Layarteb
05-01-2007, 01:13
F-46 Enforcer
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Overview
With the announcement of realization of the Empire in 2006, after twenty-six years of fighting, there was a large review of armed forces within the Empire, a review that showed that there was a significant amount of equipment that was no longer as effective as they had been during the wars of conquest. Among them was the B-6 Dementor, a maritime reconnaissance and attack bomber that had so gleefully and gallantly defended the coasts of the Empire. The B-6 Dementor, which had a very successful combat record accounted for at least 400 ships sunk throughout its thirty year service career, which began in 1976, just as the revolution dawned.
The main flaws cited with the B-6 Dementor did not include its range or its massive armament capabilities, which included up to 36 Tomahawk sized cruise missiles or 3 large cruise missiles. The flaws included its long-takeoff and landing runs, its large radar signature, its role as a defenseless bomber, and its logistical costs, which included, most of all, fuel costs. A typical attack profile of a B-6 Dementor saw it climbing to 18,000 feet or more in the air and attacking ships from long-range using either over-the-horizon targetting or forward datalinking and tracking. However, this ability was just as capable at altitudes of 2,000 feet or lower, given the advances in OTH radars, satellite tracking and targetting, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, responsible for over-the-horizon targetting.
The replacement for the Dementor would have to be a smaller, more agile aircraft, a fighter-bomber, which could carry a heavy weapons payload, being eight or more anti-ship missiles, as well as air to air missiles to defend itself in a dogfight. This smaller fighter-bomber would have to be agile, fast, and have a combat range in excess of 750 miles. What came of this project was the F-46 Enforcer, a fighter-bomber with the ability to carry up to 12 air to ground weapons as well as air to air missiles, up to 20 in the most cranked configurations. Based on the Su-34 Fullback airframe, the Enforcer took many of the lessons learned on the F-22 Raptor and subsequent stealth projects, including the "0.0009 series" of fighters, bombers, and aircraft, which are amongst the stealthiest in the Imperial Layartebian Military.
Airframe
The Enforcer is a large and very rugged aircraft, which is 85.00 feet (25.91 m) in length and 20.00 feet (6.10 m) high. It has a wingspan of 50.00 feet (15.24 m). It is a highly rugged airframe with two, angled tails, a low frontal signature, and a long wingspan with two, smaller front canards. The airframe features a lot of polymers and composites, which aide in stealth. Its two air intakes are offset and angled with "S" guards inside to help deflect radar away from the large compressor blades of its engines. It has a long, platypus style nose with a wide cockpit that features two pilots sitting side by side. There is a large wing area, providing a lot of lift, allowing the aircraft to fly at slower speeds at higher altitudes as well as greater agility and ordinance carriage. It is a two-engined design that utilizes special suppression systems to lower its heat signature, although the engines are very close in proximity. The canopy is raised to allow the most amount of visibility but there is little visibilty to the rear except through cameras.
Construction materials are mainly composites and polymers, which are heavily coated in radar absorbent materials. The construction design, techniques, and materials allow the Enforcer to remain very small on radar. The airframe is not small but is still a difficult target for radar. The wing provides for large amounts of lift, which affect both the take off and landing runs of the aircraft, as well as its ability to dogfight.
Designed to take off from rugged airstrips, including highways and dirt strips, the Enforcer has a short take-off run and landing run, is equipped with very rugged landing gear, and is painted in a strict camouflage to match the ground where it is based, which makes it difficult to see not only from the air but also in a dogfight.
Avionics
The Enforcer is equipped with highly state-of-the-art avionics. Its sensor suite includes a radar, infrared search & track (IRST), an integrated FLIR targetting system, passive radar sensor, an electro-optical tracking system, and a very highly advanced self-defense suite.
The radar, the main detection method for the Enforcer, is a variant of the AN/APG-82 Multimode Advanced Radar (MMAR). The MMAR is a dual-mode radar, which can process both Synthetic Aperture & Inverse Synthetic Aperture processes, which allow it to detect even the stealthiest of fighters, at long range. Using ultrawideband, the MMAR also features low probability intercept (LPI), first featured on the AN/APG-77, used on the Raptor. Its search range is 400.00 miles (643.74 km). Tracking range against bombers is around 350.00 miles (563.27 km), against small fighters is around 245.00 miles (394.29 km), and against stealth aircraft is between 50.00 miles (80.47 km) and 150.00 miles (241.40 km). Ranges do vary in combat environments but the MMAR is specialized to work in high jamming environments. The MMAR also carries the capability to track up to 48 aircraft, which makes air to air engagements often lopsided for the Enforcer.
The AN/ASQ-238 IFTS carries on the principles of the LANTRIN, Sharpshooter, and other FLIR-type pods that once hindered aircraft performance because of their weight and drag. The IFTS is integrated into the aircraft and features both a foward looking infrared unit and a downward looking infrared, first pioneered on the F-117 Nighthawk. This enables the Enforcer to carry and launch laser and infrared guided munitions much more effectively, against the required targets. While it has a maximum search range of 90.00 miles (144.84 km), the IFTS is effective against ground targets within 50.00 miles (80.47 km).
The AN/ASQ-239 PRS is a development of the HARM Targetting Sensor. The PRS is a small reciever built within the top of the aircraft that gives a 360° view around the aircraft for as far as 300.00 miles (482.80 km), though is more effective within 135.00 miles (217.26 km). The PRS allows the operator to target enemy ground units based on their radar emissions and pass that data into its ordinance. The HTS originally only allowed the pilot to engage these targets with limited ordinance, usually guided bombs and HARM missiles. The PRS allows the pilot to engage the targets with any missile or bomb loaded, included unguided, dumb bombs.
The AN/ASQ-240 Advanced IRST of the Enforcer is meant to work against heat signatures evenly slightly above the air temperature. At higher altitudes it is more effective because air temperature is lower. In optimum conditions, it can search as far as 135.00 miles (217.26 km). Against bombers and other aircraft with large heat signatures, it can detect them at 90.00 miles (144.84 km). Against fighters and lower heat signatures, it can detect them at 60.00 miles (96.56 km). The AIRST is modeled after the Pirate IRST, which is featured on the Typhoon, which is the F-26 in the ILM. The AIRST can track up to 200 targets in combat, which allows for multiple air to air missiles to be launched against multiple targets, especially fire and forget missiles. Using imaging infrared, the AIRST works on the same wavelength as the Pirate IRST, which is 3 to 11 µm.
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 100.00 miles (160.93 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. It can only work out to about 40.00 miles (64.37 km) in the best of conditions.
All three systems are processed through the main computer of the aircraft, which runs at very high speed rates. All three are coupled together and allow for the Enforcer to remain highly secretive in the air, while running all of its sensors. However, there is still more. The Enforcer also features a very state-of-the-art and experimental ground-link system. Modeled after the aged concept of the MA-1 for the F-106 Delta Dart, the Enforcer revitalizes the idea. Ground-control can vector Enforcer aircraft towards targets while the aircraft remains totally quiet, keeping all of its active sensors off. This enables anti-stealth uplink and allows for the Enforcer to launch its missiles in pure datalink mode without announcing its presence. The uplink enables the Enforcer to work extremely quickly and effectively against numerous, long-range, airborne threats, allowing it to launch its missiles at maximum range, high-speed, high-altitude, against fighters and bombers at long-range. Missiles using mid-course guidance and data link will not announce their presence until they are in their terminal modes, using their own active seekers. This system enables the Enforcer to win in air to air engagements without much effort.
The self-defense systems of the Enforcer are centered around the AN/ALQ-229 Advanced Airborne Self-Protection Jamming Suite (AASPJ). The AASPJ 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, the AN/ALQ-227 Advanced Radar Jammer (ARJ), and a laser jammer, the AN/ALQ-228 Advanced Laser Jammer (ALJ). The AEOJ of the Enforcer works out to 40.00 miles (64.37 km) but can act with 95% effectiveness inside of 24.00 miles (38.62 km). The AIJ works to mess with the imaging infrared seekers of the most advanced dogfight and ground-launched missiles. Its maximum range is 20 miles (32.19 km) but can act with 98% effectiveness inside of 15.00 miles (24.14 km). The ARJ, which works to distort frequency-hop, pulse, phased-array, bi-static, and other advanced radars, has a maximum range of 35.00 miles (56.33 km) and is 94% effective within 28.00 miles (45.06 km). Lastly, the ALJ, which acts against laser guided missiles, primarily surface launched missiles, and laser gun sights of advanced aircraft works within 25.00 miles (40.23 km) and is 95% effective within 20.00 miles (32.19 km). Coupled together with an radar warning receiver (RWR) and laser warning receiver (LWR), the AASPJ allows for RWR tracking out to 150.00 miles (241.40 km) in a full 360° circle around the aircraft. The LWR, which also works in a full 360° circle, works out to 30.00 miles (48.28 km). However, on the B version of the Enforcer, the AASPJ is exchanged for the ASOJ, the AN/ALQ-232 Advanced Stand-Off Jamming Suite. It features the same systems as the AN/ALQ-229 but is more refined with more power giving it 50% increased range and 100% effectiveness at 80% of the range. It allows for directional and area jamming in a full 360° bubble around the aircraft and the AN/ALR-100 RWR and AN/ALR-101 LWR, which can detect emissions as far as 180.00 miles (289.68 km) and 50.00 miles (80.47 km), respectively.
The Enforcer also features something pioneered on the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit. Both of these aircraft used a gas-dilution system to lower infrared heat coming off its engines, giving it a very cool heat signature, even at night and at high throttle. Revitalized on the F-19 Ghostrider program, this system was retained on the Enforcer, which can heavily dilute infrared gases off the engines, so long as they are not in afterburning mode, at which point nothing can be done to lower the infrared signature. At high-altitude and subsonic speeds, the infrared signature of the Enforcer is small enough to make infrared missiles, even all-aspect ones, have difficulty getting a head-on or off-boresight lock on the aircraft.
Lastly, if all else fails, the Enforcer can resort to old-fashioned flares and chaff bundles. The Enforcer carries 180 flares and 640 chaff bundles, which can be deployed in pre-programmed modes, which would allow a set number of each to deploy in certain intervals. If necessary, the pilot can place them on automatic, which means that the aircraft automatically deploys what is necessary based on the threats received through the ASOJ system. Lastly, the pilot can deploy them individually, if necessary, to allow for a more conservative approach. Any of these options are available to the pilot. The 180 flares are fitted onto six parts of the fuselage to allow for bundles of 30 flares in each pack with four LAU-138 launcher rails on the two wingtip pylons and two outer wing pylons, allowing for 160 chaff bundles per rail, giving a total of 640 chaff bundles.
Cockpit
Inside the cockpit, the two pilots sit side-by-side, allowing them to share much of the load with the pilot concentrating on flying the plane while the RIO handles the firing of the weapons and operation of the defensive systems. The layout of the cockpit provides for the most essential gauges and controls in the middle, so that they are easily accessible to both pilots. Multiple MFDs are placed throughout the panels in the front and much like other aircraft, there is a small TV screen that can switch between the EOS and AIRST. All switches, dials, and buttons are night vision capable and can go to high illumination. Anti-glare and radar reducing gold film is on the cockpit glass, which does not open like in traditional fighters. Both pilots climb into the aircraft from underneath the cockpit via ladder and sit on zero-zero ejection seats, which angle back to allow for better tolerance of high G-forces. The cockpit is pressurized to avoid the necessity for masks, which can get in the way during a dogfight but they are still present, in case pressurization is lost. The cockpit is fully heated and air conditioned. Both pilots have a separate throttle and stick, which move in unison with each other and either can be used to control the aircraft. The RWR/LWR single-display is in the center of the cockpit and the cockpit also reduces on external sounds to help alleviate some of the sensory data that the pilot will receive.
Engines and Fuel
The Enforcer is powered by two extremely powerful turbofan engines, which utilize both afterburners and thrust vectoring. Running at military power, the LDC-AE-22B engines, which are modifications of the F-22 Raptor engines, provide 28,500 pounds (126.77 kN) of thrust each, whereas at afterburner, they put out 40,000 pounds (177.93 kN) of thrust each. Empty, the LDC-AE-22B engines provide the Enforcer with a 2.50:1 thrust to weight ratio, which is reducer to 0.82:1 at maximum weight.
The Scorpion carries 27,500 pounds (12,473.79 kg) of fuel, which is packed throughout the aircraft. With this much fuel, the LDC-AE-22B engines can fly the aircraft as far as 1,400 miles (2,253.08 km) in combat, though range would be reduced because of the usage of high-throttle in combat. In a ferry configuration, the Enforcer can fly as far as 2,800 miles (4,506.16 km). The Enforcer can carry up to fiveexternal fuel tanks, in maximum configuration, increasing its ferry range significantly. On the innermost four wing pylons and the centerline pylon, the Enforcer can mount up to five 600 gallon fuel tanks, adding an additional 19,800 pounds (8,981.13 kg). It is unlikely in combat for more than two external fuel tanks to be carried as they significantly increase weight and drag, limiting the agility of the Enforcer.
Thrust vectoring for the LDC-AE-22B engines not only provide the Enforcer with simple pitch control, as seen on most aircraft, but also with yaw control. The vectoring can nozzle exhaust ±35° for both yaw and pitch. The Enforcer was known for quick, snap-like maneuvers in testing, which enabled it to reach maximum G-forces in a fraction of the time it would take conventional aircraft. In addition, because of these quick snaps, the Enforcer would not need to sustain high-G maneuvers, therefore bleeding off airspeed. Airspeed loss was considered marginal compared to conventional fighters, allowing the pilot more speed to defeat the enemy.
The engines of the Enforcer also provide stealth in the way of sound. From the front, the engines produce a very high-pitched, low whine and from the rear, a low, deep rumble. Sound sensors will have definite trouble locating the Enforcer and picking up its noise signature as well as the human ear, which could be a problem at low-level and inside canyons, valleys, and other enclosed spaces.
Performance
Because of its size and weight the Enforcer is not a high performance fighter. However, it is far more agile and capable than most aircraft similar in size. The airframe, which is large and rugged, can move as fast as 1,200 miles per hour (1,931.21 kph) at 36,000 feet. This is equivalent to Mach 1.81. The massive amount of thrust generated by the engines allow for the beastly aircraft to move this fast. At sea-level, the aircraft can fly as fast as Mach 1.07 or 810 miles per hour (1,303.57 kph). At sea-level, it is one of the fastest aircraft around.
The aircraft also has a ceiling of 68,000 feet (20,726.40 m). The LDC-AE-22 engines, which are rated up to 75,000 feet (22,860.00 m) allow the Enforcer the maximum amount of maneuverability and an initial climb rate of 65,000 feet per minute (19,812 m/min).
The main goal of the Enforcer, though, was to allow for takeoff from short and rugged airstrips. Fully loaded, the takeoff run is 4,100 feet (1,249.68 m) with afterburner and 5,500 feet (1,676.40 m) without afterburners. For landing, a drag chute is equipped in the rear, which allows for even shorter landings than it would have without. Without the drag chute, the Enforcer can land within 4,250 feet (1,295.40 m) but with the Enforcer, it can land within 3,110 feet (947.93 m). Its rugged landing gear enable it to fly from dirt strips and highway strips, which are envisioned to be the main bases for this aircraft.
As far as agility goes, the Enforcer can maneuver like a fighter when it is in optimum and light configurations pulling between -3Gs and +9Gs in combat. An advanced G-suit and the inclination of the ejection seat allow the pilots to handle up to +10Gs during combat but the aircraft has to be very light to over-G to +10Gs. In most configurations, the Enforcer is limited to under +7Gs.
The radar signature of the Enforcer is its largest defense. Due to the composites, polymers, and RAM coating, as well as design, the Enforcer has a radar signature between 33% and 50% that of the Su-34 Fullback but can go as low as 25%, depending on the angle. This allows the Enforcer to remain hidden longer n terms of BVR and it can get closer to targets before firing its missiles, meaning that the missiles will have a far better probability of kill (pK). This is especially useful against missile ships.
Service
Initially, the Enforcer will only be deployed with the Imperial Layartebian Defense Force (ILDF) replacing the B-6 Dementor, which will not be fully withdrawn from service but will be scaled back significantly. Export of the Enforcer is available to only the most trusted allies of the Empire.
Variants
The primary role of the F-46 Enforcer is as a fighter-bomber, thus the "A" version is appropriately the FB-46A Enforcer. However, the requirement for an electronic escort for the FB-46A led to the co-development of the EFB-46B Enforcer, which features the ASOJ versus the AASPJ. The capabilities of both aircraft are the same except that the EFB-46B Enforcer is better at stand-off jamming. On a typical combat sortie, EFB-46B Enforcers will escort the FB-46A Enforcers acting in the role of ECM and Escort, using their jamming to fend off enemy fighters and missiles while, at the same time, using their air to air missile complement to engage enemy fighters while the FB-46A Enforcers concentrate on the target. A typical Enforcer squadron is equipped with four EFB-46B Enforcers and twelve FB-46A Enforcers.
Weapons
The Enforcer is a fighter-bomber. It carries all of its weapons externally with two hardpoints centerline, each rated at 3,000 pounds (1,360.78 kg), two fuselage hardpoints, each rated at 4,000 pounds (1,814.37 kg), eight wing pylons, and two wingtip pylons. The innermost four wing pylons are each rated at 4,000 pounds (1,814.37 kg), the center two wing pylons rated at 2,000 pounds (907.18 kg) each, the two outermost wing pylons rated at 1,000 pounds (453.59 kg) each, and the two wingtip pylons rated at 600 pounds (272.16 kg) each. This gives the Enforcer a total of fourteen pylons, which can allow the Enforcer to carry as many as twenty air to air missiles in the most cranked configuration. Air to air missiles can be carried on all pylons with as many as two missiles per pylon on the innermost six pylons and one missile on every other pylon, allowing for up to twenty missiles. In most configurations though, the Enforcer will carry air to air missiles only on the wingtips and outermost wing pylons, allowing for a significant amount of air to ground weaponry, which can be carried on all pylons except the wingtips. In total, the Enforcer can carry as much as 37,200 pounds (16,873.64 kg) of ordinance, which is more than most aircraft weigh. External fuel tanks can be held on the centerline and innermost four wing pylons. Avionics and ECM pods can be carried on all hardpoints, even the wingtips, which can carry ECM pods.
The Enforcer's main armament is the M302 Mauser 27MM Cannon. The M302 Mauser is uses the powerful 27 x 145 millimeter shell. It uses a linkless feed system and caseless ammunition, allowing it extreme reliability and quicker firing times. It is a single-barrelled, automatic, revolver-type cannon with a rate of fire of 1,700 rounds per minute, fed by an 480 round magazine. It has a muzzle velocity of 3,362 feet per second (1,025 m/s) and is electrically powered. It has an effective range of 1.67 miles (2.7 km) and uses a mixed load of armor piercing and high-explosive shells for maximum damage.
Aside from the main gun, the Enforcer can carry several types of air to air missiles.
The AIM-204A Escape is the latest generation of air to air missiles. This 6th generation missile is 9.63 feet (2.93 m) long, 5 inches (127 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 1.47 feet (447 mm). Weighing 194 pounds (88 kg), it carries a 20 pound (9.07 kg), high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead, meant to sever an aircraft in half. The missile has either a proximity or an impact fuse. Able to fly at Mach 3.5, the missile can pull as many as +75Gs in combat. Its engagement range is between 0.20 miles (0.32 km) and 18.75 miles (30.18 km). It can engage aircraft as high up as 95,000 feet (28.96 km). It uses an imaging infrared seeker and can target aircraft within a 180° cone on its front nose. Coupled with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), the missile can be used to full advantage, otherwise it is limited to only a 128° cone. The missile also features Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capabilities and is equipped with highly capable ECCM systems, which can help reduce the effectiveness of infrared jammers. Because of its IIR nature, flares are of no use against the Escape. The Escape is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. The Enforcer can carry as many as ten missiles, two on the wingtips and two on each of the outermost four pylons.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, once the finest missile in the world, fell behind when newer, more advanced missiles were made. Therefore, the AMRAAM had to be upgraded to the D standard, which gave it significantly increased range, ECCM, and other capabilities. In the ILM inventory both the AIM-120D AMRAAM and the newer, more advanced AIM-120D-2 AMRAAM are offered. The D version is a late 5th generation missile whereas the D-2 is a pure 6th generation missile. The AMRAAM is 12 feet (3.66 m) long, 7 inches (178 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 17.60 inches (447 mm). It weighs 356 pounds (161.48 kg) and packs a powerful and deadly 50 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead. With a maximum speed of Mach 4.0, the AMRAAM uses a lofted trajectory to reach targets as far out as 57 miles (91.73 km) in the D version and 65 miles (104.60) in the D-2 version. Minimum range is 0.20 miles (0.32 km). Maximum altitude for the missile is 85,000 feet (25.91 km). Guidance is provided by Active X-Band Radar with datalink capabilities. The AMRAAM is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. Its maximum agility is rated at +45Gs in combat. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The Enforcer can carry as many as twenty missiles with one on each wingtip pylon, two on each of the eight wing pylons, one on each fuselage pylon, and two on the centerline.
The AIM-179 BVRAAM was built as an alternative to the AIM-120C AMRAAM. However, due to the extremely effective and superior ECCM ability of the AMRAAM, the BVRAAM could never fully replace the AMRAAM. However, it was offered as a missile that could fill the gap between the medium-range of the AMRAAM and the long-range of the AIM-54 Phoenix. Upon the retirement of the Phoenix, the BVRAAM was the longest ranged missile in service, which was eventually replaced again by the Dodsengel. The BVRAAM still offers superior abilities over many missiles. The BVRAAM is also available in five variants, the A through E. The A and C variants are guided by the same Active X-Band Radar and Datalink as the AMRAAM. The B variants offers Datalink coupled with an IIR seeker. The D variant can be guided by the same methods as the A and C variants but it is also able to be uplinked to the highly classified anti-stealth system of the Empire. The E variant is guided by passive radar and is built to home in on radar emissions of aircraft, primarily AWACS. All variants are equipped with the same 50 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead as the AMRAAM and have a maximum ceiling of 120,000 feet (36.58 km). Like the AMRAAM, the BVRAAM also utilizes a lofted trajectory to attack targets at extreme ranges. Minimum range for the A, C, and D variants is 0.50 miles (0.80 km) and 1 mile (1.60 km) for the B and E variants. Maximum range for the A variant is 62 miles (99.78 km), for the B and E variants it is 40 miles (64.37 km), and for the C and D variants it is 110 miles (177.03 km). The BVRAAM is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. Its maximum agility is rated at +40Gs in combat. The A and B variants weigh 408 pounds (185.07 kg), the C and D variants weigh 458 pounds (207.75 kg), and the E variant weighs 425 pounds (192.78 kg). The BVRAAM is 12 feet (3.66 m) long, 7 inches (178 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 17.60 inches (447 mm). In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The Enforcer can carry as many as twenty missiles with one on each wingtip pylon, two on each of the eight wing pylons, one on each fuselage pylon, and two on the centerline.
The AIM-202 Dodsengel is an ultra-long-range missile, developed to replace the Phoenix. The Dodsengel is 12 feet (3.66 m) long, 9 inches (228.60 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 21 inches (533.40 mm). This two-stage missile uses a booster to achieve its lofted trajectory and speed, which weighs 220 pounds (99.79 kg). The booster can provide the Dodsengel with 170 miles (273.59 km) worth of its range. Afterwards, the 380 pound (172.37 kg) missile will be flying as fast as Mach 4.8. A sustainer keeps the missile flying towards its target while reducing air resistance on the missile. It offers a 120,000 foot (36.58 km) ceiling and the ability to pull as many as +65Gs in combat. It also uses a lofted trajectory to reach targets as far out as 250 miles (402.34 km) though it has a minimum range of 5 miles (8.05 km). The Dodsengel is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. The Dodsengel is equipped with the same 50 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead as the AMRAAM and BVRAAM. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The missile is available in two variants. The A variant is guided by the same Active X-Band Radar and Datalink as the AMRAAM and BVRAAM but also offers IIR for terminal intercept phases. The B version offers the same guidance as the A with the ability to be uplinked to the highly classified anti-stealth system of the Empire. The Enforcer can carry as many as twelve missiles with one on each fuselage pylon, two on the centerline, and one on each of the innermost six wing pylons.
The AIM-216 Halycon is an extreme-range missiles, developed to extend the range of air to air engagements out to 350 miles (563.27 km). The Halycon is 18 feet (5.49 m) long, 21 inches (533.40 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 30 inches (762.00 mm). The two-stage missiles uses an 8.00 foot (2.44 m) booster to reach a range of 200 miles (321.88 km) and a cruise altitude of 115,000 feet (35.05 km). The lofted trajectory gives the missile its extreme range and allows for less drag and higher flight speeds. The booster weighs 600 pounds (272.16 kg) and has a small bursting charge, which goes off after the booster has been separated for thirty seconds, ensuring that it breaks up in descent, to prevent capture. However, because of the booster, the missile has a minimum range of 15 miles (24.14 km). Maximum speed is Mach 6.85 in its terminal phase and Mach 5.08 in cruise flight. It offers a 120,000 foot (36.58 km) ceiling and the ability to pull as many as +60Gs in combat. The Halycon is fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. The Halycon kills its target with a 100 pound (45.36 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead. It is, essentially, a heavier version of the same warhead used in the AMRAAM, BVRAAM, and Dodsengel. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The WGU-99C guidance section uses a dual-mode seeker based on Active X-Band Radar and Imaging Infrared. It features Home-On-Jam capability, Datalink, Lock-on After Launch, and Anti-Stealth uplink. The Enforcer can carry as many as nine missiles with one on each fuselage pylon, one on the centerline, and six on the innermost six wing pylons.
The AIM-221 Long-Range Advanced Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAAM) is a beyond visual range missile, developed to replace both the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-179 BVRAAM. The LRAAAM is 12.50 feet (3.81 m) long, 8.00 inches (203.20 mm) in diameter, and it has a 16.00 inch (406.40 mm) wingspan. It is a single-stage, 450.00 pound (204.12 kg) missile with 50.00 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead, which is enhanced to provide a larger destruct radius than the AMRAAM and BVRAAM warheads. With a top-speed of Mach 4, the missile can be used as close as 0.25 miles (402.34 m) and as far as 110.00 miles (177.03 km). It has three firing modes, using either a high-loft, which takes the missile up to 80,000 feet (24,384.00 m) for maximum range or a low-loft, which takes the missile up to 50,000 feet (15,240.00 m) for low-altitude launches. The last mode is a direct-to-target mode for close range combat to allow for faster attack times. The Enforcer is fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry and it can pull as many as +55Gs in combat. It has a ceiling of 90,000 feet (27,432 m). The WGU-121A guidance section relies primarily on a dual-mode seeker with active X-band radar and imaging infrared but it also has home on jam capability, a datalink bus, an anti-stealth uplink bus, and the ability to lock-on after launch. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The Enforcer can carry as many as twenty missiles with one on each wingtip pylon, two on each of the eight wing pylons, one on each fuselage pylon, and two on the centerline.
For air to ground weaponry, the Enforcer can carry missiles on all hardpoints except for the wingtip pylons, allowing it a total of 36,000 pounds (16,329.33 kg) of ordinance, which is primarily the AGM-205 AMESM for anti-shipping roles.
The AGM-65 Maverick is, perhaps, the most respected and feared anti-tank and air to ground missile. Originally developed in the 1970s, the Maverick turned into a lethal and feared killer as time progressed. The ILM uses the F and G models of the Maverick. The missile is 8.17 feet (2.49 m) long, 1 foot (305 mm) in diameter, and has a 2.36 foot (719 mm) wingspan. The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling. Both versions weigh 670 pounds (304 kg) and pack a powerful and deadly 300 pound (136 kg) penetrating, blast-fragmentation warhead, capable of sinking small patrol corvettes and annihilating almost any tank in the world. With a maximum range of 17 miles (27.36 km), the Maverick is a very deadly weapon. Guided by imaging infrared, the Maverick travels at just over Mach 1 towards its target. The missile is solid-fueled.
The AGM-88 AARGM is a very advanced and capable missile. Originally developed as the AGM-88 HARM in the early 1980s, the model progressed to the E version, which was renamed AARGM. The ILM uses both the AGM-88E AARGM Block 0 and the AGM-88F AARGM Block I. The missiles are 13.67 feet (4.17 m) long, 10 inches (254 mm) in diameter, and have a wingspan of 2 feet (610 mm). Both weigh 850 pounds (385.55 kg) and are armed with a 150 pound (68.04 kg) warhead, which consists of 12,800 tungsten alloy fragments and a revised explosive charge, which significantly enhanced the lethality of the missile over previous versions. Test radars and sites were devestated by the giant Claymore-type warheads. With a top speed of Mach 3 and a ceiling of 120,000 feet (36.58 km), the missile uses a lofted trajectory to attack targets. It can be fired in three different modes, target, loiter, and pre-briefed. Minimum range is 2 miles (3.22 km) and maximum range for target-mode is 35 miles (56.33 km), for loiter mode is 48 miles (77.25 km), and for pre-briefed mode it is 100 miles (160.93). The missile is guided by a multimode seeker that first locks onto the target using its HARM sensor, often guided by the PRS of the F-41B. Once a lock is acquired, a GPS circuit kicks in, just in case the radar is turned off. When the missile is terminal, it switches to a millimetric wave radar, which identifies the control vehicle of the site and pummels the missile into the more expensive and harder to replace control vehicle, annihilating the site. Fragmentation effects of the airburst have been known to tear radar dishes and set off unlaunched missiles. Both versions are solid-fueled.
The AGM-158 JASSM is another advanced missile. It is a stealthy, subsonic, cruise missile. Fourteen feet (4.27 m) long, 4 feet (1.22 m) wide, and with a wingspan of 7.92 feet (2.40 m), the AGM-158 is available in the A version and the B version, which is labelled as the JASSM-ER. The A version travels at Mach 0.8 towards a target as far away as 230 miles (370 km) whilst the B version can attack targets as far away as 600 miles (965.61 km). Both missiles weigh 2,250 pounds (1,020 kg) and are powered by a turobjet engine. The JASSM is guided by a jamming-resistant GPS-aided inertial navigation system, and uses an IIR seeker for autonomous pattern-based target selection and terminal homing. The JASSM is also equipped with a data link to transmit status and location information until impact to assist bomb damage assessment. The A version flies on a pre-programmed course whereas the B version uses a lofted trajectory to attain very high altitude, in order to come crash down on the target. Both versions carry a 1,000 pound (453.59 kg) BROACH warhead, capable of extreme penetration. The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling.
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.
The AGM-178 Storm Shadow is a very stealthy cruise missile, quite similar to the JASSM. It is 16.73 feet (5.10 m) long, 3.28 feet (3.28 m) wide, and has a 4 foot (1.37 m) wingspan. It is available in three versions but only the A and B are light enough to be carried by the Enforcer. Both versions weigh 2,860 pounds (1,297.27 kg) whereas the C version weighs 4,029 pounds (1,827.52 kg). The A version carries the same 1,000 pound (453.59 kg) BROACH warhead as the JASSM. The B version is equipped with 200 BLU-97/B CEB bomblets. These are effective against armor, personnel and material, contains a shaped charge, scored steel casing and zirconium ring for anti-armor, fragmentation and incendiary capability. The bomblet case is made of scored steel designed to break into approximately 300 preformed ingrain fragments for defeating light armor and personnel. The C version carries a 1,700 pound (771.11 kg) BLU-116/B advanced unitary penetrator warhead, designed to penetrate 8 feet (2.44 m) to 12 feet (3.66 m) of reinforced concrete, which gives it twice the ability as the BLU-109/B I-2000 warhead. The A and B versions are subsonic and travel at Mach 0.8. They have a minimum range of 5 miles (8.05 km), a maximum range of 160 miles (257.50 km), and a ceiling of 60,000 feet (18.29 km). The C version is also turbofan powered, just like the A and B, but can obtain Mach 3.1 as high as 90,000 feet (27.43 km). It has a range between 5 miles (8.05 km) and 480 miles (772.49 km). Guidance is inertial with GPS updates and flies to its target using a terrain following circuit. Terminal attacks are done using IIR.
The AGM-205 AMESM is a specially designed missile to replace the Harpoon, SLAM, and SLAM-ER. It can attack any type of ground target, including moving ships. It is 14 feet (4.27 m) long, 14 inches (355.6 mm) in diameter, and has a 5.25 foot (1.60 m) wingspan. It weighs 1,600 pounds (725.75 kg) and carries an 800 pound (362.87 kg), penetrating, blast-fragmentation warhead with triple the penetration of the AGM-84. This is possible because the missile reaches Mach 3.8 in its terminal phase and attacks its target in a top-dive attack, just like the Harpoon, although it can strike at the waterline, if programmed to attack with such a profile. It has a range between 10 miles (16.09 km) and 200 miles (321.87 km). The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling. It uses a multimode seeker as well, initially targetting through GPS. The missile then places the coordinates in a database and uses TERCOM to fly at extremely low altitudes towards its target, where it acquires it with an IIR seeker. The missile can be programmed with several targets to attack, should the pilot decide to switch targets, in flight.
The JDAM II is the primary, guided bomb type of the ILM. Developed from the JDAM, the JDAM II offers a much better GPS seeker. The bomb is available in many variants. The GBU-49/A JDAM II weighs only 250 pounds (113.40 kg) and has a 50 pound (22.68 kg) warhead. This is a version of the GBU-39/B SDB and can attack and devestate buried targets with extreme effectiveness. The GBU-50/A JDAM II weighs 507 pounds (229.97 kg) and is equipped with a 275 pound (124.74 kg) warhead, left over from the Mark 82 Slick. The GBU-51/A JDAM II weighs 1,050 pounds (476.27 kg) and has the 386 pound (175.09 kg) BLU-110 penetrating warhead. The GBU-52/A JDAM II weighs 2,200 pounds (997.90 kg) and is equipped with the BLU-109 penetrating warhead. The GBU-52/B JDAM II carries the BLU-116 AUP penetrating warhead. The GBU-52/C JDAM II carries the BLU-118 thermobaric warhead. The GBU-53/A JDAM II weighs 4,700 pounds (2,131.88 kg) and is equipped with the mighty and massive BLU-122 penetrating warhead. While the sizes of these weapons vary considerably, they can all be engaged against targets as far away as 20 miles (32.19 km) and hit within a CEP of 6.50 feet (1.98 m).
Specifications
Status: In-Service
Role: Maritime Defense Fighter ["A"]; Electronic Escort Fighter ["B"]
Crew: 2
Cost: $60M ["A"]; $65M ["B"]
Length: 85.00 ft.
Wingspan: 50.00 ft.
Height: 20.00 ft.
Empty Weight: 32,000 lb.
Maximum Weight: 98,000 lb.
Fuel Weight: 27,500 lb.
Armament Weight: 37,200 lb.
Powerplant: Two LDC-AE-22B afterburning turbofan engines
Maximum Thrust: 80,000 lb.
Maximum Speed @ S/L: 810 mph
Maximum Speed @ Altitude: 1,200 mph
Initial Climb Rate: 65,000 ft./min
Service Ceiling: 68,000 ft.
Range: 1,400 mi [combat]; 2,800 mi [ferry]
G-Limits: -3 / +9
Gun: 1 M302 Mauser 27MM Cannon with 480 rounds
Stations: 2 centerline hardpoints rated at 3,000 lb. each, 2 fuselage hardpoints rated at 4,000 lb. each, 4 inner wing hardpoints rated at 4,000 lb. each, 2 center wing hardpoints rated at 2,000 lb. each, 2 outer wing hardpoints rated at 1,000 lb. each, 2 wingtip hardpoints rated at 600 lb. each
Air-to-Air Armament: Up to 20 AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-179 BVRAAM, or AIM-221 LRAAAM missiles on all external hardpoints, up to 12 AIM-202 Dodsengel missiles on all but wingtip pylons, up to 9 AIM-216 Halycon missiles on centerline, fuselage, and inner 6 wing pylons, up to 10 AIM-204 Escape missiles on wingtip pylons and outer 2 wing pylons
Air-to-Ground Armament: Up to 10 AGM-205 AMESM missiles on centerline, fuselage, and inner 6 wing hardpoints, other air to ground stores on all but wingtip pylons
Avionics: AN/APG-82 MMAR, AN/ASQ-238 IFTS, AN/ASQ-239 PRS, AN/ASQ-240 AIRST, AN/ASQ-241 EOS
ECM: AN/ALQ-229 AASPJ ["A"]; AN/ALQ-232 ASOJ ["B"]; 640 chaff bundles, 180 flares
Radar Signature: Roughly 1/3 to 1/2 that of the Su-34 Fullback
http://www.theforsakenoutlaw.com/Graphics/Nation-States/LDC/f46.jpg
Overview
With the announcement of realization of the Empire in 2006, after twenty-six years of fighting, there was a large review of armed forces within the Empire, a review that showed that there was a significant amount of equipment that was no longer as effective as they had been during the wars of conquest. Among them was the B-6 Dementor, a maritime reconnaissance and attack bomber that had so gleefully and gallantly defended the coasts of the Empire. The B-6 Dementor, which had a very successful combat record accounted for at least 400 ships sunk throughout its thirty year service career, which began in 1976, just as the revolution dawned.
The main flaws cited with the B-6 Dementor did not include its range or its massive armament capabilities, which included up to 36 Tomahawk sized cruise missiles or 3 large cruise missiles. The flaws included its long-takeoff and landing runs, its large radar signature, its role as a defenseless bomber, and its logistical costs, which included, most of all, fuel costs. A typical attack profile of a B-6 Dementor saw it climbing to 18,000 feet or more in the air and attacking ships from long-range using either over-the-horizon targetting or forward datalinking and tracking. However, this ability was just as capable at altitudes of 2,000 feet or lower, given the advances in OTH radars, satellite tracking and targetting, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles, responsible for over-the-horizon targetting.
The replacement for the Dementor would have to be a smaller, more agile aircraft, a fighter-bomber, which could carry a heavy weapons payload, being eight or more anti-ship missiles, as well as air to air missiles to defend itself in a dogfight. This smaller fighter-bomber would have to be agile, fast, and have a combat range in excess of 750 miles. What came of this project was the F-46 Enforcer, a fighter-bomber with the ability to carry up to 12 air to ground weapons as well as air to air missiles, up to 20 in the most cranked configurations. Based on the Su-34 Fullback airframe, the Enforcer took many of the lessons learned on the F-22 Raptor and subsequent stealth projects, including the "0.0009 series" of fighters, bombers, and aircraft, which are amongst the stealthiest in the Imperial Layartebian Military.
Airframe
The Enforcer is a large and very rugged aircraft, which is 85.00 feet (25.91 m) in length and 20.00 feet (6.10 m) high. It has a wingspan of 50.00 feet (15.24 m). It is a highly rugged airframe with two, angled tails, a low frontal signature, and a long wingspan with two, smaller front canards. The airframe features a lot of polymers and composites, which aide in stealth. Its two air intakes are offset and angled with "S" guards inside to help deflect radar away from the large compressor blades of its engines. It has a long, platypus style nose with a wide cockpit that features two pilots sitting side by side. There is a large wing area, providing a lot of lift, allowing the aircraft to fly at slower speeds at higher altitudes as well as greater agility and ordinance carriage. It is a two-engined design that utilizes special suppression systems to lower its heat signature, although the engines are very close in proximity. The canopy is raised to allow the most amount of visibility but there is little visibilty to the rear except through cameras.
Construction materials are mainly composites and polymers, which are heavily coated in radar absorbent materials. The construction design, techniques, and materials allow the Enforcer to remain very small on radar. The airframe is not small but is still a difficult target for radar. The wing provides for large amounts of lift, which affect both the take off and landing runs of the aircraft, as well as its ability to dogfight.
Designed to take off from rugged airstrips, including highways and dirt strips, the Enforcer has a short take-off run and landing run, is equipped with very rugged landing gear, and is painted in a strict camouflage to match the ground where it is based, which makes it difficult to see not only from the air but also in a dogfight.
Avionics
The Enforcer is equipped with highly state-of-the-art avionics. Its sensor suite includes a radar, infrared search & track (IRST), an integrated FLIR targetting system, passive radar sensor, an electro-optical tracking system, and a very highly advanced self-defense suite.
The radar, the main detection method for the Enforcer, is a variant of the AN/APG-82 Multimode Advanced Radar (MMAR). The MMAR is a dual-mode radar, which can process both Synthetic Aperture & Inverse Synthetic Aperture processes, which allow it to detect even the stealthiest of fighters, at long range. Using ultrawideband, the MMAR also features low probability intercept (LPI), first featured on the AN/APG-77, used on the Raptor. Its search range is 400.00 miles (643.74 km). Tracking range against bombers is around 350.00 miles (563.27 km), against small fighters is around 245.00 miles (394.29 km), and against stealth aircraft is between 50.00 miles (80.47 km) and 150.00 miles (241.40 km). Ranges do vary in combat environments but the MMAR is specialized to work in high jamming environments. The MMAR also carries the capability to track up to 48 aircraft, which makes air to air engagements often lopsided for the Enforcer.
The AN/ASQ-238 IFTS carries on the principles of the LANTRIN, Sharpshooter, and other FLIR-type pods that once hindered aircraft performance because of their weight and drag. The IFTS is integrated into the aircraft and features both a foward looking infrared unit and a downward looking infrared, first pioneered on the F-117 Nighthawk. This enables the Enforcer to carry and launch laser and infrared guided munitions much more effectively, against the required targets. While it has a maximum search range of 90.00 miles (144.84 km), the IFTS is effective against ground targets within 50.00 miles (80.47 km).
The AN/ASQ-239 PRS is a development of the HARM Targetting Sensor. The PRS is a small reciever built within the top of the aircraft that gives a 360° view around the aircraft for as far as 300.00 miles (482.80 km), though is more effective within 135.00 miles (217.26 km). The PRS allows the operator to target enemy ground units based on their radar emissions and pass that data into its ordinance. The HTS originally only allowed the pilot to engage these targets with limited ordinance, usually guided bombs and HARM missiles. The PRS allows the pilot to engage the targets with any missile or bomb loaded, included unguided, dumb bombs.
The AN/ASQ-240 Advanced IRST of the Enforcer is meant to work against heat signatures evenly slightly above the air temperature. At higher altitudes it is more effective because air temperature is lower. In optimum conditions, it can search as far as 135.00 miles (217.26 km). Against bombers and other aircraft with large heat signatures, it can detect them at 90.00 miles (144.84 km). Against fighters and lower heat signatures, it can detect them at 60.00 miles (96.56 km). The AIRST is modeled after the Pirate IRST, which is featured on the Typhoon, which is the F-26 in the ILM. The AIRST can track up to 200 targets in combat, which allows for multiple air to air missiles to be launched against multiple targets, especially fire and forget missiles. Using imaging infrared, the AIRST works on the same wavelength as the Pirate IRST, which is 3 to 11 µm.
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 100.00 miles (160.93 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. It can only work out to about 40.00 miles (64.37 km) in the best of conditions.
All three systems are processed through the main computer of the aircraft, which runs at very high speed rates. All three are coupled together and allow for the Enforcer to remain highly secretive in the air, while running all of its sensors. However, there is still more. The Enforcer also features a very state-of-the-art and experimental ground-link system. Modeled after the aged concept of the MA-1 for the F-106 Delta Dart, the Enforcer revitalizes the idea. Ground-control can vector Enforcer aircraft towards targets while the aircraft remains totally quiet, keeping all of its active sensors off. This enables anti-stealth uplink and allows for the Enforcer to launch its missiles in pure datalink mode without announcing its presence. The uplink enables the Enforcer to work extremely quickly and effectively against numerous, long-range, airborne threats, allowing it to launch its missiles at maximum range, high-speed, high-altitude, against fighters and bombers at long-range. Missiles using mid-course guidance and data link will not announce their presence until they are in their terminal modes, using their own active seekers. This system enables the Enforcer to win in air to air engagements without much effort.
The self-defense systems of the Enforcer are centered around the AN/ALQ-229 Advanced Airborne Self-Protection Jamming Suite (AASPJ). The AASPJ 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, the AN/ALQ-227 Advanced Radar Jammer (ARJ), and a laser jammer, the AN/ALQ-228 Advanced Laser Jammer (ALJ). The AEOJ of the Enforcer works out to 40.00 miles (64.37 km) but can act with 95% effectiveness inside of 24.00 miles (38.62 km). The AIJ works to mess with the imaging infrared seekers of the most advanced dogfight and ground-launched missiles. Its maximum range is 20 miles (32.19 km) but can act with 98% effectiveness inside of 15.00 miles (24.14 km). The ARJ, which works to distort frequency-hop, pulse, phased-array, bi-static, and other advanced radars, has a maximum range of 35.00 miles (56.33 km) and is 94% effective within 28.00 miles (45.06 km). Lastly, the ALJ, which acts against laser guided missiles, primarily surface launched missiles, and laser gun sights of advanced aircraft works within 25.00 miles (40.23 km) and is 95% effective within 20.00 miles (32.19 km). Coupled together with an radar warning receiver (RWR) and laser warning receiver (LWR), the AASPJ allows for RWR tracking out to 150.00 miles (241.40 km) in a full 360° circle around the aircraft. The LWR, which also works in a full 360° circle, works out to 30.00 miles (48.28 km). However, on the B version of the Enforcer, the AASPJ is exchanged for the ASOJ, the AN/ALQ-232 Advanced Stand-Off Jamming Suite. It features the same systems as the AN/ALQ-229 but is more refined with more power giving it 50% increased range and 100% effectiveness at 80% of the range. It allows for directional and area jamming in a full 360° bubble around the aircraft and the AN/ALR-100 RWR and AN/ALR-101 LWR, which can detect emissions as far as 180.00 miles (289.68 km) and 50.00 miles (80.47 km), respectively.
The Enforcer also features something pioneered on the F-117 Nighthawk and B-2 Spirit. Both of these aircraft used a gas-dilution system to lower infrared heat coming off its engines, giving it a very cool heat signature, even at night and at high throttle. Revitalized on the F-19 Ghostrider program, this system was retained on the Enforcer, which can heavily dilute infrared gases off the engines, so long as they are not in afterburning mode, at which point nothing can be done to lower the infrared signature. At high-altitude and subsonic speeds, the infrared signature of the Enforcer is small enough to make infrared missiles, even all-aspect ones, have difficulty getting a head-on or off-boresight lock on the aircraft.
Lastly, if all else fails, the Enforcer can resort to old-fashioned flares and chaff bundles. The Enforcer carries 180 flares and 640 chaff bundles, which can be deployed in pre-programmed modes, which would allow a set number of each to deploy in certain intervals. If necessary, the pilot can place them on automatic, which means that the aircraft automatically deploys what is necessary based on the threats received through the ASOJ system. Lastly, the pilot can deploy them individually, if necessary, to allow for a more conservative approach. Any of these options are available to the pilot. The 180 flares are fitted onto six parts of the fuselage to allow for bundles of 30 flares in each pack with four LAU-138 launcher rails on the two wingtip pylons and two outer wing pylons, allowing for 160 chaff bundles per rail, giving a total of 640 chaff bundles.
Cockpit
Inside the cockpit, the two pilots sit side-by-side, allowing them to share much of the load with the pilot concentrating on flying the plane while the RIO handles the firing of the weapons and operation of the defensive systems. The layout of the cockpit provides for the most essential gauges and controls in the middle, so that they are easily accessible to both pilots. Multiple MFDs are placed throughout the panels in the front and much like other aircraft, there is a small TV screen that can switch between the EOS and AIRST. All switches, dials, and buttons are night vision capable and can go to high illumination. Anti-glare and radar reducing gold film is on the cockpit glass, which does not open like in traditional fighters. Both pilots climb into the aircraft from underneath the cockpit via ladder and sit on zero-zero ejection seats, which angle back to allow for better tolerance of high G-forces. The cockpit is pressurized to avoid the necessity for masks, which can get in the way during a dogfight but they are still present, in case pressurization is lost. The cockpit is fully heated and air conditioned. Both pilots have a separate throttle and stick, which move in unison with each other and either can be used to control the aircraft. The RWR/LWR single-display is in the center of the cockpit and the cockpit also reduces on external sounds to help alleviate some of the sensory data that the pilot will receive.
Engines and Fuel
The Enforcer is powered by two extremely powerful turbofan engines, which utilize both afterburners and thrust vectoring. Running at military power, the LDC-AE-22B engines, which are modifications of the F-22 Raptor engines, provide 28,500 pounds (126.77 kN) of thrust each, whereas at afterburner, they put out 40,000 pounds (177.93 kN) of thrust each. Empty, the LDC-AE-22B engines provide the Enforcer with a 2.50:1 thrust to weight ratio, which is reducer to 0.82:1 at maximum weight.
The Scorpion carries 27,500 pounds (12,473.79 kg) of fuel, which is packed throughout the aircraft. With this much fuel, the LDC-AE-22B engines can fly the aircraft as far as 1,400 miles (2,253.08 km) in combat, though range would be reduced because of the usage of high-throttle in combat. In a ferry configuration, the Enforcer can fly as far as 2,800 miles (4,506.16 km). The Enforcer can carry up to fiveexternal fuel tanks, in maximum configuration, increasing its ferry range significantly. On the innermost four wing pylons and the centerline pylon, the Enforcer can mount up to five 600 gallon fuel tanks, adding an additional 19,800 pounds (8,981.13 kg). It is unlikely in combat for more than two external fuel tanks to be carried as they significantly increase weight and drag, limiting the agility of the Enforcer.
Thrust vectoring for the LDC-AE-22B engines not only provide the Enforcer with simple pitch control, as seen on most aircraft, but also with yaw control. The vectoring can nozzle exhaust ±35° for both yaw and pitch. The Enforcer was known for quick, snap-like maneuvers in testing, which enabled it to reach maximum G-forces in a fraction of the time it would take conventional aircraft. In addition, because of these quick snaps, the Enforcer would not need to sustain high-G maneuvers, therefore bleeding off airspeed. Airspeed loss was considered marginal compared to conventional fighters, allowing the pilot more speed to defeat the enemy.
The engines of the Enforcer also provide stealth in the way of sound. From the front, the engines produce a very high-pitched, low whine and from the rear, a low, deep rumble. Sound sensors will have definite trouble locating the Enforcer and picking up its noise signature as well as the human ear, which could be a problem at low-level and inside canyons, valleys, and other enclosed spaces.
Performance
Because of its size and weight the Enforcer is not a high performance fighter. However, it is far more agile and capable than most aircraft similar in size. The airframe, which is large and rugged, can move as fast as 1,200 miles per hour (1,931.21 kph) at 36,000 feet. This is equivalent to Mach 1.81. The massive amount of thrust generated by the engines allow for the beastly aircraft to move this fast. At sea-level, the aircraft can fly as fast as Mach 1.07 or 810 miles per hour (1,303.57 kph). At sea-level, it is one of the fastest aircraft around.
The aircraft also has a ceiling of 68,000 feet (20,726.40 m). The LDC-AE-22 engines, which are rated up to 75,000 feet (22,860.00 m) allow the Enforcer the maximum amount of maneuverability and an initial climb rate of 65,000 feet per minute (19,812 m/min).
The main goal of the Enforcer, though, was to allow for takeoff from short and rugged airstrips. Fully loaded, the takeoff run is 4,100 feet (1,249.68 m) with afterburner and 5,500 feet (1,676.40 m) without afterburners. For landing, a drag chute is equipped in the rear, which allows for even shorter landings than it would have without. Without the drag chute, the Enforcer can land within 4,250 feet (1,295.40 m) but with the Enforcer, it can land within 3,110 feet (947.93 m). Its rugged landing gear enable it to fly from dirt strips and highway strips, which are envisioned to be the main bases for this aircraft.
As far as agility goes, the Enforcer can maneuver like a fighter when it is in optimum and light configurations pulling between -3Gs and +9Gs in combat. An advanced G-suit and the inclination of the ejection seat allow the pilots to handle up to +10Gs during combat but the aircraft has to be very light to over-G to +10Gs. In most configurations, the Enforcer is limited to under +7Gs.
The radar signature of the Enforcer is its largest defense. Due to the composites, polymers, and RAM coating, as well as design, the Enforcer has a radar signature between 33% and 50% that of the Su-34 Fullback but can go as low as 25%, depending on the angle. This allows the Enforcer to remain hidden longer n terms of BVR and it can get closer to targets before firing its missiles, meaning that the missiles will have a far better probability of kill (pK). This is especially useful against missile ships.
Service
Initially, the Enforcer will only be deployed with the Imperial Layartebian Defense Force (ILDF) replacing the B-6 Dementor, which will not be fully withdrawn from service but will be scaled back significantly. Export of the Enforcer is available to only the most trusted allies of the Empire.
Variants
The primary role of the F-46 Enforcer is as a fighter-bomber, thus the "A" version is appropriately the FB-46A Enforcer. However, the requirement for an electronic escort for the FB-46A led to the co-development of the EFB-46B Enforcer, which features the ASOJ versus the AASPJ. The capabilities of both aircraft are the same except that the EFB-46B Enforcer is better at stand-off jamming. On a typical combat sortie, EFB-46B Enforcers will escort the FB-46A Enforcers acting in the role of ECM and Escort, using their jamming to fend off enemy fighters and missiles while, at the same time, using their air to air missile complement to engage enemy fighters while the FB-46A Enforcers concentrate on the target. A typical Enforcer squadron is equipped with four EFB-46B Enforcers and twelve FB-46A Enforcers.
Weapons
The Enforcer is a fighter-bomber. It carries all of its weapons externally with two hardpoints centerline, each rated at 3,000 pounds (1,360.78 kg), two fuselage hardpoints, each rated at 4,000 pounds (1,814.37 kg), eight wing pylons, and two wingtip pylons. The innermost four wing pylons are each rated at 4,000 pounds (1,814.37 kg), the center two wing pylons rated at 2,000 pounds (907.18 kg) each, the two outermost wing pylons rated at 1,000 pounds (453.59 kg) each, and the two wingtip pylons rated at 600 pounds (272.16 kg) each. This gives the Enforcer a total of fourteen pylons, which can allow the Enforcer to carry as many as twenty air to air missiles in the most cranked configuration. Air to air missiles can be carried on all pylons with as many as two missiles per pylon on the innermost six pylons and one missile on every other pylon, allowing for up to twenty missiles. In most configurations though, the Enforcer will carry air to air missiles only on the wingtips and outermost wing pylons, allowing for a significant amount of air to ground weaponry, which can be carried on all pylons except the wingtips. In total, the Enforcer can carry as much as 37,200 pounds (16,873.64 kg) of ordinance, which is more than most aircraft weigh. External fuel tanks can be held on the centerline and innermost four wing pylons. Avionics and ECM pods can be carried on all hardpoints, even the wingtips, which can carry ECM pods.
The Enforcer's main armament is the M302 Mauser 27MM Cannon. The M302 Mauser is uses the powerful 27 x 145 millimeter shell. It uses a linkless feed system and caseless ammunition, allowing it extreme reliability and quicker firing times. It is a single-barrelled, automatic, revolver-type cannon with a rate of fire of 1,700 rounds per minute, fed by an 480 round magazine. It has a muzzle velocity of 3,362 feet per second (1,025 m/s) and is electrically powered. It has an effective range of 1.67 miles (2.7 km) and uses a mixed load of armor piercing and high-explosive shells for maximum damage.
Aside from the main gun, the Enforcer can carry several types of air to air missiles.
The AIM-204A Escape is the latest generation of air to air missiles. This 6th generation missile is 9.63 feet (2.93 m) long, 5 inches (127 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 1.47 feet (447 mm). Weighing 194 pounds (88 kg), it carries a 20 pound (9.07 kg), high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead, meant to sever an aircraft in half. The missile has either a proximity or an impact fuse. Able to fly at Mach 3.5, the missile can pull as many as +75Gs in combat. Its engagement range is between 0.20 miles (0.32 km) and 18.75 miles (30.18 km). It can engage aircraft as high up as 95,000 feet (28.96 km). It uses an imaging infrared seeker and can target aircraft within a 180° cone on its front nose. Coupled with a Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS), the missile can be used to full advantage, otherwise it is limited to only a 128° cone. The missile also features Lock-On After Launch (LOAL) capabilities and is equipped with highly capable ECCM systems, which can help reduce the effectiveness of infrared jammers. Because of its IIR nature, flares are of no use against the Escape. The Escape is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. The Enforcer can carry as many as ten missiles, two on the wingtips and two on each of the outermost four pylons.
The AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, once the finest missile in the world, fell behind when newer, more advanced missiles were made. Therefore, the AMRAAM had to be upgraded to the D standard, which gave it significantly increased range, ECCM, and other capabilities. In the ILM inventory both the AIM-120D AMRAAM and the newer, more advanced AIM-120D-2 AMRAAM are offered. The D version is a late 5th generation missile whereas the D-2 is a pure 6th generation missile. The AMRAAM is 12 feet (3.66 m) long, 7 inches (178 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 17.60 inches (447 mm). It weighs 356 pounds (161.48 kg) and packs a powerful and deadly 50 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead. With a maximum speed of Mach 4.0, the AMRAAM uses a lofted trajectory to reach targets as far out as 57 miles (91.73 km) in the D version and 65 miles (104.60) in the D-2 version. Minimum range is 0.20 miles (0.32 km). Maximum altitude for the missile is 85,000 feet (25.91 km). Guidance is provided by Active X-Band Radar with datalink capabilities. The AMRAAM is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. Its maximum agility is rated at +45Gs in combat. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The Enforcer can carry as many as twenty missiles with one on each wingtip pylon, two on each of the eight wing pylons, one on each fuselage pylon, and two on the centerline.
The AIM-179 BVRAAM was built as an alternative to the AIM-120C AMRAAM. However, due to the extremely effective and superior ECCM ability of the AMRAAM, the BVRAAM could never fully replace the AMRAAM. However, it was offered as a missile that could fill the gap between the medium-range of the AMRAAM and the long-range of the AIM-54 Phoenix. Upon the retirement of the Phoenix, the BVRAAM was the longest ranged missile in service, which was eventually replaced again by the Dodsengel. The BVRAAM still offers superior abilities over many missiles. The BVRAAM is also available in five variants, the A through E. The A and C variants are guided by the same Active X-Band Radar and Datalink as the AMRAAM. The B variants offers Datalink coupled with an IIR seeker. The D variant can be guided by the same methods as the A and C variants but it is also able to be uplinked to the highly classified anti-stealth system of the Empire. The E variant is guided by passive radar and is built to home in on radar emissions of aircraft, primarily AWACS. All variants are equipped with the same 50 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead as the AMRAAM and have a maximum ceiling of 120,000 feet (36.58 km). Like the AMRAAM, the BVRAAM also utilizes a lofted trajectory to attack targets at extreme ranges. Minimum range for the A, C, and D variants is 0.50 miles (0.80 km) and 1 mile (1.60 km) for the B and E variants. Maximum range for the A variant is 62 miles (99.78 km), for the B and E variants it is 40 miles (64.37 km), and for the C and D variants it is 110 miles (177.03 km). The BVRAAM is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. Its maximum agility is rated at +40Gs in combat. The A and B variants weigh 408 pounds (185.07 kg), the C and D variants weigh 458 pounds (207.75 kg), and the E variant weighs 425 pounds (192.78 kg). The BVRAAM is 12 feet (3.66 m) long, 7 inches (178 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 17.60 inches (447 mm). In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The Enforcer can carry as many as twenty missiles with one on each wingtip pylon, two on each of the eight wing pylons, one on each fuselage pylon, and two on the centerline.
The AIM-202 Dodsengel is an ultra-long-range missile, developed to replace the Phoenix. The Dodsengel is 12 feet (3.66 m) long, 9 inches (228.60 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 21 inches (533.40 mm). This two-stage missile uses a booster to achieve its lofted trajectory and speed, which weighs 220 pounds (99.79 kg). The booster can provide the Dodsengel with 170 miles (273.59 km) worth of its range. Afterwards, the 380 pound (172.37 kg) missile will be flying as fast as Mach 4.8. A sustainer keeps the missile flying towards its target while reducing air resistance on the missile. It offers a 120,000 foot (36.58 km) ceiling and the ability to pull as many as +65Gs in combat. It also uses a lofted trajectory to reach targets as far out as 250 miles (402.34 km) though it has a minimum range of 5 miles (8.05 km). The Dodsengel is also fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. The Dodsengel is equipped with the same 50 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead as the AMRAAM and BVRAAM. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The missile is available in two variants. The A variant is guided by the same Active X-Band Radar and Datalink as the AMRAAM and BVRAAM but also offers IIR for terminal intercept phases. The B version offers the same guidance as the A with the ability to be uplinked to the highly classified anti-stealth system of the Empire. The Enforcer can carry as many as twelve missiles with one on each fuselage pylon, two on the centerline, and one on each of the innermost six wing pylons.
The AIM-216 Halycon is an extreme-range missiles, developed to extend the range of air to air engagements out to 350 miles (563.27 km). The Halycon is 18 feet (5.49 m) long, 21 inches (533.40 mm) in diameter, and has a wingspan of 30 inches (762.00 mm). The two-stage missiles uses an 8.00 foot (2.44 m) booster to reach a range of 200 miles (321.88 km) and a cruise altitude of 115,000 feet (35.05 km). The lofted trajectory gives the missile its extreme range and allows for less drag and higher flight speeds. The booster weighs 600 pounds (272.16 kg) and has a small bursting charge, which goes off after the booster has been separated for thirty seconds, ensuring that it breaks up in descent, to prevent capture. However, because of the booster, the missile has a minimum range of 15 miles (24.14 km). Maximum speed is Mach 6.85 in its terminal phase and Mach 5.08 in cruise flight. It offers a 120,000 foot (36.58 km) ceiling and the ability to pull as many as +60Gs in combat. The Halycon is fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry. The Halycon kills its target with a 100 pound (45.36 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead. It is, essentially, a heavier version of the same warhead used in the AMRAAM, BVRAAM, and Dodsengel. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The WGU-99C guidance section uses a dual-mode seeker based on Active X-Band Radar and Imaging Infrared. It features Home-On-Jam capability, Datalink, Lock-on After Launch, and Anti-Stealth uplink. The Enforcer can carry as many as nine missiles with one on each fuselage pylon, one on the centerline, and six on the innermost six wing pylons.
The AIM-221 Long-Range Advanced Air-to-Air Missile (LRAAAM) is a beyond visual range missile, developed to replace both the AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-179 BVRAAM. The LRAAAM is 12.50 feet (3.81 m) long, 8.00 inches (203.20 mm) in diameter, and it has a 16.00 inch (406.40 mm) wingspan. It is a single-stage, 450.00 pound (204.12 kg) missile with 50.00 pound (22.68 kg) high-explosive, blast-fragmentation warhead, which is enhanced to provide a larger destruct radius than the AMRAAM and BVRAAM warheads. With a top-speed of Mach 4, the missile can be used as close as 0.25 miles (402.34 m) and as far as 110.00 miles (177.03 km). It has three firing modes, using either a high-loft, which takes the missile up to 80,000 feet (24,384.00 m) for maximum range or a low-loft, which takes the missile up to 50,000 feet (15,240.00 m) for low-altitude launches. The last mode is a direct-to-target mode for close range combat to allow for faster attack times. The Enforcer is fueled by a secretive gel-based fuel developed strictly by the Layartebian Defense Corporation (LDC) for weaponry and it can pull as many as +55Gs in combat. It has a ceiling of 90,000 feet (27,432 m). The WGU-121A guidance section relies primarily on a dual-mode seeker with active X-band radar and imaging infrared but it also has home on jam capability, a datalink bus, an anti-stealth uplink bus, and the ability to lock-on after launch. In combat, the missile becomes active in its terminal phase, which is between 8 (12.87 km) and 10 (16.09 km) miles. The Enforcer can carry as many as twenty missiles with one on each wingtip pylon, two on each of the eight wing pylons, one on each fuselage pylon, and two on the centerline.
For air to ground weaponry, the Enforcer can carry missiles on all hardpoints except for the wingtip pylons, allowing it a total of 36,000 pounds (16,329.33 kg) of ordinance, which is primarily the AGM-205 AMESM for anti-shipping roles.
The AGM-65 Maverick is, perhaps, the most respected and feared anti-tank and air to ground missile. Originally developed in the 1970s, the Maverick turned into a lethal and feared killer as time progressed. The ILM uses the F and G models of the Maverick. The missile is 8.17 feet (2.49 m) long, 1 foot (305 mm) in diameter, and has a 2.36 foot (719 mm) wingspan. The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling. Both versions weigh 670 pounds (304 kg) and pack a powerful and deadly 300 pound (136 kg) penetrating, blast-fragmentation warhead, capable of sinking small patrol corvettes and annihilating almost any tank in the world. With a maximum range of 17 miles (27.36 km), the Maverick is a very deadly weapon. Guided by imaging infrared, the Maverick travels at just over Mach 1 towards its target. The missile is solid-fueled.
The AGM-88 AARGM is a very advanced and capable missile. Originally developed as the AGM-88 HARM in the early 1980s, the model progressed to the E version, which was renamed AARGM. The ILM uses both the AGM-88E AARGM Block 0 and the AGM-88F AARGM Block I. The missiles are 13.67 feet (4.17 m) long, 10 inches (254 mm) in diameter, and have a wingspan of 2 feet (610 mm). Both weigh 850 pounds (385.55 kg) and are armed with a 150 pound (68.04 kg) warhead, which consists of 12,800 tungsten alloy fragments and a revised explosive charge, which significantly enhanced the lethality of the missile over previous versions. Test radars and sites were devestated by the giant Claymore-type warheads. With a top speed of Mach 3 and a ceiling of 120,000 feet (36.58 km), the missile uses a lofted trajectory to attack targets. It can be fired in three different modes, target, loiter, and pre-briefed. Minimum range is 2 miles (3.22 km) and maximum range for target-mode is 35 miles (56.33 km), for loiter mode is 48 miles (77.25 km), and for pre-briefed mode it is 100 miles (160.93). The missile is guided by a multimode seeker that first locks onto the target using its HARM sensor, often guided by the PRS of the F-41B. Once a lock is acquired, a GPS circuit kicks in, just in case the radar is turned off. When the missile is terminal, it switches to a millimetric wave radar, which identifies the control vehicle of the site and pummels the missile into the more expensive and harder to replace control vehicle, annihilating the site. Fragmentation effects of the airburst have been known to tear radar dishes and set off unlaunched missiles. Both versions are solid-fueled.
The AGM-158 JASSM is another advanced missile. It is a stealthy, subsonic, cruise missile. Fourteen feet (4.27 m) long, 4 feet (1.22 m) wide, and with a wingspan of 7.92 feet (2.40 m), the AGM-158 is available in the A version and the B version, which is labelled as the JASSM-ER. The A version travels at Mach 0.8 towards a target as far away as 230 miles (370 km) whilst the B version can attack targets as far away as 600 miles (965.61 km). Both missiles weigh 2,250 pounds (1,020 kg) and are powered by a turobjet engine. The JASSM is guided by a jamming-resistant GPS-aided inertial navigation system, and uses an IIR seeker for autonomous pattern-based target selection and terminal homing. The JASSM is also equipped with a data link to transmit status and location information until impact to assist bomb damage assessment. The A version flies on a pre-programmed course whereas the B version uses a lofted trajectory to attain very high altitude, in order to come crash down on the target. Both versions carry a 1,000 pound (453.59 kg) BROACH warhead, capable of extreme penetration. The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling.
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.
The AGM-178 Storm Shadow is a very stealthy cruise missile, quite similar to the JASSM. It is 16.73 feet (5.10 m) long, 3.28 feet (3.28 m) wide, and has a 4 foot (1.37 m) wingspan. It is available in three versions but only the A and B are light enough to be carried by the Enforcer. Both versions weigh 2,860 pounds (1,297.27 kg) whereas the C version weighs 4,029 pounds (1,827.52 kg). The A version carries the same 1,000 pound (453.59 kg) BROACH warhead as the JASSM. The B version is equipped with 200 BLU-97/B CEB bomblets. These are effective against armor, personnel and material, contains a shaped charge, scored steel casing and zirconium ring for anti-armor, fragmentation and incendiary capability. The bomblet case is made of scored steel designed to break into approximately 300 preformed ingrain fragments for defeating light armor and personnel. The C version carries a 1,700 pound (771.11 kg) BLU-116/B advanced unitary penetrator warhead, designed to penetrate 8 feet (2.44 m) to 12 feet (3.66 m) of reinforced concrete, which gives it twice the ability as the BLU-109/B I-2000 warhead. The A and B versions are subsonic and travel at Mach 0.8. They have a minimum range of 5 miles (8.05 km), a maximum range of 160 miles (257.50 km), and a ceiling of 60,000 feet (18.29 km). The C version is also turbofan powered, just like the A and B, but can obtain Mach 3.1 as high as 90,000 feet (27.43 km). It has a range between 5 miles (8.05 km) and 480 miles (772.49 km). Guidance is inertial with GPS updates and flies to its target using a terrain following circuit. Terminal attacks are done using IIR.
The AGM-205 AMESM is a specially designed missile to replace the Harpoon, SLAM, and SLAM-ER. It can attack any type of ground target, including moving ships. It is 14 feet (4.27 m) long, 14 inches (355.6 mm) in diameter, and has a 5.25 foot (1.60 m) wingspan. It weighs 1,600 pounds (725.75 kg) and carries an 800 pound (362.87 kg), penetrating, blast-fragmentation warhead with triple the penetration of the AGM-84. This is possible because the missile reaches Mach 3.8 in its terminal phase and attacks its target in a top-dive attack, just like the Harpoon, although it can strike at the waterline, if programmed to attack with such a profile. It has a range between 10 miles (16.09 km) and 200 miles (321.87 km). The missile has a 40,000 foot (12.19 km) ceiling. It uses a multimode seeker as well, initially targetting through GPS. The missile then places the coordinates in a database and uses TERCOM to fly at extremely low altitudes towards its target, where it acquires it with an IIR seeker. The missile can be programmed with several targets to attack, should the pilot decide to switch targets, in flight.
The JDAM II is the primary, guided bomb type of the ILM. Developed from the JDAM, the JDAM II offers a much better GPS seeker. The bomb is available in many variants. The GBU-49/A JDAM II weighs only 250 pounds (113.40 kg) and has a 50 pound (22.68 kg) warhead. This is a version of the GBU-39/B SDB and can attack and devestate buried targets with extreme effectiveness. The GBU-50/A JDAM II weighs 507 pounds (229.97 kg) and is equipped with a 275 pound (124.74 kg) warhead, left over from the Mark 82 Slick. The GBU-51/A JDAM II weighs 1,050 pounds (476.27 kg) and has the 386 pound (175.09 kg) BLU-110 penetrating warhead. The GBU-52/A JDAM II weighs 2,200 pounds (997.90 kg) and is equipped with the BLU-109 penetrating warhead. The GBU-52/B JDAM II carries the BLU-116 AUP penetrating warhead. The GBU-52/C JDAM II carries the BLU-118 thermobaric warhead. The GBU-53/A JDAM II weighs 4,700 pounds (2,131.88 kg) and is equipped with the mighty and massive BLU-122 penetrating warhead. While the sizes of these weapons vary considerably, they can all be engaged against targets as far away as 20 miles (32.19 km) and hit within a CEP of 6.50 feet (1.98 m).
Specifications
Status: In-Service
Role: Maritime Defense Fighter ["A"]; Electronic Escort Fighter ["B"]
Crew: 2
Cost: $60M ["A"]; $65M ["B"]
Length: 85.00 ft.
Wingspan: 50.00 ft.
Height: 20.00 ft.
Empty Weight: 32,000 lb.
Maximum Weight: 98,000 lb.
Fuel Weight: 27,500 lb.
Armament Weight: 37,200 lb.
Powerplant: Two LDC-AE-22B afterburning turbofan engines
Maximum Thrust: 80,000 lb.
Maximum Speed @ S/L: 810 mph
Maximum Speed @ Altitude: 1,200 mph
Initial Climb Rate: 65,000 ft./min
Service Ceiling: 68,000 ft.
Range: 1,400 mi [combat]; 2,800 mi [ferry]
G-Limits: -3 / +9
Gun: 1 M302 Mauser 27MM Cannon with 480 rounds
Stations: 2 centerline hardpoints rated at 3,000 lb. each, 2 fuselage hardpoints rated at 4,000 lb. each, 4 inner wing hardpoints rated at 4,000 lb. each, 2 center wing hardpoints rated at 2,000 lb. each, 2 outer wing hardpoints rated at 1,000 lb. each, 2 wingtip hardpoints rated at 600 lb. each
Air-to-Air Armament: Up to 20 AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-179 BVRAAM, or AIM-221 LRAAAM missiles on all external hardpoints, up to 12 AIM-202 Dodsengel missiles on all but wingtip pylons, up to 9 AIM-216 Halycon missiles on centerline, fuselage, and inner 6 wing pylons, up to 10 AIM-204 Escape missiles on wingtip pylons and outer 2 wing pylons
Air-to-Ground Armament: Up to 10 AGM-205 AMESM missiles on centerline, fuselage, and inner 6 wing hardpoints, other air to ground stores on all but wingtip pylons
Avionics: AN/APG-82 MMAR, AN/ASQ-238 IFTS, AN/ASQ-239 PRS, AN/ASQ-240 AIRST, AN/ASQ-241 EOS
ECM: AN/ALQ-229 AASPJ ["A"]; AN/ALQ-232 ASOJ ["B"]; 640 chaff bundles, 180 flares
Radar Signature: Roughly 1/3 to 1/2 that of the Su-34 Fullback