AvionicsThe RM-30's avionics include an uprated version of the Cervelo SS-16 radar warning receiver/emissions locator system, Cervelo SB-77 Infra-Red and Ultra-Violet MAWS (Missile Approach Warning System) and a more powerful version of the Cervelo DD-18X Active Scan radar. The DD-18X features both long-range target acquisition and low risk of interception of its own signals by enemy aircraft due to its complex set up and frequent channel changing.
The SS-16 is a passive receiver system capable of detecting the radar signals in the environment. It is composed of 50 antennas smoothly blended into the wings and fuselage that provide all around coverage plus azimuth and elevation information about enemy aircraft. With significantly greater range than the radar, it enables the RM-30 to limit its own radar emission to preserve its stealth, as it does in the GM-24 fighter. As a target approaches, the receiver can set the DD-20X radar to track the target with a very narrow radar wave, which can be as focused as precisely to 1° by 1° in azimuth and elevation. As the RM-30 is not designed for air-to-air combat, its on board electronics asses the threat.
The Cervelo DD-20X Active Scan radar is designed for large strike operations and features a low-observable, active-aperture, electronically-scanned array that can track multiple aircraft, in any weather, including storms. The RM-30 also features the Cervelo S5 Terrain following radar. The system works by transmitting a radar signal towards the ground area in front of the aircraft. The radar returns can then be analysed to see how the terrain ahead varies, which can then be used by the aircraft's autopilot to maintain a reasonably constant height above the earth. This technology enables flight at very low altitudes, and high speeds, avoiding detection by enemy radars and interception by anti-aircraft systems. This allows the pilot to focus on other aspects of the flight besides the extremely intensive task of low flying itself.
The Cervelo DD-20X Active Scan changes electromagnetic frequencies at more than 1,000 times per second to greatly reduce the chance of being intercepted by an enemy aircraft. If the RM-30 is spotted, it can then focus its radar emissions on an enemy aircraft, to overload enemy sensors and thus jamming the enemy radar. If it is engaged, it can use a variety of counter measures including chaff, flares to defeat enemy missiles.
The radar's information is processed by four Indeon Common Integrated Processors (CIP), which is effectively double the system of the GM-24 fighter. Each CIP can process 12 billion instructions per second and has one gigabyte of memory, allowing it to store a wealth of information and making the system nearly impossible to overload. Information can be gathered from the radar and other onboard and offboard systems, where it is then filtered by the CIP which will effectively 'gist' the meanings of the signals onto several cockpit displays, enabling the crew to remain on top of complicated situations by having all the information simply presented. The more powerful radar has an estimated range of 500 miles, also giving the RM-30 an AWACS capability. The RM-30 is capable of communicating with GM-24 fighters, in which the RM-30 transmits its radar signals to the fighters, allowing them all to see off the RM-30's radar screen.
In addition to this powerful array, the RM-30 also has a limited Battlespace Command network capacity, in the sense that the radar system on board the RM-30 can transmit and receive data to and from other fighters. This allows targets which the RM-30 can detect to be seen among all fighters within communication with the bomber, and conversely and fighter running a forward screen for the bomber can relay any information of enemy fighters to the RM-30, which then can be shared amongst all fighters. The capacity of this is somewhat limited, the RM-30 can only communicate with 12 fighters at a time due to the complexity of the system. However, several RM-30's can keep contact with 12 fighters each while communicating data to other RM-30's as well, therefore, using the RM-30 as a data link device, a single fighter can project its radar information to any aircraft within contact of an RM-30, provided the RM-30's are in contact with one another.
The sheer power and capability of the DD-20X means that it can scan and track almost any aerial or ground target no matter the size of the enemy's radar cross section. From a distance of 500km, the DD-20X can successfully detect a target which has a radar cross section of roughly five square metres and can detect a target with a cross section of less than 10 square centimetres from fifty kilometres away.
In total, the RM-30 can simultaneously track and record movements for a total of 108 different aerial or ground targets and engage up to sixteen at once using active radar homing missiles. This gives the RM-30 the ability to address any numbers deficit it may go into battle facing by effectively fighting multiple targets at any one time.
CockpitThe cockpit was designed from the outset to be a fully glass cockpit wihtout any tradtional analouge instruments. This presents the challenge of the chance of engine failure in which all the cockpit instruments fail as well. Two small inlets in the fuselage are automatically opened during engine failure, which suck in air to spin two generators, which provide enough power to keep the cockpit operational.
The main features of the RM-30 cockpit include a simple and rapid start-up procedure, a highly developed Human-Machine Interface, a lightweight crew helmet designed from automotive racing helmets incorporating carbonfibre and kevlar, large anthropometric accommodation and highly integrated threat warning system and offensive weapons system as previously discussed. The cockpit of the RM-30 is large enough for a crew of four, with ample room provided for the two pilots, the defensive suite operator and the offensive systems operator. A small compartment directly behind the cockpit houses a lavatory and basin, which may become necessary on long flights.
The RM-30 also features a special night vision system not unlike the system on the GM-24 Fighter. A strip of Infra Red sensors are mounted directly below the windshield of the RM-30, and when these are engaged, they project the image directly on to the windshield itself, giving the pilots the impression the world has illuminated as such.
Offensive SystemsThe RM-30 was always designed to have a huge payload of conventional, guided and gliding bombs, the need for this has been proven time and time again through conflicts involving heavy bombers. However, the concept of a stand-off missile platform was also toyed around with and designers decided to change the way the RM-30 worked by turning this stable platform into an airborne arsenal, capable of carrying some of the worlds deadliest missiles at speeds of up to Mach 2.8.
The RM-30 has three internal bomb-bays mounted in the underside of the fuselage. Each of these bomb-bays can carry nine tonnes of ordnance in each of the two smaller bays mounted behind the large central bomb bay which can carry 18 tonnes of ordnance. Ordnance can be comprised of missiles, bombs and mines which can be carried in a variety of configurations. Launching ordnance requires opening the weapons bay doors for less than a second. The ordnance is pushed clear of the airframe by hydraulic arms where they then fire at the target. Carrying missiles and bombs internally enhances its stealth capability and returns lower drag due to the absense of underwing armament permitting higher speeds, both maximum and cruise, and a much longer range due to less fuel being required.
Also mounted before the bomb bays are two rotary rocket launchers capable of holding cruise missiles. The missiles are tasked to their target by the offensive systems operator and are then fired. Each launcher can carry 6 short to medium range cruise missiles or in a revolver style system.
Defensive SystemsMounted to the front and rear are 'missile chutes' which hold AIM-9 short range missile, but can be configured to fire any short range missile. Each chute holds four missiles which are used as self defence. The radar automatically locks on to a target, defensive suite operator fires a missile out of the front or rear chute, and the missile is guided towards the threat aircraft. This is used for last ditch purposes, the RM-30 should avoid air-to-air combat where possible.
The RM-30 also carries a chaff and flare system to defeat missiles once they are in the air.
The RM-30's greatest asset is its speed; the RM-30 can evade combat by simply running away. With it's cruise speed of Mach 2.6, the RM-30 can sustain high supersonic speeds for hours while many would be interceptors would only manage these speeds for short periods of time. This high speed also allows the RM-30 an element of suprise during attacks as the RM-30 can approach and attack targets much faster than many other bombing aircraft.
Should this speed be insufficient, the RM-30 can attain and hold Mach 2.8 for a time of 140 seconds in bursts. This should only be used in emergencies as attaining this speed does induce a serious stress on the airframe. At no stage should pilots exceed Mach 3.0.