Omz222
04-06-2005, 04:36
OMASC Proudly Introduces and Unveils the
B-108 Thunderhawk Heavy Supersonic Strategic Bomber Aircraft
Origin and Introduction
Through the long developments of a series of older bomber aircraft, such as the B-101 and the B-105 designs, OMASC engineers has looked further into such designs, as one of the leaders of bomber designs in the NS world. Having fostered great experienced with such designs, OMASC is also willing to further invest to gradually build the ultimate bomber designs in the world that few can rival. Thus, the B-108 Thunderhawk is born as the ultimate heavy-hitter of all existing Omzian bomber designs. A clear blend of the key features of existing designs, and designed in response to Omzian Air Force requests, the Thunderhawk is the ultimate design that strikes fear into any enemy and the target that they valiently protects.
Like a dark raven sweeping down in the crimson sky, and delivering a fiery payload of explosive and rocket power, the Thunderhawk is a perfect blend of a sleek airframe in its physical attributes, and fear-striking performance in its capabilities. Technically however, the Thunderhawk is designed to complement existing B-101D and B-105A bombers in the low-level, high speed, penetration role, delivering a lethal swarm of precision strike munitions against enemy targets, while also capable of of protecting itself both nonviolently and lethally.
Currently, it is expected that Omzian Air Force will file up a request for approximately 1000 said aircraft, with exports being expected.
Design and Physical Characteristics
Airframe
The Thunderhawk features a sleek and aestically smooth design, with a pair of large variable geometry ("swing") wings and an elegant look overall. Though some may associate it with the B-1B and the B-105 in its appearance, the airframe of the Thunderhawk is in many respects vastly different respect. Its two massive swing wings allows excellent performance at both low and high levels, while its performance is further aided by the availability of a pair of canards, two horizontal stabilizers, and one signal vertical stabilizer, in addition to an advanced fly-by-optic system. Its airframe is rife with the application of advanced titanium alloys and composite materials, along with thin layers of armour to protect cruical components of the aircraft. This allows the aircraft not only to sustain the brutality of low-level flight and stress of extended operations, but also increasing its survivability against deadly projectiles and shrapnels. Outside, the aircraft is tipped with a supersonic boom reduction nose design, and is covered in a shower of RAM coatings and materials, along with RAS schemes embedded further into the airframe, allowing a RCS just slightly larger than those of a B-1B. It's fuselage is also relatively smooth, though under it, it is dotted by the signs of six bays of different sizes, in addition to a total of nine hardpoints on its large wing gloves and under its fuselage.
On its surface, other countermeasures are not forgotten. The centerpiece of this is the special electrochromic panels on the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to manipulate its IR signature (such as blending the edges of the aircraft's signature) to confuse IR-guided airto air missiles. This effectively serves as a countermeasure, "modifying" the signature of the aircraft itself by essentially overlapping the actual signature with the newly generated siguature, to confuse enemy missiles. An optical camouflage system is also installed, which consists of small nodes around the aircraft displaying different shades of colour, based on reference images from cameras placed around the aircraft. This effectively allows the aircraft to slightly "blend" into its surrounding, thus decreasing the chance of visual detection. Lastly, the aircraft is also normally painted in either a light blue-coloured, low-reflection scheme; alternatively, it can be painted in a green-blue-brown camouflage scheme, for low-level flights. To combat contrails, a chemical-based contrail suppression system is used.
Propulsion
The bomber is powered by six of the huge Honjak Electrics HEK-1031A PDE-turbofan hybrid engines, each providing a max thrust ratings of 86,000lbs, providing the aircraft with a gigantic and powerful push that is unseen in any previous Omzian bomber aircraft. Originally designed for heavy fighters, these six engines are constructed with advanced alloys, allowing excellent strength and heat resistance characteristics. These six engines are placed beneath the airframe, just near the wing roots, in which air are provided through six gigantic, variable intakes that allows great air flow characteristics, though att he cost of a larger radar cross section. The engines then end in six separate nozzles, which all possesses a 2D thrust vectoring capability, giving excellent maneuveribility characteristics for a large bomber aircraft. To prevent some unwanted effects of damages, the engines and fuel tanks also includes an emergency fire extinguishing suite, along with their complement of armour coverings.
The propulsion system in general, allows the aircraft to possess a maximum speed of around Mach 2.53, while the aircraft is also capable of conducting Mach 1.8 high-altitude dashes or low level penetration at speeds of up to Mach 1.25. At subsonics speeds, the aircraft can even loiter for extended periods of time for special operation scenarios, while the engine's fuel saving measures is also more obvious.
Crew Operations
Though the bomber has one of the highest numbers of crew members, there is no exception made in providing them both a wide spectrum of advanced controls, and comfort within a warmachine of such scale. The aircraft is controlled by a total of five crews, including a pilot/navigator and copilot/flight engineer, a bombardier, and a defensive systems operator. Each crew member are faced with a wide array of MFD screens, each capable of displaying a variety of different data and information. For the bombardier and defensive systems operators, they are also capable of accessing a trackball system, while the pilot and copilot relies on a touchscreen system. Optionally, they can also access a voice command system, along with a control system which consists of special sensors and switches placed within their mouths. Further, the pilot is also provided access to a HUD system and a helmet sight system, along with a hands-on control stick system similar to those in fighters. Each crew member also sits on advanced ejection seats with a variety of safety measures, and are also complemented by an advanced flight suit system that uses a fluid-based system.
Crew comfort is not neglected. The ejection seats are cushioned to give each crew member much comfort during >10-hour operations, and also includes audiable warning systems. Lights are also positioned in the best locations, while a heat and cooling system is also provided. Sunlight peers through windows that are covered by RCS materials, while a small storage compartment is available behind the cockpit, extending crew comfort by allowing them to obtain the food they need and to refresh themselves.
Avionics and Systems
Offensive Avionics
The Thunderhawk, though overly large as a bomber aircraft, also boasts a wide spectrum of avionics and other offensive systems as well, used for the detection, tracking, and engagement of hostile and other targets of importance. These sensors are arranged and placed strategically around the aircraft, while they are all electronically linked to the powerful central fire-control computer system. Code-named 'Oberon', the system consists a system of processors that automatically receives, analyzes, and processes the information gathered from multiple sensors on the bomber, and consequently processing them into firing solutions against both ground and air targets.
Linked to the central targeting computer, is a wide array of sensors, designed to detect both ground and aerial targets. The first of these sensors is the Noran Bonobert AN/APG-388/389 ELPI radar, which consists of a frontal sensor and a rearward-facing sensor desigend for the detection of aertial and ground targets, in addition to carrying out navigation and ground-mapping tasks. Each radar is designed with concealment in mind, thus the radar includes LPI characteristics in addition to the ELPI software and hardware suite, allowing better performance than existing first-generation LPI radar system. Both radar are also capable of jamming other radars (simialr to the Thor system on the F/A-22), focusing a high level of energy on an enemy radar or communication system emitter, thus jamming them temporarily. In terms of detection and navigation, the radar is said to be able to detect fighter-sized targets at a range of around 200km, with full look-down and look-up capability, in addition to detecting ground targets and conduct ground mapping with great precision. In total, it is said that both the frontal and rearward sensor combined can track and generate firing solutions for more than 40 targets at one time.
The second line of systems is a dedicated IRST sensor mounted on the chin of the aircraft, designated the Noran Bonobren INRADAT (INfRAred Detection and Targeting), which is a very powerful forward-looking infrared system designed for the detection, tracking, and targeting of both aerial and ground targets out to a range of approximately 130km. It is fully capable of tracking and targeting unlike older IR sensors, while its precision allows limited target discrimination capability. The system is also linked to an IFF system. The third major system is the Noran LPR/22M LADAR suite, which is a pulse laser-based active detection and ranging system that is capable of detecting, targeting, and tracking both aerial and ground targets over a range of approximately 120km, under ideal weather conditions.
The second suite of systems is the advanced Target Identification, Detection, Engagement, and Analysis System (IDEAS) system, which is composed of two large rotatable pods, each one mounted under each wing gloves of the aircraft. Each pod consists of a short-range FLIR system, a low-light TV system, a suite of colour cameras, and a short-range precision LADAR system, which are all designed to exclusively target, track, and engage ground targets with great precision in all weather conditions. This is especially useful in the low-level penetration role and operation against real-time and time-critical targets, since it allows the aircraft to independently detect and track a variety of ground targets. The pod can also be used as a reconaissance system, as its powerful cameras and FLIR system are capable of capturing reconaissance photographs and other information of importance. These pods are also linked to a datalink, which is then directly linked to friendly assets, thus allowing both the uploading and downloading of targeting information to and from friendly assets. Each pod, though normally facing forwards, can rotate by up to 120 degrees for better targeting capabilities.
The third suite of systems is the bomber's communication systems. Composed of a series of extensive datalinks and communication systems, the suite allows the bomber to communicate with other assets via a variety of ways through secure radio links. At closer ranges between bomber formations flying at higher altitudes, a line-of-sight laser-based communication is also used in ideal weather conditions, thus allowing short-range communication under radio silence. Further, the extensive datalinking systems allows the aircraft to both upload and download targeting data of both ground and air targets. The datalinking system can also be linked with some weapon systems, which means that the bomber's crew can reassign targets to cruise missiles inflight, while GPS guided bombs can be guided to hit moving targets by feeding it with a continuous stream of GPS coordinates and other targeting data.
Defensive Avionics and Systems
The defensive suite of systems is equally impressive, as in order to successfully and fully accomplish its mission under danger within enemy airspace, it is important for the Thunderhawk to possess a broad array of defensive systems. The centerpiece of this is the advanced COWS-XII system, which is a further development of the COWS-IX system that not only improves upon its computing and signal processing capabilities, but its overall capabilities as well.
The COWS-XII suite includes an advanced radar warning receiver system, which is connected to a computer, allowing the analysis of radar and communication signals, thus not only allowing better detection of LPI threats, but also allowing the bomber to act as an ad-hoc and "rough" alternative to dedicated ELINT aircraft as well. A LADAR warning receiver (LWR) system is also added to detect laser-based threats, which consists of a broad network of laser-detecting nodes and sensors placed around the aircraft. A third system is the Missile Threat Identification System (MITID), which consists of a series of optical and IR sensors placed strategically on key positions around the aircraft, to allow the aircraft to detect the launch of enemy missiles and even track their locations. Together as a whole, these receivers can also be connected to a datalink, uploading data to dedicated electronic warfare (EW) aircraft to allow them to prosecute and engage the emission sources quickly.
The suite also includes a wide spectrum of active countermeasures systems as well. This includes a powerful radar jamming suite. Consisted of an internal module and two pods located at the wing roots of each wing, the system is directly linked to the RWR of the aircraft, and is able to conduct the jamming of a broad range of radars and communication links, with limited effectiveness against LPI-type radars with its integrated computer suite. An active radar cancellation system is also added, and as it is linked to both the RWR and the MITID system, it is designed to act as a countermeasure against older-generation, radar-guided AAMs and SAMs. These systems are also directly inked to onboard chaff and flare dispensers, thus allowing the aircraft to take evasive countermeasures if needed. Towed decoys can also be carried, though this is not usually practiced due to the formation arragements that the bomber flies in.
Finally, this also includes an unique LADAR jamming suite, codenamed 'Titan'. Based on the older Pulsemaster system, the Titan consists of an aft-mounted turret with a laser system. When a LADAR threat is identified by the LWR system, the turret directs a series of powerful and high-energy laser pulses at the direction of the threat for a short amount of time, thus overwhelming and temporarily blinding enemy LADAR systems. Unlike the previous system, the Titan further extends the usage of the pulse feature to prevent the jammer from acting as a beacon for enemy passive laser-guided systems, while it is linked to a computer system, allowing the engagement of similar "pulse LADAR" systems.
Armaments and Payloads
Offensive
Out of the many different types of systems on the B-108, probably the Thunderhawk's most fearful component is its gigantic payload capacity. Standing at just below 190,000lbs at its max and just over 100,000lb as its standard payload capacity, the B-108 is in every regard a heavy-hitter designed for both strikes against high-value strategic targets, and "mop-up" duties against concentrations of enemy ground forces and parked aircraft. Thus, the B-108 relies on a total of four weapons bays, in addition to nine hardpoints to exercise its function as a heavy bomber aircraft.
Like many other Omzian bombers, the B-108 has a total of three main weapons bays, each of a very large size, housing the Common Munition Interface Launcher (COMIC). The COMIC launcher is a highly-complex, rotary launcher designed to accept a diverse amount of Omzian-made strike munitions, including glide bombs, cluster bombs, and missiles. It can also house foreign-made weapons (of around the 500kg-2000kg class) with some modifications, thouugh often this would require a complete modification of the COMIC launcher itself. Alternatively, the COMIC can be replaced by ground crews (during a days-long process) by a Heavy Rack Delivery launcher (HARD), which is designed to hold ultra-large systems such as the gigantic BLU-200 heavy penetrator.
However, unlike many other Omzian bombers, the bomber also features a smaller weapons bay, termed the Compact Rotary Launcher Bay. Housing a much simplified version of the COMIC rotary launcher, the bay is designed to hold precision strike bombs such as the OMASC PDAS, though it can bne substituted by the "countermeasure bombs" or even Quickstrike mines instead. Thus, though the Common Rotary Launcher Bay is restricted in terms of munitions variety, it gives the bomber a larger punch or a better self-defence capability.
The hardpoints are of a similar nature, with two under each wing glove, and another five under the fuselage. Each is capable of holding a variety of small bombs and missiles of up to the 500-1000kg class, and the wing glove hardpoints are also capable of lugging along additional radar jamming pods (to complement the COWS-XII's radar jammer) and even reconnaissance pods as well, thus turning the B-108 into a capable electronic warfare platform, and an ad-hoc reconnaissance platform as well.
Defensive
Like how the Thunderhawk possesses a large payload and a capable defensive avionics suite, the designers did not overlook the importance of defensive armaments. For the B-108, large missiles fired from enemy aircraft and ground sites is one of the most dangerous threats, thus attention has been paid to not only the defeat of close-in enemy aircraft and large missiles, but also the sensors of these enemy platforms as well.
The centerpiece of the bomber are the modified self-defence turrets from the B-105 and B-106, this time designated the Turreted Self Defence System - Improved (TSDSI), with two turrets on the B-108 (one on tail, and one on chin of aircraft) as opposed of the six originally planned, to increase performance and decrease weight and strain on the airframe its availability of space. Each composed of a large, fully rotatable, stealthy turret, these systems incorporates a group of short-medium range radar and IR sensors, along with an internal 27mm cannon system and a pack of missiles and rockets. The sensors are connected to a central targeting computer, and when a missile, aircraft-based, or even a ground-based (such as AAA guns) threat is detected, the turret would use the rapid-fire 27mmcannon to engage the target accurately and deadly at close ranges. At further ranges, the turret instead utilizes the three-round 'Minisnake' mini-missile launcher. The ultramaneuverible 'Minisnake' missile is a revision of the OMASC 'Air Snake' SRAAM, and is designed to engage aircraft, close-in ground targets, and large AAMs and SAMs at a close range. Alternatively, the turret can utilize a 24-pack rocket launcher, separated to be fired in 3 solves of 8 round each. Each folding-fin rocket - somewhat larger than the standard 2.5" rockets - are designed to engage large enemy missiles at a close range, flying towards these missile's general location before unleashing a deadly batch of small, high-velocity kinetic projectiles, thus shredding the missile's vital components and rendering it ineffective.
The centerpiece of the bomber are the two standard Self-Defence Bays, in which each can hold a small variety of self-defence weaponry such as anti-radication missiles and medium range air-to-air missiles with targeting data fed from outside sources or directly from the bomber's sensors, thus allowing the bomber to defend itself from enemy aircraft or ground air defence sites at a modest range. The bays can also deploy launched and powered decoys to overwhelm and fool enemy air defence systems, while fuel tanks can also occasionally be added to increase range.
Alternatively, these bays can hold a series of different 'countermeasures' bombs, which are modifications of existing lightweight cluster bomb dispensers, designed to fool and even overwhelm enemy sensors and weapon crews. One of the most common variant of these 'bombs' is the Smoke Countermeasure System (SMOC), which dispenses either WP or a cloud of black smoke to temporarily fool enemy AAA gunners, and chasing aircraft at very close ranges. An alternative variant contains a pack of chaff, fooling enemy radar systems temporarily. A third variant is the Fragmentation Effect System (FESS) which refines on tactics used with other historical strike aircraft such as the British Buccaneer, which is a modified 500lb parachute-retarded bomb with a load of fragments and a small charge of explosives, exploding behind a bomber to surprise and distract enemy aircraft chasing at low altitudes.
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Payloads (Max Load/Standard Load):
Main Bomb Bays
-72x/48x 2000lb PDAS (24x/16x each bay)
-72x/48x 2000lb PDAS-Penetrator (24x/16x each bay)
-144x/90x 1000lb PDAS (48x/30x each bay)
-288x/180x 500lb PDAS (96x/60x each bay)
-576x/360x 250lb SPDAS (192x/120x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-203/B or CBU-87/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-204/B or CBU-89/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-205/B or CBU-97/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-207/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-208/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-209/B (45x/23x each bay)
-27x/18x GBU-28 (9x/6x each bay)
-117x/66x AGM-154 JSOW (39x/22x each bay)
-9x/6x Meteor-B (3x/2x each bay)
-42x/24x Roundel AShMs (14x/8x each bay)
-12x/6x Longaxe AShM/ALCMs (4x/2x each bay)
-6x/3x Arquebus ALCMs (2x/1x each bay)
-36x/18x LRALCM-A/B/C ALCMs (12x/6x each bay)
-54x/27x SGAM SRAMs (18x/9x each bay)
-72x/36x JASSM (24x/12x each bay)
-3/2x BLU-200A/C heavy penetrators (1x each bay)
Compact Rotary Launcher Bay
-3x 2000lb PDAS; or
-6x 1000lb PDAS; or
-12x 500lb PDAS; or
-27x 250lb SPDAS; or
-24x "countermeasures" bombs; or
-3x 2000lb Quickstrike mine; or
-6x 1000lb Quickstrike mine; or
-15x 500lb Quickstrike mine
Self-Defence Bay
-6x NALSAR or HARM ARMs (3x each bay)
-8x AIM-120P NLRAAM (4x each bay)
-6x decoy or small reconnaissance drones (3x each bay)
-6x "countermeasures" bombs (3x each bay)
================
Specifications
Length: 79.8m
Height: 24.1m
Wingspan: 46m fully swept, 76.5m extended
Propulsion: Six Honjak Electrics HEK-1031A PDE-turbofans rated at 86,000lbs
Empty Weight: 262,000kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 600,000kg
Crew: Four
Ceiling: >60,000ft
Range: 8000km with max payload, 14,000km with standard load
Speed: Mach 2.53 max, Mach 1.4 supercruise at high atltitude, Mach 1.8 high-altitude dash, Mach 1.25 low level penetration
Payload: 86,000kg (189,600lb) maximum, 48,000kg (105,800lb) standard strike load, 32,000kg (70,547lb) long-range low level strike load, within three bomb bays, one compact rotary launcher bay, two self defence bays, and nine hardpoints (four under wing gloves, five under fuselage). Two self-defence turrets (one chin, one tail)
Unit Cost: $720 million
Export Cost: $750 million (Allies only); $850 million (Cleared customers; reduction in armaments and avionics can apply)
Export Status: Though the B-108 will be manufactured and deployed in great numbers for the Omzian Air Force, sales are largely restricted to allies only. Other customers desiring to purchase this bombers may alternatively submit proposals, though not all will be accepted, and the exported version will only offer reduced armaments and avionics capability.
B-108 Thunderhawk Heavy Supersonic Strategic Bomber Aircraft
Origin and Introduction
Through the long developments of a series of older bomber aircraft, such as the B-101 and the B-105 designs, OMASC engineers has looked further into such designs, as one of the leaders of bomber designs in the NS world. Having fostered great experienced with such designs, OMASC is also willing to further invest to gradually build the ultimate bomber designs in the world that few can rival. Thus, the B-108 Thunderhawk is born as the ultimate heavy-hitter of all existing Omzian bomber designs. A clear blend of the key features of existing designs, and designed in response to Omzian Air Force requests, the Thunderhawk is the ultimate design that strikes fear into any enemy and the target that they valiently protects.
Like a dark raven sweeping down in the crimson sky, and delivering a fiery payload of explosive and rocket power, the Thunderhawk is a perfect blend of a sleek airframe in its physical attributes, and fear-striking performance in its capabilities. Technically however, the Thunderhawk is designed to complement existing B-101D and B-105A bombers in the low-level, high speed, penetration role, delivering a lethal swarm of precision strike munitions against enemy targets, while also capable of of protecting itself both nonviolently and lethally.
Currently, it is expected that Omzian Air Force will file up a request for approximately 1000 said aircraft, with exports being expected.
Design and Physical Characteristics
Airframe
The Thunderhawk features a sleek and aestically smooth design, with a pair of large variable geometry ("swing") wings and an elegant look overall. Though some may associate it with the B-1B and the B-105 in its appearance, the airframe of the Thunderhawk is in many respects vastly different respect. Its two massive swing wings allows excellent performance at both low and high levels, while its performance is further aided by the availability of a pair of canards, two horizontal stabilizers, and one signal vertical stabilizer, in addition to an advanced fly-by-optic system. Its airframe is rife with the application of advanced titanium alloys and composite materials, along with thin layers of armour to protect cruical components of the aircraft. This allows the aircraft not only to sustain the brutality of low-level flight and stress of extended operations, but also increasing its survivability against deadly projectiles and shrapnels. Outside, the aircraft is tipped with a supersonic boom reduction nose design, and is covered in a shower of RAM coatings and materials, along with RAS schemes embedded further into the airframe, allowing a RCS just slightly larger than those of a B-1B. It's fuselage is also relatively smooth, though under it, it is dotted by the signs of six bays of different sizes, in addition to a total of nine hardpoints on its large wing gloves and under its fuselage.
On its surface, other countermeasures are not forgotten. The centerpiece of this is the special electrochromic panels on the aircraft, allowing the aircraft to manipulate its IR signature (such as blending the edges of the aircraft's signature) to confuse IR-guided airto air missiles. This effectively serves as a countermeasure, "modifying" the signature of the aircraft itself by essentially overlapping the actual signature with the newly generated siguature, to confuse enemy missiles. An optical camouflage system is also installed, which consists of small nodes around the aircraft displaying different shades of colour, based on reference images from cameras placed around the aircraft. This effectively allows the aircraft to slightly "blend" into its surrounding, thus decreasing the chance of visual detection. Lastly, the aircraft is also normally painted in either a light blue-coloured, low-reflection scheme; alternatively, it can be painted in a green-blue-brown camouflage scheme, for low-level flights. To combat contrails, a chemical-based contrail suppression system is used.
Propulsion
The bomber is powered by six of the huge Honjak Electrics HEK-1031A PDE-turbofan hybrid engines, each providing a max thrust ratings of 86,000lbs, providing the aircraft with a gigantic and powerful push that is unseen in any previous Omzian bomber aircraft. Originally designed for heavy fighters, these six engines are constructed with advanced alloys, allowing excellent strength and heat resistance characteristics. These six engines are placed beneath the airframe, just near the wing roots, in which air are provided through six gigantic, variable intakes that allows great air flow characteristics, though att he cost of a larger radar cross section. The engines then end in six separate nozzles, which all possesses a 2D thrust vectoring capability, giving excellent maneuveribility characteristics for a large bomber aircraft. To prevent some unwanted effects of damages, the engines and fuel tanks also includes an emergency fire extinguishing suite, along with their complement of armour coverings.
The propulsion system in general, allows the aircraft to possess a maximum speed of around Mach 2.53, while the aircraft is also capable of conducting Mach 1.8 high-altitude dashes or low level penetration at speeds of up to Mach 1.25. At subsonics speeds, the aircraft can even loiter for extended periods of time for special operation scenarios, while the engine's fuel saving measures is also more obvious.
Crew Operations
Though the bomber has one of the highest numbers of crew members, there is no exception made in providing them both a wide spectrum of advanced controls, and comfort within a warmachine of such scale. The aircraft is controlled by a total of five crews, including a pilot/navigator and copilot/flight engineer, a bombardier, and a defensive systems operator. Each crew member are faced with a wide array of MFD screens, each capable of displaying a variety of different data and information. For the bombardier and defensive systems operators, they are also capable of accessing a trackball system, while the pilot and copilot relies on a touchscreen system. Optionally, they can also access a voice command system, along with a control system which consists of special sensors and switches placed within their mouths. Further, the pilot is also provided access to a HUD system and a helmet sight system, along with a hands-on control stick system similar to those in fighters. Each crew member also sits on advanced ejection seats with a variety of safety measures, and are also complemented by an advanced flight suit system that uses a fluid-based system.
Crew comfort is not neglected. The ejection seats are cushioned to give each crew member much comfort during >10-hour operations, and also includes audiable warning systems. Lights are also positioned in the best locations, while a heat and cooling system is also provided. Sunlight peers through windows that are covered by RCS materials, while a small storage compartment is available behind the cockpit, extending crew comfort by allowing them to obtain the food they need and to refresh themselves.
Avionics and Systems
Offensive Avionics
The Thunderhawk, though overly large as a bomber aircraft, also boasts a wide spectrum of avionics and other offensive systems as well, used for the detection, tracking, and engagement of hostile and other targets of importance. These sensors are arranged and placed strategically around the aircraft, while they are all electronically linked to the powerful central fire-control computer system. Code-named 'Oberon', the system consists a system of processors that automatically receives, analyzes, and processes the information gathered from multiple sensors on the bomber, and consequently processing them into firing solutions against both ground and air targets.
Linked to the central targeting computer, is a wide array of sensors, designed to detect both ground and aerial targets. The first of these sensors is the Noran Bonobert AN/APG-388/389 ELPI radar, which consists of a frontal sensor and a rearward-facing sensor desigend for the detection of aertial and ground targets, in addition to carrying out navigation and ground-mapping tasks. Each radar is designed with concealment in mind, thus the radar includes LPI characteristics in addition to the ELPI software and hardware suite, allowing better performance than existing first-generation LPI radar system. Both radar are also capable of jamming other radars (simialr to the Thor system on the F/A-22), focusing a high level of energy on an enemy radar or communication system emitter, thus jamming them temporarily. In terms of detection and navigation, the radar is said to be able to detect fighter-sized targets at a range of around 200km, with full look-down and look-up capability, in addition to detecting ground targets and conduct ground mapping with great precision. In total, it is said that both the frontal and rearward sensor combined can track and generate firing solutions for more than 40 targets at one time.
The second line of systems is a dedicated IRST sensor mounted on the chin of the aircraft, designated the Noran Bonobren INRADAT (INfRAred Detection and Targeting), which is a very powerful forward-looking infrared system designed for the detection, tracking, and targeting of both aerial and ground targets out to a range of approximately 130km. It is fully capable of tracking and targeting unlike older IR sensors, while its precision allows limited target discrimination capability. The system is also linked to an IFF system. The third major system is the Noran LPR/22M LADAR suite, which is a pulse laser-based active detection and ranging system that is capable of detecting, targeting, and tracking both aerial and ground targets over a range of approximately 120km, under ideal weather conditions.
The second suite of systems is the advanced Target Identification, Detection, Engagement, and Analysis System (IDEAS) system, which is composed of two large rotatable pods, each one mounted under each wing gloves of the aircraft. Each pod consists of a short-range FLIR system, a low-light TV system, a suite of colour cameras, and a short-range precision LADAR system, which are all designed to exclusively target, track, and engage ground targets with great precision in all weather conditions. This is especially useful in the low-level penetration role and operation against real-time and time-critical targets, since it allows the aircraft to independently detect and track a variety of ground targets. The pod can also be used as a reconaissance system, as its powerful cameras and FLIR system are capable of capturing reconaissance photographs and other information of importance. These pods are also linked to a datalink, which is then directly linked to friendly assets, thus allowing both the uploading and downloading of targeting information to and from friendly assets. Each pod, though normally facing forwards, can rotate by up to 120 degrees for better targeting capabilities.
The third suite of systems is the bomber's communication systems. Composed of a series of extensive datalinks and communication systems, the suite allows the bomber to communicate with other assets via a variety of ways through secure radio links. At closer ranges between bomber formations flying at higher altitudes, a line-of-sight laser-based communication is also used in ideal weather conditions, thus allowing short-range communication under radio silence. Further, the extensive datalinking systems allows the aircraft to both upload and download targeting data of both ground and air targets. The datalinking system can also be linked with some weapon systems, which means that the bomber's crew can reassign targets to cruise missiles inflight, while GPS guided bombs can be guided to hit moving targets by feeding it with a continuous stream of GPS coordinates and other targeting data.
Defensive Avionics and Systems
The defensive suite of systems is equally impressive, as in order to successfully and fully accomplish its mission under danger within enemy airspace, it is important for the Thunderhawk to possess a broad array of defensive systems. The centerpiece of this is the advanced COWS-XII system, which is a further development of the COWS-IX system that not only improves upon its computing and signal processing capabilities, but its overall capabilities as well.
The COWS-XII suite includes an advanced radar warning receiver system, which is connected to a computer, allowing the analysis of radar and communication signals, thus not only allowing better detection of LPI threats, but also allowing the bomber to act as an ad-hoc and "rough" alternative to dedicated ELINT aircraft as well. A LADAR warning receiver (LWR) system is also added to detect laser-based threats, which consists of a broad network of laser-detecting nodes and sensors placed around the aircraft. A third system is the Missile Threat Identification System (MITID), which consists of a series of optical and IR sensors placed strategically on key positions around the aircraft, to allow the aircraft to detect the launch of enemy missiles and even track their locations. Together as a whole, these receivers can also be connected to a datalink, uploading data to dedicated electronic warfare (EW) aircraft to allow them to prosecute and engage the emission sources quickly.
The suite also includes a wide spectrum of active countermeasures systems as well. This includes a powerful radar jamming suite. Consisted of an internal module and two pods located at the wing roots of each wing, the system is directly linked to the RWR of the aircraft, and is able to conduct the jamming of a broad range of radars and communication links, with limited effectiveness against LPI-type radars with its integrated computer suite. An active radar cancellation system is also added, and as it is linked to both the RWR and the MITID system, it is designed to act as a countermeasure against older-generation, radar-guided AAMs and SAMs. These systems are also directly inked to onboard chaff and flare dispensers, thus allowing the aircraft to take evasive countermeasures if needed. Towed decoys can also be carried, though this is not usually practiced due to the formation arragements that the bomber flies in.
Finally, this also includes an unique LADAR jamming suite, codenamed 'Titan'. Based on the older Pulsemaster system, the Titan consists of an aft-mounted turret with a laser system. When a LADAR threat is identified by the LWR system, the turret directs a series of powerful and high-energy laser pulses at the direction of the threat for a short amount of time, thus overwhelming and temporarily blinding enemy LADAR systems. Unlike the previous system, the Titan further extends the usage of the pulse feature to prevent the jammer from acting as a beacon for enemy passive laser-guided systems, while it is linked to a computer system, allowing the engagement of similar "pulse LADAR" systems.
Armaments and Payloads
Offensive
Out of the many different types of systems on the B-108, probably the Thunderhawk's most fearful component is its gigantic payload capacity. Standing at just below 190,000lbs at its max and just over 100,000lb as its standard payload capacity, the B-108 is in every regard a heavy-hitter designed for both strikes against high-value strategic targets, and "mop-up" duties against concentrations of enemy ground forces and parked aircraft. Thus, the B-108 relies on a total of four weapons bays, in addition to nine hardpoints to exercise its function as a heavy bomber aircraft.
Like many other Omzian bombers, the B-108 has a total of three main weapons bays, each of a very large size, housing the Common Munition Interface Launcher (COMIC). The COMIC launcher is a highly-complex, rotary launcher designed to accept a diverse amount of Omzian-made strike munitions, including glide bombs, cluster bombs, and missiles. It can also house foreign-made weapons (of around the 500kg-2000kg class) with some modifications, thouugh often this would require a complete modification of the COMIC launcher itself. Alternatively, the COMIC can be replaced by ground crews (during a days-long process) by a Heavy Rack Delivery launcher (HARD), which is designed to hold ultra-large systems such as the gigantic BLU-200 heavy penetrator.
However, unlike many other Omzian bombers, the bomber also features a smaller weapons bay, termed the Compact Rotary Launcher Bay. Housing a much simplified version of the COMIC rotary launcher, the bay is designed to hold precision strike bombs such as the OMASC PDAS, though it can bne substituted by the "countermeasure bombs" or even Quickstrike mines instead. Thus, though the Common Rotary Launcher Bay is restricted in terms of munitions variety, it gives the bomber a larger punch or a better self-defence capability.
The hardpoints are of a similar nature, with two under each wing glove, and another five under the fuselage. Each is capable of holding a variety of small bombs and missiles of up to the 500-1000kg class, and the wing glove hardpoints are also capable of lugging along additional radar jamming pods (to complement the COWS-XII's radar jammer) and even reconnaissance pods as well, thus turning the B-108 into a capable electronic warfare platform, and an ad-hoc reconnaissance platform as well.
Defensive
Like how the Thunderhawk possesses a large payload and a capable defensive avionics suite, the designers did not overlook the importance of defensive armaments. For the B-108, large missiles fired from enemy aircraft and ground sites is one of the most dangerous threats, thus attention has been paid to not only the defeat of close-in enemy aircraft and large missiles, but also the sensors of these enemy platforms as well.
The centerpiece of the bomber are the modified self-defence turrets from the B-105 and B-106, this time designated the Turreted Self Defence System - Improved (TSDSI), with two turrets on the B-108 (one on tail, and one on chin of aircraft) as opposed of the six originally planned, to increase performance and decrease weight and strain on the airframe its availability of space. Each composed of a large, fully rotatable, stealthy turret, these systems incorporates a group of short-medium range radar and IR sensors, along with an internal 27mm cannon system and a pack of missiles and rockets. The sensors are connected to a central targeting computer, and when a missile, aircraft-based, or even a ground-based (such as AAA guns) threat is detected, the turret would use the rapid-fire 27mmcannon to engage the target accurately and deadly at close ranges. At further ranges, the turret instead utilizes the three-round 'Minisnake' mini-missile launcher. The ultramaneuverible 'Minisnake' missile is a revision of the OMASC 'Air Snake' SRAAM, and is designed to engage aircraft, close-in ground targets, and large AAMs and SAMs at a close range. Alternatively, the turret can utilize a 24-pack rocket launcher, separated to be fired in 3 solves of 8 round each. Each folding-fin rocket - somewhat larger than the standard 2.5" rockets - are designed to engage large enemy missiles at a close range, flying towards these missile's general location before unleashing a deadly batch of small, high-velocity kinetic projectiles, thus shredding the missile's vital components and rendering it ineffective.
The centerpiece of the bomber are the two standard Self-Defence Bays, in which each can hold a small variety of self-defence weaponry such as anti-radication missiles and medium range air-to-air missiles with targeting data fed from outside sources or directly from the bomber's sensors, thus allowing the bomber to defend itself from enemy aircraft or ground air defence sites at a modest range. The bays can also deploy launched and powered decoys to overwhelm and fool enemy air defence systems, while fuel tanks can also occasionally be added to increase range.
Alternatively, these bays can hold a series of different 'countermeasures' bombs, which are modifications of existing lightweight cluster bomb dispensers, designed to fool and even overwhelm enemy sensors and weapon crews. One of the most common variant of these 'bombs' is the Smoke Countermeasure System (SMOC), which dispenses either WP or a cloud of black smoke to temporarily fool enemy AAA gunners, and chasing aircraft at very close ranges. An alternative variant contains a pack of chaff, fooling enemy radar systems temporarily. A third variant is the Fragmentation Effect System (FESS) which refines on tactics used with other historical strike aircraft such as the British Buccaneer, which is a modified 500lb parachute-retarded bomb with a load of fragments and a small charge of explosives, exploding behind a bomber to surprise and distract enemy aircraft chasing at low altitudes.
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Payloads (Max Load/Standard Load):
Main Bomb Bays
-72x/48x 2000lb PDAS (24x/16x each bay)
-72x/48x 2000lb PDAS-Penetrator (24x/16x each bay)
-144x/90x 1000lb PDAS (48x/30x each bay)
-288x/180x 500lb PDAS (96x/60x each bay)
-576x/360x 250lb SPDAS (192x/120x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-203/B or CBU-87/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-204/B or CBU-89/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-205/B or CBU-97/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-207/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-208/B (45x/23x each bay)
-135x/69x CBU-209/B (45x/23x each bay)
-27x/18x GBU-28 (9x/6x each bay)
-117x/66x AGM-154 JSOW (39x/22x each bay)
-9x/6x Meteor-B (3x/2x each bay)
-42x/24x Roundel AShMs (14x/8x each bay)
-12x/6x Longaxe AShM/ALCMs (4x/2x each bay)
-6x/3x Arquebus ALCMs (2x/1x each bay)
-36x/18x LRALCM-A/B/C ALCMs (12x/6x each bay)
-54x/27x SGAM SRAMs (18x/9x each bay)
-72x/36x JASSM (24x/12x each bay)
-3/2x BLU-200A/C heavy penetrators (1x each bay)
Compact Rotary Launcher Bay
-3x 2000lb PDAS; or
-6x 1000lb PDAS; or
-12x 500lb PDAS; or
-27x 250lb SPDAS; or
-24x "countermeasures" bombs; or
-3x 2000lb Quickstrike mine; or
-6x 1000lb Quickstrike mine; or
-15x 500lb Quickstrike mine
Self-Defence Bay
-6x NALSAR or HARM ARMs (3x each bay)
-8x AIM-120P NLRAAM (4x each bay)
-6x decoy or small reconnaissance drones (3x each bay)
-6x "countermeasures" bombs (3x each bay)
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Specifications
Length: 79.8m
Height: 24.1m
Wingspan: 46m fully swept, 76.5m extended
Propulsion: Six Honjak Electrics HEK-1031A PDE-turbofans rated at 86,000lbs
Empty Weight: 262,000kg
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 600,000kg
Crew: Four
Ceiling: >60,000ft
Range: 8000km with max payload, 14,000km with standard load
Speed: Mach 2.53 max, Mach 1.4 supercruise at high atltitude, Mach 1.8 high-altitude dash, Mach 1.25 low level penetration
Payload: 86,000kg (189,600lb) maximum, 48,000kg (105,800lb) standard strike load, 32,000kg (70,547lb) long-range low level strike load, within three bomb bays, one compact rotary launcher bay, two self defence bays, and nine hardpoints (four under wing gloves, five under fuselage). Two self-defence turrets (one chin, one tail)
Unit Cost: $720 million
Export Cost: $750 million (Allies only); $850 million (Cleared customers; reduction in armaments and avionics can apply)
Export Status: Though the B-108 will be manufactured and deployed in great numbers for the Omzian Air Force, sales are largely restricted to allies only. Other customers desiring to purchase this bombers may alternatively submit proposals, though not all will be accepted, and the exported version will only offer reduced armaments and avionics capability.