Layarteb
17-12-2006, 08:23
H-72 Lakota
http://www.theforsakenoutlaw.com/Graphics/Nation-States/LDC/uh72.jpg
Overview
With the retirement of the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and its successor, the OH-93 Knightwolf, there came the need for a light-weight, economical, and versatile replacement for both aircraft that could do their jobs equally well. The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior was an armed scout helicopter, lightly armed at best, but its real weapon was its ability to direct fire from other helicopters from concealed positions, keeping all of them out of the line of enemy fire. The OH-93 Knightwolf, which dispensed with this ability was an interim helicopter that was only expected to serve for 3 - 9 years. Instead, it served for 22. Both aircraft were excellent in their abilities, whether it was scout & reconnaissance as in the case of the OH-58 or attack in the case of the OH-93. However, neither aircraft could do the other's job very well, which presented a problem when it came to logistics.
The LDC and ILM joined together to find a suitable helicopter to do the tasks of both and what was found was the H-72 Lakota. A light-weight, economical, and versatile helicopter, the H-72 Lakota (based on real-life UH-72) could be adapted to perform not only the tasks of scout, reconnaissance, and attack but also utility, thus forming the initial two versions of the helicopter.
Airframe
The H-72 Lakota is built from the Eurocopter EC-145 airframe with some modifications made to the composition of the materials. The design gives a roomy inside cabin giving up to 285.16 ft³ (8.08 m³) of space throughout its internal frame as well as providing the pilots an excellent field of vision. In addition, the placement and construction of the main rotor blades allow for decreased vibration throughout the aircraft, a noise reduction, and better performance than most light-weight helicopters. In a break from the traditional tail-rotor design on the EC-145, the H-72 features a NOTAR system to provide it with increased noise reduction and a significant increase in survivability. It cannot be downed by taking its tail rotor out and this allows for a safer operational zone when the helicopter is idling on the ground.
Constructed from the same materials as the EC-145, the H-72 Lakota also features radar absorbant composites giving it a slightly lower radar cross section than the EC-145, which, while not that significant, can reduce detection and tracking ranges enough to allow it to have a slight edge over its opponents. The Lakota is also carrier capable and is built to withstand the toughest of environments.
Externally, the Lakota utility version can carry up to 3,307 pounds (1,500 kg) on its external cargo sling.
Avionics
The Lakota is equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor suite. The cockpit is an "all-glass" cockpit, which features digital avionics and four MFDs that provide for a host array of abilities. Both pilots can benefit from redundant systems and both of them can fly the helicopter equally from their respective positions.
The main active sensor is the AN/APG-86 Millimetric Wave Radar (MMW) and it works in conjunction with its other systems. It features a low probability intercept (LPI) system that works with ultrawideband to detect targets as far away as 35.00 miles (56.33 km). It can engage aircraft targets as far out as 30.00 miles (48.28 km) and ground targets out to 20.00 miles (32.19 km). The MMW system allows for guidance of up to eight missiles at once and allows for the helicopter to engage both aerial and ground targets simultaneously. When combined with its impressive warload, the MMW enables the Lakota to engage and destroy targets in the most hostile of enviornments while maintaining the edge.
The AN/ASQ-241 Electro-Optical Sensor (EOS) works in two functions. The first function is the most basic, which allows the EOS to visually identify aircraft as far out as 30.00 miles (48.28 km). Using a very sensitive camera, with extremely high-powered zoom, the EOS can provide a visual image of the target on the cockpit MFD, which would enable the pilot to visually identify an enemy fighter at very long-range. The EOS can only track one target at a time. In its secondary function, the EOS can spot flashes of light, abnormal glares, and discoloration against the sky. It is highly effective during both day and night but its range its significantly reduced in this function.
The AN/ASQ-242 Advanced Foward Looking Infrared (AFLIR) is an advanced FLIR system that uses wavelengths ranging from 1 to 15 µm in order to detect targets through fog, smoke, haze, and night conditions. At 1 µm, it sees just like the human eye and much like night vision cameras. However, out to 15 µm, it can detect body heat out to several miles as well as the hot exhausts from aircraft and vehicles. With lower ranges between 3 and 5 µm, the system requires advanced cooling to see distances and cut through fog and smoke. The AFLIR provides a passive detection system that does not alert enemies to the presence of the helicopter and can be used to target for missiles and engage targets in heavy jamming enviornments. It is capable to 20.00 miles (32.19 km).
The AN/ASQ-243 Advanced Laser Designator (ALD) is a unique laser rangefinder and designator that can range targets for weapon systems as well as guide laser-guided missiles to their targets. The system can also designate and illuminate targets for other helicopters so that they may fire without revealing themselves, a feature that was pioneered on the OH-58 Kiowa. It is capable to 20.00 miles (32.19 km) and provides resistance to laser jamming systems and allows for the ability to deceive laser warning systems by using different wavelengths of laser energy.
The Lakota also features an advanced and capable LIDAR system that provides for accurate and effective detection and ranging systems using invisible light. The system can allow the pilots to detect targets as small as human sized and allow them to target them individually, from ranges that would otherwise keep them at bay and at a far distance.
The self-defense systems of the Lakota are centered around the AN/ALQ-230 Advanced Helicopter Self-Protection Jamming Suite (AHSPJ). The AHSPJ features a serious of jammers. It includes an electro-optical jammer, the AN/ALQ-225 Advanced Electro-Optical Jammer (AEOJ), an infrared jammer, the AN/ALQ-226 Advanced Infrared Jammer (AIJ), a radar jammer, and a laser jammer, the AN/ALQ-228 Advanced Laser Jammer (ALJ). The AEOJ of the Defender works out to 20.00 miles (32.19 km) but can act with 95% effectiveness inside of 12 miles (19.31 km). The AIJ works to mess with the imaging infrared seekers of the most advanced dogfight and ground-launched missiles. Its maximum range is 16.00 miles (25.75 km) but can act with 98% effectiveness inside of 10.00 miles (16.09 km). Lastly, the ALJ, which acts against laser guided missiles, primarily surface launched missiles, and laser gun sights of advanced aircraft works within 10.00 miles (16.09 km) and is 95% effective within 8.50 miles (13.68 km). In addition, it features the AN/ALQ-231 Advanced Rotary-Wing Radar Jammer (ARWRJ), which allows for jamming against radars, including continuous wave and pulse doppler systems. It is capable out to 28.00 miles (45.06 km) with 94% effectiveness out to 22.00 miles (35.41 km). Coupled together with an radar warning receiver (RWR) and laser warning receiver (LWR), the AASPJ allows for RWR tracking out to 50 miles (80.47 km) in a full 360° circle around the aircraft. The LWR, which also works in a full 360° circle, works out to 20 miles (32.19 km).
Lastly, if all else fails, the Lakota can resort to old-fashioned flares and chaff bundles. The Lakota carries 60 flares and 30 chaff bundles for the utility version and 90 flares and 30 chaff bundles for the observation version, which can be deployed in pre-programmed modes, which would allow a set number of each to deploy in certain intervals. If necessary, the pilots can place them on automatic, which means that the aircraft automatically deploys what is necessary based on the threats received through the AHSPJ system. Lastly, the pilots can deploy them individually, if necessary, to allow for a more conservative approach. Any of these options are available to the pilots.
Cockpit
The Lakota has a very advanced cockpit, which provides a great deal of ease. Lessons learned from the Stalker, Anasazi, and Super Huey showed that the more advanced systems that could be presented and the quicker they could be utilized could make a host of difference for the abilities of the pilots. The Lakota features a glass cockpit that is highly digitalized. The cockpit features four MFDs. These can all be used to display information about the aircraft, its weapons, and its sensors. Centered horizontally and at the top of the panel is a small TV screen, which can be switched between the EOS and the AFLIR. Switches, dials, buttons, and everything else within the cockpit is night vision capable and can go to high illumination if necessary. The displays features a single RWR-type display, which combines both RWR and LWR sensors into one readout. All MFDs are touch-screens, which allows the pilot to simply touch and call up commands, though buttons are provided along them for even further abilities.
The pilot sits in cramped quarters but not uncomfortable. The cockpit is both air conditioned and heated, which allows the pilot to sit highly comfortable, even in the most unpleasant environments. The glass of the canopy reduces glare. The cockpit also reduces on external sounds to help alleviate some of the sensory data that the pilot will receive.
Engines and Fuel
The Lakota is powered by a pair of turboshaft engines that provide a good amount of power but an even better degree of reliability. The engines are independent of each other in such a way that a failure in one will not necessarily cause a failure in the other, allowing the helicopter to operate on one engine, albeit at a limited capacity but still enough to either return to base or complete the mission.
Each engine is an LDC-AE-46A that provides up to 800 shaft horsepower (597 kW) each. They provide continuous power up to 18,000 feet (5,486.4 m) and can push the helicopter as fast as 172 mph (276 kph). The engines provide an initial climb rate of 2,940 feet per minute (896 m/min) and a 900 mile (1,448 km) unrefueled range in optimum conditions. The Lakota carries an internal fuel load of 1,530 pounds (694 kg) and it can carry, in emergency conditions, four external fuel tanks holding 60 gallons (227 liters) of fuel, depending on the tank, adding an additional 396 pounds (180 kg) per fuel tank. The amount of extra fuel can give the helicopter 100% more range, which is useful in ferry and MEDEVAC conditions but do limit its manuverability, which is normally rated at -2Gs and +4Gs.
The engines of the Lakota also provide stealth in the way of sound. They process and release air flow differently than most turboshaft engines, which allows them to reduce noise by as much as 10 dB, which is crucial to the stealth and survivability of the helicopter. This makes them much more difficult to detect for early warning and they are quieter on the tarmac, which make them easier to work around as well as inside of the cabin.
Performance
The Lakota is a light-weight helicopter and is not designed to be a high-performance helicopter. Nonetheless, it is still a fast and capable little machine. It can move as fast as 172 mph (276 kph) and climb as high as 18,000 feet (5,486.4 m). The Lakota has an unrefueled range of 900 miles (1,448 km) and can pull -2Gs and +4Gs.
Weapons
The Lakota is either a utility or a scout helicopter and thus its warload is not as much as dedicated attack helicopters. It mounts two stub wings with two underwing and one wingtip pylon per wing, each underwing pylon rated at 500 pounds (226.80 kg) or 600 pounds (272.16 kg) depending on the model. The wingtip pylons are rated at 100 pounds (45.36 kg) each. The underwing pylons are capable of mounting only a few weapon systems: gunpods, ECM pods, fuel tanks, air to ground missiles, and rocket pods. They can carry freefall ordinance such as bombs but it is not recommended due to possible damage to the helicopter. The wingtip pylons can carry only air to air missiles and are limited to only light air to air missiles at best.
The utility version of the helicopter mounts a pair of M35 Light Machine Guns in its doors. The M35A1 LMG is the premier LMG of the Imperial Layartebian Military and it is powerful. It is a 7.62 x 51 millimeter machine gun with a rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1.12 miles (1.80 km). Each machine gun is fed by a 1,000 round magazine and it can fully swivel on its mount to engage targets straight ahead, directly behind, straight down, and almost straight up. The guns are controlled by two operators, one per gun, and the gunners can use select rates of fire to engage targets. The scout version does not have these machine guns mounted.
In addition, the Lakota can carry up to four gunpods externally. These are the M303A or M303B Heavy Machine Gun Pods and carry either an M31A4 15.5MM Heavy Machine Gun or an M50A3 12.7MM Heavy Machine Gun. Regardless of the variant, each pod weighs 305 pounds (138.45 kg) and carries either 290 15.5 x 115 millimeter or 400 12.7 x 900 millimeter rounds, depending on the version. The M31A4 HMG variant is specially modified to accept caseless ammunition, has a higher rate of fire, and to allow for other features. The M31A4 HMG is a 15.5 x 115 millimeter cannon with a maximum range of 1.86 miles (3 km) but an effective range of 1.50 miles (2.4 km). It fires both armor piercing and high-explosive shells, usually mixed into the ammunition at a 2:1 ratio. It has a muzzle velocity of 4,500 feet per second (1,372 mps). With a rate of fire of 800 rounds per minute, they provide high amounts of firepower. The M50A3 HMG variant is a modified M50A2 that is strictly automatic. It has an effective range of 1.25 miles (2.0 km) and a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute. It fires both armor piercing and high-explosive shells, usually mixed into the ammunition at a 2:1 ratio. It has a muzzle velocity of 3,051 feet per second (930 mps).
The AIM-186C Wizard is a modified surface-to-air missile that is strictly designed for air to air use. It is light, powerful, and heavily capable. It is 5.00 feet (1.52 m) long, 2.75 inches (69.85 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 3.60 inches (91.44 mm). Weighing 30.00 pounds (13.61 kg), it carries a 10 pound (4.54 kg) blast-fragmentation warhead with a 50.00 foot (15.24 m) blast radius that can destroy anything short of armored ground-attack aircraft in a single strike. It can be fired from ground level up to 21,120.00 feet (6,437.38 m) and it has a range of 0.02 to 5.00 miles (32 - 8,046.72 m). Powered by a gel-fueled rocket, it can move up to Mach 2.5 and is guided by imaging infrared with a 105° field of view. As such, it is immune to flares and it features an ECCM ability against infrared jammers. The missile is detonated by a proximity fuse that uses a laser to determine when to detonate. The missile can pull as many as +60Gs in combat. Coupled with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), the missile can be used to full advantage, otherwise it is limited to only a 105° cone. The missile also features Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capabilities. The Wizard is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry.
The bulk of the capabilities of the Lakota are for air to ground. The Lakota can carry up to four AGM-87 Focuses, four AGM-122 Sidarms, sixteen AGM-177 Brimstones, four iron bombs, and up to either fifty-six or seventy-six 2.75" rockets, depending on the configuration.
The AGM-177 Brimstone is, perhaps, one of the most capable anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), besides the Maverick. Developed from the Hellfire ATGM, the Brimstone is for use on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It is 6 feet (1.83 m) long, 7 inches (161.54 mm) in diameter, and has a 1.25 foot (381 mm) wingspan. The missile is available in three variants. The A variant weighs 110 pounds (49.90 kg), the B variant is 130 pounds (58.97 kg), and the C variant is 125 pounds (56.70 kg). All missiles travel at Mach 1.3 and have a range between 0.1 miles (160.93 m) and 19.5 miles (31.38 km). The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling. The A version uses the same warhead as the Hellfire II, which is a 20 pound (9.07 kg), tandem anti-armor warhead, designed to penetrate the armor of the vehicle with one warhead and to destroy it with the other. In practice, it has shown itself to be very effective, destroying nearly every tank it has been fired upon. The B version uses a more conventional, 40 pound (18.14 kg) blast-fragmentation warhead. The C version uses a 35 pound (15.88 kg) thermobaric warhead, as seen on the AGM-114N Hellfire II. The Brimstone is guided by millimetric wave radar, coupled to a datalink circuit, which enables the missile to change its target in flight. Powered by a solid-fueled rocket, the missile attacks the tank from the top, executing a top-dive attack in its terminal stage, a lesson learned from the Hellfire. Very few tanks can survive a Hellfire attack, let alone a Brimstone hit.
Specifications
Status: In-Service
Role: Utility Helicopter ; Reconnaissance [OH-72B]
Crew: 4
Passengers: 8 [UH-72A]; 0 [OH-72B]
Cost: $8M [UH-72A]; $9.5M [OH-72B]
Length: 42.70 ft.
Main Rotor Diameter: 36.10 ft.
Height: 11.30 ft.
Empty Weight: 3,950 lb. [UH-72A]; 4,350 lb. [OH-72B]
Maximum Weight: 7,903 lb. [UH-72A]; 8,500 lb. [OH-72B]
Fuel Weight: 1,530 lb.
Armament Weight: 2,200 lb. [UH-72A]; 2,600 lb. [OH-72B]
Payload Weight: 3,307 lb. [external hook] [UH-72A]; None [OH-72B]
Powerplant: Two LDC-AE-46A turboshaft engines
Maximum Thrust: 1,600 shp
Maximum Speed: 172 mph [UH-72A]; 165 mph [OH-72B]
Initial Climb Rate: 2,940 ft./min
Service Ceiling: 18,000 ft.
Combat Range: 450 mi
Ferry Range: 900 mi
G-Limits: -2 / +4
Gun: 2 M35 7.62MM LMGs with 1,000 rounds each [2,000 total] on door mount and 4 M303A 15.5MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 290 rounds each or 4 M303B 12.7MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 400 rounds each [UH-72A]; 4 M303A 15.5MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 290 rounds each or 4 M303B 12.7MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 400 rounds each [OH-72B]
Air-to-Air Armament: Up to 4 AIM-186 Wizard missiles on wingtip hardpoints
Air-to-Ground Armament: Up to 2 7-round or 19-round 2.75" Adder rocket pods [UH-72A]; Up to 16 AGM-177 Brimstone missiles, up to 4 7-rond or 19-round 2.75" Adder rocket pods [OH-72B]
Avionics: AN/APG-86 MMW, AN/ASQ-241 EOS, AN/ASQ-242 AFLIR, AN/ASQ-243 ALD, LIDAR
ECM: AN/ALQ-230 AHSPJ; 30 chaff bundles, 60 flares [UH-72A]; AN/ALQ-230 AHSPJ; 30 chaff bundles, 90 flares [OH-72B]
Radar Signature: Slightly less than the EC-145
Variants:
[u]UH-72A Lakota: Main production model for utility and medevac
OH-72B Lakota: Reconnaissance/scout attack model
http://www.theforsakenoutlaw.com/Graphics/Nation-States/LDC/uh72.jpg
Overview
With the retirement of the OH-58 Kiowa Warrior and its successor, the OH-93 Knightwolf, there came the need for a light-weight, economical, and versatile replacement for both aircraft that could do their jobs equally well. The OH-58 Kiowa Warrior was an armed scout helicopter, lightly armed at best, but its real weapon was its ability to direct fire from other helicopters from concealed positions, keeping all of them out of the line of enemy fire. The OH-93 Knightwolf, which dispensed with this ability was an interim helicopter that was only expected to serve for 3 - 9 years. Instead, it served for 22. Both aircraft were excellent in their abilities, whether it was scout & reconnaissance as in the case of the OH-58 or attack in the case of the OH-93. However, neither aircraft could do the other's job very well, which presented a problem when it came to logistics.
The LDC and ILM joined together to find a suitable helicopter to do the tasks of both and what was found was the H-72 Lakota. A light-weight, economical, and versatile helicopter, the H-72 Lakota (based on real-life UH-72) could be adapted to perform not only the tasks of scout, reconnaissance, and attack but also utility, thus forming the initial two versions of the helicopter.
Airframe
The H-72 Lakota is built from the Eurocopter EC-145 airframe with some modifications made to the composition of the materials. The design gives a roomy inside cabin giving up to 285.16 ft³ (8.08 m³) of space throughout its internal frame as well as providing the pilots an excellent field of vision. In addition, the placement and construction of the main rotor blades allow for decreased vibration throughout the aircraft, a noise reduction, and better performance than most light-weight helicopters. In a break from the traditional tail-rotor design on the EC-145, the H-72 features a NOTAR system to provide it with increased noise reduction and a significant increase in survivability. It cannot be downed by taking its tail rotor out and this allows for a safer operational zone when the helicopter is idling on the ground.
Constructed from the same materials as the EC-145, the H-72 Lakota also features radar absorbant composites giving it a slightly lower radar cross section than the EC-145, which, while not that significant, can reduce detection and tracking ranges enough to allow it to have a slight edge over its opponents. The Lakota is also carrier capable and is built to withstand the toughest of environments.
Externally, the Lakota utility version can carry up to 3,307 pounds (1,500 kg) on its external cargo sling.
Avionics
The Lakota is equipped with a state-of-the-art sensor suite. The cockpit is an "all-glass" cockpit, which features digital avionics and four MFDs that provide for a host array of abilities. Both pilots can benefit from redundant systems and both of them can fly the helicopter equally from their respective positions.
The main active sensor is the AN/APG-86 Millimetric Wave Radar (MMW) and it works in conjunction with its other systems. It features a low probability intercept (LPI) system that works with ultrawideband to detect targets as far away as 35.00 miles (56.33 km). It can engage aircraft targets as far out as 30.00 miles (48.28 km) and ground targets out to 20.00 miles (32.19 km). The MMW system allows for guidance of up to eight missiles at once and allows for the helicopter to engage both aerial and ground targets simultaneously. When combined with its impressive warload, the MMW enables the Lakota to engage and destroy targets in the most hostile of enviornments while maintaining the edge.
The AN/ASQ-241 Electro-Optical Sensor (EOS) works in two functions. The first function is the most basic, which allows the EOS to visually identify aircraft as far out as 30.00 miles (48.28 km). Using a very sensitive camera, with extremely high-powered zoom, the EOS can provide a visual image of the target on the cockpit MFD, which would enable the pilot to visually identify an enemy fighter at very long-range. The EOS can only track one target at a time. In its secondary function, the EOS can spot flashes of light, abnormal glares, and discoloration against the sky. It is highly effective during both day and night but its range its significantly reduced in this function.
The AN/ASQ-242 Advanced Foward Looking Infrared (AFLIR) is an advanced FLIR system that uses wavelengths ranging from 1 to 15 µm in order to detect targets through fog, smoke, haze, and night conditions. At 1 µm, it sees just like the human eye and much like night vision cameras. However, out to 15 µm, it can detect body heat out to several miles as well as the hot exhausts from aircraft and vehicles. With lower ranges between 3 and 5 µm, the system requires advanced cooling to see distances and cut through fog and smoke. The AFLIR provides a passive detection system that does not alert enemies to the presence of the helicopter and can be used to target for missiles and engage targets in heavy jamming enviornments. It is capable to 20.00 miles (32.19 km).
The AN/ASQ-243 Advanced Laser Designator (ALD) is a unique laser rangefinder and designator that can range targets for weapon systems as well as guide laser-guided missiles to their targets. The system can also designate and illuminate targets for other helicopters so that they may fire without revealing themselves, a feature that was pioneered on the OH-58 Kiowa. It is capable to 20.00 miles (32.19 km) and provides resistance to laser jamming systems and allows for the ability to deceive laser warning systems by using different wavelengths of laser energy.
The Lakota also features an advanced and capable LIDAR system that provides for accurate and effective detection and ranging systems using invisible light. The system can allow the pilots to detect targets as small as human sized and allow them to target them individually, from ranges that would otherwise keep them at bay and at a far distance.
The self-defense systems of the Lakota are centered around the AN/ALQ-230 Advanced Helicopter Self-Protection Jamming Suite (AHSPJ). The AHSPJ features a serious of jammers. It includes an electro-optical jammer, the AN/ALQ-225 Advanced Electro-Optical Jammer (AEOJ), an infrared jammer, the AN/ALQ-226 Advanced Infrared Jammer (AIJ), a radar jammer, and a laser jammer, the AN/ALQ-228 Advanced Laser Jammer (ALJ). The AEOJ of the Defender works out to 20.00 miles (32.19 km) but can act with 95% effectiveness inside of 12 miles (19.31 km). The AIJ works to mess with the imaging infrared seekers of the most advanced dogfight and ground-launched missiles. Its maximum range is 16.00 miles (25.75 km) but can act with 98% effectiveness inside of 10.00 miles (16.09 km). Lastly, the ALJ, which acts against laser guided missiles, primarily surface launched missiles, and laser gun sights of advanced aircraft works within 10.00 miles (16.09 km) and is 95% effective within 8.50 miles (13.68 km). In addition, it features the AN/ALQ-231 Advanced Rotary-Wing Radar Jammer (ARWRJ), which allows for jamming against radars, including continuous wave and pulse doppler systems. It is capable out to 28.00 miles (45.06 km) with 94% effectiveness out to 22.00 miles (35.41 km). Coupled together with an radar warning receiver (RWR) and laser warning receiver (LWR), the AASPJ allows for RWR tracking out to 50 miles (80.47 km) in a full 360° circle around the aircraft. The LWR, which also works in a full 360° circle, works out to 20 miles (32.19 km).
Lastly, if all else fails, the Lakota can resort to old-fashioned flares and chaff bundles. The Lakota carries 60 flares and 30 chaff bundles for the utility version and 90 flares and 30 chaff bundles for the observation version, which can be deployed in pre-programmed modes, which would allow a set number of each to deploy in certain intervals. If necessary, the pilots can place them on automatic, which means that the aircraft automatically deploys what is necessary based on the threats received through the AHSPJ system. Lastly, the pilots can deploy them individually, if necessary, to allow for a more conservative approach. Any of these options are available to the pilots.
Cockpit
The Lakota has a very advanced cockpit, which provides a great deal of ease. Lessons learned from the Stalker, Anasazi, and Super Huey showed that the more advanced systems that could be presented and the quicker they could be utilized could make a host of difference for the abilities of the pilots. The Lakota features a glass cockpit that is highly digitalized. The cockpit features four MFDs. These can all be used to display information about the aircraft, its weapons, and its sensors. Centered horizontally and at the top of the panel is a small TV screen, which can be switched between the EOS and the AFLIR. Switches, dials, buttons, and everything else within the cockpit is night vision capable and can go to high illumination if necessary. The displays features a single RWR-type display, which combines both RWR and LWR sensors into one readout. All MFDs are touch-screens, which allows the pilot to simply touch and call up commands, though buttons are provided along them for even further abilities.
The pilot sits in cramped quarters but not uncomfortable. The cockpit is both air conditioned and heated, which allows the pilot to sit highly comfortable, even in the most unpleasant environments. The glass of the canopy reduces glare. The cockpit also reduces on external sounds to help alleviate some of the sensory data that the pilot will receive.
Engines and Fuel
The Lakota is powered by a pair of turboshaft engines that provide a good amount of power but an even better degree of reliability. The engines are independent of each other in such a way that a failure in one will not necessarily cause a failure in the other, allowing the helicopter to operate on one engine, albeit at a limited capacity but still enough to either return to base or complete the mission.
Each engine is an LDC-AE-46A that provides up to 800 shaft horsepower (597 kW) each. They provide continuous power up to 18,000 feet (5,486.4 m) and can push the helicopter as fast as 172 mph (276 kph). The engines provide an initial climb rate of 2,940 feet per minute (896 m/min) and a 900 mile (1,448 km) unrefueled range in optimum conditions. The Lakota carries an internal fuel load of 1,530 pounds (694 kg) and it can carry, in emergency conditions, four external fuel tanks holding 60 gallons (227 liters) of fuel, depending on the tank, adding an additional 396 pounds (180 kg) per fuel tank. The amount of extra fuel can give the helicopter 100% more range, which is useful in ferry and MEDEVAC conditions but do limit its manuverability, which is normally rated at -2Gs and +4Gs.
The engines of the Lakota also provide stealth in the way of sound. They process and release air flow differently than most turboshaft engines, which allows them to reduce noise by as much as 10 dB, which is crucial to the stealth and survivability of the helicopter. This makes them much more difficult to detect for early warning and they are quieter on the tarmac, which make them easier to work around as well as inside of the cabin.
Performance
The Lakota is a light-weight helicopter and is not designed to be a high-performance helicopter. Nonetheless, it is still a fast and capable little machine. It can move as fast as 172 mph (276 kph) and climb as high as 18,000 feet (5,486.4 m). The Lakota has an unrefueled range of 900 miles (1,448 km) and can pull -2Gs and +4Gs.
Weapons
The Lakota is either a utility or a scout helicopter and thus its warload is not as much as dedicated attack helicopters. It mounts two stub wings with two underwing and one wingtip pylon per wing, each underwing pylon rated at 500 pounds (226.80 kg) or 600 pounds (272.16 kg) depending on the model. The wingtip pylons are rated at 100 pounds (45.36 kg) each. The underwing pylons are capable of mounting only a few weapon systems: gunpods, ECM pods, fuel tanks, air to ground missiles, and rocket pods. They can carry freefall ordinance such as bombs but it is not recommended due to possible damage to the helicopter. The wingtip pylons can carry only air to air missiles and are limited to only light air to air missiles at best.
The utility version of the helicopter mounts a pair of M35 Light Machine Guns in its doors. The M35A1 LMG is the premier LMG of the Imperial Layartebian Military and it is powerful. It is a 7.62 x 51 millimeter machine gun with a rate of fire of 900 rounds per minute and an effective range of 1.12 miles (1.80 km). Each machine gun is fed by a 1,000 round magazine and it can fully swivel on its mount to engage targets straight ahead, directly behind, straight down, and almost straight up. The guns are controlled by two operators, one per gun, and the gunners can use select rates of fire to engage targets. The scout version does not have these machine guns mounted.
In addition, the Lakota can carry up to four gunpods externally. These are the M303A or M303B Heavy Machine Gun Pods and carry either an M31A4 15.5MM Heavy Machine Gun or an M50A3 12.7MM Heavy Machine Gun. Regardless of the variant, each pod weighs 305 pounds (138.45 kg) and carries either 290 15.5 x 115 millimeter or 400 12.7 x 900 millimeter rounds, depending on the version. The M31A4 HMG variant is specially modified to accept caseless ammunition, has a higher rate of fire, and to allow for other features. The M31A4 HMG is a 15.5 x 115 millimeter cannon with a maximum range of 1.86 miles (3 km) but an effective range of 1.50 miles (2.4 km). It fires both armor piercing and high-explosive shells, usually mixed into the ammunition at a 2:1 ratio. It has a muzzle velocity of 4,500 feet per second (1,372 mps). With a rate of fire of 800 rounds per minute, they provide high amounts of firepower. The M50A3 HMG variant is a modified M50A2 that is strictly automatic. It has an effective range of 1.25 miles (2.0 km) and a rate of fire of 1,100 rounds per minute. It fires both armor piercing and high-explosive shells, usually mixed into the ammunition at a 2:1 ratio. It has a muzzle velocity of 3,051 feet per second (930 mps).
The AIM-186C Wizard is a modified surface-to-air missile that is strictly designed for air to air use. It is light, powerful, and heavily capable. It is 5.00 feet (1.52 m) long, 2.75 inches (69.85 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 3.60 inches (91.44 mm). Weighing 30.00 pounds (13.61 kg), it carries a 10 pound (4.54 kg) blast-fragmentation warhead with a 50.00 foot (15.24 m) blast radius that can destroy anything short of armored ground-attack aircraft in a single strike. It can be fired from ground level up to 21,120.00 feet (6,437.38 m) and it has a range of 0.02 to 5.00 miles (32 - 8,046.72 m). Powered by a gel-fueled rocket, it can move up to Mach 2.5 and is guided by imaging infrared with a 105° field of view. As such, it is immune to flares and it features an ECCM ability against infrared jammers. The missile is detonated by a proximity fuse that uses a laser to determine when to detonate. The missile can pull as many as +60Gs in combat. Coupled with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), the missile can be used to full advantage, otherwise it is limited to only a 105° cone. The missile also features Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capabilities. The Wizard is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry.
The bulk of the capabilities of the Lakota are for air to ground. The Lakota can carry up to four AGM-87 Focuses, four AGM-122 Sidarms, sixteen AGM-177 Brimstones, four iron bombs, and up to either fifty-six or seventy-six 2.75" rockets, depending on the configuration.
The AGM-177 Brimstone is, perhaps, one of the most capable anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM), besides the Maverick. Developed from the Hellfire ATGM, the Brimstone is for use on both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. It is 6 feet (1.83 m) long, 7 inches (161.54 mm) in diameter, and has a 1.25 foot (381 mm) wingspan. The missile is available in three variants. The A variant weighs 110 pounds (49.90 kg), the B variant is 130 pounds (58.97 kg), and the C variant is 125 pounds (56.70 kg). All missiles travel at Mach 1.3 and have a range between 0.1 miles (160.93 m) and 19.5 miles (31.38 km). The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling. The A version uses the same warhead as the Hellfire II, which is a 20 pound (9.07 kg), tandem anti-armor warhead, designed to penetrate the armor of the vehicle with one warhead and to destroy it with the other. In practice, it has shown itself to be very effective, destroying nearly every tank it has been fired upon. The B version uses a more conventional, 40 pound (18.14 kg) blast-fragmentation warhead. The C version uses a 35 pound (15.88 kg) thermobaric warhead, as seen on the AGM-114N Hellfire II. The Brimstone is guided by millimetric wave radar, coupled to a datalink circuit, which enables the missile to change its target in flight. Powered by a solid-fueled rocket, the missile attacks the tank from the top, executing a top-dive attack in its terminal stage, a lesson learned from the Hellfire. Very few tanks can survive a Hellfire attack, let alone a Brimstone hit.
Specifications
Status: In-Service
Role: Utility Helicopter ; Reconnaissance [OH-72B]
Crew: 4
Passengers: 8 [UH-72A]; 0 [OH-72B]
Cost: $8M [UH-72A]; $9.5M [OH-72B]
Length: 42.70 ft.
Main Rotor Diameter: 36.10 ft.
Height: 11.30 ft.
Empty Weight: 3,950 lb. [UH-72A]; 4,350 lb. [OH-72B]
Maximum Weight: 7,903 lb. [UH-72A]; 8,500 lb. [OH-72B]
Fuel Weight: 1,530 lb.
Armament Weight: 2,200 lb. [UH-72A]; 2,600 lb. [OH-72B]
Payload Weight: 3,307 lb. [external hook] [UH-72A]; None [OH-72B]
Powerplant: Two LDC-AE-46A turboshaft engines
Maximum Thrust: 1,600 shp
Maximum Speed: 172 mph [UH-72A]; 165 mph [OH-72B]
Initial Climb Rate: 2,940 ft./min
Service Ceiling: 18,000 ft.
Combat Range: 450 mi
Ferry Range: 900 mi
G-Limits: -2 / +4
Gun: 2 M35 7.62MM LMGs with 1,000 rounds each [2,000 total] on door mount and 4 M303A 15.5MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 290 rounds each or 4 M303B 12.7MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 400 rounds each [UH-72A]; 4 M303A 15.5MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 290 rounds each or 4 M303B 12.7MM Heavy Machine Gun Pods with 400 rounds each [OH-72B]
Air-to-Air Armament: Up to 4 AIM-186 Wizard missiles on wingtip hardpoints
Air-to-Ground Armament: Up to 2 7-round or 19-round 2.75" Adder rocket pods [UH-72A]; Up to 16 AGM-177 Brimstone missiles, up to 4 7-rond or 19-round 2.75" Adder rocket pods [OH-72B]
Avionics: AN/APG-86 MMW, AN/ASQ-241 EOS, AN/ASQ-242 AFLIR, AN/ASQ-243 ALD, LIDAR
ECM: AN/ALQ-230 AHSPJ; 30 chaff bundles, 60 flares [UH-72A]; AN/ALQ-230 AHSPJ; 30 chaff bundles, 90 flares [OH-72B]
Radar Signature: Slightly less than the EC-145
Variants:
[u]UH-72A Lakota: Main production model for utility and medevac
OH-72B Lakota: Reconnaissance/scout attack model