NationStates Jolt Archive


GLI-34 Albatross Heavy Bomber - New Design

The Macabees
30-08-2005, 15:23
[Note: I took the liberty to make it nicer and use Isselmere's method of bolding most important systems. For future reference, this bomber was based off the B-2, Avro Vulcan, and other information based off extensive Wiki searching, and consequent googling of information.]

[GLI-34 Albatross Heavy Bomber]

[Project Information]
The GLI-34 Albatross is the second attempt of the Empire to design and mass produce a heavy bomber. The first design, the MAA-1C, unfortunately, was highly unreliable, and extremely obsolete. Consequently, upon the rise of Fedor I to the throne of the Empire, and the War of Golden Succession, with threats of military actions in foreign soil, an Imperial order placed funds for the research and development of a new long range, heavy bomber.

The original project was handed to Luftkrieg; however, after their initial reluctance, and then their eventual postponing of the design, the final project was awarded to a brand new aerial company, Golden Luftwaffe Industries.

It took GLI a total of two years to put together the technology required for the Albatross; nonetheless, the end result was an extremely qualified bomber, with an extremely modern façade. GLI’s GLI-34 is perhaps one of the bombers with the most quality, throughout the world, although such generalities would be impossible to verify. Regardless, the Albatross will remain the mainstay bomber of the Luftwaffe for years to come, and has been marketed as an extremely good purchase for any nation – especially since the Second Empire of the Golden Throne does not have a blacklist, and ships armaments to any nation willing to pay the price at hand.

The Albatross’ design has included the inclusion of several technologies repeatedly excluded in other’s bomber projects. Regardless, much of it is standard electronics and avionics, which only add to the luxury of the Albatross as a first class heavy bomber aircraft. However, the Albatross should not be considered an equal to others with similar electronics and aviation, as the Albatross also includes several of its own innovations, and most of the systems included have been improved in some way.

During the first year of production GLI received a single order for a hundred aircraft from the OberKommando des Luftwaffe. It’s expected that GLI will receive enough orders to gain an extreme profit, especially from foreign quarters. Thus, it is expected that the GLI-34 is to be an extremely successful design in the near future.

[Cockpit and Avionics]
The cockpit is designed for two crew members, the pilot and his co-pilot. The main electronics system within the cockpit is the electronic flight instrumentation system (EFIS), designed using a liquid crystal matrix (AMLCD), which has been provided by Rockwell Collins Industries. The EFIS is part of the glass cockpit, showing all information vital to the well being of the Albatross, including, the aircraft’s situation, position and progress.

The aircraft’s system’s conditions and performance of the engines is shown on the Engines Indication and Crew Alerting System (EICAS). EICAS has replaced all mechanical gauges and other such systems used on older designed. Furthermore, EICAS displays information on a need to know basis, although the pilot and his co-pilot have the possibility of investigating certain information, without EICAS displaying it automatically.

The Albatross also includes an Altitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS), which uses a three axis system which displays altitude, heading and yaw, to the crew. AHRS is made up of accelerometers and magnetometers; the former measures acceleration and the effects of gravity – the latter measures the Earth’s magnetic fields.

The Air Data Computer included within the glass cockpit determines altitude, velocity, and altitude trend, rather than individual instruments.

The Albatross has a transponder underneath the nose of the aircraft, which receives codes from IFF RADARs and flight control systems. This transponder, however, should not be confused with the short range LIDAR transponder located nearby, which is for system defense.

The landing systems use a radio,microwave and differential global positioning system (DGPS), which allows the bomber to land with the aid of satellites. The obstacle warning system (LOAM) is a navigational aid system designed to protect the Albatross from potential dangerous obstacles in its flight path, especially when landing.

The Head-up Display (HUD) offers thirty degrees view horizontally, by twenty-five degrees vertically. The head-up display screen is flanked by four Up-Front Display (UFP) screens, built as active matrix liquid crystal screens. This net of display systems is the primary artery of the integrated control panel (ICP) which allows the pilot to change data for communications, navigation and auto-pilot settings. Underneath the integrated control panel is the Primary Multi-Function Display (PMFD), which gives the pilot another “God’s Eye View” of the environment (the first being the much larger EFIS).

Finally, for navigational purposes, the Albatross uses a tactical air navigational system (TACAN).

[Electronic Systems]
The Albatross includes a bi-static phased array RADAR on the Albatross’ nose and tail apertures, giving it a three hundred and sixty degree scan, burning through 5th Generation stealth at around three hundred kilometers distance. The bi-static phased array RADAR needs no physical movement; instead it’s controlled by phase-shifters, which change the degree of the beam within nanoseconds. This system is matched by an infra-red search and track system, (IRST) which uses infra-red technology to track heat signatures for up to one hundred kilometers. The latter system is completely passive.

The Albatross also includes a RADAR megalith, including an X-band RADAR, which denotes the RADAR’s frequency. This is joined with next generation radar (NEXRAD) which includes a network of small Doppler RADARs, and the improved polarimetric RADAR, which adds vertical polarization in order to know what exactly is reflecting the signal back.

The Albatross has been fitted with an inertial navigation system (INS), as well as a an Doppler RADAR Velocity Sensor (DVS).

The Albatross also includes a light detection and ranging system, (LIDAR) which is one of the most advance in the world – this, GLI could say for sure. The Albatross’ system is based on a transponder and receiver, beside that of the IFF transponder, which uses a Gaussian transmitter system to transmit LIDAR waves. The Gaussian transmitter is based on two electrical fields sending electrically charged photonic waves to bounce off targets and have active measurements on its velocity and location. The advantage of this LIDAR system is that the active RADAR only needs to gain a location on an object once before the LIDAR can take over, meaning a bomber can turn off its active RADAR to reduce its signature. The Albatross’ LIDAR uses Doppler LIDAR in order to keep track of an object’s velocity, as well as a LIDAR range finder.

The Albatross features a global positioning system (GPS), which although doubles as avionics, also allows the bomber to drop munitions under satellite guidance, allowing for much great accuracy.

For countermeasures the Albatross features an Advance Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasure System (AIDECM), which uses both noise jamming, deception jamming, and blip enhancement. The Albatross’ AIDECM also includes the use of chaff, flares and soids accordingly, having a dispenser behind the hard points

[Airframe]
The airframe of the Albatross’ most important statistical feature is the fact that most angles are at fifty-six degrees. More importantly, most of the aircraft is covered by a glass medium, which acts as a subsequent polarizer, which is much more effective more refracting light waves (thus RADAR waves). Most of the information to complete this project accurately was committed to by a physicist named Sir David Brewster, who has provided Brewster’s Angle for stealth mechanisms even in the 21st century.

The Albatross also has a remarkably small RADAR cross section (RCS), much like the Avro Vulcan had in its time, and now the F-117. Brewster’s angles are reinforced using corner reflectors perpendicular to the RADAR wave. The aircraft also includes a layer of RADAR absorbent material (RAM), which is formed of a composition between honeycomb RAM, black absorbent RAM, and foam absorbers. This groundbreaking design of RAM has allowed the aircraft to absorb between 3MHz to 6 GHz. This means that OTHR designed RADAR systems can no longer pick up the Albatross, allowing it a more advance stealth feature.

The frame itself is designed using an aluminum based super alloy (NiAl), a third generation crystal alloy (RENE N6), titanium, cobalt, steel, and interlaced iron, as well as a zirconium-hafnium alloy. This allows for a relatively light airframe, but also extremely strong in all respects.

[Engines]
The Albatross is equipped with six 40,000 pound force (lbf) turbofan engines, integrated into the wing, and heavily laden with ultra-modern infra-red signature suppressants (IRS) lining the engines and all other major heat outtakes.

The engine’s turbine blades use a single crystal alloy, while the turbojet itself is lined with Thymonel 8, a third generation crystal super alloy. This latter super alloy has been known for excellent heat absorbance, and even more excellent resistance against a potentially harmful environment.

The Albatross’ engines are designed to operate at 70% of design maximum, to conserve fuel during throttling procedures, since turbojets have the unfortunate characteristic that they do not throttle efficiently.

[Armaments]
The Albatross has the capabilities of carrying up to twenty-seven thousand two hundred and fifteen kilograms (sorry about the shift in units), translating into sixty thousand pounds. This can include everything from High Speed Anti-Radiation Missiles (HARM), Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM), supersonic and hypersonic cruise missiles, Joint Stand-off Weapons (JSOW), Joint Air-to-Surface Stand-off Missiles (JASSM), and the Wind Compensated Munitions Dispenser (WCMD).

To allow different mixes of weaponry the Albatross includes a Generic Weapons Interface System (GWIS).

In short, the Albatross can carry almost anything in existence that does not exceed the weight limit, including all Kriegzimmer missile products.

Each weapon bay is based off a rotary launcher and a quadruple bomb rack system, allowing the Albatross to drop munitions quickly and efficiently. Notwithstanding, the Albatross carries three separate bomb bays.

[Specifications]
Crew: 2
Engines: 6 40,000 lbf turbojets
Length: 224 feet, 2 in
Height: 29 feet, 5 inches
Wingspan: 130 feet
Empty Weight: 188,000 lbs
Expected Full Weight: 400,000
Maximum Take-off Weight: 600,000 lbs
Maximum Velocity: High Subsonic
Flight Range: 6,000 nm
Ceiling: 60,000 feet
Bomb Load: 60,000 lbs

[Cost]
2.5 billion USD

[Edit: A few changes]
Space Union
30-08-2005, 15:37
Very good. I don't see any problems. But, this is just a personal preference you don't have to use it, I would have suggested using composite material. Metals tend to reflect radar waves while composite materials don't. That's why I paticularly use composite materials instead of metal for most of the body.

But good job. :)
The Fedral Union
30-08-2005, 15:56
Why use RADAR when you can use LIDAR?
Space Union
30-08-2005, 16:06
Why use RADAR when you can use LIDAR?

Because radar can track a wide area while LIDAR is suppose to just target specific targets. :p
The Fedral Union
30-08-2005, 16:08
ahh thanks for clearing it up ..
Space Union
30-08-2005, 16:09
ahh thanks for clearing it up ..

No problem :)
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 16:10
ahh thanks for clearing it up ..


More specifically, LIDAR doesn't have the technology to know what it's tracking, while RADAR does, consequently, you have to first "see" the object with RADAR, and then direct a LIDAR beam to it - where it can track it from there.
Space Union
30-08-2005, 16:11
More specifically, LIDAR doesn't have the technology to know what it's tracking, while RADAR does, consequently, you have to first "see" the object with RADAR, and then direct a LIDAR beam to it - where it can track it from there.

Yeah what he said. :p
Clan Smoke Jaguar
30-08-2005, 17:40
OOC: First and formost, that thing is WAY too light for the speed and payload. The XB-70 (which the engines at least appear to be based on) was over 550,000 lbs, and only carried a 20,000 lb payload, and the B-1B is almost 500,000 lbs, but is slower and without supercruise (though it does have a higher payload). Judging from your airframe, payload, and speed, this should still be over 400,000 lbs.
Second, turbojets are not recommended. Though the XB-70 used them, it only did so because turbofan technology hadn't been perfected yet. For supercruise, you want low bypass turbofans, which are notably more powerful and fuel efficient than comparable turbojets.
Third, that kind of speed and stealth don't go together all that well. Regardless of what you do, this will have a significant IR signature (especially when afterburning), and will still be detectable by radar, especially when going against those who know the truth about stealth. It's interesting to note that the two aircraft you mentioned this is based most heavily off of are both distinctly subsonic.
Finally, the price may actually be a bit high, especially for the utility of the aircraft. I wouldn't think this should be going for more than $2.5 billion or so, even with the exotic construction. Of course, even then, it's just not worth it, though some might like to wave around such a technological marvel.
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 17:44
Military Review Magazine, International

Snip from the review pages

The new GLI-34 Albatross Long Range Stealth Bomber shows promise for future bomber combat systems. Incorporating some of the best known systems and improving them, as well as subsidizing them with newer, genuine combat systems, the Albatross is perhaps one of the most well armed to succeed bombers in the field. It's aerodynamics, however, are not incredibly well adapted to fly solely by the pilot's command, although it's not nearly as bad as the aerodynamics of the F-117. Regardless, it's an extremely worthy piece of have in one's military.

Windtunnel testing and real time in-flight testing have already proved its worthiness to fly. However, the GLI-34 has not been battle tested yet, although it is expected that the GLI-34 will enter into combat within the first weeks of its incorporation into the Golden Throne's Luftwaffe, especially as sole heavy bomber for bombing missions over Sarcanza and Weigar, which are currently in rebellion, led by the contender to the throne, Heinrich.

Nonetheless, the design has been given two thumbs up, and has already been inspected by several other nations as well. According to Time Magazine, "Golden Luftwaffe Industries has really done it now!"[/i]

So, from the Military Review, we approve the solid design of this bomber. For those interested to read more the Golden Empire has been willing to officially release documents concerning the engine and avionics system, although not the stealth system.
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 17:49
OOC: First and formost, that thing is WAY too light for the speed and payload. The XB-70 (which the engines at least appear to be based on) was over 550,000 lbs, and only carried a 20,000 lb payload, and the B-1B is almost 500,000 lbs, but is slower and without supercruise (though it does have a higher payload). Judging from your airframe, payload, and speed, this should still be over 400,000 lbs.

However, that's fully armed. The weight I originally had up was it's empty weight. I've just added its expected full weight, shich is over 400,000 lbs.

Second, turbojets are not recommended. Though the XB-70 used them, it only did so because turbofan technology hadn't been perfected yet. For supercruise, you want low bypass turbofans, which are notably more powerful and fuel efficient than comparable turbojets.

Will do.

Third, that kind of speed and stealth don't go together all that well. Regardless of what you do, this will have a significant IR signature (especially when afterburning), and will still be detectable by radar, especially when going against those who know the truth about stealth. It's interesting to note that the two aircraft you mentioned this is based most heavily off of are both distinctly subsonic.

That's what I thought, but my looks over other threads brought it to light that a lot of nations simply don't really care - so they mix stealth with low supsonic. But, I'll change it.
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 18:28
[OOC: Do people need a picture of the aircraft? Because I can't draw worth beans, but I can probably get something together on DoGa.]
The Silver Sky
30-08-2005, 18:30
[OOC: Do people need a picture of the aircraft? Because I can't draw worth beans, but I can probably get something together on DoGa.]
A picture helps, maybe these guys here (http://s13.invisionfree.com/LineartInc/index.php?act=idx) can do some line art, otherwise DOGA is the way to go.
Aequatio
30-08-2005, 19:20
Just making a tag of this thread, I've been interested in replacing the B-2 Spirit bombers in service with something new, and this may be it.
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 19:59
Just making a tag of this thread, I've been interested in replacing the B-2 Spirit bombers in service with something new, and this may be it.

[OOC: I'll just make an IC response to bump it up.]

To: General Staff; Aequatio

We implore you to continue interest for the Albatross, as we guarantee you that it is a very promising aircraft. Indeed, Kriegzimmer is so interested in your mercantilism that we wish to offer you a bulk deal of the twenty percent off. The definition of bulk would be one hundred or over Albatrosses.

We hope that this is enough persuasion for your decision. Regardless, we respect anything you come to. Thank you for reviewing the GLI-34 Albatross, it has been very helpful to us for reviewing customer appreciation of the design.

[signed]Kriegzimmer Board; GLI CEO Albrecht Sied
Aequatio
30-08-2005, 20:14
Indeed, the GLI-34 Albatross Heavy Bomber does look like a promising and capable aircraft, we would prefer to see the aircraft's performance in a combat situation though before we decide to invest into the Albatross.
AfrikaZkorps
30-08-2005, 20:36
[Sheboygan Aeronautics Corporation Purchase]


The Imperial Government has expressed interest in this vehicle very much. However the Imperial government is rarely allowed to purchase units made outside of the Empire. Therefore we would like to purchase production rights for the GLI-34 as the AB-1E Penguin under production at Sheboygan Aeronautics. We will offer a bid of 250 billion dollars for the rights of this fine aircraft.


Johan Schrider, Department of Foreign Investment, Sheboygan Aeronautics Corporation -
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 20:44
To: Sheboygan Aeronautics Corporation (SAC)

Thank you for taking interest in the GLI-34 Albatross, and we took into consideration your terms for the purchase of the production rights of the GLI-34, and it's consequent renaiming to the AB-1E Penguin. The Kriegzimmer Board, after speaking to the exportation board of Golden Luftwaffe Industries (GLI), has decided to go ahead and approve the selling of production rights, for a total of 250 billion, or two hundred and fifty billion United States Dollars.

Because of secrecy of design, the plans and the plans for the machinery will be delivered to SAC headquarters by person. The delivery will be done within forty-eight hours, and he will come to you.

We hope that your airforce enjoys the entrance of the GLI-34 Albatross/AB-1E Penguin into its ranks. We guarantee you that the Albatross will show superiority over most other long range stealth bombers.

Thank you,

[signed]Kriegzimmer Board
AfrikaZkorps
30-08-2005, 20:55
[Sheboygan Aeronautics Corporation Purchase]


The deal is confirmed and we will be expecting the deleivery at 4532 Gernbruk Avenue, Agosto, AL, AzK. Thank you for your quick response and actions. We will be constructing 100 aircraft as soon as the plans are inspected and fitted to Afrikaan Imperial Air Force standards. Thank you and the money has been wired to your account.


http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/8871/sign8vg.png
Johan Schrider, Department of Foreign Investment, Sheboygan Aeronautics Corporation -
The Macabees
30-08-2005, 22:59
To: Sheboygan Aeronautics Corporation (SAC)

Thank you for your business, we hope that the Albatross' service in your airforce will advertise the aircraft a bit more.

[signed]Kriegzimmer Board

[OOC: A.K.A. Bump]
The Macabees
31-08-2005, 01:39
[bump]
The Macabees
02-09-2005, 04:53
[bump]
Holidians
02-09-2005, 07:59
Tag.