NationStates Jolt Archive


'Vigilante' Begins Flight Testing

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.
Layarteb
10-08-2005, 21:03
.:. Bump .:.

Any comments?
Layarteb
11-08-2005, 15:46
Vigilante Enters LRIP

(LNN) - The 'Vigiliante', Layarteb's newest carrier-borne aircraft has been approved for low-rate initial production. Plans to field 128 RA-5E and 128 EA-5F reconnaissance and electronic warfare variants to replace the EA-6B Prowler and ES-3A Shadow are now underway. In addition, the Empire of Layarteb will supplement its carriers with a total of 288 A-5D bomber variants. The total cost of this program will be $35.52 billion. The Imperial Layartebian Navy plans to maintain all EA-6B Prowlers and ES-3A Shadows in mothbolls for the time being, breaking from the usual plan to sell the aircraft to foreign countries.

In addition, the Vigiliante is approved for export to approved nations now. Export versions will have slightly downgraded avionics and self-defense electronics. In addition, export variants can be equiped with either a M61A2 Vulcan with 524 rounds or a GAU-12/U Equalizer with 300 rounds. Both options will reduce weight by 822 and 728 pounds, respectively. The lesser weights will not improve performance, so says the Layartebian Defense Corporation.

Exports sales are set to begin immediately.
Cotland
12-08-2005, 01:39
The Empire of Cotland, being a security partner in The October Alliance, would like to purchase the following number of aircrafts. All airplanes will have the modifications discussed between the Cottish defense attache in Layarteb City, the Imperial Layartebian Military and the Layartebian Defense Corporation earlier.

A-5D: 300 [$15 Billion]
RA-5E: 120 [$9 Billion]
EA-5F: 176 [$15,84 Billion]

Total cost will come to [$39,84 Billion], and will be wired immediately upon confirmation of this order. It is our hope that these planes will increase the fighting capabilities of the Imperial Cottish Navy.
Hawdawg
12-08-2005, 01:45
We want to compliment the LDC for the superb design and refit of this very combat capable platform and look forward to the final delivery of our initial purchases of the export versions.


Signed,


Gordon Wells
Minister of Defense
Holy Republic of Hawdawg
Layarteb
12-08-2005, 02:14
(LNN) - The Layartebian Defense Corporation, Thursday, approved sale of 300 A-5D, 120 RA-5E, and 176 EA-5F models to the Empire of Cotland. The aircraft will be used, undoubtedly, in the ICAF and serve with units there. The total arms sale is rumored to be close to $40 billion, which will completely finance the entire ILN purchase order.

In other news, the sale of RA-5E and EA-5F models to the Holy Republic of Hawdawg has been approved as well. These models will be sold in addition to E-2D Hawkeye models, indigenously produced E-2C-200 Hawkeye's.
Frisbee Freaks
12-08-2005, 02:33
Frisbee Freax yooz a jiant big magnet to maek the plane go to Frisbee Freax.

Juun: Lololololololololololololoolol!!!! Is my plane now!
Frisbee Freaks
12-08-2005, 02:35
I then maekitevenbetter and maek 150 million of these! (150,000,000)

They are all invinsible, and don't cost a dime!

They attack Layarteb, along with my 10 billion man invincible army.

They over run Layarteb, and it bekomz part of the Frisbee Freak empire!

Juun: Me ownz joo!
Frisbee Freaks
12-08-2005, 02:55
d00d, I waz j0kin, don't t4ke life so seriously, ok? J00 live longer th4t way.
Katganistan
12-08-2005, 02:58
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9425542&postcount=7

Frisbee Freax yooz a jiant big magnet to maek the plane go to Frisbee Freax.

Juun: Lololololololololololololoolol!!!! Is my plane now!

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9425562&postcount=8

I then maekitevenbetter and maek 150 million of these! (150,000,000)

They are all invinsible, and don't cost a dime!

They attack Layarteb, along with my 10 billion man invincible army.

They over run Layarteb, and it bekomz part of the Frisbee Freak empire!

Juun: Me ownz joo!

Frisbee Freaks, Official Warning for spamming and thread hijack.
Layarteb
12-08-2005, 03:00
http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9425542&postcount=7

http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=9425562&postcount=8

Frisbee Freaks, Official Warning for spamming and thread hijack.

Thanks. Maybe he'll go away now.
Frisbee Freaks
12-08-2005, 03:05
Ok, I see ur all jerx here. I kan leev.
Katganistan
12-08-2005, 03:08
Ok, I see ur all jerx here. I kan leev.

I suggest you stop flaming NOW.
Katganistan
12-08-2005, 03:09
And reported for being a turd.

Uncalled for. Knock it off.
Layarteb
12-08-2005, 03:43
Uncalled for. Knock it off.

Sorry I meant that in a sort of comical way but you can never tell tone on the net. I'll remove it. Thanks for the mod on this guy though.
Layarteb
12-08-2005, 16:39
Bump

For sales if any
Frisbee Freaks
12-08-2005, 17:17
I'll buy 10, and I won't do any more n00b stuff.

How much?
Layarteb
12-08-2005, 19:28
I'll buy 10, and I won't do any more n00b stuff.

How much?

They're not for sale to you.
Layarteb
13-08-2005, 15:46
.:. Bump .:.
Layarteb
15-08-2005, 02:35
Nobody huh? No comments either? So it's just that good. Awesome.
Frisbee Freaks
15-08-2005, 02:54
Nobody huh? No comments either? So it's just that good. Awesome.

Ha ha! Jerk, your not selling any! I'm the only one who wanted it!

SRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRVVVVVVVVVD!!!111oneoneshiftone :p
Hawdawg
15-08-2005, 02:55
I think alot of people are shying away from it because its an older airframe (even with all the upgrades). Which is really short-sighted on there part because of the capabilities this platform brings to the table, especially for a carrier based unit.

Go crawl back in your hole Frisby I bought 200 units myself.

-Hawdawg
Layarteb
15-08-2005, 02:56
Ha ha! Jerk, your not selling any! I'm the only one who wanted it!

SRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRVVVVVVVVVD!!!111oneoneshiftone :p

Can you please go away before I report you again. Do not come into my threads until you have something intelligent to say and not this n00bish 1337 garbage.

Hawdawg, you got a point. Hey you know what this means though? No way anyone can say it's a godmod. I gave them the opportunity to object.
Hawdawg
15-08-2005, 02:58
Yep its hard to scream God-Mod when the first airframe was retired in 1979.
Frisbee Freaks
15-08-2005, 03:00
Go crawl back in your hole Frisby I bought 200 units myself.

-Hawdawg

You didn't post here, so it dosnt count. :p
Hawdawg
15-08-2005, 03:25
To: EOL Industries

From: Holy Republic of Hawdawg

Re: RA-5E and EA-5F Order


We just wanted to drop a note to inform how well our initial planes ordered are performing. We have received 100 of the 354 RA-5E's so far and our pilots have adapted well to them. The EA-5F's are also drawing praise from the cockpit and the full order of 160 of these planes is expected to enhance our large sea carrier wings. We thank you again for such an excellent set of airframes.

Signed,

Gordon Wells
Minister of Defense
Holy Republic of Hawdawg
Euroslavia
15-08-2005, 15:44
Ha ha! Jerk, your not selling any! I'm the only one who wanted it!

SRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRVVVVVVVVVD!!!111oneoneshiftone :p

Post here again, and you'll receive a much more strict warning. There's no need for you to post here anymore.


~The Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia
Nationstates Forum Moderator~
Layarteb
15-08-2005, 19:08
Post here again, and you'll receive a much more strict warning. There's no need for you to post here anymore.


~The Modified Freedom Forces of Euroslavia
Nationstates Forum Moderator~

Thanks Euro, you know how they get. Want any Vigilantes? Discounted price ;).
Layarteb
16-08-2005, 23:27
(LNN) - Today a prototype A-5D Vigilante crashed off the Virginian coast. Naval officials announced Tuesday that the crash occured at 0837 and is believed to be the result of mechanical failure.

For the time being, all exports are halted pending an investigation.
Layarteb
17-08-2005, 19:59
(LNN) - Today a prototype A-5D Vigilante crashed off the Virginian coast. Naval officials announced Tuesday that the crash occured at 0837 and is believed to be the result of mechanical failure.

For the time being, all exports are halted pending an investigation.

(LNN) - A naval A-5D Vigilante that crashed 86 miles off the Virginian coast has set off one of the largest investigations in aviation history throughout the EOL. However, it has finally concluded. Recovery of the aircraft and its flight systems has proven an initial theory that hydraulic failure caused a sharp yaw to be true.

The A-5D was flying at 600 miles per hour and 200 feet when it seems hydraulic failure caused a short in the rudder, causing the aircraft to violently yaw, causing the tail to snap off and the crew to be pinned. The loss of the tail caused the aircraft to crash shortly thereafter.

This theory was originally fabricated upon finding the cracked and broken tail floating some 22 miles from the crash location, obviously having been under significant stress.

A solution to the problem has been presented and all future built aircraft will incorporate the fix. Currently built aircraft will need modifications. All export variants already sent will be modified on the spot by technicians from the LDC.
Hawdawg
17-08-2005, 23:14
To: LDC

From: Dept. of Defense; Holy Republic of Hawdawg

Re: Vigilante Mechanical Issues

We have moved all Vigilante aircraft already delivered to Kermit AFB outside of Stockholm for ease of retrofit by your technicians. If LDC would like, we will issue a special permit for a direct flight into Kermit. We have a special facility on base for visiting troops and your repair crews are welcomed to stay there while making all repairs.

Sincerely,

G. Wells
Minister of Defense
Holy Republic of Hawdawg
Layarteb
17-08-2005, 23:22
To: LDC

From: Dept. of Defense; Holy Republic of Hawdawg

Re: Vigilante Mechanical Issues

We have moved all Vigilante aircraft already delivered to Kermit AFB outside of Stockholm for ease of retrofit by your technicians. If LDC would like, we will issue a special permit for a direct flight into Kermit. We have a special facility on base for visiting troops and your repair crews are welcomed to stay there while making all repairs.

Sincerely,

G. Wells
Minister of Defense
Holy Republic of Hawdawg

This will be most helpful. Aircraft can be fixed at a rate of some 18 aircraft per day with the current crew.
Cotland
17-08-2005, 23:56
To: LDC
From: Ministry of Defense, Cotland

While we have only recieved a small amount of aircraft ordered, those already delivered have been transferred to various aircraft carriers already. If you wish, we can have them transported to the carriers using C-2B Greyhound. This applies for the RA-5E and EA-5F type of aircraft. The A-5Ds in question are all located at Optin Air Force Base outside Moscow. Just take a commercial flight from Layarteb to Moscow, and we'll pick you up there and take you to Optin, which is our primary aircraft testing facility.


Sincerely,

GEN R. Eriksen
Head of Procurement
Ministry of Defense
Layarteb
19-08-2005, 14:59
To: LDC
From: Ministry of Defense, Cotland

While we have only recieved a small amount of aircraft ordered, those already delivered have been transferred to various aircraft carriers already. If you wish, we can have them transported to the carriers using C-2B Greyhound. This applies for the RA-5E and EA-5F type of aircraft. The A-5Ds in question are all located at Optin Air Force Base outside Moscow. Just take a commercial flight from Layarteb to Moscow, and we'll pick you up there and take you to Optin, which is our primary aircraft testing facility.


Sincerely,

GEN R. Eriksen
Head of Procurement
Ministry of Defense

Indeed, the LDC technicians shall arrived at Optin AFB via transport and then you may fly them to the carriers in question.