Tyrandis
16-05-2005, 02:13
http://www.johnmacneill.com/PS_Fighter_cover.gif
By a route obscure and lonely,
Haunted by ill angels only,
Where an Eidolon, named NIGHT,
On a black throne reigns upright,
I have reached these lands but newly
From an ultimate dim Thule-
From a wild clime that lieth, sublime,
Out of SPACE- out of TIME.
- Edgar Allan Poe, Dreamland
TSF-616 Eidolon Air Superiority Fighter
Abstract:
After studying the operations of TSA-12A/B "Kestrel" aircraft exported to the Real ALM, KAC engineers realized that the design was flawed. Although it could defeat most next-generation fighters with ease, the multirole nature of the planes limited its effectiveness in any one niche considerably. A jack of all trades, but master of none, most of the TSA-12s in Tyrandisan service were quickly converted into ground attack aircraft. Project: Dreamland, a program to develop a new air superiority fighter, was already in the works as a successor to Kestrel's temporary role in air superiority, but the resulting product would be some years ahead, far too much time for the Imperium's liking. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration thus fast-tracked Dreamland for priority completion.
Dreamland's brainchild, nicknamed 'Eidolon' by her designers, was delivered on May 1, 2005. Sleek, elegant, and flawless, Eidolon is the culmination of over two decades of research and development into the latest aeronautical technologies. The TSF-616 Eidolon is expected to remain the definitive Tyrandisan aircraft for the next three decades.
General Data:
Contractor: Kotoko Aircraft Corporation
Type: Advanced Air Superiority Fighter
Personnel: 2 (Pilot, Weapons Service Officer)
Systems/Avionics:
The TSF-616 Eidolon is the third aircraft to use the advanced "Peregrine" avionics architecture, after the TSF-28D Seraph and TSA-12A/B Kestrel. The Peregrine package can be split up into three parts: The MMS-4 Mission Management Suite, the SMS-2 Sensor Management Suite, and the VMS-10 Vehicle Management Suite, which are connected by a 2.2 GHz high-speed fiber optic bus, although the VMS-10 has its own bus for aircraft control.
MMS-4 - This subsystem of the Peregrine is composed of the terrain/navigation suite, fire-control, munitions management and Electronic Warfare equipment.
NGTRS-2 - Terrain Reference System, which relies on careful measurement of the terrain profile passing beneath the aircraft with a RADAR altimeter and comparison with digitally-stored geographic data. The primary advantage to using a TR system is that a standard TF (terrain-following) navigation scheme will alert enemy Electronic Survelliance Measures far sooner, due to the RADAR beam's direction. On the other hand, the TSF-616's TRN's altimeter has an extremely narrow beam width whose energy is directed downwards, rendering virtually all ESM measures impotent.
NTTC-92 - Target track component of the MMS-4. Capable of hunting in excess of 200 independent signatures, the system identifies the target's headings based on data from the IR sensors and RADAR system, then relays the information to the MMS-4.
NPRC-4 - Target attack component of the MMS-4. The NTTC's datastream is relayed to the NPRC, which then relays the information to the Eidolon's weapons systems for firing solutions. Capable of marking fifty-six different targets at one time, and simultaeneously attacking up to eight, the NPRC-4 is the heart of the fighter's extensive fire control systems.
Mk. 54 RWR - The Mk. 54 RADAR Warning Receiver is the standard EW suite mounted in Tyrandisan aircraft, designed to detect any and all emissions from hostile RADARs, including Low Probability of Intercept signals.
---
SMS-2 - This subsystem of the Peregrine combines the TSF-616 Eidolon's RADAR, IRST, integrated signal processing, encrypted data, communications, and the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System interface, allocating the fighter's processor power to the sensor subsystems as required.
AN/PSI-3 - RADAR for the TSF-616, which is an phased array, pulse doppler 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 280 kilometers. The AN/PSI-3 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/PSI-3 is virtually undetectable by enemy ESM receivers.
NISTC-66 - Infared Search and Track System, which scans for any and all heat signatures within a 100 km radius from the aircraft. When a target is discovered, the data is fed to the SMS-2, which then relays the information to the MMS-4's IR guided weapons (generally the TSM-1 "Falcon" XSRAAM). From there, the munition is guided to the missile based on its own seeker or the pilot can initiate a Command Datalink manual update.
MSRE-1 - Laser-Optical sensor, mounted underneath the aircraft's nose 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, increasing onboard weapons accuracy.
---
VMS-10 - The Vehicle Management Suite is responsible for cockpit controls and displays, flight and manuver control, and engine/power 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 TSF-616 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 and canards together, giving the Kestrel's pilot an aircraft capable of outmanuvering virtually any aircraft in the world.
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 TSF-616's surroundings, rendering the aircraft virtually invisible against any neutral background (sky, ocean).
---
Stealth:
The TSF-616 Eidolon employs technologies to significantly reduce RADAR Cross Section (RCS), infrared signature, electromagnetic signature, visual signature and aural signature. RCS reduction represents the paramount feature considered in Kotoko Aircraft Corporation's design. To reduce RCS, the Eidolon employs a geometrically based radar dispersing configuration. Developed utilizing computational RCS modeling, the configuration uses facets approximated by curvelinear, polynomial sections. Ultimate RCS reduction for the TSF-616, however, is dependent upon a combination of bandpass external skins, 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 TSF-616’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 external shaping, the TSF-616's stealth technology adapts to frequency and bandwidth, allowing maximum low observance performance against all air-to-air and ground based RADAR types alike.
Reduction of IR emissions is achieved through the use of a dedicated engine bay cooling/IR signature reduction system. Ducting residual inlet air through the NCPCAS-12 significantly reduces the TSF-616's IR signature both at subsonic and supersonic speeds.
Aural signature is reduced in part through the NCPCAS-12. For enhanced aural signature reduction, the TSF-616 Eidolon Air Superiority Fighter features Active Frequency Damping (AFD) and comparable active noise control systems. Visual signature is reduced through a chloro-flurosulphonic acid that is injected into the exhaust gases of the two TC-250-PW-60 engines, eliminating engine vapor contrails.
Cockpit:
Purchased from the Luftkrieg Aerospace Industries, the TSF-616's cockpit electronics/systems are an adapted version of the one used by the MMA-A3 Falcon Air Superiority Fighter.
http://img18.exs.cx/img18/6537/cockpit0016ox.gif
The GEC-built Head-Up Display (HUD) offers a wide field of view (30 degrees horizontally by 25 degrees vertically) and serves as a primary flight instrument for the pilot.
There are six liquid crystal display (LCD) panels in the cockpit. These present information in full color and are fully readable in direct sunlight. LCDs offer lower weight and less size than the cathode ray tube (CRT) displays used in most current aircraft. The lower power requirements also provide a reliability improvement over CRTs. The two Up-Front Displays (UFDs) measure 3"x4" in size and are located to the left and right of the control panel.
The Integrated Control Panel (ICP) is the primary means for manual pilot data entry for communications, navigation, and autopilot data. Located under the glareshield and HUD in center top of the instrument panel, this keypad entry system also has some double click functions, much like a computer mouse for rapid pilot access/use.
The Primary Multi-Function Display (PMFD) is a 8"x8" color display that is located in the middle of the instrument panel, under the ICP. It is the pilot’s principal display for aircraft navigation (including showing waypoints and route of flight) and Situation Assessment (SA) or a "God's-eye view" of the entire environment around (above, below, both sides, front and back) the aircraft.
Three Secondary Multi-Function Displays (SMFDs) are all 6.25" x 6.25" and two of them are located on either side of the PMFD on the instrument panel with the third underneath the PMFD between the pilot's knees. These are used for displaying tactical (both offensive and defensive) information as well as non-tactical information (such as checklists, subsystem status, engine thrust output, and stores management).
Features:
2 task-switching MFDs
Multi-node RADAR indication panel
Octo-functional HUD synchronized with MFD and helmet targeting
GPS synchronization panel
Topographic orientation TRV systems
Autopilot TRV/NRT based systems
JTIDs/A50 airborne intelligence/global targeting, guidance systems.
APEX 345 ejection seat, synchronized with primary turbine failures.
Canopy:
The canopy is manufactured of an advanced polycarbonate, backed by a rubber insulation layer and a thin strip of an indium-tin alloy. Traditionally, the cockpit has been the most problematic area for advanced stealth designers; because RADAR waves passes through the canopy as if it were transparent, an especially strong signal will bounce back to its receiver because any aircraft interior contains angles and shape that generate a substantial return. The InSn coating allows over 98.5% of visible light to pass through to the pilot, but will appear on RADAR as a semi-metallic surface, thus further reducing the TSA-12's already microscopic RCS.
Airframe:
Eidolon uses a material known as RADAR Absorbent Structure, taking the RAM concept a step further. The TSF-616's frame is manufactured of honeycombed Kevlar sections, treated with a proprietary glaze based on carbon, and then bonded to polyethylene/carbon fiber skins on its front and back, creating a rigid panel. The honeycombs are three centimeters in length, and incoming RADAR waves are absorbed by them. These panels are bonded to the airframe and placed externally wherever possible. Testing of the RAS indicated that the material could dependably absorb or at least weaken RADAR returns of all frequencies higher than 10 MHz.
http://www.air-attack.com/MIL/_EXP/switchblade/switchbladeplan.gif
The TSF-616's wings are in an unique variable-geometry Forward Swept Wing configuration. Aircraft with an FSW are in an aerodynamically unstable situation, allowing them unimpeded freedom of manuverability. FSW aircraft exhibit lower drag and lower stall speeds, as well as vastly improved performance at high angles of attack compared to conventional fighters. However, this benefit comes with a price, namely that of control difficulties. Eidolon resolves the problem with fly-by-light controls, a development on the old copper-wire systems that NASA's X-29 FSW technology demonstrator used in its trials. Because of the incredible boost in agility and manuverability that FSW provides, it was decided that the configuration would be incorporated into Eidolon. DARPA objected to the system, because at speeds higher than Mach 1.7, the forward sweeping of the wing becomes a liability due to drag. A compromise was made in the form of making the Eidolon's wings able to sweep either forward or tuck into the side of the fighter, allowing for high speed dash or low speed dogfight capability.
Each of the advanced wings consists of two Ti-1100 titanium and one Elgiloy cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy spar, fifteen titanium ribs, and multiple Titanium Oxide stringers. Titanium aluminide plates are mated to the spar/rib structure, forming a fuel tank for the TSF-616. Wing skins composed of layered Single Walled Nano Tubes, providing maximum resistance to tear. Wing leading and trailing edges are graphite composites mated with titanium. Each wing is equipped with full span leading edge slats and trailing edge, double-slotted Fowler Flaps for lift augmentation. Maximum trailing edge flap deflection is 60º. Leading and trailing edge flaps are controlled by the NACS Mk. II Aircraft Control System fiber optic signals. The wing is equipped with 0.20c flapperons for subsonic roll.
Powerplant:
2x Tyrandis Engineering TC-250-PW-60N Pulse-Detonation turbofan hybrids, adapted from the TSF-28D Seraph Air Superiority Fighter, providing sum of 99,250 lbs thrust to the aircraft, with 360 degree thrust vectoring from +60 degrees through -60 degrees. The engines have been upgraded with advanced thermal gel coating, which uses a Ni-Al-Pt superalloy. This allows the engines to resist the enormous heat generated by the detonation sequence better, improving aircraft endurance and engine life.
Dimensions:
Height: 5.8m
Wingspan: [varies]
Length: 26.2m
Weights:
Empty: 24,750 lbs
Standard: 42,240 lbs
Max: 63,400 lbs
Ceiling:
Classified, though released data indicates over 68,500 ft
Maximum Speed:
Mach 2.55 on supercruise, Mach 3.65 on full afterburners.
Armament:
8x Interchangable weapons hardpoints mounted in an internal bay, optimized for AAMs
4x IR-guided AAMs mounted in side bay doors
Divine Thunder
http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/f-35/f-35_pic8.jpg
The TCIAM-2 Divine Thunder is a 27mm cannon used by all Tyrandisan aircraft. Based off a Mauser-style configuration, the gun has an extremely high rate of fire and range, thanks to the advanced construction of its ammunition. Divine Thunder uses a projectile that is surrounded with a high density molded propellant charge, enclosing the assembly in a cylindrical titanium case. When the round is fired, a small charge located immediately behind the cannon round accelerates it into the TCIAM-2's barrel before the main charge ignites. The result of this unorthodox firing approach is a gun with a muzzle velocity of over 4,100 ft/sec, as compared to the M61A1's performance of 3,500 ft/sec. Divine Thunder's guidance is based off the datastream from the MMS-4 and independently operated by the aircraft itself, although a pilot can manually override the system if so desired.
Variants:
TSF-616A - Standard version
TSF-616B - Navalized version for operation from aircraft carriers
Price for export:
TSF-616A - $115,500,000 ea.
TSF-616B - (navalized, with reinforced materials, etc.) - $120,500,000 ea.
By a route obscure and lonely,
Haunted by ill angels only,
Where an Eidolon, named NIGHT,
On a black throne reigns upright,
I have reached these lands but newly
From an ultimate dim Thule-
From a wild clime that lieth, sublime,
Out of SPACE- out of TIME.
- Edgar Allan Poe, Dreamland
TSF-616 Eidolon Air Superiority Fighter
Abstract:
After studying the operations of TSA-12A/B "Kestrel" aircraft exported to the Real ALM, KAC engineers realized that the design was flawed. Although it could defeat most next-generation fighters with ease, the multirole nature of the planes limited its effectiveness in any one niche considerably. A jack of all trades, but master of none, most of the TSA-12s in Tyrandisan service were quickly converted into ground attack aircraft. Project: Dreamland, a program to develop a new air superiority fighter, was already in the works as a successor to Kestrel's temporary role in air superiority, but the resulting product would be some years ahead, far too much time for the Imperium's liking. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Administration thus fast-tracked Dreamland for priority completion.
Dreamland's brainchild, nicknamed 'Eidolon' by her designers, was delivered on May 1, 2005. Sleek, elegant, and flawless, Eidolon is the culmination of over two decades of research and development into the latest aeronautical technologies. The TSF-616 Eidolon is expected to remain the definitive Tyrandisan aircraft for the next three decades.
General Data:
Contractor: Kotoko Aircraft Corporation
Type: Advanced Air Superiority Fighter
Personnel: 2 (Pilot, Weapons Service Officer)
Systems/Avionics:
The TSF-616 Eidolon is the third aircraft to use the advanced "Peregrine" avionics architecture, after the TSF-28D Seraph and TSA-12A/B Kestrel. The Peregrine package can be split up into three parts: The MMS-4 Mission Management Suite, the SMS-2 Sensor Management Suite, and the VMS-10 Vehicle Management Suite, which are connected by a 2.2 GHz high-speed fiber optic bus, although the VMS-10 has its own bus for aircraft control.
MMS-4 - This subsystem of the Peregrine is composed of the terrain/navigation suite, fire-control, munitions management and Electronic Warfare equipment.
NGTRS-2 - Terrain Reference System, which relies on careful measurement of the terrain profile passing beneath the aircraft with a RADAR altimeter and comparison with digitally-stored geographic data. The primary advantage to using a TR system is that a standard TF (terrain-following) navigation scheme will alert enemy Electronic Survelliance Measures far sooner, due to the RADAR beam's direction. On the other hand, the TSF-616's TRN's altimeter has an extremely narrow beam width whose energy is directed downwards, rendering virtually all ESM measures impotent.
NTTC-92 - Target track component of the MMS-4. Capable of hunting in excess of 200 independent signatures, the system identifies the target's headings based on data from the IR sensors and RADAR system, then relays the information to the MMS-4.
NPRC-4 - Target attack component of the MMS-4. The NTTC's datastream is relayed to the NPRC, which then relays the information to the Eidolon's weapons systems for firing solutions. Capable of marking fifty-six different targets at one time, and simultaeneously attacking up to eight, the NPRC-4 is the heart of the fighter's extensive fire control systems.
Mk. 54 RWR - The Mk. 54 RADAR Warning Receiver is the standard EW suite mounted in Tyrandisan aircraft, designed to detect any and all emissions from hostile RADARs, including Low Probability of Intercept signals.
---
SMS-2 - This subsystem of the Peregrine combines the TSF-616 Eidolon's RADAR, IRST, integrated signal processing, encrypted data, communications, and the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System interface, allocating the fighter's processor power to the sensor subsystems as required.
AN/PSI-3 - RADAR for the TSF-616, which is an phased array, pulse doppler 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 280 kilometers. The AN/PSI-3 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/PSI-3 is virtually undetectable by enemy ESM receivers.
NISTC-66 - Infared Search and Track System, which scans for any and all heat signatures within a 100 km radius from the aircraft. When a target is discovered, the data is fed to the SMS-2, which then relays the information to the MMS-4's IR guided weapons (generally the TSM-1 "Falcon" XSRAAM). From there, the munition is guided to the missile based on its own seeker or the pilot can initiate a Command Datalink manual update.
MSRE-1 - Laser-Optical sensor, mounted underneath the aircraft's nose 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, increasing onboard weapons accuracy.
---
VMS-10 - The Vehicle Management Suite is responsible for cockpit controls and displays, flight and manuver control, and engine/power 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 TSF-616 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 and canards together, giving the Kestrel's pilot an aircraft capable of outmanuvering virtually any aircraft in the world.
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 TSF-616's surroundings, rendering the aircraft virtually invisible against any neutral background (sky, ocean).
---
Stealth:
The TSF-616 Eidolon employs technologies to significantly reduce RADAR Cross Section (RCS), infrared signature, electromagnetic signature, visual signature and aural signature. RCS reduction represents the paramount feature considered in Kotoko Aircraft Corporation's design. To reduce RCS, the Eidolon employs a geometrically based radar dispersing configuration. Developed utilizing computational RCS modeling, the configuration uses facets approximated by curvelinear, polynomial sections. Ultimate RCS reduction for the TSF-616, however, is dependent upon a combination of bandpass external skins, 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 TSF-616’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 external shaping, the TSF-616's stealth technology adapts to frequency and bandwidth, allowing maximum low observance performance against all air-to-air and ground based RADAR types alike.
Reduction of IR emissions is achieved through the use of a dedicated engine bay cooling/IR signature reduction system. Ducting residual inlet air through the NCPCAS-12 significantly reduces the TSF-616's IR signature both at subsonic and supersonic speeds.
Aural signature is reduced in part through the NCPCAS-12. For enhanced aural signature reduction, the TSF-616 Eidolon Air Superiority Fighter features Active Frequency Damping (AFD) and comparable active noise control systems. Visual signature is reduced through a chloro-flurosulphonic acid that is injected into the exhaust gases of the two TC-250-PW-60 engines, eliminating engine vapor contrails.
Cockpit:
Purchased from the Luftkrieg Aerospace Industries, the TSF-616's cockpit electronics/systems are an adapted version of the one used by the MMA-A3 Falcon Air Superiority Fighter.
http://img18.exs.cx/img18/6537/cockpit0016ox.gif
The GEC-built Head-Up Display (HUD) offers a wide field of view (30 degrees horizontally by 25 degrees vertically) and serves as a primary flight instrument for the pilot.
There are six liquid crystal display (LCD) panels in the cockpit. These present information in full color and are fully readable in direct sunlight. LCDs offer lower weight and less size than the cathode ray tube (CRT) displays used in most current aircraft. The lower power requirements also provide a reliability improvement over CRTs. The two Up-Front Displays (UFDs) measure 3"x4" in size and are located to the left and right of the control panel.
The Integrated Control Panel (ICP) is the primary means for manual pilot data entry for communications, navigation, and autopilot data. Located under the glareshield and HUD in center top of the instrument panel, this keypad entry system also has some double click functions, much like a computer mouse for rapid pilot access/use.
The Primary Multi-Function Display (PMFD) is a 8"x8" color display that is located in the middle of the instrument panel, under the ICP. It is the pilot’s principal display for aircraft navigation (including showing waypoints and route of flight) and Situation Assessment (SA) or a "God's-eye view" of the entire environment around (above, below, both sides, front and back) the aircraft.
Three Secondary Multi-Function Displays (SMFDs) are all 6.25" x 6.25" and two of them are located on either side of the PMFD on the instrument panel with the third underneath the PMFD between the pilot's knees. These are used for displaying tactical (both offensive and defensive) information as well as non-tactical information (such as checklists, subsystem status, engine thrust output, and stores management).
Features:
2 task-switching MFDs
Multi-node RADAR indication panel
Octo-functional HUD synchronized with MFD and helmet targeting
GPS synchronization panel
Topographic orientation TRV systems
Autopilot TRV/NRT based systems
JTIDs/A50 airborne intelligence/global targeting, guidance systems.
APEX 345 ejection seat, synchronized with primary turbine failures.
Canopy:
The canopy is manufactured of an advanced polycarbonate, backed by a rubber insulation layer and a thin strip of an indium-tin alloy. Traditionally, the cockpit has been the most problematic area for advanced stealth designers; because RADAR waves passes through the canopy as if it were transparent, an especially strong signal will bounce back to its receiver because any aircraft interior contains angles and shape that generate a substantial return. The InSn coating allows over 98.5% of visible light to pass through to the pilot, but will appear on RADAR as a semi-metallic surface, thus further reducing the TSA-12's already microscopic RCS.
Airframe:
Eidolon uses a material known as RADAR Absorbent Structure, taking the RAM concept a step further. The TSF-616's frame is manufactured of honeycombed Kevlar sections, treated with a proprietary glaze based on carbon, and then bonded to polyethylene/carbon fiber skins on its front and back, creating a rigid panel. The honeycombs are three centimeters in length, and incoming RADAR waves are absorbed by them. These panels are bonded to the airframe and placed externally wherever possible. Testing of the RAS indicated that the material could dependably absorb or at least weaken RADAR returns of all frequencies higher than 10 MHz.
http://www.air-attack.com/MIL/_EXP/switchblade/switchbladeplan.gif
The TSF-616's wings are in an unique variable-geometry Forward Swept Wing configuration. Aircraft with an FSW are in an aerodynamically unstable situation, allowing them unimpeded freedom of manuverability. FSW aircraft exhibit lower drag and lower stall speeds, as well as vastly improved performance at high angles of attack compared to conventional fighters. However, this benefit comes with a price, namely that of control difficulties. Eidolon resolves the problem with fly-by-light controls, a development on the old copper-wire systems that NASA's X-29 FSW technology demonstrator used in its trials. Because of the incredible boost in agility and manuverability that FSW provides, it was decided that the configuration would be incorporated into Eidolon. DARPA objected to the system, because at speeds higher than Mach 1.7, the forward sweeping of the wing becomes a liability due to drag. A compromise was made in the form of making the Eidolon's wings able to sweep either forward or tuck into the side of the fighter, allowing for high speed dash or low speed dogfight capability.
Each of the advanced wings consists of two Ti-1100 titanium and one Elgiloy cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy spar, fifteen titanium ribs, and multiple Titanium Oxide stringers. Titanium aluminide plates are mated to the spar/rib structure, forming a fuel tank for the TSF-616. Wing skins composed of layered Single Walled Nano Tubes, providing maximum resistance to tear. Wing leading and trailing edges are graphite composites mated with titanium. Each wing is equipped with full span leading edge slats and trailing edge, double-slotted Fowler Flaps for lift augmentation. Maximum trailing edge flap deflection is 60º. Leading and trailing edge flaps are controlled by the NACS Mk. II Aircraft Control System fiber optic signals. The wing is equipped with 0.20c flapperons for subsonic roll.
Powerplant:
2x Tyrandis Engineering TC-250-PW-60N Pulse-Detonation turbofan hybrids, adapted from the TSF-28D Seraph Air Superiority Fighter, providing sum of 99,250 lbs thrust to the aircraft, with 360 degree thrust vectoring from +60 degrees through -60 degrees. The engines have been upgraded with advanced thermal gel coating, which uses a Ni-Al-Pt superalloy. This allows the engines to resist the enormous heat generated by the detonation sequence better, improving aircraft endurance and engine life.
Dimensions:
Height: 5.8m
Wingspan: [varies]
Length: 26.2m
Weights:
Empty: 24,750 lbs
Standard: 42,240 lbs
Max: 63,400 lbs
Ceiling:
Classified, though released data indicates over 68,500 ft
Maximum Speed:
Mach 2.55 on supercruise, Mach 3.65 on full afterburners.
Armament:
8x Interchangable weapons hardpoints mounted in an internal bay, optimized for AAMs
4x IR-guided AAMs mounted in side bay doors
Divine Thunder
http://www.milavia.net/aircraft/f-35/f-35_pic8.jpg
The TCIAM-2 Divine Thunder is a 27mm cannon used by all Tyrandisan aircraft. Based off a Mauser-style configuration, the gun has an extremely high rate of fire and range, thanks to the advanced construction of its ammunition. Divine Thunder uses a projectile that is surrounded with a high density molded propellant charge, enclosing the assembly in a cylindrical titanium case. When the round is fired, a small charge located immediately behind the cannon round accelerates it into the TCIAM-2's barrel before the main charge ignites. The result of this unorthodox firing approach is a gun with a muzzle velocity of over 4,100 ft/sec, as compared to the M61A1's performance of 3,500 ft/sec. Divine Thunder's guidance is based off the datastream from the MMS-4 and independently operated by the aircraft itself, although a pilot can manually override the system if so desired.
Variants:
TSF-616A - Standard version
TSF-616B - Navalized version for operation from aircraft carriers
Price for export:
TSF-616A - $115,500,000 ea.
TSF-616B - (navalized, with reinforced materials, etc.) - $120,500,000 ea.