Crew: 2 (pilot/copilot)
Capacity: Up to 20 troops, or 12 stretchers
Length: 19.76 m
Height: 5.31 m
Width: 3 m
Main rotor diameter: 16.94 m
Empty weight: 4,422 kg
MTOW: 11,000 kg
Useful (cargo) load: 4,200 kg
Engines: 2x Lacerta (Lizard) Turboshafts (1,577.64 kW/2,144.99 hp each)
Maximum speed: 295 km/h
Rate of climb: 12 m/s
Ferry Range: 2,220 km with stub wings and external fuel tanks
Combat Radius: 600 km
Service ceiling: 5,800 m
Armament: Variant Dependent
***
Background and Development:
When the Boeing Vertol YUH-61 prototypes were built in 1974, LAIX ARMS quietly commissioned Boeing to build them a fourth prototype. This fact had been kept hidden from the public at large. When the YUH-61 failed to prevail in the UTTAS program, the Lamonian YUH-61 prototype sat unused for many years in a hangar.
In 2011, the government of the Free Republic of Lamoni commissioned LAIX ARMS to create a medium utility helicopter, meant to fulfill multiple missions, both on land, and at sea. Looking for inspiration, LAIX ARMS designer Matthew Knox overheard two security guards griping that they had had to guard some helicopter from the 1970s, after some fool had tried to sneak into LAIX ARMS property, and had gotten caught by a guard dog and the dog's handler. Knox asked the guards if they could take him to look at the helicopter, which they did.
This chance discovery of LAIX's old YUH-61 prototype would later result in the finished product of the LA-214 Molior. Molior is a Latin word, with a meaning of: "to build, erect, construct, contrive, toil, struggle." When word spread to Crookfur Arms and Lyran Arms that LAIX ARMS was working on a medium utility helicopter, both of these respected companies offered to assist with the design. Lyran Arms has also offered to put the Molior up for sale in it's own catalog, an arrangement that has been made for other LAIX ARMS products in the past.
Powerplant/Propulsion:
The Molior is powered by two Lacerta Turboshaft engines, having a power rating of 1,577.64 kW each. These engines are placed apart from each other, one on each side. This helps to protect the engines from hostile fire, giving the helicopter a safety margin.
A turboshaft engine is a gas turbine engine that produces shaft power, rather than jet thrust. A turboshaft engine is not all that different from a turbojet engine. The turboshaft engine is in turn connected to the main and tail rotors via shafts and gearboxes, which provides all motive power for the helicopter.
The gearbox attached to the main rotor keeps the main rotor turning about 1/7th the speed of the main engine, which keeps the main rotor from turning faster than the speed of sound. This allows the main rotor to move slower than the speed of sound, thereby increasing the longevity of the main rotor blades, as well as lowering the noise level generated. Planetary gears are used to transmit the engine power, inside the gearbox.
A novel APU system has also been incorporated into the Molior. The APU itself is a smaller turboshaft engine, which is fed compressed air from an air tank inside the helicopter. This compressed air starts the APU turning, which in turn starts the main turboshaft engines. When the APU starts, it also powers an internal compressor, which refills the compressed air tank, allowing the APU to keep turning. This system can be shut off from inside the cockpit, after the main engines have successfully started.
The main rotor of the Molior is a five bladed, hingeless design. The main rotor blades are manufactured using composites, and incorporates BERP blade tips in their design. BERP designs have a notch toward the outer end of the rotor blade, with a greater amount of sweepback from the notch to the end of the blade compared to inboard of the notch. the BERP blade manages to make the best of both worlds by reducing compressibility effects on the advancing blade and delaying the onset of retreating blade stall. The net result is a significant increase in the operational flight envelope.
***
http://terpconnect.umd.edu/~leishman/Aero/images/berp.gif
Photograph of the BERP blade on a Westland Lynx (G-LYNX).
(Photograph courtesy of GKN/Westland, and the University of Maryland)
***
It was further decided to make the tail rotor a Fenestron. A Fenestron can best be described as a ducted fan, which can use anywhere from eight to eighteen blades. The Fenestron on the Molior uses ten blades, which can be (and are) made smaller than those of a conventional tail rotor, due to the properties of a ducted fan.
As the blades in the Fenestron have variable angular spacing, the resulting noise is produced over many frequencies, and thus sounds quieter. The blades are made smaller, due to the higher rotational speed of the Fenestron design. These blades are also manufactured out of composite materials.
The Fenestron was designed in order to improve performance over a traditional tail rotor, as well as reducing vibration. A side effect of the Fenestron design is improved safety for people on the ground. This is accomplished due to the small size of the Fenestron, which permits a higher mounting height, while the housing itself creates a smaller vortex for foreign objects to be sucked in by. This vastly reduces the danger of Foreign Object Damage, or FOD.
Armament:
The Armament of the Molior is highly dependent on both the nation and the individual service using it. While all versions of the Molior have universal door mounts for machine guns and GMGs, naval variants might require the carry and launch of light ASW torpedoes. Army variants might require the ability to carry weapons as diverse as small bombs, ATGMs, AAMs, rockets, and other assorted ordnance. This list is not exhaustive, but offers some indication of possible weapon loads.
Another universal mount for a machine gun or GMG has been provided in the rear of the Molior, allowing the rear ramp to be opened, providing an effective field of fire. The gunner can fire the gun effectively while strapped into his rear facing seat, without danger of the gun falling off of the mount.
Stub wings can also be fitted to the Molior, allowing it to carry heavier weapons, as well as extended range fuel tanks. Fitting the stub wings allows for the Molior to carry and use weapons like rockets, light ASW torpedoes, small bombs, as well as various types of missiles. This would allow the Molior a limited ability to attack other helicopters, as well as enemy ground units.
The Molior also includes a chin mount for the KWF PAK2 25mm automatic cannon. The PAK2 can destroy lightly armoured vehicles and aerial targets (such as helicopters and slow-flying aircraft). It can also suppress enemy positions such as exposed troops, dug-in positions, and occupied built-up areas. The PAK2 need not be fitted all the time, and is easily removed, if desired.
This chain-driven weapon system uses sprockets and extractor grooves to actively feed, load, fire, extract, and eject rounds. A system of clutches provides for the use of alternates thus allowing the gunner to switch between armour piercing, high explosive and high explosive incendiary rounds, as well as manually selecting the rate of fire. The weapon is belt-fed, with the rounds stowed in the chin of the helicopter, above the gun itself. A total of 150 HEDP, API, or HEI rounds can be fitted.
It has a rating of 31,000 mean rounds between stoppage (MRBS), which is much higher than many comparable devices.
Cartridge: 25x216 mm
Operation: Chain gun (1.5hp)
Feeds: Disintegrating link belt
Weight: 115 kg
Length: 2.25 m
Muzzle velocity: 1,200 m/s
ROF: Cyclic 200 +/- 25 RPM
Max effective range: 2200m
Max range: 6,800m
Electronics/BMS:
The BMS system used in Lamonian variants of the Molior is the Warrior III, although for export versions, the choice of BMS system will be left up to the purchasing agency in question.
Warrior III is a Battle Management System designed for battalions; accelerating mission planning, establishing a common and clear language across all combat elements, as well as distributing and enforcing areas of responsibility. It automatically updates and distributes intelligence, target information, and alerts throughout the battalion, and enables flexible planning and operation. LAIX ARMS contracted with Elbit Systems on the Warrior III BMS, making Warrior III a derivative of Elbit�s �Tactical Intranet Geographic Dissemination In Real Time� (TIGER) BMS system.
Integrated with on-board networked BMS computers, every platform becomes a networked sensor, and a shooter. Weapons can be slaved to remote users, to remote sensors, therefore empowering the system with more flexibility, faster operation tempos, and employment of distributed and dispersed firepower without risking fratricide.
The network relies on broadband connections to receive and distribute information, thus reducing the overall demand for networking resources. Routing is determined by dynamically weighing various criteria including shortest path, hierarchy, and classification, priorities, connectivity, and channel capabilities. Each broker gathers subscriber's topics and areas of interest and disseminates this information when required. Each broker is responsible for a group of stations and servers, working as their mediator to the rest of the network. Placed at strategic nodes, some brokers are enhanced to perform as "gateways", supporting the network with inter-network connectivity functions. Such gateways are dividing the network into clusters thus reducing message flow while improving delivery time.
Another element of Warrior III is the Tactical Message Oriented Middleware (TMOM), providing seamless transfer of messages between C4I applications over different communications channels. Messages are dispatched by "store and forward" techniques routed through optimal, secured and economical paths. The system automatically retransmits undelivered messages and sends acknowledgements to assure delivery. Messages are automatically routed around or within any sub-net which has been temporarily disconnected from the tactical intranet to overcome intentional or unintentional service disruptions.
Warrior III supports thousands of independent users, empowering every user station to operate as a router, thus establishing ad-hoc routing paths throughout the battlespace. The network follows automatic and adaptive learning of optimal network topology to support self-forming and self-healing functions, enabling effective and reliable communications coverage for highly dynamic operations. Warrior III supports wireless communications including VHF/HF tactical radios, high capacity data radios, satellite links, wide area networks, wireless LANs and cellular communications. The system is protected by multilayer security protocols.
Warrior III integrates built-in navigation, and communications functions, fully integrated with the platform, on-board sensors, and weapons. The system allows Instant Messenger style communications between members of the battalion, and can be used to contact superiors (in one example, to request an artillery fire mission). For this function, the BMS ties in with the radio communications set present in the vehicle, while still allowing the radio set to be used for voice communications at any time.
Warrior III systems are embedded with simulation and debriefing capabilities, allowing realistic training, and further information distribution capabilities. The system enables combined training of live and simulated forces, at multiple locations and different levels (battalion, brigade and other units). The Warrior III BMS is also intended to be able to integrate with other BMS systems, which can be useful in allied and coalition warfare.
The helicopter variant of Warrior III also possesses the capability to keep headquarters appraised of the material condition of the helicopter in question, as well as the amount of fuel and munitions available on the platform. This can help commanders to make informed decisions when sending their units out into harm’s way.
A Battle Management System is not the only form of electronics or avionics in use on the Molior, however. A laser designator has been installed, as well as a collision avoidance/terrain following radar, and a gyro stabilized panoramic Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) EO/IIR sensor. The EO/IIR sensor can be placed above the main rotor, in a ball shaped housing, which boosts the ground reconnaissance abilities of the platform. If the operator does not wish to the use slot above the main rotor, a chin mount is also available for the EO/IIR sensor. A radar can be fitted to the undercarriage of the Molior, allowing it to perform a limited AEW function.
The Molior features mostly glass cockpit. The crew stations of the Molior incorporate RVM10-WCT compact (264 mm diagonal) XGA LCD color video displays; which have a resolution of 1024x768 pixels (XGA autoscaling). These displays from France's Sagem D�fense S�curit� are used as multi-function displays. This use was influenced from the LCD "glass cockpit" concept used in fighter aircraft. Many of the helicopter's electronically controlled functions can be controlled from these displays, where simply pressing an on-screen button, or one of the more traditional buttons along the sides and bottom of the screen will produce the desired result. A joint effort of LAIX ARMS and Sagem D�fense S�curit� makes this use of the system possible. Should these displays ever go down, manual controls are available to pick up the slack.
All computer programming for the electronics on the Molior has been done in the Python 3.1.3 programming language. The Python programming language was chosen for its easy readability, and remarkable power, with very clear programming syntax. The simple grammar of the Python programming language also makes for a vastly reduced programming bug rate, as well as easier programming additions, when they are needed.
All integrated circuits used in the Molior utilize Gallium Arsenide; while all of the transistors used in the Molior are composed of Indium Phosphide and Indium Gallium Arsenide. These transistors are capable of operations on the order of 604 GHz. The addition of these materials to the electronics of the Molior help it to withstand the effects of EMP, at the expense of a higher cost.
Navigation is accomplished via a mixture of the BMS, as well as with a ring-laser gyro/GPS unit.
Troop Compartment:
Inside the troop compartment of the Molior are modular hard points for twenty crash worthy seats. These run along both sides of the troop compartment, with the troops facing each other. If desired, additional seating can be provided at the side doors, and the rear ramp, in order to allow for door and ramp gunners. However, use of door and ramp guns will reduce the amount of troop carrying capacity to 16 troops. Each crash worthy seat uses a five point restraint system, with a quick release mechanism. This serves the same purpose as a seatbelt would on a civilian automobile.
The Molior can alternatively carry up to twelve stretchers, with two medics. The stretchers attach to their own modular hard points, which helps to keep the patients secure during flight. Medevac helicopters have been shown to boost the morale of the soldiers who see them, as they are an expression that the life of each soldier is precious, and that the brass will do everything that they reasonably can in order to save them.
Up to 4,200 kg of cargo can be transported inside the Molior, with the floor containing tie down points for the 463L master pallets used. There is also provision for a cargo hook on the underside of the Molior, which would allow an exterior "slung" load of up to 4,000 kg when in use. Care must be taken to see that the Molior's MTOW is not exceeded during operations. This gives the Molior the ability to be used in more roles, which is the great advantage of utility helicopters.
Construction:
In the construction of the Molior, LAIX ARMS used as much Al-Li alloy as they could get away with. The official grade of Al-Li alloy used in the construction of the Molior is Weldalite 049. Weldalite 049 has about the same density as 2024 aluminium and 5% higher elastic modulus. However, Weldalite 049 is able to be welded together, as the name suggests. This makes it an excellent material with which to construct rotorcraft.
Weldalite 049 is a strong alloy, this property coming to it by way of strain hardening, as well as precipitation hardening. Adding Lithium to the Aluminium structure strains the material, helping to block dislocations. This makes the material stronger, and allows for less of it to be used. This is known as strain hardening.
In precipitation hardening, lithium forms a metastable Al3Li phase when properly aged, which creates a coherent crystal structure. This process also helps to block dislocations, especially during deformation. If the material is allowed to age for too long, the corrosion resistance of the alloy drops significantly.
The composition of Weldalite 049 is as follows:
(Percentage by weight)
5.4% Cu
1.3% Li
0.4% Ag
0.4% Mg
0.14% Zr
92.36% Al
Where supports are needed, they are made out of Ti-6Al-4V. This material is also used in the armor of the M-21A2 Valkyrie tank. Ti-6Al-4V is a very popular alloy of Titanium. Designed for high tensile strength applications in the 1,000 MPa range, the alloy has previously been used for aerospace, marine, power generation and offshore industries applications. Ti-6Al-4V offers all-round performance for a variety of weight reduction applications.
In addition to this, Aermet 100 is used as floor armor, providing a level of protection equal to STANAG 4569 level two. This helps prevent stray bullets from injuring the crew, or embarked troops. Aermet 100 alloy features high hardness and strength, coupled with high ductility. Aermet 100 alloy is used for applications requiring high strength, high fracture toughness, high resistance to stress corrosion cracking, and fatigue. Aermet 100 is more difficult to machine than other steels; Aermet being specially graded martensitic steel, and requires the use of carbide tools. The Aermet 100 alloy is incorporated into the design in such a way that it is protected from corrosion sources. Chemical coatings are also employed in order to protect it from corrosion.
Aermet 100 alloy sealed in Ti-6Al-4V is also used on the rear of both crew and troop seats, in order to provide STANAG 4569 level two protection from that direction, as well. This supports the non-injury of troops while they are in their seats, while helping to prevent corrosion of the Aermet 100 alloy used.
Ti-6Al-4V is also used in the construction of the wire cutters on the Molior. These wire cutters are intended to cut through power lines, and other similar obstacles that a pilot might not notice until it is too late. Power lines especially are a large threat to a helicopter that is forced (for whatever reason) to fly low, as they can cause the helicopter to crash. Wire cutters solve this problem by allowing the helicopter to cut the power lines, and thus continue on with the mission.
The outer skin of the Molior is composed of glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP). This is itself composed of vinylester resin, and glass fibers, which is treated with the Autoclave/Vacuum Bag process. This common aerospace process is used, because of the precise control over the moulding process that it offers. Curing can take from one to two hours, creating the exact shapes needed to ensure strength and safety. Unfortunately, the time intensive and expensive process will remain only with the aerospace industry.
GFRP is lightweight, very strong, and robust. Strength properties are somewhat lower than that of carbon fiber as well as being less stiff, but GFRP is far less brittle. Another advantage of GFRP is that the materials used to make it are much more economical than carbon fiber.
All variants of the Molior have a retractable refueling probe located to the left of the collision avoidance/terrain following radar, on the front of the helicopter. This allows the Molior to extend it's range or endurance via means of mid-air refueling. This can be particularly important on long range journeys, or during ASW work. This refueling probe is constructed from Ti-6Al-4V.
Countermeasures and Protection:
Self-Sealing Fuel Tank
The outer layer of the fuel tanks of the Molior are composed of more vinylester resin/glass fiber GFRP. This provides a strong outer hull for the fuel tank, while reducing weight.
The fuel tanks of the Molior are designed to seal themselves when penetrated; most often by enemy weapons. The Molior�s Self-sealing tanks have three layers of rubber, one of vulcanized rubber and two of untreated rubber that can absorb oil and expand when wet. In between these untreated rubber layers is a layer of composite foam for improved absorption and sealing performance. When a fuel tank is punctured, the fuel will spill on to the layers, causing the swelling of the untreated layers, thus sealing the puncture.
This makes a fuel tank explosion caused by enemy weapons fire less likely, therefore providing a further safety margin for everyone aboard.
AR-AFFF Fire-Suppression System
The role of the AR-AFFF fire-fighting system is to cool the fire and to coat the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, resulting in suppression of the combustion. AR-AFFF is a fire-fighting foam that will still form a protective film in the presence of alcohols, being resistant to alcohols.
The system can be activated by either pushing a button on any of the consoles, or automatically (via EO/IIR sensor); allowing for maximum flexibility, and a system which cannot be fooled by matches, lighters, cigarettes, or red clothing.
Helicopter Self-Protection System (HSPS)
The Molior does not skimp where self-protection is concerned. The HSPS is a multi-layered system, providing warning to the crew, while allowing them to select the appropriate response to any threat.
The system is composed of:
4x UV Missile approach warning sensors
4x Laser warning sensors
4x 2-18 GHz EW spiral antennas
4x DIRCM units
1x Threat display and Control unit
as well as flare bundles and chaff packets. This system provides warning against enemy missile fire, and cannot be deceived by the sun, or other large thermal sources. The system has a response time of less than one second for enemy missile launches within one kilometer.
Variants:
Troop transport/Medevac/cargo
This is the standard variant of the Molior, and carries a standard electronics payload. This can also serve as a Special Operations aircraft.
Naval
This variant features a folding tail, as well as folding rotor blades, which helps it to fit on surface ships. A heli-borne active/passive sonar is also carried, in addition to carrying spaces for light ASW torpedoes, and sonobuoys. Computer power has been increased as needed for these sorts of operations.
Civilian
The major difference between the civilian and military variants of the Molior is that all military sensitive equipment has been removed from the civilian variant, and replaced with civilian equipment. More comfortable VIP seating is also available.
Export:
There are no restrictions upon the export of the Molior, allowing as many nations as can afford the price tag to be able to acquire it.
Unit Price: NS$40m
DPR Price: NS$4bn
Questions or purchases can be made through Lyran Arms
