Cost: GU = $30 Million NSD; MU = $33 Million NSD; All Civilian = $28 Million NSD. DPR = $300 Billion NSD.
Crew: 4 (pilot/copilot/2 flight engineers/gunners); optional 5th (3rd gunner/engineer).
Capacity: 60 troops fully equipped or
30,000 lbs. (13,607.8 kg.) or
14 stretchers.
Length: 30.4 m.
Height: 5.8 m.
Main rotor diameter: 18.4 m.
Empty weight: 24,520 lb. (11,122.085 kg)
MTOW: 55,055 lb. (24,972.528 kg)
Engines: 2 × Alexandra & Wanda T49-GA turboshaft engine, 4,821 hp (3,639 kW) each.
Maximum speed: 196 mph, 315 km/h.
Cruising speed: 149 mph, 240 km/h.
Combat Radius: 370.4 km.
Ferry range: 1,400 mi., 2,252 km.
Service ceiling: 18,500 ft (5,640 m).
Armament: Various machine guns and mounted door weapons; 3 points (both side doors and rear ramp).
Background/Design
The Heavy Lift Transport (HLT) Adler Helicopter is a heavy lift helicopter designed in 1994 in order to replace aging previous helicopters in the TECT Armed Forces' inventory. The primary goal of designers was to build a base heavy lift platform for multiple theaters of warfare; they also wanted to build an efficient troop transport and heavy lift helicopter. The Adler (Eagle) was part of the TECT Armed Forces' plans to replace current aircraft for fewer more modular designs. The project was also designed to help Commoner based vehicle and arms industries.
The design is based off older models of heavy lift helicopters with refitted designs and modern avionics. The main body was combined with a rear body for a dual rotor design; the rear providing stabilization and support for the front rotor. The front rotor is considerably more compact and powerful. The Adler is fitted with two side doors, which can fit both gun stations and repelling ropes, and a rear ramp that is used for deploying the majority of equipment/troops/cargo. The underbelly contains hooks in order to lift tied cargo, including artillery pieces and vehicles.
Powerplant/Propulsion
The Adler is powered by two Alexandra & Wanda T49-GA turboshaft engines with 4,821 hp (3,639 kW) each. These engines are located under both rotor wings and are protected by an armored layer to protect them from damage. These engines are improved powerplants that increase the power they give the rotors; essentially more powerful engines. The concept is to allow the Adler more speed, higher weight capacity, and longer operational ranges. This in turn does add some additional engine weight.
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 main priority of these rotors is to allow more agile movement of the aircraft.
Gearbox attached to the rotors keep the rotors from turning about 1/7th the speed of the engine, which keeps the rotors 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.
The rotors of the Adler are a 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. The Adler uses a dual rotary system to counterbalance its flight and increase lift power.
An external fuel-stick for in-air refueling extending from the front of the helicopter increases flight range with the assistance of in-air refueling aircraft.
Armament
The Adler comes with three mounted points to protect itself in flight. These are located each side door and one at the rear of the helicopter at the ramp. Multiple systems including heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, and various other machine guns can be mounted on these mounts. The door mounts are retractable to allow for the rope repel and steps to be deployed, same as the rear mount which can be removed and stored on board. The Adler can store up a few thousand rounds to use while in flight.
Electronics
The Adler uses a variant of the 'Eisen-Schloss' Combat Networking that focuses on the unit's level of structure, such as the company or battalion level; 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 unit, and enables flexible planning and operation. This, along with its connection to the system's overall network, including the theater and global command, as well as to commanders, allows for efficient communication between soldiers and military units.
Integrated with on-board networked 'Eisen-Schloss' 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 safety. 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.
The 'Eisen-Schloss' system also provides an excellent messaging system, 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. 'Eisen-Schloss' 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 unit, and can be used to contact superiors (in one example, to request an artillery fire mission or answer the call for medical evac). For this function, the 'Eisen-Schloss' 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. This system also allows pilots to keep track of ammunition and other weapons armaments conditions to keep pilots informed of their armaments.
A Battle Management System is not the only form of electronics or avionics in use on the Adler, 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 Adler, allowing it to perform a limited AEW function. These various systems can be accessed easier through HUD screens in pilot's helmets. This integrated system also introduce ease at other tasks while flying, such as displaying information and alerts.
All integrated circuits used in the Adler utilize Gallium Arsenide; while all of the transistors used in the Adler 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 Adler help it to withstand the effects of EMP, at the expense of a higher cost. Navigation is accomplished via a mixture of the 'Eisen-Schloss', radar, and a ring-laser gyro/GPS unit.
Protections
The Adler utilizes lightweight armor in its design. Its vital areas, the cockpit, engines, and troop compartment are all reinforced with extra armor. Its armoring is designed to counter small arms fire from the ground and protect its occupants; heavier rounds ranging from .50 BMG can do serious damage if receiving continuous sustained fire.
The outer layer of the fuel tanks of the Adler 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 Adler are designed to seal themselves when penetrated; most often by enemy weapon action. The Adler'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.
Fire safety is also important for the crew, occupants, and bystanders. The role of the Flight FPS fire-fighting system is to cool the fire and to coat the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, resulting in suppression of the combustion. Flight FPS 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. This system is used to counter enemy caused damage and accidental mechanical damages.
The Adler does not skip on available active protection systems. The HPS 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: four UV Missile approach warning sensors, four Laser warning sensors, four 2-18 GHz EW spiral antennas, four DIRCM units, and a Threat Detection Control System that allows integrated interactions and is usually displayed on screens and helmet HUDS. Flare bundles and chaff packets are also on board. 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.
Troop Compartment/Cargo
The Adler's primary role is to transport troops, equipment, supplies, and vehicles into combat zones. It can carry up to 30,000 lbs. in weight either on its underbelly hooks or inside its compartment. There is enough room in the internal compartment to store sixty troops, or two light transport vehicles, or one armored vehicle; these items can be strapped down using the cabin floor's and rear ramp's flush tie-down points, a semi-automatic cargo release unit (SACRU), and folding seats. Entry to the cargo bay can be done via the large rear cargo door, or through the two side doors which permit direct access to the cargo bay. For civillian or humanitarian aid missions, a winch cable and harness can be mounted on the rear fuselage to allow air rescue missions to occur from a much safer place rather than the side of the fuselage.
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 Adler can alternatively carry up to fourteen stretchers, with four medics. The stretchers attach to their own modular hard points, which helps to keep the patients secure during flight. In this medical use, the Adler's lift power and range is a much needed boost factor.
Variants
HLT Adler-GU: The Adler Ground Unit is the base and primary variant of the HLT Adler Helicopter. It is designed for ground operations and air support roles.
HLT Adler-MU: The Adler Marine Unit is designed for naval/marine operations. This variant features space saving features that makes the helicopter thinner without costing fuel or storage capabilities. Its dual rotors are folding as well to add extra storage room on naval ships. A heli-borne active/passive sonar is also carried in order to perform naval missions the helicopter may need to perform, such as dropping divers or sonobuoys. Added computers and computing power as been added to help perform these roles.
HLT Adler-PU: The Adler Police Unit is a domestic police variant designed for police forces. Major military components have been removed and electronics are replaced with civilian level computing systems. The PU variant is designed to transport large police units, vehicles, equipment, and deploy armed police units into dangerous situations. These units can also provide aid and lift support for natural disaster like situations.
HLT Adler-CLRU: The Civilian Long Range Unit is a civilian designed variant of the Adler. It is used by civilian transport companies interested in transporting people through helicopter means. These units are typically bought also by rich clients who will customize them as private helicopters for long travel. Military systems are naturally removed and replaced with civilian communications equipment. This variant is often converted into a commercial transport; it can be fitted out as an all-passenger, all-cargo, or cargo/passenger transport helicopter.
HLT Adler-CUU: The Civilian Utility Unit is a civilian designed variant of the Adler. It was made similar to the CLRU but for use as a utility lift helicopter. Its compartment is meant for storage of supplies and equipment rather then people. This variant is popular as an aid relief helicopter and emergency transport for wounded people and needed supplies.
Export
The Adler is available for purchase on the Wolf Armamentsstorefront page. The HLT Adler can be purchased for $30 Million NSD per unit of the Ground Unit Variant. The Marine Unit Variant can be purchased for $33 Million NSD per unit and all civilian variants can be purchased for $28 Million NSD per unit. The Domestic Production Rights can be purchased for $300 Billion NSD.
