"The Stealth Gunship For Modern Warfare."
Prototype airframe #003 shown
Conceptualization
The AH-66 Creek was conceived as a replacement for the Amerikian-license-produced AH-64 Apache gunship. There was a perceived need for a stealthy or less visible gun platform for effective, quick strikes against targets that would have to be approached by helicopter, as well as a recon platform. The AH-66 shared much of its development with the MH-9 Block II helicopter, and each project provided insights into the stealth helicopter. In 2001, the Creek flew for the first time. In 2007, it entered service with the Arkinesian Confederate Army and Confederate Air Force.
Design
The AH-66 is at the core a gun platform, designed for being able to bring a variety of weapons to the theater in which it is deployed. However, it can also be used a low-observability reconnaissance platform for nations uncertain about the move to drone aircraft. It can also be used as a recon drone itself with the proper modifications to its internals. These were important design considerations for the Creek, as the service life was expected to be into a period involving more unmanned vehicles. The low-observability is not limited to machined technology, however. The Creek is coated in a radar-absorbent paint which further assists the Creek in being less observable on radar.
Purchase details
The AH-66 is considered an important security asset to the Confederate States, however Security Grade 2 nations may purchase the aircraft. At this time domestic production rights are restricted only to certain nations on request.
Specifications and pricing
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 46.85 ft (14.28 m)
- Rotor diameter: 39.04 ft (11.90 m)
- Height: 11.06 ft (3.37 m)
- Disc area: 1,197 ft² (111 m²)
- Empty weight: 8,690 lb (3,942 kg)
- Loaded weight: 10,597 lb (4,806 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 17,175 lb (7,790 kg)
- Powerplant: 2× MUSTECH MX450 turboshaft, 1,621 hp (1,208 kW) each
- Fuselage length: 43.31 ft (13.20 m)
- Rotor systems: 5 blades on main rotor
Performance
- Maximum speed: 175 knots (201 mph, 324 km/h)
- Cruise speed: 165 knots (190 mph, 306 km/h)
- Range: 262 nmi (302 mi, 485 km) (internal fuel)
- Ferry range: 1,260 nmi (1,450 mi, 2,330 km)
- Service ceiling: 14,980 ft (4,566 m)
- Rate of climb: 1,418 ft/min (7.20 m/s)
Armament
- 1× 20 mm M300 three-barrel cannon mounted in a Turreted Gun System (500 round capacity)
- Internal bays: 6 Hellfire-equvialent or 6 Stinger-equivalent (ATAS) or 24 2.75 in (70 mm) air-to-ground rockets
- Optional stub wings: 8 Hellfire-equivalent, 16 Stinger-equivalent or 56x 70mm air-to-ground rockets
This list is by no means exhaustive. New stub wings can be engineered, and many more weapons from other manufacturers can be fitted.
The AH-66 Creek can be purchased by Security Grade 2 nations and up for NS$28 million each. Domestic production rights only available to specific nations if they request. All inquiries are to be made through Pennington Defense.