Clan Smoke Jaguar
05-06-2005, 10:27
F-36, FB-36, and B-36 Kunai
Program Origins
During the massive air raid on Omz222 by Hiroshikan forces, primarily B-1B Lancer aircraft, it was discovered that B-1B aircraft, using low altitude, high-speed penetration techniques, were able to evade some of the most modern air defenses, even in high concentrations. While the low altitude limited the effective range of SAM systems, it was also found that the planes, combining low altitude, countermeasures, and high speed, were able to prevent even advanced look-down/shoot-down radars from acquiring more than sporadic contact, preventing a positive lock needed for effective missile launch. Without the effective use of long range missiles, aircraft were required to get in close for a short-range engagement. But here, it was found that no interceptor could keep up with the B-1B at low altitudes. The failure of the Omzian defenses to effectively counter these aircraft until after they had dropped most of their bomb loads has shown that we are still vulnerable to modern bombers such as this, which have an unfortunately wide proliferation.
Owing to the failures in this operation, the Smoke Jaguar Air Force initiated a series of exercises and fly-offs with various aircraft and technologies to determine how best to deal with this threat. During the course of these exercises, it was found that, despite the age of the design and it's relative lack of complexity, the B-1B Lancer outperforms all other aircraft in high-speed, low altitude flight. While some other bombers, and a few fighters, can match its speed of Mach 1+ at low altitude, none can match the endurance, and more importantly, the agility of the B-1B. Because of this, the B-1 can easily lose itself in ground clutter, and proceed to outrun and/or outfly any aircraft that tries to come down after it. A degree of success was obtained in engaging the aircraft with long-range IIR-guided missiles, but it was found that, as often as not, the missiles couldn't be vectored to the target due to lack of radar contact. Similarly, while the Smoke Jaguar Air Force possesses AAM-armed B-1 aircraft, these are deemed too valuable and expensive to be used for defense of the homeland against long range bombers. Thus, it was determined that a new interceptor aircraft was needed - one that could follow, track, and engage the B-1B at all altitudes.
Aircraft Design
When CSJMI put out the requirement for the new heavy interceptor, three subcontractors provided potential designs. The design from Kuroneko Industries was designated YF-36, with the Lynx Aerodynamix design designated YF-37, and the final Ocelot Aerospace prototype receiving the YF-38 designation. During fly-off competition, it was determined that the YF-37 was overly complex for the assigned role, while the YF-38 sacrificed too much for a Mach 1+ supercruise at low level. Thus, it was the Kuroneko YF-36 that recieved the contract for further testing and development.
The selected design, the YF-36, with its sleek contours, variable geometry wings, and single tail fin, bears more than a superficial resemblence to the older F-111 aircraft, and indeed can often been mistaken for this. This is not surprising, as the two were designed for very similar performance requirements. However, the YF-36 is vastly different in internal layout, control surfaces, hard point layout, and avionics. One of the most immediately noticable differences is the fuselage, which includes multiple hard points for fuel tanks and heavy weapons, and the trained eye might also notice the more outboard wing pivots, which were to allow for a much heavier inboard underwing hardpoint. The unit also has fewer hard points in the wings, which help relieve some of the problems found with heavily loaded F-111 aircraft. Additionally, a look toward the nose of the aircraft would also reveal the presence of an SMCS system similar to that of the B-1, designed to help improve the handling of the aircraft in low-altitude high speed flight. Much of the nose is made up by the Panther Dynamics AN/APG-489 radar system, a successor to the long range radars on the F-14 and F-30. This is rated with an effective range exceeding 500 km against a bomber-sized target, with look-up/shoot-up and look-down/shoot-down capabiltiy. Fire control systems slaved to the radar allow the engagement of over two dozen targets simultaneously, taking full advantage of the plane's high weapons load.
Though efforts were made to make the aircraft stealthy, speed was deemed to be more important, as this is still primarily a home defense weapon. This shows best in the boxy intakes, designed for maximum airflow to allow for optimum efficiency in the plane's powerful Ocelot Aerospace OE-173D Turbofans. These provide another major distinction for the aircraft. Unlike the underpowered TF30-P103 turbofans on the F-111, these powerful engines put out up to 17,500 kg (38,588 lbs) of thrust each on full burn, and can propel the aircraft to speeds exceeding Mach 2.65 at altitude, and 1.3 at sea level. Due to airframe constraints, the YF-36 lacks the supercruise of modern aircraft, instead opting for greater low altitude performance. In this area, the plane is designed to cruise at up to 1080 km/h (Mach 0.88) at sea level, which, combined with its high speed on afterburner and high low-altitude agility, makes it perfectly capable of catching up to a B-1 "on the deck." As agility was not paramount in the design, full thrust vectoring was not instituted. However, limited vectoring was instituted to improve angle of attack, takeoff and landing performance, and overall handling. Not designed for the high stesses of fighter combat, the airframe was designed for stresses of up to 6.5 Gs, or 4.5 Gs with a full load. While this leaves the unit at a disadvantage against fighters at close range, it has the speed and missile load to make such engagements rare.
Sensors
The primary sensor is the previously noted Panther Dynamics AN/APG-489 radar system. This is one of the most advanced radars of its type and provides one of the premier fighter-borne radar systems in the world, leaving the aircraft a highly capable high altitude intercepter to complement its low altitude performance. The radar is a variable frequency third-generation LPI system with a detection range "of up to 560 km against large targets," and the ability to track up to 450 targets simultaneously, engaging up to 30. Additionally, the aircraft maintains a full ECM suite complete with passive radar and laser sensors and powerful IR, radar, and laser jamming systems; and an IRST system provides an alternate option to the radar out to ranges of up to 150 km, though this is dependant on the speed of the target aircraft and weather conditions. There is also a FLIR sensor for the terrain avoidance system, allowing extremely low altitude flight without the radar emissions necessary to most bombers.
Weapons
The F-36 has a vary large armament, including a small internal bomb bay (allowing for a load of missiles while still flying in a "clean" configuration, mostly for low level interception), 2 underwing hard points, and 8 fuselage hard points. With these, the primary weapon of the F-36 is a wide variety of air-to-air missiles, the exact type and mix of which are determined depending on the role of the aircraft. For example, as a high-altitude bomber interceptor, it can carry up to eight Pheonix, AERAAM, Kai, or similar long-range missiles, with a further eight AMRAAM, Sidewinder, or similar short/medium range missiles. For shorter range engagements, it can have up to 24 short and medium range missiles, giving it the punch of 2-3 normal interceptors.
Naturally, the aircraft was designed with some multirole capabilities, and is a capable ground attack unit, carrying a wide variety of munitions, up to and including a pair of Donnerschlag antishipping missiles (or 4 Bankarits) or 24 1000 lb bombs. However, with the primary role being intercept, ground attack is limited, though targeting pods can be carried to increase PGM capability.
Additionally, the aircraft maintains a 27mm Mauser cannon, though 30mm and 20mm cannons can be installed instead, should it be desired.
Propulsion
The new Ocelot Aerospace OE-173D Hybrid Turbofans, with their excellent power, were a natural choice for this aircraft. They put out a full 17,500 kg (38,588 lbs) thrust while afterburning, and still an impressive 11,000 kg (24,255 lbs) dry. This allows for a maximum speed of Mach 2.65 at altitude, and 1.3 at sea level, with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 1.12 at altitude and 0.88 at sea level, though economical cruise speed is a bit lower (Mach 0.9 at altitude, and 0.73 at sea level). This allows this aircraft to overtake (or outrun) any potential target at low altitude, and leaves few that could escape it at high altitudes. Some have seen the addition of these engines as a step backwards in design, but the fact remains that this kind of performance cannot be provided by the low-bypass turbofans favored for high supercruise capabitliy, and with a Mach 0.88 cruise at sea level, this plane can actually cruise faster than many fighters can pull on full afterburner!
Also of note, the YF-36 has a very high fuel fraction. While most combat aircraft have 0.25 - 0.33, the F-36 had one of 0.42, resulting in a very long range with light loads, and helping compensate for the lower cruising speeds. In fact, with the maximum load, the F-36 is still maintaining an 0.35 fuel fraction, resulting in excellent range even with heavy loads.
Variants
With the excellent high and low-altitude performance of the YF-36, the potential applications as a strike aircraft were not lost. After all, something that can catch up to anything at low altitudes, can also out run anything. With that in mind, the FB-36 was born. This plane drops the heavy APG-489 for an APG-461 dual-mode radar. Though only effective out to 150 km against fighter-sized targets, and can only track up to 60 targets at a time, it maintains the same multi-target capabiltiy and includes a ground attack mode for strike missions. The space and weight savings allowed the aircraft to have an additional 1000 kg ordnance, and targeting systems for PGMs are fitted as standard.
Further refinements resulted in an enlarged, full bomber version, dubbed the B-36. This unit can carry an impressive 18,000 kg of ordnance. Air-to-air avionics have been limited to defensive only, though the aerial intercept radar is still effective to 150 km, to allow the bomber to use heavier medium-range missiles with enough overreach to engage fighters before they can launch missiles themselves. The aircraft also adds 2 more wing pylons, allowing for a much larger load (though these are only rated to 907 kg each), and the heavy payload means it can employ a pair of the devastating Lightning Bolt missiles along with a pair of Bankarit, or alternately, four Donnerschlag weapons, giving it a credible antishipping role.
For all variants, a carrier-capable sub-version was also designed. For Smoke Jaguar forces, these would be operated from MOBs and Kanae Morino vessels, and occasionally Wilson Shires. However, these may prove valuable on the heavier carriers being developed by several OMP member nations, especially due to the attractive low-altitude performance.
Refinements to the B-36 airframe resulted in the EB-36 electronic warfare variant. This removed the gun and much of the avionics to include the AN/ALQ-301 Multifunction Electronic warfare system. This system is an advancement over previous tactical jamming systems in several areas. For starters, the heavy load carrying ability of the aircraft allowed for heavier and more powerful jamming pods, and each has over twice the output and processing power over contemporary systems. Additionally, advances in computer hardware and software, as well as the great deal of extra room in the B-36 airframe, has allowed for a much greater flexibility, and with different pods and mission software packages, the system can fill the full range of tactical jamming, communications jamming, ELINT, SIGINT, and COMINT duties. The pods themselvs weigh 2000-3000 kg each, and are mounted on two wing and two heavy fuselage points (which can alternately carry large fuel tanks for increased range). The small bay is retained to carry 6 medium or short-range missiles for self-defense, and the remaining hard points are optimized for a variety of antiradiation missiles, giving this aircraft a solid hard-kill capability. Most importantly, this aircraft provides the speed of a fighter with the heavy jamming capabilities of an attack aircraft derivative, and thus provides superior escort for high-performance aircraft on strike missions.
The final variant is the KB-36. This was initialized owing to the fact that the current round of carrier tankers were completely insufficient to provide service to the heavy F/FB/B-36 aircraft. While the basic versions are fully capable of carrying buddy stores systems, these limit fuel offload to only 12-15,000 kg, which is on par with the current tankers, and still insufficient. Thus, a dedicated tanker version was born. This unit, with its incredibly high fuel load, is essentially a faster carrier-borne KC-130. Capable of offloading up to 34,000 kg of fuel, it can provide refueling service for up to 2 Kunais at short range, and can still offload an impressive 19,000 kg at 1000nm, far exceeding contemporary carrier-borne tankers.
Capabilities
Test have shown the F-36 to be a highly capable bomber destroyer and bomber formation destroyer, that is, with various armaments, effective at engaging aircraft at any altitude, and ranges up to 500 km. It is also the most capable low-level, high speed aircraft currently available, and the only interceptor capable of matching, and exceeding, the B-1's performance in low level flight.
Furthermore, the aircraft has displayed an ability to intercept mass cruise missile and fighter formations at medium to long range, due to its high payload and exceptional tracking and engagement systems.
The FB and B-36 aircraft have already demonstrated that there are no aircraft that can keep up with them at low altitude, except for the F-36 itself, and this makes them exceptionally effective in low-level tactical strikes, and, when rough terrain near a coastline is available, they have proven to be a superb antishipping platform, using the terrain to mask them before firing off volleys of medium and heavy missiles, and then retreating back through the same terrain, where no carrier fighter has much chance of intercepting them. These same abilities have also been noted for the strategic role, in which case these are effective aircraft, though the lack of range makes plentiful tanker support necessary.
Production & Export
The F-36, FB-36, and B-36 aircraft are currently in low-rate initial production, and full-scale production is expected to begin within the year. The aircraft have been selected for the Smoke Jaguar Navy and Air Force, with a total requirement of 12,000 units of all types, to be delivered over the next 12 years, and while firm requirements have not as yet been released, the Omzian Navy and Air Force are expected to follow with significant orders of their own.
For export, the aircraft will be made available to select allies of Clan Smoke Jaguar at the standard price, and other select nations through both Omz222 and Clan Smoke Jaguar for the export price. Most of these are those whose relations are already established, and while we are open to negotiations, it is highly likely that outsiders would require considerable time and investment before being approved as export customers for this particular unit.
Specifications
F-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed interceptor / two-seat high-speed fighter-bomber
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 23,281 kg
Maximum Weight: 52,579 kg
Length: 22.65m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 11m (wings swept), 10.75m (oversweep-for storage), 21m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 7500 km ferry
Combat Radius (typical intercept): 1000 km low-low-low, 1720 km high-low-high, 2300 km high-high-high
Combat Radius (typical strike): 840 km low-low-low, 1520 km high-low-high
Armament: 1x27mm cannon (options for 20mm or 30mm) w/ 500 rounds; 1xInternal bay, 8xFuselage & 2xUnderwing hard point for 11,000 kg
-6-8xPhoenix equivalent, 8xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (high-altitude interception)
-6-24xSidewinder/ARMAAM equivalent (low-altitude interception)
-14-24xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (air superiority)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 20x340 or 454 kg bombs (heavy strike)
Cost: $130 million (F-36), $140 million (export), $140 million (F-36C naval variant), $150 million (naval variant-export)
FB-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed interceptor / two-seat high-speed fighter-bomber
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 22,281 kg
Maximum Weight: 55,579 kg
Length: 22.65m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 11m (wings swept), 10.75m (oversweep-for storage), 21m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 7500 km ferry
Combat Radius (typical intercept): 1000 km low-low-low, 1720 km high-low-high, 2300 km high-high-high
Combat Radius (typical strike): 840 km low-low-low, 1520 km high-low-high
Armament: 1x27mm cannon (options for 20mm or 30mm) w/ 500 rounds; 1xInternal bay, 8xFuselage & 2xUnderwing hard point for 12,000 kg
-6-8xPhoenix equivalent, 8xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (high-altitude interception)
-6-24xSidewinder/ARMAAM equivalent (low-altitude interception)
-14xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (air superiority)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 24x340 or 454 kg bombs (heavy strike)
Cost: $125 million (FB-36), $135 million (export), $135 million (FB-36C naval variant), $145 million (export-naval variant)
B-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed medium bomber
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 24,279 kg
Maximum Weight: 65,287 kg
Length: 24.15m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 12.4m (wings swept), 11.2m (oversweep-for storage), 23.2m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 9000 km ferry
Combat Radius (typical strike): 1200 km low-low-low, 2240 km high-low-high, 3000 km high-high-high
Armament: 1x27mm cannon (options for 20mm or 30mm) w/ 500 rounds; 1xInternal bay, 8xFuselage & 4xUnderwing hard point for 18,000 kg
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 32x340 or 454 kg bomb (heavy strike)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 18x907 kg bomb (heavy strike)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 8x907 OR 10x454 kg bomb (for low-altitude high-speed dash)
Cost: $150 million (B-36), $160 million (export), $160 million (B-33C naval variant), $170 million (naval variant-export)
EB-36 Kunai
Type: Four-seat high-speed airborne jamming/ELINT aircraft
Crew: 4
Empty Weight: 26,279 kg
Maximum Weight: 64,287 kg
Length: 24.15m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 12.4m (wings swept), 11.2m (oversweep-for storage), 23.2m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 9000 km ferry
Combat Radius: 2200 km high-high-high w/ full load
Armament: 1xInternal bay, 6xFuselage & 4xUnderwing hard point for 16,000 kg
-Up to 4xAN/ALQ-301 Electronic Warfare Pod, 6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 8xHARM equivalent
Cost: $180 million (EB-36A), $190 million (export), $190 million (carrier version), $200 million (carrier version-export)
KB-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed tanker aircraft
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 23,279 kg
Maximum Weight: 64,287 kg
Length: 24.15m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 12.4m (wings swept), 11.2m (oversweep-for storage), 23.2m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 9000 km ferry
Max Fuel Offload: 34,000 kg
Armament: 2xUnderwing & 2xFuselage hard point (up to 6 Sidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent)
Fuel Offload: 34,000 kg @ 185 km w/ 1 hour on station
-19,000 kg @ 1850 km w/ 1 hour on station
Cost: $110 million (B-36), $120 million (export), $120 million (B-33C naval variant), $130 million (naval variant-export)
Special Armaments Associated with (but not limited to) the F-36
The F-36 is the first aircraft designed to be able to operate the new AIM-441 Kai long-range missile without AWACS support. This weapon has been in development for some time, and was initially intended for the F-30 fighter, though it appears that the F-36 may become its primary platform. The complementary AIM-452 Raiden is a heavier medium-range missile that can provide excellent strikes against targets beyond 100 km, and is available to all variants of this and other Smoke Jaguar aircraft.
Please note that these missiles, while the primary units intended for these aricraft, can easily be replaced by other heavy and light/medium AAMs, and these will not be made readily available to any beyond the few customers that will be exempted from the export price for the basic airframes. Others may, however, consider working out a deal for acquisition of the technology.
AIM-441 Kai
Weight: 680 kg
Speed: Mach 9 (9575 km/h)
Range: 450+ km
Guidance: Inertial w/ data link
Warhead: 90 kg KE or 82 kg HE
An extremely fast 1500 lb class missile intended for long-range interception of bombers and surveillance aircraft. This is designed to be carried primarily by the domestically produced F-30, though it can be operated by any aircraft that can pull Mach 1.8 while carrying the missile externally. The missile’s extreme speed provides a flight time of just over 3 minutes to maximum range, and as it cannot incorporate much in the way of guidance, it uses the lack of response time generated by its incredible speed to ensure destruction of the target. Due to the velocities involved, the missile primarily relies on a hit-to-kill system, with the warhead section separating into 5 18 kg incendiary KE vehicles during the terminal phase to increase the chances of a hit. Alternately, the missile can carry an 82 kg HE warhead with timed detonation, though this isn’t recommended due to the fact that there is virtually no margin for error.
Cost: $1.5 million
AIM-452 Raiden
Weight: 150 kg (200 kg w/ booster)
Speed: Mach 4.9
Range: 108 km (150 km w/ booster)
Guidance: Active radar, IR, or IIR w/ 2-way datalink
Warhead: 42 kg blast fragmentation
A lighter ramjet powered missile for BVR engagements. The unit has very high speed, long range, and surprisingly good agility, which, when combined with its powerful warhead and man-in-the-loop capability, provides for an effective BVRAAM. The weapon can either use the speed of the aircraft to initiate the ramjet engine (though only when mounted externally), or alternately incorporate a booster to accelerate it to the necessary velocities.
Cost: $850,000
Program Origins
During the massive air raid on Omz222 by Hiroshikan forces, primarily B-1B Lancer aircraft, it was discovered that B-1B aircraft, using low altitude, high-speed penetration techniques, were able to evade some of the most modern air defenses, even in high concentrations. While the low altitude limited the effective range of SAM systems, it was also found that the planes, combining low altitude, countermeasures, and high speed, were able to prevent even advanced look-down/shoot-down radars from acquiring more than sporadic contact, preventing a positive lock needed for effective missile launch. Without the effective use of long range missiles, aircraft were required to get in close for a short-range engagement. But here, it was found that no interceptor could keep up with the B-1B at low altitudes. The failure of the Omzian defenses to effectively counter these aircraft until after they had dropped most of their bomb loads has shown that we are still vulnerable to modern bombers such as this, which have an unfortunately wide proliferation.
Owing to the failures in this operation, the Smoke Jaguar Air Force initiated a series of exercises and fly-offs with various aircraft and technologies to determine how best to deal with this threat. During the course of these exercises, it was found that, despite the age of the design and it's relative lack of complexity, the B-1B Lancer outperforms all other aircraft in high-speed, low altitude flight. While some other bombers, and a few fighters, can match its speed of Mach 1+ at low altitude, none can match the endurance, and more importantly, the agility of the B-1B. Because of this, the B-1 can easily lose itself in ground clutter, and proceed to outrun and/or outfly any aircraft that tries to come down after it. A degree of success was obtained in engaging the aircraft with long-range IIR-guided missiles, but it was found that, as often as not, the missiles couldn't be vectored to the target due to lack of radar contact. Similarly, while the Smoke Jaguar Air Force possesses AAM-armed B-1 aircraft, these are deemed too valuable and expensive to be used for defense of the homeland against long range bombers. Thus, it was determined that a new interceptor aircraft was needed - one that could follow, track, and engage the B-1B at all altitudes.
Aircraft Design
When CSJMI put out the requirement for the new heavy interceptor, three subcontractors provided potential designs. The design from Kuroneko Industries was designated YF-36, with the Lynx Aerodynamix design designated YF-37, and the final Ocelot Aerospace prototype receiving the YF-38 designation. During fly-off competition, it was determined that the YF-37 was overly complex for the assigned role, while the YF-38 sacrificed too much for a Mach 1+ supercruise at low level. Thus, it was the Kuroneko YF-36 that recieved the contract for further testing and development.
The selected design, the YF-36, with its sleek contours, variable geometry wings, and single tail fin, bears more than a superficial resemblence to the older F-111 aircraft, and indeed can often been mistaken for this. This is not surprising, as the two were designed for very similar performance requirements. However, the YF-36 is vastly different in internal layout, control surfaces, hard point layout, and avionics. One of the most immediately noticable differences is the fuselage, which includes multiple hard points for fuel tanks and heavy weapons, and the trained eye might also notice the more outboard wing pivots, which were to allow for a much heavier inboard underwing hardpoint. The unit also has fewer hard points in the wings, which help relieve some of the problems found with heavily loaded F-111 aircraft. Additionally, a look toward the nose of the aircraft would also reveal the presence of an SMCS system similar to that of the B-1, designed to help improve the handling of the aircraft in low-altitude high speed flight. Much of the nose is made up by the Panther Dynamics AN/APG-489 radar system, a successor to the long range radars on the F-14 and F-30. This is rated with an effective range exceeding 500 km against a bomber-sized target, with look-up/shoot-up and look-down/shoot-down capabiltiy. Fire control systems slaved to the radar allow the engagement of over two dozen targets simultaneously, taking full advantage of the plane's high weapons load.
Though efforts were made to make the aircraft stealthy, speed was deemed to be more important, as this is still primarily a home defense weapon. This shows best in the boxy intakes, designed for maximum airflow to allow for optimum efficiency in the plane's powerful Ocelot Aerospace OE-173D Turbofans. These provide another major distinction for the aircraft. Unlike the underpowered TF30-P103 turbofans on the F-111, these powerful engines put out up to 17,500 kg (38,588 lbs) of thrust each on full burn, and can propel the aircraft to speeds exceeding Mach 2.65 at altitude, and 1.3 at sea level. Due to airframe constraints, the YF-36 lacks the supercruise of modern aircraft, instead opting for greater low altitude performance. In this area, the plane is designed to cruise at up to 1080 km/h (Mach 0.88) at sea level, which, combined with its high speed on afterburner and high low-altitude agility, makes it perfectly capable of catching up to a B-1 "on the deck." As agility was not paramount in the design, full thrust vectoring was not instituted. However, limited vectoring was instituted to improve angle of attack, takeoff and landing performance, and overall handling. Not designed for the high stesses of fighter combat, the airframe was designed for stresses of up to 6.5 Gs, or 4.5 Gs with a full load. While this leaves the unit at a disadvantage against fighters at close range, it has the speed and missile load to make such engagements rare.
Sensors
The primary sensor is the previously noted Panther Dynamics AN/APG-489 radar system. This is one of the most advanced radars of its type and provides one of the premier fighter-borne radar systems in the world, leaving the aircraft a highly capable high altitude intercepter to complement its low altitude performance. The radar is a variable frequency third-generation LPI system with a detection range "of up to 560 km against large targets," and the ability to track up to 450 targets simultaneously, engaging up to 30. Additionally, the aircraft maintains a full ECM suite complete with passive radar and laser sensors and powerful IR, radar, and laser jamming systems; and an IRST system provides an alternate option to the radar out to ranges of up to 150 km, though this is dependant on the speed of the target aircraft and weather conditions. There is also a FLIR sensor for the terrain avoidance system, allowing extremely low altitude flight without the radar emissions necessary to most bombers.
Weapons
The F-36 has a vary large armament, including a small internal bomb bay (allowing for a load of missiles while still flying in a "clean" configuration, mostly for low level interception), 2 underwing hard points, and 8 fuselage hard points. With these, the primary weapon of the F-36 is a wide variety of air-to-air missiles, the exact type and mix of which are determined depending on the role of the aircraft. For example, as a high-altitude bomber interceptor, it can carry up to eight Pheonix, AERAAM, Kai, or similar long-range missiles, with a further eight AMRAAM, Sidewinder, or similar short/medium range missiles. For shorter range engagements, it can have up to 24 short and medium range missiles, giving it the punch of 2-3 normal interceptors.
Naturally, the aircraft was designed with some multirole capabilities, and is a capable ground attack unit, carrying a wide variety of munitions, up to and including a pair of Donnerschlag antishipping missiles (or 4 Bankarits) or 24 1000 lb bombs. However, with the primary role being intercept, ground attack is limited, though targeting pods can be carried to increase PGM capability.
Additionally, the aircraft maintains a 27mm Mauser cannon, though 30mm and 20mm cannons can be installed instead, should it be desired.
Propulsion
The new Ocelot Aerospace OE-173D Hybrid Turbofans, with their excellent power, were a natural choice for this aircraft. They put out a full 17,500 kg (38,588 lbs) thrust while afterburning, and still an impressive 11,000 kg (24,255 lbs) dry. This allows for a maximum speed of Mach 2.65 at altitude, and 1.3 at sea level, with a maximum cruise speed of Mach 1.12 at altitude and 0.88 at sea level, though economical cruise speed is a bit lower (Mach 0.9 at altitude, and 0.73 at sea level). This allows this aircraft to overtake (or outrun) any potential target at low altitude, and leaves few that could escape it at high altitudes. Some have seen the addition of these engines as a step backwards in design, but the fact remains that this kind of performance cannot be provided by the low-bypass turbofans favored for high supercruise capabitliy, and with a Mach 0.88 cruise at sea level, this plane can actually cruise faster than many fighters can pull on full afterburner!
Also of note, the YF-36 has a very high fuel fraction. While most combat aircraft have 0.25 - 0.33, the F-36 had one of 0.42, resulting in a very long range with light loads, and helping compensate for the lower cruising speeds. In fact, with the maximum load, the F-36 is still maintaining an 0.35 fuel fraction, resulting in excellent range even with heavy loads.
Variants
With the excellent high and low-altitude performance of the YF-36, the potential applications as a strike aircraft were not lost. After all, something that can catch up to anything at low altitudes, can also out run anything. With that in mind, the FB-36 was born. This plane drops the heavy APG-489 for an APG-461 dual-mode radar. Though only effective out to 150 km against fighter-sized targets, and can only track up to 60 targets at a time, it maintains the same multi-target capabiltiy and includes a ground attack mode for strike missions. The space and weight savings allowed the aircraft to have an additional 1000 kg ordnance, and targeting systems for PGMs are fitted as standard.
Further refinements resulted in an enlarged, full bomber version, dubbed the B-36. This unit can carry an impressive 18,000 kg of ordnance. Air-to-air avionics have been limited to defensive only, though the aerial intercept radar is still effective to 150 km, to allow the bomber to use heavier medium-range missiles with enough overreach to engage fighters before they can launch missiles themselves. The aircraft also adds 2 more wing pylons, allowing for a much larger load (though these are only rated to 907 kg each), and the heavy payload means it can employ a pair of the devastating Lightning Bolt missiles along with a pair of Bankarit, or alternately, four Donnerschlag weapons, giving it a credible antishipping role.
For all variants, a carrier-capable sub-version was also designed. For Smoke Jaguar forces, these would be operated from MOBs and Kanae Morino vessels, and occasionally Wilson Shires. However, these may prove valuable on the heavier carriers being developed by several OMP member nations, especially due to the attractive low-altitude performance.
Refinements to the B-36 airframe resulted in the EB-36 electronic warfare variant. This removed the gun and much of the avionics to include the AN/ALQ-301 Multifunction Electronic warfare system. This system is an advancement over previous tactical jamming systems in several areas. For starters, the heavy load carrying ability of the aircraft allowed for heavier and more powerful jamming pods, and each has over twice the output and processing power over contemporary systems. Additionally, advances in computer hardware and software, as well as the great deal of extra room in the B-36 airframe, has allowed for a much greater flexibility, and with different pods and mission software packages, the system can fill the full range of tactical jamming, communications jamming, ELINT, SIGINT, and COMINT duties. The pods themselvs weigh 2000-3000 kg each, and are mounted on two wing and two heavy fuselage points (which can alternately carry large fuel tanks for increased range). The small bay is retained to carry 6 medium or short-range missiles for self-defense, and the remaining hard points are optimized for a variety of antiradiation missiles, giving this aircraft a solid hard-kill capability. Most importantly, this aircraft provides the speed of a fighter with the heavy jamming capabilities of an attack aircraft derivative, and thus provides superior escort for high-performance aircraft on strike missions.
The final variant is the KB-36. This was initialized owing to the fact that the current round of carrier tankers were completely insufficient to provide service to the heavy F/FB/B-36 aircraft. While the basic versions are fully capable of carrying buddy stores systems, these limit fuel offload to only 12-15,000 kg, which is on par with the current tankers, and still insufficient. Thus, a dedicated tanker version was born. This unit, with its incredibly high fuel load, is essentially a faster carrier-borne KC-130. Capable of offloading up to 34,000 kg of fuel, it can provide refueling service for up to 2 Kunais at short range, and can still offload an impressive 19,000 kg at 1000nm, far exceeding contemporary carrier-borne tankers.
Capabilities
Test have shown the F-36 to be a highly capable bomber destroyer and bomber formation destroyer, that is, with various armaments, effective at engaging aircraft at any altitude, and ranges up to 500 km. It is also the most capable low-level, high speed aircraft currently available, and the only interceptor capable of matching, and exceeding, the B-1's performance in low level flight.
Furthermore, the aircraft has displayed an ability to intercept mass cruise missile and fighter formations at medium to long range, due to its high payload and exceptional tracking and engagement systems.
The FB and B-36 aircraft have already demonstrated that there are no aircraft that can keep up with them at low altitude, except for the F-36 itself, and this makes them exceptionally effective in low-level tactical strikes, and, when rough terrain near a coastline is available, they have proven to be a superb antishipping platform, using the terrain to mask them before firing off volleys of medium and heavy missiles, and then retreating back through the same terrain, where no carrier fighter has much chance of intercepting them. These same abilities have also been noted for the strategic role, in which case these are effective aircraft, though the lack of range makes plentiful tanker support necessary.
Production & Export
The F-36, FB-36, and B-36 aircraft are currently in low-rate initial production, and full-scale production is expected to begin within the year. The aircraft have been selected for the Smoke Jaguar Navy and Air Force, with a total requirement of 12,000 units of all types, to be delivered over the next 12 years, and while firm requirements have not as yet been released, the Omzian Navy and Air Force are expected to follow with significant orders of their own.
For export, the aircraft will be made available to select allies of Clan Smoke Jaguar at the standard price, and other select nations through both Omz222 and Clan Smoke Jaguar for the export price. Most of these are those whose relations are already established, and while we are open to negotiations, it is highly likely that outsiders would require considerable time and investment before being approved as export customers for this particular unit.
Specifications
F-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed interceptor / two-seat high-speed fighter-bomber
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 23,281 kg
Maximum Weight: 52,579 kg
Length: 22.65m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 11m (wings swept), 10.75m (oversweep-for storage), 21m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 7500 km ferry
Combat Radius (typical intercept): 1000 km low-low-low, 1720 km high-low-high, 2300 km high-high-high
Combat Radius (typical strike): 840 km low-low-low, 1520 km high-low-high
Armament: 1x27mm cannon (options for 20mm or 30mm) w/ 500 rounds; 1xInternal bay, 8xFuselage & 2xUnderwing hard point for 11,000 kg
-6-8xPhoenix equivalent, 8xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (high-altitude interception)
-6-24xSidewinder/ARMAAM equivalent (low-altitude interception)
-14-24xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (air superiority)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 20x340 or 454 kg bombs (heavy strike)
Cost: $130 million (F-36), $140 million (export), $140 million (F-36C naval variant), $150 million (naval variant-export)
FB-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed interceptor / two-seat high-speed fighter-bomber
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 22,281 kg
Maximum Weight: 55,579 kg
Length: 22.65m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 11m (wings swept), 10.75m (oversweep-for storage), 21m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 7500 km ferry
Combat Radius (typical intercept): 1000 km low-low-low, 1720 km high-low-high, 2300 km high-high-high
Combat Radius (typical strike): 840 km low-low-low, 1520 km high-low-high
Armament: 1x27mm cannon (options for 20mm or 30mm) w/ 500 rounds; 1xInternal bay, 8xFuselage & 2xUnderwing hard point for 12,000 kg
-6-8xPhoenix equivalent, 8xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (high-altitude interception)
-6-24xSidewinder/ARMAAM equivalent (low-altitude interception)
-14xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent (air superiority)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 24x340 or 454 kg bombs (heavy strike)
Cost: $125 million (FB-36), $135 million (export), $135 million (FB-36C naval variant), $145 million (export-naval variant)
B-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed medium bomber
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 24,279 kg
Maximum Weight: 65,287 kg
Length: 24.15m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 12.4m (wings swept), 11.2m (oversweep-for storage), 23.2m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 9000 km ferry
Combat Radius (typical strike): 1200 km low-low-low, 2240 km high-low-high, 3000 km high-high-high
Armament: 1x27mm cannon (options for 20mm or 30mm) w/ 500 rounds; 1xInternal bay, 8xFuselage & 4xUnderwing hard point for 18,000 kg
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 32x340 or 454 kg bomb (heavy strike)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 18x907 kg bomb (heavy strike)
-6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 8x907 OR 10x454 kg bomb (for low-altitude high-speed dash)
Cost: $150 million (B-36), $160 million (export), $160 million (B-33C naval variant), $170 million (naval variant-export)
EB-36 Kunai
Type: Four-seat high-speed airborne jamming/ELINT aircraft
Crew: 4
Empty Weight: 26,279 kg
Maximum Weight: 64,287 kg
Length: 24.15m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 12.4m (wings swept), 11.2m (oversweep-for storage), 23.2m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 9000 km ferry
Combat Radius: 2200 km high-high-high w/ full load
Armament: 1xInternal bay, 6xFuselage & 4xUnderwing hard point for 16,000 kg
-Up to 4xAN/ALQ-301 Electronic Warfare Pod, 6xSidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent, 8xHARM equivalent
Cost: $180 million (EB-36A), $190 million (export), $190 million (carrier version), $200 million (carrier version-export)
KB-36 Kunai
Type: Two-seat high-speed tanker aircraft
Crew: 2
Empty Weight: 23,279 kg
Maximum Weight: 64,287 kg
Length: 24.15m
Height: 5.2m
Wingspan: 12.4m (wings swept), 11.2m (oversweep-for storage), 23.2m (wings forward)
Speed: Mach 2.65 (2820 km/h) at altitude, Mach 1.3 (1595 km/h) at sea level
Range: 9000 km ferry
Max Fuel Offload: 34,000 kg
Armament: 2xUnderwing & 2xFuselage hard point (up to 6 Sidewinder/AMRAAM equivalent)
Fuel Offload: 34,000 kg @ 185 km w/ 1 hour on station
-19,000 kg @ 1850 km w/ 1 hour on station
Cost: $110 million (B-36), $120 million (export), $120 million (B-33C naval variant), $130 million (naval variant-export)
Special Armaments Associated with (but not limited to) the F-36
The F-36 is the first aircraft designed to be able to operate the new AIM-441 Kai long-range missile without AWACS support. This weapon has been in development for some time, and was initially intended for the F-30 fighter, though it appears that the F-36 may become its primary platform. The complementary AIM-452 Raiden is a heavier medium-range missile that can provide excellent strikes against targets beyond 100 km, and is available to all variants of this and other Smoke Jaguar aircraft.
Please note that these missiles, while the primary units intended for these aricraft, can easily be replaced by other heavy and light/medium AAMs, and these will not be made readily available to any beyond the few customers that will be exempted from the export price for the basic airframes. Others may, however, consider working out a deal for acquisition of the technology.
AIM-441 Kai
Weight: 680 kg
Speed: Mach 9 (9575 km/h)
Range: 450+ km
Guidance: Inertial w/ data link
Warhead: 90 kg KE or 82 kg HE
An extremely fast 1500 lb class missile intended for long-range interception of bombers and surveillance aircraft. This is designed to be carried primarily by the domestically produced F-30, though it can be operated by any aircraft that can pull Mach 1.8 while carrying the missile externally. The missile’s extreme speed provides a flight time of just over 3 minutes to maximum range, and as it cannot incorporate much in the way of guidance, it uses the lack of response time generated by its incredible speed to ensure destruction of the target. Due to the velocities involved, the missile primarily relies on a hit-to-kill system, with the warhead section separating into 5 18 kg incendiary KE vehicles during the terminal phase to increase the chances of a hit. Alternately, the missile can carry an 82 kg HE warhead with timed detonation, though this isn’t recommended due to the fact that there is virtually no margin for error.
Cost: $1.5 million
AIM-452 Raiden
Weight: 150 kg (200 kg w/ booster)
Speed: Mach 4.9
Range: 108 km (150 km w/ booster)
Guidance: Active radar, IR, or IIR w/ 2-way datalink
Warhead: 42 kg blast fragmentation
A lighter ramjet powered missile for BVR engagements. The unit has very high speed, long range, and surprisingly good agility, which, when combined with its powerful warhead and man-in-the-loop capability, provides for an effective BVRAAM. The weapon can either use the speed of the aircraft to initiate the ramjet engine (though only when mounted externally), or alternately incorporate a booster to accelerate it to the necessary velocities.
Cost: $850,000