Layarteb
09-08-2005, 23:17
The Imperial Layartebian Navy, in response to recent hostilities and problems throughout the world has begun development of the A-5 Vigilante. The A-5 Vigiliante first saw service during the Cold War and Vietnam as the A-5A, A-5B, and RA-5C. Originally designed as a high-speed, low-altitude, deep-penetration, carrier-borne, nuclear bomber, the A-5A and A-5B never saw operational service. The RA-5C, intended for reconnaissance instead of bombing, saw extensive service in Vietnam. Carrying out hazardous medium-level reconnaissance, only 18 were shot down, most to anti-aircraft fire.
Extremely advanced and very fast, the Vigilante could deliver its weaponry at supersonic speeds, which, at low level, were in the order of 806 mph and at altitude, some 1,320 mph. The unique clamshell doors in the rear allowed for weapons release without slowing down and enabled the Vigilante to escape the bomb blast. Originally fitted with two external pylons for carriage of two 400 gallon fuel tanks, the A-5B added two more pylons and subsequent modifications allowed for carriage of Mark 82, 83, or 84 dumb bombs. However, this never saw combat.
The influence of the A-5 Vigilante was widespread as the MiG-25 Foxbat highly resembles the dual tail fin prototype of the A-5. The Vigilante was retired from service in September 1979.
In light of the success and ability of the Vigilante, the Layartebian Defense Corporation has commissioned construction of the A-5D Vigilante, RA-5E Vigilante, and EA-5F Vigilante. The A-5D will be a bomber, the RA-5E a reconnaissance aircraft, and the EA-5F an electronic warfare aircraft. The A-5D, which provides the basis for the E and F, is based on an improved design to the A-5B Vigilante.
The A-5D retains the same dimensions: 76.50 feet long, 19.40 feet high, and has a wingspan of 53.00 feet. Empty, she weighs 35,000 pounds. Significant advances and changes in internal structure has allowed for a carriage now of 18,000 pounds of fuel. The A-5D retains all four wing hardpoints of the A-5B and incorporates a redesigned weapons bay. The two outer wing pylons can mount a total of four wing-on-wing pylons for the carriage of air-to-air missiles for self-defense. The total armament weight of the bomber is 24,000 pounds and its maximum take off weight is 80,000 pounds.
Power is provided by a pair of General Electric F110-132 afterburning turbofans. Combined, they provide up to 65,000 pounds of thrust in afterburner and 38,200 pounds of thrust in military power. The 18,000 pounds of fuel provide it with an unrefueled, combat radius of 1,200 nautical miles and a ferry range of 2,400 nautical miles. The engines can provide power up to 70,000 feet and allow the aircraft to climb at 20,000 feet per minute. The aircraft can pull -2 Gs and +5 Gs. At sea level, the A-5D can fly 810 miles per hour and at altitude, 1,650 miles per hour. The advanced design of the engines allow for cooler temperatures at afterburner, thereby reducing the infrared signature of the aircraft.
The weapons suite of the bomber provides for significant advancement and ability over its predecessors. Internally a single BK-27 Mauser 27MM cannon is mounted on the left port with a 450 round drum, accounting for 1,140 pounds. Inside the internal weapons bay, up to 24 250 pound bombs, 12 500 pound bombs, 6 1,000 pound bombs, or 3 2,000 pound bombs can be carried. All together, the internal weapons bay can carry 6,000 pounds. Aside from guided and unguided bombs, the A-5D can carry Harpoon, SLAM, Harpoon II, Condor II, Storm Shadow, or CALCM missiles. In total, up to 6 missiles can be carried, maximum. On the four external pylons, each pylon can support up to 4,000 pounds. Each pylon can carry up to 16 250 pound bombs, 8 500 pound bombs, 4 1,000 pound bombs, or 2 2,000 pound bombs. Each pylon can carry any of the above missiles in either single or dual loads, depending on the weapon. In addition, Popeye, Stryker, JASSM, JSOW, Maverick, HARM, Brimstone, or Zombie missiles can be carried. On the four wing-on-wing pylons, the A-5D can carry up to 4 air to air missiles, each under 400 pounds. A standard load will mount a pair of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles inboard and a pair of AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles outboard. The external load of the RA-5E and EA-5F consists only of up to 8 AGM-88 HARM or AARGM missiles.
The avionics suite is highly advanced. For a radar, the A-5D carries an AN/APG-81 Multimode Radar. The AN/APG-81 is an Active Electronically Scanned Array type of radar. The radar will fulfil air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare duties. The use of the AN/APG-81 provides the A-5D with the ability to detect targets as far away as 150 nautical miles while provided a low-probability of intercept. This is much like the AN/APG-77 radar on the F/A-22A Raptor. High-resolution modes allow for target identification at long ranges. Additionally, the A-5D carries the AN/ASQ-28 Internal FLIR and Targeting System. With state-of-the art components and packaging technology, the Internal FLIR Targeting System (IFTS) incorporates an advanced multi-functional FLIR/laser system into the A-5D to improve lethality and survivability with lower weight and drag. The elimination of bulky pods also enhances stealth. The use of the IFTS replaces any plans to use the LANTRIN or similar advanced, podded systems. In addition, the A-5D incorporates an internal HARM Targeting System, allowing for the use of the AGM-88 HARM and AARGM. In addition, it allows the RA-5E and EA-5F to perform SEAD duty.
For self-defense, the A-5D carries the AN/ALR-94 Multi-Purpose Passive Receiver System. Active jamming comes from a highly advanced unit, the AN/ALQ-225 Advanced Radar Jammer. The AN/ALQ-225 provides jamming capabilities for all bands of radar and noise. The AN/ALQ-225 has the capability to jam frequency hop, pulse Doppler, Doppler, and advanced radars. The EA-5F carries an AN/ALQ-226 Standoff Jammer in addition, providing increased jamming ability at ranges up to double that of the AN/ALQ-99, employed on the EA-6B and EA-18A. Additionally, infrared jamming is provided by the AN/ALQ-227 Advanced Infrared Jammer, which provides defense against shoulder-launched missiles, short-range air to air missiles, and infrared SAMs. It is supplemented by the AN/ALQ-228 Advanced IIR Jammer, which jams missiles guided by imaging infrared, such as the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM. The A-5D carries 240 chaff bundles packed throughout the aircraft and 180 flares, mounted towards the rear. The RA-5E and EA-5F carry 300 chaff bundles, 240 flares, the extra countermeasures being carried in the internal bay with camera and jamming equipment. Camera equipment on the RA-5E allow the aircraft to take low, medium, and high-altitude pictures. The KA-118 Digital Low-Altitude Camera (DLAC) provides high resolution, digital imagry at low-altitude. The KA-119 Digital Medium-Altitude Camera (DMAC) provides the same at medium-altitudes and the KA-120 Digital High-Altitude Camera (DHAC) does the same for high-altitude. Resolution allows for up to 24 megapixels. Internal hard-drives, mounted on the aircraft, can hold up to 400,000 images at maximum resolution. Sensor equipment for monitoring signals is also carried for the RA-5E and EA-5F.
The A-5D is significantly more stealthy than its predecessor. The radar signature is equal to that of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is listed as 0.5m² or 5.5 ft². This signature allows it to be smaller than the Rafale, B-1B Lancer, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Advanced techniques used on the design, based on information gathered from the F-111, B-1, F-16, F-22, and F-35 programs allow for the A-5D to significantly reduce its radar signature. Active jamming does increase radar signature. The bomb-bay doors are designed to fold inward and upward, allowing for less material for radar to come in contact with. Weapons are ejected downward without any protuding arms or structures.
The A-5D Vigilante and its subsequent variants are not costly either. Original A-5A Vigilantes cost, in the order of $10 million. The new, A-5D Vigilante will cost $50 million, the RA-5E Vigilante will cost $75 million, and the EA-5F Vigilante will cost $90 million. Current plans will field 8 A-5D Vigilantes per bomb squadron, 4 RA-5E Vigilantes per reconnaissance squadron, and 4 EA-5F Vigilantes per electronic warfare squadron. Each Enterprise carrier will be tasked with carrying a single squadron of each, replacing outdated EA-6B Prowlers, ES-3A Shadows, and supplementing ground-attack craft. On each Nimitz, EA-5F Vigilantes will replace EA-6B Prowlers and RA-5E Vigilantes will replace ES-3A Shadows. A-5D Vigilantes will supplement ground-attack craft as well as on the Enterprise. No aircraft will be carried onboard the Vampire.
Currently, the A-5D, RA-5E, and EA-5F Vigilante is not for export except to cleared security partners of The October Alliance. Cleared for extreme security partners, are downgraded versions of the RA-5E and EA-5F. The downgraded versions feature AN/ALQ-165 ASPJ and AN/ALQ-189 SPJ equipment for ECM, 1/3 less chaff and flares, and 11.2 megapixel cameras. IR jammers will be retained but not IIR jammers. The price for the RA-5E will be $75M and for the EA-5F, it will be $90M.
http://www.military.cz/usa/air/post_war/a5/a5_bwa.jpg
A-5A Vigilante on testing.
http://www.globalaircraft.org/photos/planephotos/a-5_1.jpg
A-5D Vigilante on take-off trials.
http://www.aviationtrivia.homestead.com/files/A3JLanding.jpg
A-5D Vigilante on landing trials.
http://www.kepu.net.cn/gb/beyond/aviation/plane/images/pla205_01b_pic.jpg
A-5D Vigilante on trials.
http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/bilder/552-A-5_1.jpg
RA-5E Vigilante trial.
http://winjack3.com/images/a-5/ra-5-14.jpg
A-5D Vigilante with engine trouble.
http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/bilder/552-A-5_3.jpg
RA-5E Vigilante cock-pit close-up.
Extremely advanced and very fast, the Vigilante could deliver its weaponry at supersonic speeds, which, at low level, were in the order of 806 mph and at altitude, some 1,320 mph. The unique clamshell doors in the rear allowed for weapons release without slowing down and enabled the Vigilante to escape the bomb blast. Originally fitted with two external pylons for carriage of two 400 gallon fuel tanks, the A-5B added two more pylons and subsequent modifications allowed for carriage of Mark 82, 83, or 84 dumb bombs. However, this never saw combat.
The influence of the A-5 Vigilante was widespread as the MiG-25 Foxbat highly resembles the dual tail fin prototype of the A-5. The Vigilante was retired from service in September 1979.
In light of the success and ability of the Vigilante, the Layartebian Defense Corporation has commissioned construction of the A-5D Vigilante, RA-5E Vigilante, and EA-5F Vigilante. The A-5D will be a bomber, the RA-5E a reconnaissance aircraft, and the EA-5F an electronic warfare aircraft. The A-5D, which provides the basis for the E and F, is based on an improved design to the A-5B Vigilante.
The A-5D retains the same dimensions: 76.50 feet long, 19.40 feet high, and has a wingspan of 53.00 feet. Empty, she weighs 35,000 pounds. Significant advances and changes in internal structure has allowed for a carriage now of 18,000 pounds of fuel. The A-5D retains all four wing hardpoints of the A-5B and incorporates a redesigned weapons bay. The two outer wing pylons can mount a total of four wing-on-wing pylons for the carriage of air-to-air missiles for self-defense. The total armament weight of the bomber is 24,000 pounds and its maximum take off weight is 80,000 pounds.
Power is provided by a pair of General Electric F110-132 afterburning turbofans. Combined, they provide up to 65,000 pounds of thrust in afterburner and 38,200 pounds of thrust in military power. The 18,000 pounds of fuel provide it with an unrefueled, combat radius of 1,200 nautical miles and a ferry range of 2,400 nautical miles. The engines can provide power up to 70,000 feet and allow the aircraft to climb at 20,000 feet per minute. The aircraft can pull -2 Gs and +5 Gs. At sea level, the A-5D can fly 810 miles per hour and at altitude, 1,650 miles per hour. The advanced design of the engines allow for cooler temperatures at afterburner, thereby reducing the infrared signature of the aircraft.
The weapons suite of the bomber provides for significant advancement and ability over its predecessors. Internally a single BK-27 Mauser 27MM cannon is mounted on the left port with a 450 round drum, accounting for 1,140 pounds. Inside the internal weapons bay, up to 24 250 pound bombs, 12 500 pound bombs, 6 1,000 pound bombs, or 3 2,000 pound bombs can be carried. All together, the internal weapons bay can carry 6,000 pounds. Aside from guided and unguided bombs, the A-5D can carry Harpoon, SLAM, Harpoon II, Condor II, Storm Shadow, or CALCM missiles. In total, up to 6 missiles can be carried, maximum. On the four external pylons, each pylon can support up to 4,000 pounds. Each pylon can carry up to 16 250 pound bombs, 8 500 pound bombs, 4 1,000 pound bombs, or 2 2,000 pound bombs. Each pylon can carry any of the above missiles in either single or dual loads, depending on the weapon. In addition, Popeye, Stryker, JASSM, JSOW, Maverick, HARM, Brimstone, or Zombie missiles can be carried. On the four wing-on-wing pylons, the A-5D can carry up to 4 air to air missiles, each under 400 pounds. A standard load will mount a pair of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles inboard and a pair of AIM-120D AMRAAM missiles outboard. The external load of the RA-5E and EA-5F consists only of up to 8 AGM-88 HARM or AARGM missiles.
The avionics suite is highly advanced. For a radar, the A-5D carries an AN/APG-81 Multimode Radar. The AN/APG-81 is an Active Electronically Scanned Array type of radar. The radar will fulfil air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare duties. The use of the AN/APG-81 provides the A-5D with the ability to detect targets as far away as 150 nautical miles while provided a low-probability of intercept. This is much like the AN/APG-77 radar on the F/A-22A Raptor. High-resolution modes allow for target identification at long ranges. Additionally, the A-5D carries the AN/ASQ-28 Internal FLIR and Targeting System. With state-of-the art components and packaging technology, the Internal FLIR Targeting System (IFTS) incorporates an advanced multi-functional FLIR/laser system into the A-5D to improve lethality and survivability with lower weight and drag. The elimination of bulky pods also enhances stealth. The use of the IFTS replaces any plans to use the LANTRIN or similar advanced, podded systems. In addition, the A-5D incorporates an internal HARM Targeting System, allowing for the use of the AGM-88 HARM and AARGM. In addition, it allows the RA-5E and EA-5F to perform SEAD duty.
For self-defense, the A-5D carries the AN/ALR-94 Multi-Purpose Passive Receiver System. Active jamming comes from a highly advanced unit, the AN/ALQ-225 Advanced Radar Jammer. The AN/ALQ-225 provides jamming capabilities for all bands of radar and noise. The AN/ALQ-225 has the capability to jam frequency hop, pulse Doppler, Doppler, and advanced radars. The EA-5F carries an AN/ALQ-226 Standoff Jammer in addition, providing increased jamming ability at ranges up to double that of the AN/ALQ-99, employed on the EA-6B and EA-18A. Additionally, infrared jamming is provided by the AN/ALQ-227 Advanced Infrared Jammer, which provides defense against shoulder-launched missiles, short-range air to air missiles, and infrared SAMs. It is supplemented by the AN/ALQ-228 Advanced IIR Jammer, which jams missiles guided by imaging infrared, such as the AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-132 ASRAAM. The A-5D carries 240 chaff bundles packed throughout the aircraft and 180 flares, mounted towards the rear. The RA-5E and EA-5F carry 300 chaff bundles, 240 flares, the extra countermeasures being carried in the internal bay with camera and jamming equipment. Camera equipment on the RA-5E allow the aircraft to take low, medium, and high-altitude pictures. The KA-118 Digital Low-Altitude Camera (DLAC) provides high resolution, digital imagry at low-altitude. The KA-119 Digital Medium-Altitude Camera (DMAC) provides the same at medium-altitudes and the KA-120 Digital High-Altitude Camera (DHAC) does the same for high-altitude. Resolution allows for up to 24 megapixels. Internal hard-drives, mounted on the aircraft, can hold up to 400,000 images at maximum resolution. Sensor equipment for monitoring signals is also carried for the RA-5E and EA-5F.
The A-5D is significantly more stealthy than its predecessor. The radar signature is equal to that of the Eurofighter Typhoon, which is listed as 0.5m² or 5.5 ft². This signature allows it to be smaller than the Rafale, B-1B Lancer, and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Advanced techniques used on the design, based on information gathered from the F-111, B-1, F-16, F-22, and F-35 programs allow for the A-5D to significantly reduce its radar signature. Active jamming does increase radar signature. The bomb-bay doors are designed to fold inward and upward, allowing for less material for radar to come in contact with. Weapons are ejected downward without any protuding arms or structures.
The A-5D Vigilante and its subsequent variants are not costly either. Original A-5A Vigilantes cost, in the order of $10 million. The new, A-5D Vigilante will cost $50 million, the RA-5E Vigilante will cost $75 million, and the EA-5F Vigilante will cost $90 million. Current plans will field 8 A-5D Vigilantes per bomb squadron, 4 RA-5E Vigilantes per reconnaissance squadron, and 4 EA-5F Vigilantes per electronic warfare squadron. Each Enterprise carrier will be tasked with carrying a single squadron of each, replacing outdated EA-6B Prowlers, ES-3A Shadows, and supplementing ground-attack craft. On each Nimitz, EA-5F Vigilantes will replace EA-6B Prowlers and RA-5E Vigilantes will replace ES-3A Shadows. A-5D Vigilantes will supplement ground-attack craft as well as on the Enterprise. No aircraft will be carried onboard the Vampire.
Currently, the A-5D, RA-5E, and EA-5F Vigilante is not for export except to cleared security partners of The October Alliance. Cleared for extreme security partners, are downgraded versions of the RA-5E and EA-5F. The downgraded versions feature AN/ALQ-165 ASPJ and AN/ALQ-189 SPJ equipment for ECM, 1/3 less chaff and flares, and 11.2 megapixel cameras. IR jammers will be retained but not IIR jammers. The price for the RA-5E will be $75M and for the EA-5F, it will be $90M.
http://www.military.cz/usa/air/post_war/a5/a5_bwa.jpg
A-5A Vigilante on testing.
http://www.globalaircraft.org/photos/planephotos/a-5_1.jpg
A-5D Vigilante on take-off trials.
http://www.aviationtrivia.homestead.com/files/A3JLanding.jpg
A-5D Vigilante on landing trials.
http://www.kepu.net.cn/gb/beyond/aviation/plane/images/pla205_01b_pic.jpg
A-5D Vigilante on trials.
http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/bilder/552-A-5_1.jpg
RA-5E Vigilante trial.
http://winjack3.com/images/a-5/ra-5-14.jpg
A-5D Vigilante with engine trouble.
http://www.modellversium.de/galerie/bilder/552-A-5_3.jpg
RA-5E Vigilante cock-pit close-up.