Aequatio
09-07-2007, 07:24
F/A-39 "Enforcer" Multirole Tactical Fighter
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Overview
The Enforcer is designed for performance, flexibility, effectiveness and survivability in air combat. The designation F/A stands for Fighter (Air-to-Air) and Attack (Air-to-Surface) indicating that the Enforcer is a multirole aircraft that can fulfill both mission types.
Flying properties and performance are optimized for fighter missions with high demands on speed, acceleration and turning performance. The combination of delta wing and canards gives the F/A-39 Enforcer good take-off and landing performance and flying characteristics, the former being a general operational requirement put forth by the Aequatian Republic Navy. The totally integrated avionics make it a "programmable" aircraft. The Enforcer also has a built in electronic warfare unit making it possible to load more ordnance onto the aircraft without losing self-defence capabilities.
The F/A-39 Enforcer affords far more flexibility than earlier generations of combat aircraft used by Aequatio, and its operating costs are about two thirds of those for F-28A Black Eagle strike fighter.
The specifications for the Enforcer required the ability to operate from 800m runways. Early on in the programme, all flights from AAI's facility in Vanaheim were flown from within a 9×800m outline painted on the runway. Stopping distance was reduced by extending the relatively large air brakes; using the control surfaces to push the aircraft down enabling the wheel brakes to apply more force and tilting the canards forwards, making them into large air brakes and further pushing the aircraft down. One interesting feature is the Enforcer's ability to land on public highways. Once on the ground, it can be refueled and re-armed in ten minutes by a five man mobile ground crew operating out of a truck, then take off again and resume flying sorties.
In designing the aircraft, several layouts were studied. AAI ultimately selected an unstable canard design. The canard configuration gives a high onset of pitch rate and low drag enabling the aircraft to be faster, have longer range and carry a larger payload.
Armament
The primary armament of the F/A-39 Enforcer is the Russkyan-built Aerial Automatic Cannon, Single Barrel, Dual Feed (AAC/SB-DF 01).
Developed from the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 (9A-4071K) automatic cannon, AAC/SB-DF 01 is a very similar weapon intended for use originally with the "Project Constellation" YFA-38A-JMRTF, YFA-38B-JMRTF, and other variations thereof aircraft.
The weapon consists of a single barrel lined with stellite and serviced by a bore evacuator, located at the mid-length point of the barrel. This means the AAC/SB-DF 01 is more awkward to handle when installing or uninstalling on the JMRTF, however it does increase the barrel life to twice that of its Russian brother without a decrease in accuracy or power. The tight tolerances mean that the weapon has a remarkable capability at range; being able to eliminate aerial targets at as much as 1.8km with as few as two to five rounds of the powerful 30x164mm ammunition.
A long-stroke gas piston is used to operate the weapon's action. The choice of a long-stroke rather than short-stroke method of operation reduces stress on the internal components and increases part longetivity. The weapon has been proven to function with as many as 25,000 rounds fired under conditions impossible to replicate on an combat aircraft. Some of the conditions the AAC/SB-DF 01 were tested in would only be encountered by an IFV or APC attempting to operate in a tropical swamp environment - despite this, the automatic cannon passed all reliability tests with flying colours.
Smaller additions than the barrel lining and bore evacuator differ AAC/SB-DF 01 from GSh-30-1. These include a forward-slotted muzzle brake designed to increase initial muzzle velocity by redirecting otherwise wasted propellant gases back behind the projectile. In addition, a selectable dual hopper feed enables the weapon to simultaneously carry two ready types of ammunition, selectable by the pilot at his discretion. The weapon features bottom ejection. Ammunition hopper capacity is 300 rounds each for a total of 600.
Fire control electronics are designed to inferface with the Cravanian designed systems for the JMRTF although the weapon will function with suitable fibreoptic/wire connections to almost any system.
Dimensions:
- Length, Overall: 3.05m
- Length, Barrel: 2.25m
- Weight: 47.50kg
Caliber, Operating Mechanism, and RoF:
- Caliber: 30x164mm
- Method of operation: Gas-driven long-stroke.
- Rate of Fire, Cyclic: 1,800rpm
- Rate of Fire, Practical: 1,500rpms
Muzzle Velocity and Ammunition Types:
- Muzzle Velocity (V/0): 860-900m/s (Depending on ammunition type.)
- Ammunition Types:
-- High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG / HEF)
-- High Explosive Fragmentation, Tracer (HE-FRAG-T / HEFT)
-- Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS)
-- Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot, Tracer (APDS-T)
-- Armour Piercing Finned Sabot Discarding Combustible Sabot (APFSDCS)
Effective Ranges:
- Aerial Targets: 1,200-1,800m
- Ground Targets: 1,800-2,250m
The aircraft is fitted with twelve hardpoints available for a myriad of weaponry in the roles of both air combat and surface strike missions. The Enforcer will use the AIM-136A "Starfire" Advanced Quick-maneuver Air-to-Air Missile (AQMAAM) ( http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12802814&postcount=30) for its short-range engagements while it will use the Illiorian-designed AIM-133A "Star Seeker" Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) ( http://z7.invisionfree.com/Illiorian_Arms/index.php?showtopic=65) as its Beyond Visual Range capabilities.
The Enforcer will use any number of the available JDAM guided munitions, cluster or thermobaric/FAE bombs, the AGM-88G HARM for SEAD roles.
Advanced Crew Station
The Enforcer has a UCFD (Up Front Control Display) with touch-pad controller for waypoint or frequenct entry, which is the primary interface for the aircrew to operate the aircraft’s avionics systems. Two DDIs(Digital Display Indicators) are mounted on either side of the UFCD. DDIs mirror each other in terms of funcitonality and allow the operator to control two displays at once. Each DDI has twenty buttons positioned around the four edges of the screen, each having different functions. The primary navigation aid display is the MPCD (Multipurpose Colour Display) positioned beneath the UFCD. It combines the horizontal situation indicator and the moving map.
All the displays use active matrix liquid crystal display technology. High Order Language software provides the capability to fuse MIDS (Multi-Function Information Distribution System), RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) and digital moving map on the displays.
The Advanced Crew Station (ACS) is the redesigned aft-cockpit for the B-model Enforcers. The forward and aft cockpits are decoupled so that the pilot and WSO can work independently of each other.
The F/A-39B has five displays in each cockpit used for aircraft system control and sensor display. A monochrome UFCD is the primary interface with the aircraft’s avionics systems. Two colour Advanced Multipurpose Displays (AMPD) are mounted on either side of the UFCD. An engine Fuel Display (EFD) displays engine data and fuel quantity. The forward cockpit has a 150x150cm MPCD and HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle and Stick) controls. The aft cockpit has an 205x254cm MPCD. The larger screen displays more information, including moving map, MIDS tracks and FLIR imagery.
The operator can select software and sensor display formats on any display and control system functions using a selection of buttons positioned around the edge of the display. Dual aft cockpit hand controls provide complete display and weapon system control. The WSO seated in the aft cockpit of an ACS-configured aircraft can launch missiles and release air-to-ground munitions. This capability allows the WSO to concentrate on targeting, arming and releasing weapons while the pilot focuses on looking out for threats and other aircraft during ingress to the target.
New HOTAS options are available for the Forward Air Controller (Airborne) mission. Assigning DiMPIs (Desired Mean Point of Impact) with the hand controllers in a jet fitted with an original aft-cockpit was difficult, sometimes impossible because of the controller’s archatecture. ACS enables the WSO to assign DiMPIs with target points and run the mission. Futhermore, the WSO can locate small targets using the FLIR imagery displayed on the larger display and use the JHMQS to designate the target for other aircraft using MIDS.
Defensive Systems
The Enforcer’s Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite comprises two countermeasure systems, the AN/ALQ-214 RFCM (Radio Frequency Countermeasures) and the AN/ALQ-123 IDECM (Integrated Defensive Countermeasures).
Integrated Defence
IDECM provides the aircrew with coordinated situational awareness and manages on-board and off-board deception countermeasures and expendible decoys. IDECM includes the Symetrics Industries AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser used for chaff cartridges, flares, POET (Primed Oscillator Expendable Transponder) and GEN-X (Generic Expendable) decoys. It carries 120 expendable decoys versus the 60 carried in the AN/ALE-39 on the F-1C Banshee. The pilot can optimize the countermeasures employed against threatsin manual, semi-automatic and automatic release modes.
In automatic mode the system receives threat data from the aircraft’s missile wanring system and radar warning receiver, and selects the appropriate type of response, the dispensation sequence, pattern and timing. In semi-automatic mode the system provides a signal to the pilot who must consent to dispensation. Manual mode has six pre-programmed reponses selected by the pilot.
Dispensation of expendables and jamming is coordinated by the IDECM resource manager to avoid wasteful use of chaff, decoys or flares. Other systems in the IDECM are the AN/ALE-50 towed decoy and the AN/ALR-67(v)3 radar warning receiver (RWR).
The Raytheon AN/ALE-50 is an integrated towed decoy for long-range detection and fast deployment against most radar-guided threats. It acts as a preferential target that lures enemy missiles away with a radar cross section (RCS) larger than the aircraft.
The AN/ALR-67(v)3 RWR provides warning of detected threat emitters that are targeting the aircraft. It intercepts, identifies and prioritizes threat signals characterized in terms of frequency, amplitude, direction and pulse width. Unlike the earlier AN/ALR-67(V)2, a super-heterodynereceiver fittedon the F-1C Banshee, the (V)3 is a digital-queued receiver providing the Enforcer with greater sensitivity throughout a wider frequency range. The ALR-67(V)3 has a programmed library of threat frequencies and waveforms. Upon detection of a threat, the (V)3 displays information about the threat to the pilot. Based on the type of waveform detected, the ALR-67(V)3 provides and catagorization (non-lethal, lethal or critical) with its direction of arrival.
The ALR-67(V)3 is a quadrant system with two forward antennas built into the leading edge flaps on the lex (the forward component of the wing leading to the fuselage) and one in the vertical stabilizer. It also features a low-band antenna array on the underside of the aircraft. On the F-1C Banshee, each component of the EW suite was independently run by crew interaction. The ALR-67(V)3 is an integrated system. A central computer in the onboard jammer (the resource manager of the IDECM suite) communicates with the ALR-67(V)3 to establish the active threats in the battle space. Using its own receiver, the ALR-67(V)3 compares and combines threats to optimize a co-ordinated response, such as jamming and chaff dispensation.
Onboard Jamming
Onboard RF (Radio Frequency) jamming capability is provided by the AN/ALQ-214 equipped with its own receiver and three antennas. The ALQ-214 determines if the onboard system can respond to a threat. If the desired countermeasure technique is available the system will invoke an omni-directional response that includes DRICM (directed Infra-Red Countermeasure). The system operates in manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode. In manual mode the operator commands the system to jam using the cockpit display that shows the threat. In semi-automatic mode a queue of detected threats is displayed, and the operator must give consent for the system to jam. In automatic mode the system jams without any operator input.
Aircrew get feedback, with enhanced symbology appearing on the cockpit display showing the jamming in progress, in sync with whatever manoeuvres are being made. Integrated with the onboard jammer is an off-board jamming system – the AN/ALE-55 Fibre-Optic Yowed Decoy (FOTD). It works in synergy with the onboard system to detect threats throughout the RF spectrum in three layers of defence: suppression, deception and seduction.
During a tracking radar’s acquisition phase, the Enforcer’s EW system uses the FOTD to emit jamming techniques through its borad-beam antennas. These suppress the radar’s ability to acquire and track the target. If the tracking radar successfully acquires the aircraft in spite of suppression, the ALE-55 uses deception techniques. Once the tracking radar’s signals are analysed, the ALE-55 determines the optimum jamming techniques to break the track. If multiple radars are detected simultaneous jamming techniques can be transmitted. If a missile is launched, the ALE-55 can break the missiles track of the aircraft or lure the missile away by simulating itself as the target.
The ALE-55 subsystem comprises an on-board signal conditioning assembly and the FOTD. RF frequencies are converted to light by the signal conditioning assembly and transferred through the fibre-optic line. In primary mode the onboard EW system detects and analyses a threat, determines the appropriate response, and sends that response down the lineto the FOTD for transmission. A back-up mode uses an independent repeater that modulates the detected signal and sends it down the line for transmission by the FOTD. A magazine mounted mid-body on the centerline of the underbelly, houses three towed decoys which can be deployed in manual, semi-automatic or automatic modes.
The FOTD has variable drag fins, which open and close in response to air pressure and speed. This ensures stable flight at all altitudes and airspeeds, reliable jamming performance and minimizes tension on the fibre-optic line. The speed and precision of the decoy’s deployment is achieved by an active braking system.
Joint Helmet-Mounted Queuing System
The Joint Helmet-Mounted Queuing System, or J.H.M.Q.S., increases effectiveness in both air combat and ground strike missions. It comprises of a regular flight helmet and a Helmet Display Unit. Each visor is formed around the specific dimensions of the pilot's helmet so it fits best and is locked in place. The J.H.M.Q.S. senses where the pilot is looking using magnetic mapping, essentially tracking the distortions in the visor's magnetic field by merely the movement of your eyes, the display unit projects an exact representation of the HUD onto the visor in front of the pilot's primary eye and then blanks out once they look back at the HUD inside the cockpit, allowing the pilot to acquire targets with the aircraft's weapon systems. Software is also included to control the forward-looking infrared targeting unit with the helmet, allowing the pilot to designate targets on the ground as well.
The system functions differently for the tandem 'B' variants, it reduces the amount of communication and avoids mistakes when determining who is looking at what between the pilot and weapon systems operator, increasing the crew's situational awareness. A small star is projected on the visor showing each other's line of sight, wherever the pilot looks, the weapons operator can see the pilot's star in his helmet's field of view and vice versa. A small cross hair projected on visor marks the spot where the crewmember is looking, when both the star and cross hair line up, both crewmembers are looking at the same spot."
The J.H.M.Q.S. is integrated with both the aircraft's radar and FLIR-T pod, if you look at an adversary, the radar slews to it for a lock-on. Similarly, the FLIR-T is also slaved to the unit, the visor presents a field of view and a small box used to zoom in and out during target acquisition. Either crewmember can slew the the FLIR-T onto the target, 'come in' to the cockpit and view the FLIR-T video feed, tighten it up and link the video target designation to a ground forward air controller who can assign another aircraft to strike it if the plane is unable to do so itself.
ASQ-337 Forward-Looking Infrared Targeting Suite (FLIRTS)
The ASQ-337 Foward-Looking Infrared Targeting Suite is used to designate ground targets. The system consists of a three to five micron staring focal plane array targeting FLIR, an electro-optical camera, a high-power laser rangefinder and designator and a laser spot tracker, a navigation FLIR system and a C.C.D. television camera. The latter has different fields of zoom that are also incorporated with the FLIR itself.
There are three modes of operation - point stabilize mode, seen-track mode or automatic track mode - all incorporate a laser for target tracking, ranging and target designation. The entire system can generate real-time target updates and link them to the JDAM weapons in-flight using the Digital Communication System, keeping the weapon's strike point within two metres of the target. The pod also has a real-time data link, an image taken by the FLIR's camera can be annotated and linked to ground troops who can view it in real-time. Instructions from the ground Joint terminal attack controller can be sent to the cockpit advising the pilot or weapons officer of where the soldiers or marines on the ground need the weapon to strike, this then eases target acquisition, avoids confusion and prevents fratricide incidents.
SHared Advanced Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP)
The Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a multi-functioned reconnaissance pod, adaptable to several airborne platforms for tactical manned airborne reconnaissance. It is capable of simultaneous airborne and ground screening capabilities. SHARP is deemed by the Air Force and Navy as cutting edge technology that will take airborne reconnaissance into the 21st century.
The design for the SHARP pod includes a rotating midsection that allows an unobstructed, horizon-to-horizon view for any of the variety of sensors that can be housed in it. In addition, this design provides both weight and cost savings, as well as significantly more protection for the sensors viewing window. The pod's design provides mobility-it hangs from a bomb rack rather than being attached to a weapons rail or the aircraft body, which is the usual approach to pod design-allowing for more flexibility in reconnaissance mission planning. While its initial use is for the F/A-18E/F, the pod can be used on a wide range of aircraft.
The Enforcer's design requires an organic, all-weather, day/night, manned, tactical air reconnaissance capability to provide continuous and immediate intelligence support to the Battle Group Commander (BGC) in the prosecution of independent, joint, or combined operations as well as to provide intelligence data for the security of those forces under his/her command. To meet this requirement, the Departments of the Air Force and Navy will incorporate a SHAred Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) on the centerline of the F/A-39 that will employ a suite of sensors to collect infrared, visible, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) digital imagery at medium and high altitudes.
SHARP will be a major contributor to the precision strike capability of GPS and digital, image-guided weapons. The system will utilize COTS/NDI dual-band electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and subsystems in a pod for tactical and other aircraft. It will provide all altitude over flight and long range stand-off EO/IR imagery and SAR, capable of near real-time datalink to afloat and shore-based JSIPS stations.
The Recon/Optical [ROI] CA-295 camera performs a range of high-altitude, long-range missions while operating at standoff ranges beyond 50 nautical miles. The CA-295 digital camera simultaneously produces both infrared and visible spectrum images, providing the user with day/night, near real-time data for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). The CA-295 incorporates ROI's patented digital framing array and step frame technology to provide wide area coverage stereo imagery with both high resolution and unparalleled geometric fidelity.
Designed to operate within the rigorous environment of a jet fighter, this modular, dual-spectral-band camera comprises three major assemblies. The stabilized imaging unit (SIU) contains both visible and IR imaging modules, long-range precision optics, common camera and stabilization electronics, and power supplies. The image processing unit (IPU) contains the system controller electronics, I/O interfaces, and a scalable set of image processing boards for formatting and processing both IR and visible image data. The power conversion unit (PCU) connects to the aircraft power system and supplies filtered, switched power to the SIU and IPU.
The CA-295 dual-band camera is available in several optical configurations, to allow tailoring of the focal length to a specific performance requirement. Multiple interface options are also available, allowing choice of control, image data and formatting interfaces. The CA-295 is available for export to many international customers.
APG-127 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESAR)
The APG-127 AESA radar use an agile active electronic beam to swich through multiple antennas in tile-array architecture at very high speed, to perform the scan function traditionally undertaken by a moving antenna.
The system uses Transmit-Receive (TR) modules positioned in front of the array, with high-power, low-noise amplifiers to generate power during transmission. The combined power of the array TR modules on the front of the array is down-converted from RF to digital waveform and collimated (limiting the spread of the antenna beam). The antenna beam is formed (the array is phased-up) and the energy transmitted. Formation of the beam is electronically controlled by computer, which also steers the beam at speeds much greater than mechanical radars.
A high-speed beam re-steer capability allows the APG-127 to interleave air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, thereby maintaining airspace situational awareness while air-to-ground operations are undertaken. Enforcer aircrew have substancially increased situational awareness of the battle space offered by the APG-127’s multimode interleaving and network-centric capabilities.
An advanced four-channel receiver/exciter gives the APG-127 wide bandwidth capability and the ability to generate a broad spectrum of waveforms for air-to-air, air-to-ground and electronic warfare missions.
The APG-127 radar can track significantly more targets than mechanical radar sysetms and can near simultaneously operate in multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. The modes are: real beam mapping, synthetic aperature radar (used to generate air-to-air and air-to-ground imagery), air-to-air search, air-to-air track, sea surface search, ground moving target indication and ground moving target tracking. In response to mission requirements, the radar’s built-in resource manger automatically schedules tasks to optimise radar functions and minimize aircrew workload.
One ley attribute of APG-127 is its reliability – it has no moving parts (mechanical gimballs), which eliminates risk of mechanical failure. The ultra thin, lightweight antennas have a low failure rate, with no requirement fopr maintenance for a predicted ten to twenty years after production. It is claimed that the APG-127 yields a five-fold reliability increase compared with the APG-73 radar fitted to F-1C Banshees.
APG-127 provides the Enforcer with an electronic attack capability, with near simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground elements. Defensive electronic countermeasure techniques used for electronic attack, generated by the ALQ-214 jammer are sent to the APG-127 via an RF connection and directed to the target through the radar’s TR modules. Running with H4 software will enable more air-to-air capabilities and network-centric operations. An improved automatic target identification system called ATRATQ (Auto Target Recognition and Auto Target Queuing) and more sensor integration will follow in future builds.
Powerplant
The aircraft is powered by engines evolved from those originally used on the F-1 Thanatos. The architecture comprises of a three-stage fan, seven-stage compressor and a single-stage high and low pressure tubine developing almost one hundred eleven thousand Newtons of thrust."
The TF-180AB engines have improved bird strike and foreign-object damage resistant characteristics over the older models. A tandem blisk (integral blades and disks) is used for the second and third stages, this improves durability, by eliminating life-limiting dovetail joints which are traditionally used between each blade and the disk, reduces weight and increases performance compared to similar sized engines. The engine core comprises of a compressor, combustor and high-speed turbine, the compressor is a seven-stage design with the first three stages of 'blisk' construction. The combustor has an annular design with almost thirty thousand laser-drilled holes to tailor the cooling flow through the combustor liner, this then generates an even temperature distribution from the unit, which minimizes the impact of temperature variation on the turbine blades immediately behind it. Mono-crystal blades and thermal barrier coated airfoils are features of the engine's turbines. The materials help to extend the life of the components from the high temperature environment. The turbines also have a boltless retainer construction, which eliminates the need to use life-limiting boltholes in the disks to improve durability and overall maintenance life cycle costs."
The afterburner has an air-cooled, radial, segmented flame holder system comprising of a dozen individual segments bolted to the inside of its casing. Cooler air passing through fan is ducted between the outer casing and the liner to cool the components. Some of the cool air passes through the individual segments of the flame holder maintaining a relatively constant temperature and minimizing thermal shock against the spray bars inside the holders. In older engine designs the mix of the afterburner's high temperatures with the cold temperature of the fuel caused thermal quenching during each engine cycle that causes cracking and a require maintenance session on the ground. The engine has a variable exhaust nozzle to optimize performance. Flaps in the V.E.N. slide across each other as the nozzle opens and closes to maintain the flow path. Durability is achieved in the very high temperature environment by using ceramic matrix composite material.
The throttle and the fly-by-wire system, which would send signals to the original dual-channel F.A.D.E.C. or Full-Authority Digital Engine Control to request the required power level and it would respond appropriately. The systems controls the variable geometry of the engine's fan and compressor, V.E.N. actuators and fuel supplied for the main and augmenter combustion. The F.A.D.E.C. is also integrated with the aircraft control system to perform special functions, such as Reduced Authority Thrust System, or R.A.T.S. as we like to call it, used for landing with a limited arrestor cable landing on the Navy and Marine variants.
The dual channel means the system can use two separate computers in one box, with an active/standby configuration where one channel is in control, with the other in standby mode. The standby channel will automatically assume full control should a failure of the active channel occur, providing the aircraft with a good contingency in case of an accident or damage. The system also functions as an integrated part of the aircraft providing troubleshooting, fault detection and isolation capabilities to component level. Engine fault codes are displayed in the cockpit for the pilot's attention, the same codes are also displayed on a screen within the wheel well for maintenance crews after the flight.
There are six interchangeable modules to the entire engine; fan, compressor, combustor, high pressure turbine, low pressure turbine and afterburner. They are all mounted at the base of the engine, making maintenance easy and most cost effective. Each engine is also interchangeable with its left and right counterpart and can be changed out completely within thirty minutes, even less with a well-trained crew. We have also set out specifications on Reliability-centered maintenance to be required every 2,400 operating hours and to make these efficient, the engine has eight bore-scope inspection ports and an In-Flight Engine Condition Monitoring System or I.E.C.M.S.
Variants
F/A-39A Enforcer - Single-seat Aequatian Republic Air Force and Navy Multirole Tactical Fighter
F/A-39B Enforcer - Aequatian Republic Marine Corps Swingrole Fighter
TF/A-39B Enforcer - Tandem-seat Aequatian Republic Air Force and Navy Advanced Trainer
EA-39C Guardian – Tandem-seat Tactical Electronic Attack Aircraft
General characteristics
Crew:
F/A-39A: 1, Pilot
F/A-39B: 2, Pilot and Weapons Systems Operator
TF/A-39B: 2, Pilot and Instructor
EA-39C: 2, Pilot and Electronic Countermeasures Officer
Length: 14.25m
Wingspan: 8.6m
Height: 4.5m
Empty weight: 6,620kg
Loaded weight: 8,720kg
Max takeoff weight: 14,000kg
Powerplant: 2× AAI Model 18E-AB Afterburning Turbofans
Dry thrust: 62kN (14,000lbf) each
Thrust with afterburner: 98kN (22,000lbf) each
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,911km/h; 1,031 knots)
Maximum ferry range: 1,095km (592 nautical miles)
Combat radius: 324km (175 nautical miles)
Service ceiling: 15,000 m (50,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 120m/s
Thrust/weight: 1.45
Armament
1× Internal 30mm Russkyan AAC/SB-DF 01 (600 rounds)
8× Wing-mounted Weapon Pylons (See Weapons Capabilities)
4× Fuselage Weapon Pylons (See Weapons Capabilities)
1× Centerline Weapon Pylon (Reserved for SHared Advanced Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP))
Weapon Capabilities
External Fuel: 1,500L Drop-Tank; 2,500L Wet-Tank (Aerial Refueling Drogue)
Air-to-Air Missiles: AIM-133A Star Seeker AMRAAM; AIM-196A Starfire AQMAAM
Air-to-Surface Missiles: AGM-65Q Maverick II, AGM-88G HARM
Unguided Munitions: Mk.11 (110kg), Mk.25 (255kg), Mk.45 (450kg), Mk.90 (900kg); 70mm Hydra Rockets; 85mm Draco Rockets; 130mm Zuni Rockets.
Cluster Munitions: CBU-97 (40 Cluster Munitions), CBU-105 Wind Corrected Munition Dispenser (WCMD), CBU-107 (80 Kinetic Energy Weapons), CBU-120 (120 Cluster Munitions)
Chemical/Specialty Munitions: THB-1A Thermobaric, FAE-2B Fuel-Air Explosive; NPM-3C Napalm Incendiary; CHM-4A VX Delivery Munition
Laser-Guided Munitions: GBU-11L (110kg), GBU-25L (255kg), GBU-45L (450kg), GBU-90L (900kg)
Satellite-Guided Munitions: GBU-11S (110kg), GBU-25S (255kg), GBU-45S (450kg), GBU-90S (900kg), AGM-154A/B Joint Stand-off Weapon (450kg/120 Cluster Munitions)
Unit Cost: 145 Million Aequatian Markes
OOC: Now then, I worked very hard on this project for almost two months and I'd like to thank Russkya for his work on the cannon, Illior for the missile (AIM-133) and Cravan for his interest in the project and brief work on Constellation before it was canceled.
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Overview
The Enforcer is designed for performance, flexibility, effectiveness and survivability in air combat. The designation F/A stands for Fighter (Air-to-Air) and Attack (Air-to-Surface) indicating that the Enforcer is a multirole aircraft that can fulfill both mission types.
Flying properties and performance are optimized for fighter missions with high demands on speed, acceleration and turning performance. The combination of delta wing and canards gives the F/A-39 Enforcer good take-off and landing performance and flying characteristics, the former being a general operational requirement put forth by the Aequatian Republic Navy. The totally integrated avionics make it a "programmable" aircraft. The Enforcer also has a built in electronic warfare unit making it possible to load more ordnance onto the aircraft without losing self-defence capabilities.
The F/A-39 Enforcer affords far more flexibility than earlier generations of combat aircraft used by Aequatio, and its operating costs are about two thirds of those for F-28A Black Eagle strike fighter.
The specifications for the Enforcer required the ability to operate from 800m runways. Early on in the programme, all flights from AAI's facility in Vanaheim were flown from within a 9×800m outline painted on the runway. Stopping distance was reduced by extending the relatively large air brakes; using the control surfaces to push the aircraft down enabling the wheel brakes to apply more force and tilting the canards forwards, making them into large air brakes and further pushing the aircraft down. One interesting feature is the Enforcer's ability to land on public highways. Once on the ground, it can be refueled and re-armed in ten minutes by a five man mobile ground crew operating out of a truck, then take off again and resume flying sorties.
In designing the aircraft, several layouts were studied. AAI ultimately selected an unstable canard design. The canard configuration gives a high onset of pitch rate and low drag enabling the aircraft to be faster, have longer range and carry a larger payload.
Armament
The primary armament of the F/A-39 Enforcer is the Russkyan-built Aerial Automatic Cannon, Single Barrel, Dual Feed (AAC/SB-DF 01).
Developed from the Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-1 (9A-4071K) automatic cannon, AAC/SB-DF 01 is a very similar weapon intended for use originally with the "Project Constellation" YFA-38A-JMRTF, YFA-38B-JMRTF, and other variations thereof aircraft.
The weapon consists of a single barrel lined with stellite and serviced by a bore evacuator, located at the mid-length point of the barrel. This means the AAC/SB-DF 01 is more awkward to handle when installing or uninstalling on the JMRTF, however it does increase the barrel life to twice that of its Russian brother without a decrease in accuracy or power. The tight tolerances mean that the weapon has a remarkable capability at range; being able to eliminate aerial targets at as much as 1.8km with as few as two to five rounds of the powerful 30x164mm ammunition.
A long-stroke gas piston is used to operate the weapon's action. The choice of a long-stroke rather than short-stroke method of operation reduces stress on the internal components and increases part longetivity. The weapon has been proven to function with as many as 25,000 rounds fired under conditions impossible to replicate on an combat aircraft. Some of the conditions the AAC/SB-DF 01 were tested in would only be encountered by an IFV or APC attempting to operate in a tropical swamp environment - despite this, the automatic cannon passed all reliability tests with flying colours.
Smaller additions than the barrel lining and bore evacuator differ AAC/SB-DF 01 from GSh-30-1. These include a forward-slotted muzzle brake designed to increase initial muzzle velocity by redirecting otherwise wasted propellant gases back behind the projectile. In addition, a selectable dual hopper feed enables the weapon to simultaneously carry two ready types of ammunition, selectable by the pilot at his discretion. The weapon features bottom ejection. Ammunition hopper capacity is 300 rounds each for a total of 600.
Fire control electronics are designed to inferface with the Cravanian designed systems for the JMRTF although the weapon will function with suitable fibreoptic/wire connections to almost any system.
Dimensions:
- Length, Overall: 3.05m
- Length, Barrel: 2.25m
- Weight: 47.50kg
Caliber, Operating Mechanism, and RoF:
- Caliber: 30x164mm
- Method of operation: Gas-driven long-stroke.
- Rate of Fire, Cyclic: 1,800rpm
- Rate of Fire, Practical: 1,500rpms
Muzzle Velocity and Ammunition Types:
- Muzzle Velocity (V/0): 860-900m/s (Depending on ammunition type.)
- Ammunition Types:
-- High Explosive Fragmentation (HE-FRAG / HEF)
-- High Explosive Fragmentation, Tracer (HE-FRAG-T / HEFT)
-- Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot (APDS)
-- Armour Piercing Discarding Sabot, Tracer (APDS-T)
-- Armour Piercing Finned Sabot Discarding Combustible Sabot (APFSDCS)
Effective Ranges:
- Aerial Targets: 1,200-1,800m
- Ground Targets: 1,800-2,250m
The aircraft is fitted with twelve hardpoints available for a myriad of weaponry in the roles of both air combat and surface strike missions. The Enforcer will use the AIM-136A "Starfire" Advanced Quick-maneuver Air-to-Air Missile (AQMAAM) ( http://www.forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=12802814&postcount=30) for its short-range engagements while it will use the Illiorian-designed AIM-133A "Star Seeker" Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) ( http://z7.invisionfree.com/Illiorian_Arms/index.php?showtopic=65) as its Beyond Visual Range capabilities.
The Enforcer will use any number of the available JDAM guided munitions, cluster or thermobaric/FAE bombs, the AGM-88G HARM for SEAD roles.
Advanced Crew Station
The Enforcer has a UCFD (Up Front Control Display) with touch-pad controller for waypoint or frequenct entry, which is the primary interface for the aircrew to operate the aircraft’s avionics systems. Two DDIs(Digital Display Indicators) are mounted on either side of the UFCD. DDIs mirror each other in terms of funcitonality and allow the operator to control two displays at once. Each DDI has twenty buttons positioned around the four edges of the screen, each having different functions. The primary navigation aid display is the MPCD (Multipurpose Colour Display) positioned beneath the UFCD. It combines the horizontal situation indicator and the moving map.
All the displays use active matrix liquid crystal display technology. High Order Language software provides the capability to fuse MIDS (Multi-Function Information Distribution System), RWR (Radar Warning Receiver) and digital moving map on the displays.
The Advanced Crew Station (ACS) is the redesigned aft-cockpit for the B-model Enforcers. The forward and aft cockpits are decoupled so that the pilot and WSO can work independently of each other.
The F/A-39B has five displays in each cockpit used for aircraft system control and sensor display. A monochrome UFCD is the primary interface with the aircraft’s avionics systems. Two colour Advanced Multipurpose Displays (AMPD) are mounted on either side of the UFCD. An engine Fuel Display (EFD) displays engine data and fuel quantity. The forward cockpit has a 150x150cm MPCD and HOTAS (Hands-On Throttle and Stick) controls. The aft cockpit has an 205x254cm MPCD. The larger screen displays more information, including moving map, MIDS tracks and FLIR imagery.
The operator can select software and sensor display formats on any display and control system functions using a selection of buttons positioned around the edge of the display. Dual aft cockpit hand controls provide complete display and weapon system control. The WSO seated in the aft cockpit of an ACS-configured aircraft can launch missiles and release air-to-ground munitions. This capability allows the WSO to concentrate on targeting, arming and releasing weapons while the pilot focuses on looking out for threats and other aircraft during ingress to the target.
New HOTAS options are available for the Forward Air Controller (Airborne) mission. Assigning DiMPIs (Desired Mean Point of Impact) with the hand controllers in a jet fitted with an original aft-cockpit was difficult, sometimes impossible because of the controller’s archatecture. ACS enables the WSO to assign DiMPIs with target points and run the mission. Futhermore, the WSO can locate small targets using the FLIR imagery displayed on the larger display and use the JHMQS to designate the target for other aircraft using MIDS.
Defensive Systems
The Enforcer’s Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite comprises two countermeasure systems, the AN/ALQ-214 RFCM (Radio Frequency Countermeasures) and the AN/ALQ-123 IDECM (Integrated Defensive Countermeasures).
Integrated Defence
IDECM provides the aircrew with coordinated situational awareness and manages on-board and off-board deception countermeasures and expendible decoys. IDECM includes the Symetrics Industries AN/ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser used for chaff cartridges, flares, POET (Primed Oscillator Expendable Transponder) and GEN-X (Generic Expendable) decoys. It carries 120 expendable decoys versus the 60 carried in the AN/ALE-39 on the F-1C Banshee. The pilot can optimize the countermeasures employed against threatsin manual, semi-automatic and automatic release modes.
In automatic mode the system receives threat data from the aircraft’s missile wanring system and radar warning receiver, and selects the appropriate type of response, the dispensation sequence, pattern and timing. In semi-automatic mode the system provides a signal to the pilot who must consent to dispensation. Manual mode has six pre-programmed reponses selected by the pilot.
Dispensation of expendables and jamming is coordinated by the IDECM resource manager to avoid wasteful use of chaff, decoys or flares. Other systems in the IDECM are the AN/ALE-50 towed decoy and the AN/ALR-67(v)3 radar warning receiver (RWR).
The Raytheon AN/ALE-50 is an integrated towed decoy for long-range detection and fast deployment against most radar-guided threats. It acts as a preferential target that lures enemy missiles away with a radar cross section (RCS) larger than the aircraft.
The AN/ALR-67(v)3 RWR provides warning of detected threat emitters that are targeting the aircraft. It intercepts, identifies and prioritizes threat signals characterized in terms of frequency, amplitude, direction and pulse width. Unlike the earlier AN/ALR-67(V)2, a super-heterodynereceiver fittedon the F-1C Banshee, the (V)3 is a digital-queued receiver providing the Enforcer with greater sensitivity throughout a wider frequency range. The ALR-67(V)3 has a programmed library of threat frequencies and waveforms. Upon detection of a threat, the (V)3 displays information about the threat to the pilot. Based on the type of waveform detected, the ALR-67(V)3 provides and catagorization (non-lethal, lethal or critical) with its direction of arrival.
The ALR-67(V)3 is a quadrant system with two forward antennas built into the leading edge flaps on the lex (the forward component of the wing leading to the fuselage) and one in the vertical stabilizer. It also features a low-band antenna array on the underside of the aircraft. On the F-1C Banshee, each component of the EW suite was independently run by crew interaction. The ALR-67(V)3 is an integrated system. A central computer in the onboard jammer (the resource manager of the IDECM suite) communicates with the ALR-67(V)3 to establish the active threats in the battle space. Using its own receiver, the ALR-67(V)3 compares and combines threats to optimize a co-ordinated response, such as jamming and chaff dispensation.
Onboard Jamming
Onboard RF (Radio Frequency) jamming capability is provided by the AN/ALQ-214 equipped with its own receiver and three antennas. The ALQ-214 determines if the onboard system can respond to a threat. If the desired countermeasure technique is available the system will invoke an omni-directional response that includes DRICM (directed Infra-Red Countermeasure). The system operates in manual, semi-automatic or automatic mode. In manual mode the operator commands the system to jam using the cockpit display that shows the threat. In semi-automatic mode a queue of detected threats is displayed, and the operator must give consent for the system to jam. In automatic mode the system jams without any operator input.
Aircrew get feedback, with enhanced symbology appearing on the cockpit display showing the jamming in progress, in sync with whatever manoeuvres are being made. Integrated with the onboard jammer is an off-board jamming system – the AN/ALE-55 Fibre-Optic Yowed Decoy (FOTD). It works in synergy with the onboard system to detect threats throughout the RF spectrum in three layers of defence: suppression, deception and seduction.
During a tracking radar’s acquisition phase, the Enforcer’s EW system uses the FOTD to emit jamming techniques through its borad-beam antennas. These suppress the radar’s ability to acquire and track the target. If the tracking radar successfully acquires the aircraft in spite of suppression, the ALE-55 uses deception techniques. Once the tracking radar’s signals are analysed, the ALE-55 determines the optimum jamming techniques to break the track. If multiple radars are detected simultaneous jamming techniques can be transmitted. If a missile is launched, the ALE-55 can break the missiles track of the aircraft or lure the missile away by simulating itself as the target.
The ALE-55 subsystem comprises an on-board signal conditioning assembly and the FOTD. RF frequencies are converted to light by the signal conditioning assembly and transferred through the fibre-optic line. In primary mode the onboard EW system detects and analyses a threat, determines the appropriate response, and sends that response down the lineto the FOTD for transmission. A back-up mode uses an independent repeater that modulates the detected signal and sends it down the line for transmission by the FOTD. A magazine mounted mid-body on the centerline of the underbelly, houses three towed decoys which can be deployed in manual, semi-automatic or automatic modes.
The FOTD has variable drag fins, which open and close in response to air pressure and speed. This ensures stable flight at all altitudes and airspeeds, reliable jamming performance and minimizes tension on the fibre-optic line. The speed and precision of the decoy’s deployment is achieved by an active braking system.
Joint Helmet-Mounted Queuing System
The Joint Helmet-Mounted Queuing System, or J.H.M.Q.S., increases effectiveness in both air combat and ground strike missions. It comprises of a regular flight helmet and a Helmet Display Unit. Each visor is formed around the specific dimensions of the pilot's helmet so it fits best and is locked in place. The J.H.M.Q.S. senses where the pilot is looking using magnetic mapping, essentially tracking the distortions in the visor's magnetic field by merely the movement of your eyes, the display unit projects an exact representation of the HUD onto the visor in front of the pilot's primary eye and then blanks out once they look back at the HUD inside the cockpit, allowing the pilot to acquire targets with the aircraft's weapon systems. Software is also included to control the forward-looking infrared targeting unit with the helmet, allowing the pilot to designate targets on the ground as well.
The system functions differently for the tandem 'B' variants, it reduces the amount of communication and avoids mistakes when determining who is looking at what between the pilot and weapon systems operator, increasing the crew's situational awareness. A small star is projected on the visor showing each other's line of sight, wherever the pilot looks, the weapons operator can see the pilot's star in his helmet's field of view and vice versa. A small cross hair projected on visor marks the spot where the crewmember is looking, when both the star and cross hair line up, both crewmembers are looking at the same spot."
The J.H.M.Q.S. is integrated with both the aircraft's radar and FLIR-T pod, if you look at an adversary, the radar slews to it for a lock-on. Similarly, the FLIR-T is also slaved to the unit, the visor presents a field of view and a small box used to zoom in and out during target acquisition. Either crewmember can slew the the FLIR-T onto the target, 'come in' to the cockpit and view the FLIR-T video feed, tighten it up and link the video target designation to a ground forward air controller who can assign another aircraft to strike it if the plane is unable to do so itself.
ASQ-337 Forward-Looking Infrared Targeting Suite (FLIRTS)
The ASQ-337 Foward-Looking Infrared Targeting Suite is used to designate ground targets. The system consists of a three to five micron staring focal plane array targeting FLIR, an electro-optical camera, a high-power laser rangefinder and designator and a laser spot tracker, a navigation FLIR system and a C.C.D. television camera. The latter has different fields of zoom that are also incorporated with the FLIR itself.
There are three modes of operation - point stabilize mode, seen-track mode or automatic track mode - all incorporate a laser for target tracking, ranging and target designation. The entire system can generate real-time target updates and link them to the JDAM weapons in-flight using the Digital Communication System, keeping the weapon's strike point within two metres of the target. The pod also has a real-time data link, an image taken by the FLIR's camera can be annotated and linked to ground troops who can view it in real-time. Instructions from the ground Joint terminal attack controller can be sent to the cockpit advising the pilot or weapons officer of where the soldiers or marines on the ground need the weapon to strike, this then eases target acquisition, avoids confusion and prevents fratricide incidents.
SHared Advanced Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP)
The Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a multi-functioned reconnaissance pod, adaptable to several airborne platforms for tactical manned airborne reconnaissance. It is capable of simultaneous airborne and ground screening capabilities. SHARP is deemed by the Air Force and Navy as cutting edge technology that will take airborne reconnaissance into the 21st century.
The design for the SHARP pod includes a rotating midsection that allows an unobstructed, horizon-to-horizon view for any of the variety of sensors that can be housed in it. In addition, this design provides both weight and cost savings, as well as significantly more protection for the sensors viewing window. The pod's design provides mobility-it hangs from a bomb rack rather than being attached to a weapons rail or the aircraft body, which is the usual approach to pod design-allowing for more flexibility in reconnaissance mission planning. While its initial use is for the F/A-18E/F, the pod can be used on a wide range of aircraft.
The Enforcer's design requires an organic, all-weather, day/night, manned, tactical air reconnaissance capability to provide continuous and immediate intelligence support to the Battle Group Commander (BGC) in the prosecution of independent, joint, or combined operations as well as to provide intelligence data for the security of those forces under his/her command. To meet this requirement, the Departments of the Air Force and Navy will incorporate a SHAred Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) on the centerline of the F/A-39 that will employ a suite of sensors to collect infrared, visible, and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) digital imagery at medium and high altitudes.
SHARP will be a major contributor to the precision strike capability of GPS and digital, image-guided weapons. The system will utilize COTS/NDI dual-band electro-optic/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and subsystems in a pod for tactical and other aircraft. It will provide all altitude over flight and long range stand-off EO/IR imagery and SAR, capable of near real-time datalink to afloat and shore-based JSIPS stations.
The Recon/Optical [ROI] CA-295 camera performs a range of high-altitude, long-range missions while operating at standoff ranges beyond 50 nautical miles. The CA-295 digital camera simultaneously produces both infrared and visible spectrum images, providing the user with day/night, near real-time data for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). The CA-295 incorporates ROI's patented digital framing array and step frame technology to provide wide area coverage stereo imagery with both high resolution and unparalleled geometric fidelity.
Designed to operate within the rigorous environment of a jet fighter, this modular, dual-spectral-band camera comprises three major assemblies. The stabilized imaging unit (SIU) contains both visible and IR imaging modules, long-range precision optics, common camera and stabilization electronics, and power supplies. The image processing unit (IPU) contains the system controller electronics, I/O interfaces, and a scalable set of image processing boards for formatting and processing both IR and visible image data. The power conversion unit (PCU) connects to the aircraft power system and supplies filtered, switched power to the SIU and IPU.
The CA-295 dual-band camera is available in several optical configurations, to allow tailoring of the focal length to a specific performance requirement. Multiple interface options are also available, allowing choice of control, image data and formatting interfaces. The CA-295 is available for export to many international customers.
APG-127 Active Electronically Scanned Array Radar (AESAR)
The APG-127 AESA radar use an agile active electronic beam to swich through multiple antennas in tile-array architecture at very high speed, to perform the scan function traditionally undertaken by a moving antenna.
The system uses Transmit-Receive (TR) modules positioned in front of the array, with high-power, low-noise amplifiers to generate power during transmission. The combined power of the array TR modules on the front of the array is down-converted from RF to digital waveform and collimated (limiting the spread of the antenna beam). The antenna beam is formed (the array is phased-up) and the energy transmitted. Formation of the beam is electronically controlled by computer, which also steers the beam at speeds much greater than mechanical radars.
A high-speed beam re-steer capability allows the APG-127 to interleave air-to-air and air-to-ground modes, thereby maintaining airspace situational awareness while air-to-ground operations are undertaken. Enforcer aircrew have substancially increased situational awareness of the battle space offered by the APG-127’s multimode interleaving and network-centric capabilities.
An advanced four-channel receiver/exciter gives the APG-127 wide bandwidth capability and the ability to generate a broad spectrum of waveforms for air-to-air, air-to-ground and electronic warfare missions.
The APG-127 radar can track significantly more targets than mechanical radar sysetms and can near simultaneously operate in multiple air-to-air and air-to-ground modes. The modes are: real beam mapping, synthetic aperature radar (used to generate air-to-air and air-to-ground imagery), air-to-air search, air-to-air track, sea surface search, ground moving target indication and ground moving target tracking. In response to mission requirements, the radar’s built-in resource manger automatically schedules tasks to optimise radar functions and minimize aircrew workload.
One ley attribute of APG-127 is its reliability – it has no moving parts (mechanical gimballs), which eliminates risk of mechanical failure. The ultra thin, lightweight antennas have a low failure rate, with no requirement fopr maintenance for a predicted ten to twenty years after production. It is claimed that the APG-127 yields a five-fold reliability increase compared with the APG-73 radar fitted to F-1C Banshees.
APG-127 provides the Enforcer with an electronic attack capability, with near simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground elements. Defensive electronic countermeasure techniques used for electronic attack, generated by the ALQ-214 jammer are sent to the APG-127 via an RF connection and directed to the target through the radar’s TR modules. Running with H4 software will enable more air-to-air capabilities and network-centric operations. An improved automatic target identification system called ATRATQ (Auto Target Recognition and Auto Target Queuing) and more sensor integration will follow in future builds.
Powerplant
The aircraft is powered by engines evolved from those originally used on the F-1 Thanatos. The architecture comprises of a three-stage fan, seven-stage compressor and a single-stage high and low pressure tubine developing almost one hundred eleven thousand Newtons of thrust."
The TF-180AB engines have improved bird strike and foreign-object damage resistant characteristics over the older models. A tandem blisk (integral blades and disks) is used for the second and third stages, this improves durability, by eliminating life-limiting dovetail joints which are traditionally used between each blade and the disk, reduces weight and increases performance compared to similar sized engines. The engine core comprises of a compressor, combustor and high-speed turbine, the compressor is a seven-stage design with the first three stages of 'blisk' construction. The combustor has an annular design with almost thirty thousand laser-drilled holes to tailor the cooling flow through the combustor liner, this then generates an even temperature distribution from the unit, which minimizes the impact of temperature variation on the turbine blades immediately behind it. Mono-crystal blades and thermal barrier coated airfoils are features of the engine's turbines. The materials help to extend the life of the components from the high temperature environment. The turbines also have a boltless retainer construction, which eliminates the need to use life-limiting boltholes in the disks to improve durability and overall maintenance life cycle costs."
The afterburner has an air-cooled, radial, segmented flame holder system comprising of a dozen individual segments bolted to the inside of its casing. Cooler air passing through fan is ducted between the outer casing and the liner to cool the components. Some of the cool air passes through the individual segments of the flame holder maintaining a relatively constant temperature and minimizing thermal shock against the spray bars inside the holders. In older engine designs the mix of the afterburner's high temperatures with the cold temperature of the fuel caused thermal quenching during each engine cycle that causes cracking and a require maintenance session on the ground. The engine has a variable exhaust nozzle to optimize performance. Flaps in the V.E.N. slide across each other as the nozzle opens and closes to maintain the flow path. Durability is achieved in the very high temperature environment by using ceramic matrix composite material.
The throttle and the fly-by-wire system, which would send signals to the original dual-channel F.A.D.E.C. or Full-Authority Digital Engine Control to request the required power level and it would respond appropriately. The systems controls the variable geometry of the engine's fan and compressor, V.E.N. actuators and fuel supplied for the main and augmenter combustion. The F.A.D.E.C. is also integrated with the aircraft control system to perform special functions, such as Reduced Authority Thrust System, or R.A.T.S. as we like to call it, used for landing with a limited arrestor cable landing on the Navy and Marine variants.
The dual channel means the system can use two separate computers in one box, with an active/standby configuration where one channel is in control, with the other in standby mode. The standby channel will automatically assume full control should a failure of the active channel occur, providing the aircraft with a good contingency in case of an accident or damage. The system also functions as an integrated part of the aircraft providing troubleshooting, fault detection and isolation capabilities to component level. Engine fault codes are displayed in the cockpit for the pilot's attention, the same codes are also displayed on a screen within the wheel well for maintenance crews after the flight.
There are six interchangeable modules to the entire engine; fan, compressor, combustor, high pressure turbine, low pressure turbine and afterburner. They are all mounted at the base of the engine, making maintenance easy and most cost effective. Each engine is also interchangeable with its left and right counterpart and can be changed out completely within thirty minutes, even less with a well-trained crew. We have also set out specifications on Reliability-centered maintenance to be required every 2,400 operating hours and to make these efficient, the engine has eight bore-scope inspection ports and an In-Flight Engine Condition Monitoring System or I.E.C.M.S.
Variants
F/A-39A Enforcer - Single-seat Aequatian Republic Air Force and Navy Multirole Tactical Fighter
F/A-39B Enforcer - Aequatian Republic Marine Corps Swingrole Fighter
TF/A-39B Enforcer - Tandem-seat Aequatian Republic Air Force and Navy Advanced Trainer
EA-39C Guardian – Tandem-seat Tactical Electronic Attack Aircraft
General characteristics
Crew:
F/A-39A: 1, Pilot
F/A-39B: 2, Pilot and Weapons Systems Operator
TF/A-39B: 2, Pilot and Instructor
EA-39C: 2, Pilot and Electronic Countermeasures Officer
Length: 14.25m
Wingspan: 8.6m
Height: 4.5m
Empty weight: 6,620kg
Loaded weight: 8,720kg
Max takeoff weight: 14,000kg
Powerplant: 2× AAI Model 18E-AB Afterburning Turbofans
Dry thrust: 62kN (14,000lbf) each
Thrust with afterburner: 98kN (22,000lbf) each
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,911km/h; 1,031 knots)
Maximum ferry range: 1,095km (592 nautical miles)
Combat radius: 324km (175 nautical miles)
Service ceiling: 15,000 m (50,000 ft)
Rate of climb: 120m/s
Thrust/weight: 1.45
Armament
1× Internal 30mm Russkyan AAC/SB-DF 01 (600 rounds)
8× Wing-mounted Weapon Pylons (See Weapons Capabilities)
4× Fuselage Weapon Pylons (See Weapons Capabilities)
1× Centerline Weapon Pylon (Reserved for SHared Advanced Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP))
Weapon Capabilities
External Fuel: 1,500L Drop-Tank; 2,500L Wet-Tank (Aerial Refueling Drogue)
Air-to-Air Missiles: AIM-133A Star Seeker AMRAAM; AIM-196A Starfire AQMAAM
Air-to-Surface Missiles: AGM-65Q Maverick II, AGM-88G HARM
Unguided Munitions: Mk.11 (110kg), Mk.25 (255kg), Mk.45 (450kg), Mk.90 (900kg); 70mm Hydra Rockets; 85mm Draco Rockets; 130mm Zuni Rockets.
Cluster Munitions: CBU-97 (40 Cluster Munitions), CBU-105 Wind Corrected Munition Dispenser (WCMD), CBU-107 (80 Kinetic Energy Weapons), CBU-120 (120 Cluster Munitions)
Chemical/Specialty Munitions: THB-1A Thermobaric, FAE-2B Fuel-Air Explosive; NPM-3C Napalm Incendiary; CHM-4A VX Delivery Munition
Laser-Guided Munitions: GBU-11L (110kg), GBU-25L (255kg), GBU-45L (450kg), GBU-90L (900kg)
Satellite-Guided Munitions: GBU-11S (110kg), GBU-25S (255kg), GBU-45S (450kg), GBU-90S (900kg), AGM-154A/B Joint Stand-off Weapon (450kg/120 Cluster Munitions)
Unit Cost: 145 Million Aequatian Markes
OOC: Now then, I worked very hard on this project for almost two months and I'd like to thank Russkya for his work on the cannon, Illior for the missile (AIM-133) and Cravan for his interest in the project and brief work on Constellation before it was canceled.