General characteristics Cost: $250 Million NSD per unit. $500 Billion NSD for all DPR rights. Crew (Flight): 3 - 4 (two pilots, up to two flight engineers). Crew (Work): 8. Length: 34.20 m. Wingspan: 40.00 m. Height: 11.65 m. Empty Weight: 34,000 kg. Maximum Takeoff Weight: 51,000 kg. Powerplant: 2x Rolls-Royce Tyne Rty.20 Mk 22B turboprop, 4,639 kW (6,460 ehp). Maximum Fuel Capacity: 30,000 kg. Maximum Speed: 550 km/h. Rate of climb: 6.6 m/s. Range: 3,000 km (full capacity using fuel rationing); aerial refill capability. Range (Avionic): 60 km2 (visual); 350km (AESA), azimuth of 120 degrees; 650 km (sensor suit). Service ceiling: 12,500 m.
Armaments Dual Internal Rotating Stations (8 per station, 14 total). 6 External Wing Stations. Both for High Altitude Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon Systems, AA Systems, and GW Systems (mines, sonar buoys, torpedoes, missiles, bombs, etc.).
Background/Design The Pelican Patrol Plane ('PPP' or 'Triple-P') is a Multimission Maritime Aircraft (MMA) developed for the TECT Armed Forces' Imperial Navy to patrol the Empire's large oceans and many coastlines, trade routes, and territory. The PPP is designed to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), shipping interdiction, and electronic signals intelligence (SIGINT). PPP's are designed for long range, long duration, maritime patrol missions. Its capabilities do not end on land; Pelicans are capable of conducting various ground support missions and Battlespace command duties - intelligence roles through information gathering is also part of its primary role as a patrol plane. Pelicans are capable of eliminating surface threats, air threats, and undersea threats with its diverse armaments and information gathering capabilities. To operate longer out at sea, the Pelican was given an air refueling boom (extends in front of the plane and retracts when unneeded), crew supplies, expanded fuel tanks, and high powered electrical generators to keep the aircraft operational for long periods of flight.
Designers decided to use a cargo aircraft for the base build of the Pelican; it utilized its large cargo space, weight control, and maneuverability to create a versatile patrol plane. Work began to install sensitive equipment inside and outside the aircraft; the entire interior was redesigned to meet comfort standards. To the front, a long refueling boom with a small drogue basket for aerial refueling; allowing for extended periods of flight, longer mission times, and mission range. The cockpit is a glass cockpit, allowing for better ease and better efficiency for pilots. These newer electronics and avionic systems allow better control of the aircraft and gives better efficiency to aircraft operations. Next, the work cabin is outfitted with six work stations for crew operators; the work stations sit along the left-hand side of the cabin and is equipped with multiple screens, stationary seats (comfortable built, lumbar supporting), touch and keyboard interfaces, and multiple other mission oriented tools. These stations receive data from outside sources, allowing crew to control equipment and relay information to other crew, the pilots, and allies. Such stations, like the one that controls the Multi-Spectral Targeting System, controls part of the aircraft in order to gather information and provide the aircraft with mission data - they receive vital information from sensors that is fed back to the operators and adjustments are made, targets are engaged, and information is passed back to mission centers during operations. Adjacent in the same cabin, along the right-hand of the cabin, are storage sites, extra chairs, plug-ins, and two bathroom facilities. Connected via a sliding door is the observation cabin; on each side are dual sealed windows, a small railed stairway leading to the upper window, and couches along the sides and center of the cabin. This area is used for visual observation by crew using binoculars and other long range devices - if not used for searches or visual identification purposes, this room is used as a break or silent room for crew. Underneath this cabin is the AESA radar hub, which is used to identify air targets, scan the surface, all of which provides vital intelligence to crew members. Rear to the work cabin is the 'bomb-bay'; this is a large empty compartment that holds two Internal Rotating Stations used to hold ordinance, sonar buoys, and other devices. This allows the Pelican to attack ground and sea targets, apart from simply spotting and identifying targets, as well as extend the Pelican's capabilities by using disposable equipment. On the wings are six external pylon stations; these are used for air-to-air missiles, extra bombs, equipment, and external drop tanks for extra fuel. For additional range, Pelicans utilize a 'loiter' function while on deep water missions; pilots will lower their engines output by nearly half (more or less) to reserve fuel, lower exhaust for better visual perception, and extending the range of the plane's operation - pilots can often do this in on-off sessions to utilize gliding and speed forces to conserve on fuel.
The Pelican was designed in early 2004; it underwent flight tests the following year. Later, the Pelican tested its many avionic sensor systems - including SIGNIT, Multi-Spectral Targeting System, and AESA radar in testing sessions off the coast of Emperor Island State, TECT. The Pelican went into full service in 2006 after final operation testing sessions. It has since been used by the Imperial Navy to perform intelligence gathering, patrol missions, ground support, shipping interdiction, anti-submarine operations, and multiple other seaborne missions.
Powerplant/Propulsion The Pelican is powered for both electronic avionic work and for propulsion; the first using electrical generators and the latter using turboprop engines. PPP's original turboprop engines were modified from the Rolls-Royce Tyne Rty.20 Mk 22 turboprop; the propulsion engineer in charge used these engines as base for a re-engineered variant known as the Mk 22B. The Rolls-Royce Tyne Rty.20 Mk 22B turboprop were a considerable improvement to the original design that increased their efficiency about twelve percent. These engines are improved in shape, constructed of Al-Li alloy, a very light weight metal alloy, and an advanced direct fuel spray system used by the engines, which sprays fuel into the section of the engine which will create the most efficient combustion, and lightweight turbine technologies featuring lighter more agile prop-wings - giving the Mk 22B a much higher power to weight ratio, allowing the Mk 22B to use much less fuel than similarly powerful engines. The current engines used, the Rolls-Royce Tyne Rty.20 Mk 22B turboprop engines, are the primary means of propulsion for the Global Eye; utilizing two of these powerful engines, they produce enough force to propel the aircraft at a maximum speed of 550 km/h. External ports for in-air refueling extending from both wings of the aircraft increases flight range with the assistance of in-air refueling aircraft.
Electrical power is provided by two electrical generators attached to the exterior of each engine. These powerful generators provide 1.1 Megawatts of power to feed the plane's vast electrical needs. A backup generator is located above the work cabin just behind the cockpit bellow exterior paneling; the paneling uses both bleed-air and cooling doors to remove the heat generated when the generator is activate. This generator is an emergency electrical generator to be used in case of failure in one or more of the exterior generators, such as mechanical failures or damage caused by enemy action; it is used to power primary systems for flight and basic operations to avoid system failures until the plane can land and receive repairs.
Protections As a large patrol aircraft, the Pelican is susceptible to lethal enemy actions. Because of its armaments and roles in modern warfare, the Pelican has the ability to perform indirect support, direct support, and anti-shipping missions. Therefore, it is necessary that the Pelican is protected from enemy threats, such as anti-aircraft missiles, countering electronic warfare, and being spry enough to avoid dangerous situations. Therefore, the Pelican was outfitted with numerous countermeasures and a strong construction. The primary construction of the Pelican is a lightweight Aluminium Lithium alloy - an alloy that has revolutionized the aerial manufacturing industry; other areas, including internal parts and paneling, are made of similar lightweight metal alloys. As a second layer of protection against cannon fire and shrapnel, a layer of Kevlar was placed around sensitive areas; this includes the cockpit, around the the Work cabin, and along the internal bay. The primary idea of designers was to provide capable armor protection while providing the minimum in weight increases.
The Pelican's extended fuel tanks are composed of vinylester resin/glass fiber GFRP. This provides a strong outer hull for the fuel tank while reducing weight. The fuel tanks are additionally designed to seal themselves when penetrated, such as by enemy cannon fire or shrapnel. The 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 less likely, thereby providing a further safety margin for everyone on-board. Fire protection is also heavily important to the Pelican. 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 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 inside the aircraft, gas tanks, and near the engines. There are also additional fire extinguishers on-board for crews to combat fires.
Pelicans also have protection against surface-to-air and air-to-air missile threats. The HAP (Heavy Aircraft Protection) system is a multi-layered system, providing warning to the crew (pilots and work crew), while allowing them to select the appropriate response to any threat - there are also automatic functions in place to counter threats if switched on. The system is composed of a UV missile approach warning sensor, laser warning sensors, DIRCM units, and a Threat Detection Control System (TDCS) that allows integrated interactions and is usually displayed on screens and helmet HUDS for the pilots. Flare bundles and chaff packets are standard countermeasures on-board that can be set to automatically go off. The Pelican's many sensor suits allow it to perform electronic warfare roles, such as jamming or creating false signals; it can block traffic of information, communications, and radars. This gives the Pelican additional protection against radar tracking, missile homing, and electronic jamming done by enemy forces.
Avionics The Pelican is an avionic giant to a navy's patrol forces. Installed are sensitive tracking equipment, listening tools, radar and sonar instruments, visual tools, and many other sensors - it possesses a powerful AESA radar hub bellow its belly, rear mounted MAD boom, and sonar equipment. To begin with, the cockpit flightdeck was conceived as being a fully glass cockpit, without using conventional instruments; it is not too small for the two pilot and two engineer crew who enjoy the cockpit's modern conveniences. Using four large displays in front of the pilots, as well as several other LED displays around them, pilots are consistently kept up to date with what is happening to the aircraft both inside and out. On a pilot's outside screen (the screen mounted closest to the side of the cockpit), Airspeed Indicator, Altimeter, Turn coordinator, Vertical Speed indicator and Artificial Horizon are all displayed. On the inside screen, the exact location of the plane and its waypoints and destination are displayed also, along with the planned route; pilot's Heads Up Display also presents this and various other information for the pilots in a closer view. The sophisticated digital fly-by-wire system's computers "read" the aircraft's position and force inputs from the pilot's controls and aircraft sensors. They solve differential equations to determine the appropriate command signals that move the flight controls in order to carry out the intentions of the pilot. Additionally, the sensor information collected by the work crew can be shared to the pilots - this gives pilots alertness to threats, obstacles, and movement requests by the plane's commander.
The programming of the digital computers enable flight envelope protection. In this, aircraft designers precisely tailor an aircraft's handling characteristics to stay within the overall limits of what is possible given the aerodynamics and structure of the aircraft. For example, the computer in flight envelope protection mode can try to prevent the aircraft from being handled dangerously by preventing pilots from exceeding preset limits on the aircraft's flight-control envelope, such as those that prevent stalls and spins, and which limit airspeed and G-forces on the airplane. Software can also be included that stabilize the flight-control inputs in order to avoid pilot-induced oscillations. Since the flight-control computers continuously "fly" the aircraft, the pilot's workloads can be reduced to a minimum while in transit. Stalling, spinning and other undesirable performances are prevented automatically by the computers. The more hands on work of a patrol plane gives the aircraft more leeway in flight and a stronger maneuvering capability; this protection ensures the aircraft does not exceed its limits.
The most basic form of the Pelican's mission in patrolling are the dual windows located behind the work cabin. These reinforced windows allow crew to search with visual enhancement tools, such as binoculars, to search for intended targets. These large windows ensure multiple crew members can view from either side, increasing the chances of spotting a target. The high tech WA/CAC MTS-D Multi-Spectral Targeting System gives the Pelican a long range tracking platform for its crew; it uses multiple wavelength sensors, TV cameras (IR, color, night-vision, ARTSIS), illuminators, eyesafe rangefinders, image merging, spot trackers, and other avionics. This system permits long-range surveillance and high-altitude acquisition, tracking and laser designation among other various capabilities - this gives the Pelican a powerful tracking capability and the ability to track, guide, and use ordinances with further success. Pelicans, like the Blackfly UAV, can utilize the ARTSIS (Autonomous Real-Time Surveillance Imaging System); the ARTSIS is a surveillance project that uses numerous smaller high-powered cameras in a mosaic to video and auto-track every moving object within a 100 km area. This system uses a object tracking software that allows users to auto-track every moving object within the field of regard (100 km) and generate geolocation chronographs of each individual vehicle and pedestrian's movements, making them searchable via geolocation query. As the system floats above the target location for months at a time, investigators are able to rewind time and see the target's, among other queries, every movement; the ARTSIS system captures 5.2 million pixels each to create an image of about 1.86 billion pixels, video is collected at 12 frames per second producing several terabytes of data per minute.
For radar, the Pelican uses a AESA radar hub stationed bellow on the belly of the aircraft. An AESA or Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system represents the forefront of modern radar technology. These radars are deceptively hard to intercept because an AESA radar will change it's frequency every pulse, at up to 1000 times per second. Since the AESA can change its frequency with every pulse, and generally does so using a pseudo-random sequence, integrating over time does not help pull the signal out of the background noise. Nor does the AESA have any sort of fixed pulse repetition frequency, which can also be varied and thus hide any periodic brightening across the entire spectrum. Traditional Radar Warning Receivers are essentially useless against AESA radars. This means that the Pelican can look for long periods of time without being seen in the process. Pelicans use AESA radar to not only spot air targets but also ground targets. The primary focus of this radar is to scan the surface and provide real time detection; the Pelican's AESA radar can provide high resolution radar images in both overland and water modes by sending sensitive pulses that bounce off the ground and return to the aircraft. Being so, the Pelican's radar azimuth is lower then most AESA equipped radars. Available modes include color weather, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR), periscope detection, and navigation. ISAR mode is said to be capable of both detecting, imaging and classifying surface targets at long range using a variety of resolutions.
For anti-submarine operations, the Pelican comes with two important pieces of equipment, a MAD sensor boom and special purpose sonobuoys. The MAD sensor, or magnetic anomaly detector, is an instrument used to detect minute variations in the Earth's magnetic field. The term refers specifically to magnetometers used by military forces to detect submarines (a mass of ferromagnetic material creates a detectable disturbance in the magnetic field). When pinged, the sensor can detect the anomaly (such as submarines) when closer to the surface - submarines produce irregular magnetic fieldscaused by ferromagnetic materials on submarines; most if not all submarines use these materials, including in construction, engines, and numerous other operating systems. The Mark 13 Sonobuoy is a multipurpose sonar buoy that have two basic modes, listen and search. The listening mode will sit where it was deployed and listen for any noise, such as power plant, propeller or door-closing and other commonplace noises; these also include acoustic noises like speech, sonar pings, etc. that come from both ships and submarines. The search mode (Active mode) emits sound energy (pings) into the water and listens for the returning echo before transmitting - the return is then sent back to the operators (in this case, a crew member in the work cabin) in variable fashions. The return ping is a DICASS (Directional CASS - Command Activated Sonobuoy System) return ping that contains bearing as well as range data; this data can then be used to direct torpedoes, share between deployed forces, and record the instance. The Mark 13 can sink to a depth of three hundred meters and has a powerful long lasting battery that allows it to operate up to twelve hours; its long operation range, shared data, and crew operation makes the Mark 13 a powerful anti-submarine weapon. Sonobuoys, like the Mark 13, are used in various fashions; listening sonobuoys are placed in net like formations to maximize their range of detections - this is easier in straights and other more narrow waterways. Active sonobuoys will ping for a response over a large area; these are usually used to track down submarines once a submarine is spotted.
Among the radar, sonar, and optical systems, the Pelican also possesses electronic warfare equipment. The Pelican possesses an advanced SIGINT suit that is sensitive to signals from both people and other systems. These systems can also jam, interfere, and send back false signals; this means fake radar returns, faked electronic signals, false communications, and fraud information is delivered to enemy forces - this also includes many other options, including listening, distributing, jamming, and many more possibilities. The Pelican uses these additional tools to listen on enemy forces, gain intelligence on targets, and disrupt the enemy's plan of operation.
The Pelican can perform Battlespace Command as well. Its systems can be focused around providing friendly forces with up-to-date information and intelligence. Utilizing assets on ground, in the air, and the Pelican's own information gathering equipment - the Pelican is able to distribute vast amounts of information, acting as a distributive center for the 'Eisen-Schloss' Combat Network System, though purchasers can easily replace this system with their own native systems. Pelicans can essentially gather, distribute, and guide allied forces to their objective. Eisen-Schloss is an integrated and adaptive battlespace network that maximizes combat lethality, performance, and output and enables command and control on an unprecedented scale in any vehicle, unit, and device that uses; Pelicans play the role of distributing much of this information along with satellites to allies in theater who can use the data to perform their missions. Information is sourced not only from multiple sources on the individual platform, but from every Eisen-Schloss equipped friendly vehicle within the battlespace, which provides constant informational updates across a broad spectrum of sources, both known to the operators, and operating below their awareness. Eisen-Schloss' ultra-high speed networking permits error-free, high integrity transmission in a bare fraction of the time required for voice-based transmission, and permits transfer of a wide range of data formats, from a multitude of compatible sources through voice, text, and radio. Operators utilize multiple systems including radio and other vocal communication devices, and interfaces that allow multiple communication transmissions, such as video, vocal, and text. As a gathering and distributing point - Pelicans perform a vital role of assisting and guiding ground, air, and naval forces in combat. Pelicans can also use this information to use its own ordinances as well as communicate with over a hundred allied sources at a time.
These systems, including the Eisen-Schloss Combat System and interaction systems are protected against multiple threats, including electromagnetic interference or EMP-based attacks using encryption and anti-electromagnetic technology. The Global Eye is also resistant to Jamming and EMP based attacks. These countermeasures, along with inert electronics protection, make the Global Eye safe from sabotage, Jamming or electronically.
Armament The Pelican is unique to patrol aircraft in that it can perform multiple roles, including direct ground support. Armed with a Dual Internal Rotating Station (eight per station, fourteen total), it can have a payload of bombs and missiles that can target ground forces. In the TECT Imperial Army, the Imperial Navy assists by dispatching these aircraft to over-watch, battlespace command, and drop ordinance in ground support roles. These stations are usually meant for torpedoes and sonobuoys for naval operations. Pelicans can hunt and sink submarines, sink surface ships, and take out marine aviation if it strays too close. The six External Wing Station system can hold additional armaments, drop tanks, and missiles. This vast range of armaments gives the Pelican a larger role then just watching high or bellow the ground/water, but can also attack surface, sea, and bellow-sea targets - as well as guide other forces to enemy targets.
Crew Amenities The Pelican, with its long term presence factored in, was intended to be deployed for long periods of time. It would be patrolling at both high and low altitudes for long durations of time, far distances, and would play large roles in maritime security. Therefore, crews must be able and alert during these long missions or else consequences could be felt nationwide. That is why Pelicans are outfitted with amenities so that crews can take shifts and stay in the air for long periods of time without fatigue. Behind the work station is crew space; this area is outfitted with full reclining chairs, compartments, storage, and plug-ins for private devices. A fridge compartment holds a chosen beverage (at least four cases, twelve per case), a rations compartment holds at least four days worth of MRE rations (couple meters dry storage), and a water dispenser comes with re-usable cups and a dual tank that holds sixteen gallons of chosen liquids - both tanks are insulated to keep cool liquids cool and warm liquids warm, therefore crews can choose a preferred beverage for either tank. The rear observation cabin can be also used as a quiet room; it is nearly sound proof when the door is shut, therefore it is a prime location for crews on off time to nap. Its center couch and side couches are not the most comfortable, but they're flat, not hard, and are better a bed then the floor.
There are two rear cabin bathrooms for the crew members; these are unisex and come equipped with a small sink and motion operated towel dispenser. The water is recycled each time used and the waste is collected in a sealed tank where it will be emptied after each flight (cleaned out using chemical compounds pumped in and out as well). There are additional plug-ins, folding stands, and bracing poles located around the aircraft.
Export The Pelican Patrol Plane is available for purchase on the Wolf Armaments storefront page for $250 Million NSD per unit; $500 Billion NSD for DPR rights.
Last edited by Common Territories on Wed Jul 29, 2020 3:02 pm, edited 1 time in total.
by Common Territories » Sat Mar 21, 2015 1:01 pm 