When the new RIRN SSF program called for high-speed escort-capable fighters, the aging SSF-2 Cbaldna (Spectre) simply could not be expected to rise to the task. By modern Rhydin standards, the SFA-2 Cbaldna was a slow subfighter comparable only to the Xukuthite Qee'lak Zotreth (Quick Strike) class, with a light payload of weapons and limited range. For something as demanding as the SSF project, a new solution was required. The design criteria for the new sub fighter had to be able to exceed speeds of 75 knots in able to support the SA versions.
As a result of the need to complement the SSF's own capabilities, much of the design work and prototypes for the fighter initially designated the SSF-3 were done during the years of 2003-2007. It didn't come as a surprise then that the HQLT fighter prototypes (SA series) were being further developed in the same yard as the SSF. Many design features were also very familiar as the HQLT Research & Design Labs quickly showed that they had not lost their traditional edge and finesse of fighter design. The first prototype had many of the smooth and sleek curves of fighters born at the start twentieth century, and this design was one that would change very little throughout its development.
The SSF-3 would soon become a benchmark for all RIRN fighters as its design was a rapid departure from the ungainly-looking SFF-2 Cbaldna (Spectre) which was rapidly approaching its fifteenth year of service. The Cbaldna (Spectre) is a decent fighter, and it's clear that its days are far from over. Its speed of just over 59 knots is respectable against most sub-fighters, but the lethally agile and sleek Xukuthite Qee'lak Zotreth (Quick Strike) class was still something that had no equal in terms of its combat performance (if not efficiency...) and many Cbaldna's had fallen victim to the Xukuthite fighter's agility and deadly armaments.
The SSF-3 would eventually exceed this record of speed and agility by using a scaled-down version of the drive system in the SA Series - an enhanced Hydrojet turbine propulsion system coupled to twin fusion reactor spirals that were initially capable of just over 82 knots.
The established concepts of submarine weaponry was another area of subfighter design the SSF-3 would challenge. For the later part of the 2000's and on, micro-torpedo technology was the preferred weapon of choice for nearly all of the frontline sub-fighter designs. HQLT however, had radically different ideas.
Weapons development came to the fore of the project. One constant, fundamental problem with the SSF-2 Cbaldna was the micro-torpedo launcher that it used for weapons: While having an advantage of being smaller than traditional torpedos, and able to carry a lot of them,the launchers on either wing pylon were very heavy and took up so much space that room for other weapon types had to be sacrificed. Indeed, for most of its career, the SSF-2 Cbaldna barely utilized mines etc at all. HQLT wanted to change this, and did so through the most unexpected, and even outmoded avenue - the explosive projectile.
The twin "Hades" Gattling Cannons aboard an SSF-3 Cenah (Siren) bear many similarities to the much older 'Phalanx' close-in weapons system. Its durable and effective design had proven to be lethally effective against aircraft and missiles, and HQLT sought to bring this same edge to the Hades, although it was far from the easiest of tasks.
In water, the mechanics of a traditional 'firearm' become rendered almost useless, and so the Hades was built as a solely underwater weapon. The shells of a Hades cannon eschew traditional explosive primers, and are instead accelerated by a set of electromagnetic rails to speeds well in excess of traditional firearms. At this speed, supercavitation occurs: a physical process in which the vapour pressure of water drops to a point where the shell is enveloped by a pocket of gas as it travels, essentially removing the forces of drag that would usually cripple such a weapon.
Previously, this concept was unexplored in the RIRN fleet, as no manned submarine made could withstand the sheering pressures involved in supercavitation, and previous experiments with the technology ended in destructive failure.
The weapon that came from this project would, in the simplest terms, use the raw kinetic energy of its projectiles to rip through metal like as the underwater rifle quickly got up to muzzle velocities in excess of 12,000 feet per second. (Tests this extreme generally resulted in the complete destruction of the prototype gun and its housing. The power of the weapon was eventually governed in the production-models produced since then.)
The SSF-3 Cenah (Siren) was not originally planned to be built to such a rushed schedule, but with tensions rising with Renor Xukuth, the RIRN pressed hard for HQLT to begin producing the fighter, even if they continued to refine the design over the course of its early career. (This decision would cost the RIRN navy billions of dollars, but the SSF-3 Cenah (Siren) would nonetheless enter full production and service in October 2010.)
Other variants of the SSF-3 Cenah (Siren) include:
SSF-3/A - Trainer model derived from the prototypes, built to lesser, more fundamental specifications for use by RIRN training squadrons.
SSF-3/B - The "Bomber" of the class. This variant features a slightly enlarged fuselage which could carry larger torpedo payloads
SSF-3/C - Ordered and employed by the RIRN very early in the project, this Cenah features a few minor differences in electronics and weapons options making it suited for support.
SSF-3/D - Initial export model.
SSF-3/E - The benchmark of the class, the "E" was employed by the RIRN navy in large numbers in the early months of the war against Renor Xukuth.
SSF-3/F - An "Improved" Cenah designed as a field upgrade which brings the 3 closer in specification to its larger cousin, the SSF-4. Built largely for export, although the vast majority of E models within RIRN service received this upgrade.
SSF-3/J - Another variant employed by the RIRN as a maritime-superiority fighter. Differences between the F and J are limited to more advanced electronics and avionics systems.
Sharpening the Knife: The SSF-3
At full load, the Cenah is able to sport 6 internally-held micro torpedoes that can be deployed from small doors on the underside of the fuselage. While external weapons are possible, the drawback is that external mounted weapons give considerable drag on the fighter's hull, and results in a drastic reduction in speed. This configuration is rarely used, and pushes the fighter's weight past twenty seven tonnes.
The SSF-3/D's hull is made of lightweight composites derived of Carbon and Titanium. The "C65" material which makes up the core of the Cenah's underlying structural framing is an extremely strong, shock-resistant composite material that remains highly classified and was also used quite extensively in HQLT Submarines as well. The type-three (Gamma) Titanium alloy skin that covers the craft is a common material used in hull construction on both aircraft and submarines. Combined with the composite frame, it allows the Cenah to dive deeper than any subfighter previously developed. The only part of the fighter's fuselage that remains vulnerable to pressure past 415m is the cockpit canopy which is nearly 4 inches thick, and to preserve visibility for the pilot, costs nearly 200,000 dollars to replace if damaged. The canopy must be able to withstand pressure in excess of several thousand pounds per square inch at this depth. The material the canopy is made out of is not glass, but a transparent metallic which remains classified.
General Specifications
Class: Cenah (Siren) SSF-3/D Interceptor Subfighter
Contractor/Builder: HQLT
Hull Composition: Single-layer lightweight Titanium Alloy (Gamma-grade) over a C-65 composite hull frame
Crew compliment: 1 Pilot
Trainer compliment: 2 Pilots
Operational Depth & NED (Never Exceed Depth) Based on Model:
SSF-3/A - 750 m (2,460 ft) - NED: 780 m (2,559 ft)
SSF-3/B - 788 m (2,585 ft) - NED: 810 m (2,657 ft)
SSF-3/C - 805 m (2,641 ft) - NED: 835 m (2,739 ft)
SSF-3/D - 835 m (2,739 ft) - NED: 877 m (2,877 ft)
SSF-3/E - 903 m (2,962 ft) - NED: 922 m (3,024 ft)
SSF-3/F - 937 m (3,074 ft) - NED: 971 m (3,185 ft)
SSF-3/J - 952 m (3,123 ft) - NED: 993 m (3,257 ft)
Dimensions & Weight
Length: 14.0m (45.9 ft)
Beam: 3.0m (9.85 ft)
Wingspan: 6.5m (21.3 ft)
Height: 3.25m (10.6 ft)
Length: 5.34m (210 in.)
Weight: 1467 kg (3,234 pounds)
Submerged Displacement: 15,000 Kilograms
Inlet Diameter: .95m (37.4in.)
Maximum Diameter 1.10m (43.3 in.)
Performance
Propulsion: Twin RVC SX-44L Hydrojet Turbines
Maximum Thrust: 56,500 pounds (530 kN)
Acceleration: 0-100kph/0.93 seconds, 0-81kts/5.67 seconds, 3.05G
Power source: Primary - 2 HQLT A7(F) fusion reactor cores (integrated with the engines)
Secondary - Two RVC SX-44L Hydrojet Turbines
Fuel: Primary - Tritium, Deuterium (Required for Fusion Reactor)
Secondary - Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Range: 500 Nautical mile combat radius at a cruising speed of 64 knots
Top Speed: 91 knots (VNE - Velocity Never Exceed)
Armament
Weapons systems (Dependant on configuration):
a. 6 Mk 95M Plasma torpedoes (Internal)
b. Dual "Hades" Supercavitating Gattling Cannons
Power source: HQLT A7(F) Fusion Reactor
Barrels: 6
Caliber: 25mm
Feed: Hydraulic, link-fed belt ammunition
Firing Mechanism:
2 megawatt pre-fire particle laser (primary stage)
3x200cm tungsten magnetic rails (second stage)
Maximum Rate of Fire: 4,500 Rounds per Minute (Maximum – Depends on barrel RPM acceleration and muzzle velocity)
Effective Range : 500 meters
Muzzle Velocity: Variable depending on power and ammunition type: From 2,000 feet/second (609.6 meters/second) to 5,000 feet/second (1,524 meters/second)
Cannon weight: 150 kilograms
Barrel length: 2.3 meters
Ammunition weight: 210 grams/round (Average) (1000 rounds; 210 kilograms)
Defence systems
Mark XI intercept torpedoes
Sonar jamming system
Intercept package: chaff, noisemakers
Model VII Stealth systems and Sensor-spoofing sonar arrays
Computer system: VCI XI Tactical
Sensors
Enhanced Tactical Hypersonar, effective range 5km
Active and Passive sensor suite, effective range 3km
Countermeasure Sensors, Effective Range 1km
Model VII Hypersonar/Laser-based Sensor array, Effective Range ; 8km
Utilitarian systems
1 tempered steel grapple (range: 100m)
If interested in purchasing, please visit here to fill out the proper paperwork: Harl L' Qu'mados Technologies
