station that sent the wave will never notice a ‘black spot’ or any type of return as the wave is cancelled out. The small ‘pod’ with the system in it is the active anti-missile portion of the system. The panels are the anti-ground radar portion. The anti-missile portion also doubles as to cancel aircraft radar as well.
The system's range is limited as well as the power of the signal. Some ground stations are far too powerful to cancel out. However, the system works beautifully for close range air defense (as well as against missiles and other aircraft), since the radars used are not as powerful and with smaller range. The system also works at very long ranges, basically cancelling out the incoming signal (but it leaves a 'black spot' which could be noticed).
This system also has a new feature, ARCMD (Active Radar Confusion and Mis-Designation). This allows the system to actually selectively alter the incoming radar wave and sending back an altered wave depicting a large object or many objects, confusing any pilot while overloading a radar-guided missile's computer. It can also 'project' as being somewhere else.
The secondary portion of this countermeasures suite is its short computer jamming system which can jam radars at their computer core and infrared systems. This is accomplished by using a localized microwave emitter located in the same ‘pod’. The emitter fires an intense, but short pulse of microwaves which would strike the missile and effectively ‘melt’ the circuitry as well as royally fuck up anything made of metal.
Direct Neural Interface- Helicopter
The DNI-H is a Direct Neural Interface system (originally developed for the VEPR NGCS Infantry Combat System) that allows the pilot to actively pilot the aircraft using his own mind. Targetting information is transferred directly into the pilot/WSO's vision and the pilot/WSO can operate all aircraft systems using their own mind. The DNI is a neural implant that intercepts signals from the crew's mind and transfers it directly to a computer system (or vice versa; computer to mind). The Active Neural Pilot System (ANPS) allows the pilot to pilot and control all facets of the aircraft through his mind, mating man and machine to create a perfect killing machine. Since the system is all neural, the pilot does not have to move (although emergency controls are present in the event of a DNI-H failure) and pilots the aircraft using his own thoughts and movements. What was once 'moving' his arm is now controllong pitch, yaw, roll, etc. etc. The flawless interface gives the pilot/aircraft combination near unlimited power and potential.
Targetting information is gleaned from all active and passive detection systems and organized into easy-to-understand, readable displays in the pilots and WSO's minds. Each system is seperate and shows each seperate crewmember information specific to their mission (pilot sees weapons, tracking, flight data; WSO sees weapons, tracking, general flight [heading, speed], enemy, and intelligence data). A central computer system takes all data and turns it into two streams (one to each crewmember) which then enter the crewmember's mind directly by stimulating different portions of the brain. The Weapons Service Officer has the ability to control tracking system as well as weaponry using his mind although emergency controls are present. The Pilot has the ability to fly the aircraft, fire weaponry, and cycle through data as he sees fit without moving a single muscle, aside from the eye...
General Specifications of the SAH-27A Next Generation Attack Helicopter
Powerplant
Twin SB-TFM/HT-TP2 turbines each producing 3,450 horsepower
Flight Statistics
Vertical Climb Rate - 1250 feet per minute
Flight Speed (at rated altitude: 1200 ft) - 247 mph [Maximum Dash Speed (MDS)]; 230 mph [Short Sustained Cruise (SSC)]
Hovering Ceiling- 14,100 feet
Service Ceiling-18,800 feet
Range- 565 nm [Maximum Range; Internal Fuel], 1560 nm [Self-Deployment Range]
Dimensions
Length- 56 feet
Width- 14 feet
Height-16 feet
Main Rotor Diamater- 51 feet
Crew
Pilot
Weapons Service Officer
[Seated in Tandem]
COST
Unfortunately, not for sale yet. Will be sold only to allies. We may consider orders if you post your interest.
OOC- Comments? Questions? Criticism?