NationStates Jolt Archive

For info on other NSAA R+D projects ongoing, look here (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=463720).

Project Eagle:
The development of a new "intelligent" medium to long range air to air missile to replace the several different and slightly out-of-date air to air missile already in service, provide a better rounds fired/kills ratio, and require less pilot interaction while the missile is in-flight to improve survivability of launch platforms.

This project is a joint effort between the NSAA R+D department, Mondoth arms, and Shrak Aeronautics.

NSAA's objectives for this project are clearly defined, and we have allocated one of our research facilities for this project. development can commence immediatly.

OOC: anything you want to say mondoth?

OOC: No, missile design in a relatively weak point for me...

ah. okay. fair enough. oh well, this one should turn out less than deadly then...
(my missile tech is less than wonderful too)

well, I can BS it, thats the only way to learn.

I've actually got a few ideas now that I've doen some more research, take a look at these RL missiles and see if you like any of the features:
http://www.army-technology.com/projects/starstreak/
(Not an A2A missile but the warhead is interesting)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/aim-54.htm
(Realy long range, terminal guidance)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/aim-132.htm
(more of a close range missile)
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/drm.htm
(Both long and short ranges, as well as obscenely maneuverable, probably the best bet for an NFT weapon)

I quite like this thing: Link (http://www.raf.mod.uk/equipment/airtoair.html#skyflash)

but it is only semi-active. perhaps a combo of this, the three-dart trick from the starstreak, and some of the advanced guidance systems? perhaps even a smaller version of that magnetic detector of mine, combined with a targeting computer? not sure if it would be any use at BVR engagements, but maybee the missile could close to range for the magdetect on semi-active, and then go the rest of the way on the magdetect's guidance, which would be damn hard to decoy away from the target, methinks...

I like the snap hi/low feature on the Skyflash,

for BVR semi acitve is best anyway, if you try to go active al the way to target you start adding weight which costs range and speed.

I'd advise against Mag detectors for an A2A weapon, most aircraft these days are made from non magnetic composites. A better (And cheaper) idea would be a Millimeter wave range radar for terminal guidance, it has the advantage of being able to lock onto stealth aircraft and can easily identify countermeasures, as well as having a longer acquistion range.

my idea is this: starstreak three dart trick, MMW guidance with some of the advanced tricks of Skyflash and starstreak, with the engines form the DRM

just an idea.

yeah, sounds good. possibly have the three darts split widely and come in from different directions maybee? that would make it less likely that countermeasures could take them all out.
anything else?

not that I can think of, if we're already having the darts split out wide then maybe also develope an alternate heavier version with more darts that could kill multiple targets in close formation

hmm. it would be nice, but wouldnt it make the missile way too heavy to manouver properly until the split?

probably, it would have to be a long range variant so by the time it needs to maeuver fast its used up a lot of fuel weight. Just an idea though.

yeah. well, make it a variant model, and it'll be fine.
i think i could mount the normal ones in paired racks on most of my fighters, but that one would have to be single mount. suppose it could be used as a defensive measure on tanker planes, and maybee transports...

Sounds good

Right. can you think of anything else we need to do to finish this?

nope

Right. you got any clue on the dimensions this thing will have? or operational range? etc etc. (i know zip about such, so i'll be off researching it next time i'm not busy)

bumpage in case you're ready with some specs, cos if not, i'll be doing them tomorrow, i hope. (bloody western power...)

AIM-197X
Range: 35 NM.
Speed: Mach 4+
Guidance: Advanced MMW (Semi Active Terminal for BVR engagement) With frequency jumping capability
Warhead: Three independently maneuvering KE darts
Length 3.8 meters
Launch Weight 163kg
Diameter 17.9 centimeters
Price: undetermined

woo, saves me time.
any clue about missile prices? I just thought, i have no idea how much a missile goes for... :(

it's pretty wide, for the same role I've seen between 80 thou and 4 hundred thou. from idfferent sources so I'm not sure which is right