Your Nation's Air Force Mark II:

[Crookfur]

So I do have a question regarding coloration. I have noticed that many nations use a very drab coloration scheme for their combat aircraft. I do understand something about this, and do know (at least from my admittedly quite limited experience) that it was intended as a reduced visibility thing. However, if one were to have a smallish amount of bright colors (along control surfaces and the "spine" of the aircraft, and as roundels on the ailerons, underneath the cockpit, and on the wing) would visibility be so massive that I shouldn't do it and that I'm a bad person for trying? Or is the impact minimal?

So basically the same sort of thing the USAF does to its target drones to make them easy to spot and track with optical devices?

Yeah any bits of highly contrasting colour will make your aircraft a lot more visible which is why even roundles tend to be dulled down these days. It proabably be passible if you were to keep it to roundles and russian style bort numbers.

[Post War America]

So I do have a question regarding coloration. I have noticed that many nations use a very drab coloration scheme for their combat aircraft. I do understand something about this, and do know (at least from my admittedly quite limited experience) that it was intended as a reduced visibility thing. However, if one were to have a smallish amount of bright colors (along control surfaces and the "spine" of the aircraft, and as roundels on the ailerons, underneath the cockpit, and on the wing) would visibility be so massive that I shouldn't do it and that I'm a bad person for trying? Or is the impact minimal?

So basically the same sort of thing the USAF does to its target drones to make them easy to spot and track with optical devices?

Yeah any bits of highly contrasting colour will make your aircraft a lot more visible which is why even roundles tend to be dulled down these days. It proabably be passible if you were to keep it to roundles and russian style bort numbers.

Is something like this passable enough?

http://iiwiki.com/images/thumb/2/20/Cyc ... layers.png

Mind you I'm only going for quasi-realistic here. While I respect the need to relatively unobserved I am not quite as informed, and not quite as interested in absolute milrealism. That being said, would this scheme be totally suicidal or not?

[Balat]

Balat does not formally have an "air force" per se, but in theoretical warfare requiring planetary landings, our space fighters, the Spartans, are more than capable of taking action on air, being able to bombard and offer support for land forces, as well as engaging enemy fighters. Some twenty thousand fighters are available for use in the Space Fleet, however due to a severe shortage of manpower, only about two thousand of those are even possibly operation, and some other two thousand being outfitted with remote controls.

Type: Space combat fighter
Purpose: Space superiority and anti-ship strike role
Length: 40 metres
Width: 7 metres
Height: 13 metres
Armament: 2 twin-linked 4 cm laser cannons on dorsal mount
4 2 cm neutron beam cannons in front prow mounts
or
4 cm Gatling guns
or
4 8 cm rapid fire laser cannons
or
4 2 cm fibre fletchette guns
Crew: 1
Units: 20000

[Urran]

Question: if a nation was going to replace its CH46 helicopters, what would be something that could not only fulfill its transport role, but also the SAR and ASW roles?

[New Korongo]

Question: if a nation was going to replace its CH46 helicopters, what would be something that could not only fulfill its transport role, but also the SAR and ASW roles?

Probably something along the lines of the Merlin.

[The Kievan People]

Is something like this passable enough?

http://iiwiki.com/images/thumb/2/20/Cyc ... layers.png

Mind you I'm only going for quasi-realistic here. While I respect the need to relatively unobserved I am not quite as informed, and not quite as interested in absolute milrealism. That being said, would this scheme be totally suicidal or not?

Tiny pic is tiny.

But why does colouration even matter? It's mostly just a silly relic - it's not hardcore milrealism, it's just common sense that things which are easy to see are easy to see.

[Crookfur]

Question: if a nation was going to replace its CH46 helicopters, what would be something that could not only fulfill its transport role, but also the SAR and ASW roles?

Merlins or later/larger super puma types.

In theory the s-92 but iirc it hasn't been marketed for ASW that heavily.

[Velkanika]

So basically the same sort of thing the USAF does to its target drones to make them easy to spot and track with optical devices?

Yeah any bits of highly contrasting colour will make your aircraft a lot more visible which is why even roundles tend to be dulled down these days. It proabably be passible if you were to keep it to roundles and russian style bort numbers.

Is something like this passable enough?

http://iiwiki.com/images/thumb/2/20/Cyc ... layers.png

Mind you I'm only going for quasi-realistic here. While I respect the need to relatively unobserved I am not quite as informed, and not quite as interested in absolute milrealism. That being said, would this scheme be totally suicidal or not?

Your picture is about 5x10 pixels.


Aircraft are painted in that shabby counter-shaded matte grey color so they match the color of an overcast sky. The shabbiness helps them blend into the different shades of grey found in clouds, doesn't really catch attention on a clear day, and denies a high-contrast surface that can be locked onto by IR seekers.

[New Carloso]

What would the viability of a stretched and modified Global Hawk as a carrier-based AWACS aircraft be? By stretched I mean increased to an E-2 sized aircraft with the addition of an array with a range of about 400+ km.

[Spirit of Hope]

What would the viability of a stretched and modified Global Hawk as a carrier-based AWACS aircraft be? By stretched I mean increased to an E-2 sized aircraft with the addition of an array with a range of about 400+ km.

First that actually sounds like a major rebuild.

Second this creates issues with delay in command and control, and leaves you AWAC more easily removed.

Plus drones don't have the best safety record and carrier operations would likely make that worse.

[Connori Pilgrims]

What would the viability of a stretched and modified Global Hawk as a carrier-based AWACS aircraft be? By stretched I mean increased to an E-2 sized aircraft with the addition of an array with a range of about 400+ km.

Actually asked a similar question awhile back re the feasibility of an unmanned AEW&C platform, the points I remember was that while possible it wasn't worth much really since you'll still need people to process the information from the radar and it may as well be on the platform... plus a bunch of stuff I don't recall.

[Triplebaconation]

A plane isn't a good place to put command and control personnel.

Most likely near-future scenario for AEW&C (unless it disappears completely) is manned aircraft using drones to extend their coverage, though.

[New Carloso]

A plane isn't a good place to put command and control personnel.

Most likely near-future scenario for AEW&C (unless it disappears completely) is manned aircraft using drones to extend their coverage, though.

Yeah, I read an article on it a while ago but the problem was if womething happened to the controlling aircraft, you'd lose coverage from all the drones as well.

What would the viability of a stretched and modified Global Hawk as a carrier-based AWACS aircraft be? By stretched I mean increased to an E-2 sized aircraft with the addition of an array with a range of about 400+ km.

Actually asked a similar question awhile back re the feasibility of an unmanned AEW&C platform, the points I remember was that while possible it wasn't worth much really since you'll still need people to process the information from the radar and it may as well be on the platform... plus a bunch of stuff I don't recall.

Ah, ok. Thank you. I'll just settle for an E-2 sized aircraft with better endurance.

[Iltica]

I made a few refinements to the design, its still fugly but I don't think i can get it any better on my own.

It's about 50' long with a 35' wingspan. But this time the canards are above the main wing instead of directly ahead of it and there are small leading edge extensions underneath.
How do you think this would fly assuming an engine of 28-30,000 lbs wet thrust?

[The Ukrainian Navy and Sea Guard]

Question: if a nation was going to replace its CH46 helicopters, what would be something that could not only fulfill its transport role, but also the SAR and ASW roles?

Merlins or later/larger super puma types.

In theory the s-92 but iirc it hasn't been marketed for ASW that heavily.

Ukraine uses the Mi-14 in pretty much exactly this role. It's a little newer than the CH46, but not by much. The amphibious capabilities are nice to have though, especially when sub hunting.

[The Corparation]

I've started work on the Nuclear Cruise Missile carrying version of LRNSA and was hoping for some feedback on the missile it carries.

---

AN5K-MN Ziz Nuclear Cruise Missile Carrier:

---

Atomic Ramjet Missile:

Length:	20 Meters
Wingspan:	6.0 Meters
Range:	200,000 km
Top Speed:	> Mach 3
Propulsion:	1 x NR-215 Nuclear Ramjet
Warhead:	12 x Variable Yield Sub-munitions

Compared to other LRNSA variants, the AN5K-MN Ziz has a fairly conventional role, operating not unlike a more conventional cruise missile carrying strategic bomber. What sets the AN5K-MN apart from such bombers, apart from its massive size and near limitless range, is its payload of two dozen Atomic Ramjet Missiles (ARM). The ARM is a nuclear ramjet powered supersonic cruise missile based on the work of the American Project Pluto and the associated SLAM. The ARMs give the AN5K-MN the ability to strike targets worldwide.

ARM's nuclear ramjet propels the missile at speeds of over Mach 3. While en route to the target area ARM flies at around 10,000 m in altitude. Upon nearing the target area ARM dives to 150-300 meters in order to evade enemy air defense systems. This nap-of-the-earth attack profile is achievable due to the missile's advanced flight control system. To attack its targets ARM carries 12 variable yield submunitions which can be dispensed at preset locations anywhere along its flight path. A secure satellite communications system means that ARM can be given new targets while in flight.

The ARM's payload consists of twelve nuclear warheads. The warheads are carried in a twelve Cell Vertical Launch System located just forwards of the Missile's reactor. Each VLS cell holds a single sub-munition. Each submunition consists of a small rocket motor and a variable yield nuclear warhead. The available yields for the submunitions are 10, 15, 50, or 100 Kilotons. The sub-munitions are individually hot launched as the ARM passes by a mission target. The rocket motor carries the warhead clear of the missile. Upon engine burnout, the warhead is detonated. This launch system enables to ARM missile to escape from the nuclear blasts of its own sub-munitions and allow it the ability to continue on to additional targets. Targets can be preset before launch, or designated after launch through the missiles satellite communication system. In addition to this, the yield for each warhead can also be preset prior to missile launch or set in-flight also via the missile's satellite communications system.

The ARM is powered by the NR-215 Nuclear Ramjet. The engine functions not unlike a conventional ramjet, air enters the engine via the ventral ram air-intake, is passed through the heart of the engine, where it is heated up, which forces it out of the engine', producing thrust. Unlike a conventional ramjet which burns jet fuel to heat the air, the NR-215 uses a 600 Megawatt Solid Fuel Nuclear Reactor. In place of a conventional ramjet's fuel injectors, the NR-215 instead passes air through thousands of channels in the reactor core. The intense heat experienced by the Missile due to its high flight speed would be enough to destroy conventional fuel rods (Temperature within the reactor exceeds 1200° C),due to this the NR-215 uses specially designed ceramic fuel elements. The ceramic fuel elements are composed of Beryllium Oxide and enriched Uranium Dioxide with zirconium dioxide added for support. Each element is a small tube approximately 100 milometers long and 7.5 mm across. The tubes have a hexagonal shape, with a 60 mm wide air channel through the center. Fuel Elements in the reactor are lined up in rows 15 deep. There are 30,000 rows in the reactor core, for a total of 450,000 individual fuel elements. The use of numerous small elements in the reactor as opposed to larger fuel rods helps to reduce thermal stress in the reactor's fuel. The reactor core is 1.3 Meters Across, 1.5 Meters long

Airframe

The ARM's guidance system uses a three-pronged approach to reach the missiles target. The guidance system relies on a combination of Terrain Counter Matching (TERCOM), an Inertial Navigation System (INS), and a GPS receiver. For the majority of the missiles flight, the primary means of navigation is the INS. This is due to the fact that since the INS is an entirely on-board system, it cannot be spoofed. However the missiles INS is imperfect and loses accuracy as the missile flies further from its launch point. Due to this fact the missile uses GPS for mid-course guidance updates. During the missiles attack run, terminal guidance is provided by the missile's TERCOM. The TERCOM system uses a radar array in the missiles nose to measure the terrain ahead of the missile. These measurements are compared to a preexisting map of the earth's terrain to locate the missiles position. From this information the missile can adjust its course towards the target accordingly. Once the terrain data matches that of the target location, the missile ejects a sub-munition to eliminate the target and proceeds to its next target. When the missile ejects a sub-munition it uses its communications system to query the launching platform for new orders. If no new orders are received, it proceeds to the next target.

AN5K-MN carries its missiles in a two deck magazine which takes the place of both cargo decks. Missiles are stored on an overhead rack and are moved along a track to one of two launch bays on the lower level of the magazine. The overhead rack system is derived from one used by the AN5K-C Airborne Aircraft Carrier to move its parasite fighters around. This overhead system delivers the missile from storage to one of the two launch bays. Launching a missile is as simple as moving opening the launch bay doors and dropping the missile into the air stream. Post-launch the missile starts up its reactor and enters into a dive. The dive provides the missile with an airspeed sufficient to start ramjet flight. Upon ramjet activation the missile climbs flies back up to a cruising altitude of approximately 10kms, about level with the launch vehicle, although at this point the missile has already traveled a considerable distance from the AN5K-MN launcher.

[The Kievan People]

Why does a missile that can fly anywhere need a carrier?

[The Corparation]

Why does a missile that can fly anywhere need a carrier?

Because I find the idea of a 5,000 ton aircraft with a 60 day endurance carrying two dozen missiles with equally lulzy-ranges to be both hilarious and a natural result of the "logic" that results from NS-MT Wankfests.

[Iltica]

I really need your help guys, I have no idea what makes a planform STOL capable other than low sweep. Does 3-surface do anything for that or does the control surface layout even matter if they aren't loaded surfaces?

[Laywenrania]

I really need your help guys, I have no idea what makes a planform STOL capable other than low sweep. Does 3-surface do anything for that or does the control surface layout even matter if they aren't loaded surfaces?

Large power-weight ratio and low drag help with the takeoff, for the landing mainly low landing speed and higher drag (-> flaps, low sweep, large wings)

[New Vihenia]

I really need your help guys, I have no idea what makes a planform STOL capable other than low sweep. Does 3-surface do anything for that or does the control surface layout even matter if they aren't loaded surfaces?

do TVC then.

[Iltica]

Large power-weight ratio and low drag help with the takeoff, for the landing mainly low landing speed and higher drag (-> flaps, low sweep, large wings)

There's plenty of thrust if the weight can be kept down to the target 24,000 lbs. But is the compound sweep wing on the right track or should I swap it it out for something more like a F/A-18's?

I'm starting to think that the second set of control surfaces aren't worth it. I read some articles about 3-surface being good for STOL but I think it was talking about lifting canards not control ones. Unless they should be highly loaded for this purpose?

do TVC then.

It has thrust reversers but I'd rather avoid a complex moving nozzle unless this just isn't doable without it.

[New Vihenia]

It has thrust reversers but I'd rather avoid a complex moving nozzle unless this just isn't doable without it.

What kind of STOL then ? How long the landing/takeoff distance you need ?

You seemingly have no clear idea about your own requirement and seemingly want almost VTOL like capability.

[Iltica]

Oh no, I don't really know what to expect from it but it will never be comparable to a Harrier or anything like that. The main reason for the STOL requirement is to operate from damaged runways and small civilian airfields once those are destroyed since it would be much harder to hit all of those. It may also help with export sales.
On the bright side, the F-16's takeoff and landing distances aren't nearly as long as I thought they were (1,750'/2,650' with 4,000 lbs),
but the benchmark is the F-15S/MTD at 1,650' for landing, I can't find the takeoff distance for that so best guess is 1,000'.
The F-15S/MTD does have TVC but is a lot larger than this and is modified for STOL rather than being designed from the ground up for it so maybe it can get fairly close to that?

Another thing that's been confusing me is what's included in the loaded weight for a fighter, does that include any ordinance or is it just a load of fuel?

[Velkanika]

Oh no, I don't really know what to expect from it but it will never be comparable to a Harrier or anything like that. The main reason for the STOL requirement is to operate from damaged runways and small civilian airfields once those are destroyed since it would be much harder to hit all of those. It may also help with export sales.
On the bright side, the F-16's takeoff and landing distances aren't nearly as long as I thought they were (1,750'/2,650' with 4,000 lbs),
but the benchmark is the F-15S/MTD at 1,650' for landing, I can't find the takeoff distance for that so best guess is 1,000'.
The F-15S/MTD does have TVC but is a lot larger than this and is modified for STOL rather than being designed from the ground up for it so maybe it can get fairly close to that?

Another thing that's been confusing me is what's included in the loaded weight for a fighter, does that include any ordinance or is it just a load of fuel?

Loaded weight includes all engine lubricants and a full fuel load. It's how much the aircraft weighs clean of ordinance.