F-26 Black Eagle Multirole Fighter Line [MT: ZDI Product]

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Z.D.I. F-26 Black Eagle Multirole Fighter
Unchallenged Versatility. Unchallenged War Capabilities. Unchallenged by the enemy.

The Federal Eastern Union Air Force's F-26A flying over Dotaria. The Red Circles are special designations.

Hi-Res Pic of the Above. | F-26B's firing AA-12 'Adders' during a live-fire exercise.

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UNIT COST: $110,000,000 (F-26A) - Prices May Vary
DPR (Combined Cost for All F-26 Variants): $360 Billion

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The ZDI F-26 Black Eagle is a line of fifth-generation, twin-engine, super-maneuverable, supersonic stealth multirole fighter jets built by Zeus Defense Industries. The F-26 Black Eagle has been designated for 'omnirole' missions - aerial warfare, ground and naval attack, reconnaissance, electronic warfare and even signal intelligence warfare. The F-26 line is estimated to replace the F-16A/B Fighting Falcons, MiG-29 Fulcrums, and, in the case of the F-26C, some Su-27/33 units in FEUAF/FEUN service.

The F-26 Black Eagle is a result of the Joint Tactical Fighter (JTF) project - a project to suit the needs of the Federal Eastern Union Air Force and Navy's multirole aircraft that would serve for the next thirty years since production. It bears a similarity to the Mitsubishi ATD-X program - that had resulted as the best designs to fit the required versatility for the Federal Eastern Union Air Force (FEUAF). Its first flight in 2001, the F-26 Black Eagle reached Initial Operation Capability (IOC) in June 2005, in the Federal Eastern Union Air Force. The subsequent massive order from the Federal Eastern Union Air Force led to significant cost reductions - from the original $241 Million price tag, the price dropped to $130,000,000 by the end of 2010. Although it may still be a high price for a multirole fighter, it proves to be cost-effective as a fifth-generation fighter and its price is relatively low against other existing fighters, such as the F-35 or the F-22.

One of the objectives in the Joint Tactical Fighter program was to develop a fifth-generation fighter with advanced avionics and electronic systems that can evade potential threats using stealth capabilities and defensive electronic systems, while destroying the designated threats without being detected. For long-range missions and deep strike missions (like those of the F-15E Strike Eagle), the F-26 Black Eagle with its stealth capabilities, while electronic sensors and advanced avionics assure early detection and survivability.

Design

Configurations

Three-Point Thrust Vectoring Nozzles of the F-26
Black Eagle. They keep high maneuverability, while still
considering stealth in its design.

The F-26 Black Eagle incorporates stealth into high-maneuverability. Its dual afterburning ZDI F121-100 Turbofan engines incorporate stealth with thrust-vectoring. Thrust vectoring was known to risk either stealth or maneuverability - the F-22 Raptor kept the two-dimensional stealth TVC's (thrust-vectoring controls), they had to risk maneuverability for stealth. However, the F-26 Black Eagle caught the two birds simultaneously - while maintaining three-dimensional TVC's for high maneuverability, the three-point thrust-vectoring nozzles enabled the F-26 to reinforce stealth within its design. The ZDI F121-100's high propulsion power enables the F-26 to supercruise in speeds up to Mach 1.4, while keeping maximum efficiency in fuel and surpassing its predecessors. With advanced propulsion and three-dimensional thrust vectoring, the F-26 Black Eagle starts war with greater dimension and superiority.

However, the engine isn't everything to the F-26's high agility - various control surfaces, multi-axis thrust vectoring, advanced air brakes, and Fly-by-Light control systems. The F-26 has dozens of control surfaces, ranging from wing decelerons, canted vertical stabilizers with elevator-system rudders as well, horizontal stabilizers, separate air brakes, intake blocks, wing adjustment controls and even nozzle controls. Large air brakes have proved the aircraft capable in two major ways - one for landing on shorter airfields (<500 m), while air brakes are also used in high-maneuver dogfights. However, the most unexpected part is the 'Fly-by-Light control system' - the next level from Fly-By-Wire. Also called 'Fly-by-Optics', 'Fly-by-Light' incorporates optical fiber cables instead of electrical cables. This makes the data transferred at much higher speeds, while it is immune to electromagnetic interference, resulting in significant improvements on the durability of the F-26.

The F-26 Black Eagle is built with advanced composites and integrated heat distribution systems that result in efficient flight and supercruise. Several stealth materials have been included on the configurations - radar-absorbent materials and radar-absorbent structures, reduction in infrared signature, and so on. This results the F-26 being less detectable from electromagnetic and infrared systems. Fibers are also integrated into the configuration - not just contributing to lower radar cross-section, but also distributing the thermal energy from supercruise and high-speed maneuvers. The airframe is constructed from a basis of advanced metal matrix composites, formed from high carbon nano tube fibers and a titanium/aluminum matrix. This eventually results in a durable, light, yet still highly capable fighter.

The F-26 Black Eagle has two Internal Weapon Bays - both of them at the bottom of the aircraft. The internal weapon bays allow several munitions to be stored inside the aircraft, thereby contributing to greater stealth and less drag. Using turning doors instead of sliding doors, the internal bays have contributed to the aircraft's design maintaining a curved shape, giving it an advantage in aerodynamics. Another notable feature about the internal bay is in its eject launchers - a feature that greatly distinguishes itself from the F-35 Lightning. Although dropping-type launchers are simpler to build, they had a disadvantage: they cannot be fired that well if the aircraft is on high-level maneuvers. However, the F-26's eject launchers enable the missiles to be fired at almost any maneuver (even a reverse turn), which can mean a lot in air-to-air warfare.

The Cockpit

The F-26 Black Eagle has a full-glass, touchscreen cockpit that utilizes a 'panoramic cockpit display (PCD)', with dimensions of 20 by 8 inches (50 by 20 centimeters). The PCD displays vital flight information, while its display works together with the pilot's helmet-mounted display (HMD). Its display configuration can be altered through simple ways, allowing the pilot to set the display to his or her preferences. The cockpit layout is built around the display and key systems - simple, yet easy to operate. However, a critical key lies on the fighter's cockpit is the existence of the Head-Up Display (HUD): something that recent fighters like the F-35 had neglected. The HUD enables continued operations even after the technical failure of the sensitive Head-Mounted Display (HMD).

The cockpit is also equipped with an onboard voice recognition system (VOIRS). The VOIRS enables F-26 pilots to send commands throughout the aircraft much faster: without pressing buttons or even minding the touch screen, the pilot, using the VOIRS, can speak the command. Working with quick response from the fighter, the VOIRS contributes to simpler, faster controls of the aircraft.

The F-26 is equipped with a right-hand side stick controller, similar to that of the F-35. The indigenous ZDI34 ejection seat is employed on the F-26 Black Eagle. The ZDI34 seat design balances prime performance requirements, including safe-terrain-clearance limits, pilot-load limits, and pilot size; to propel itself and the pilot, it uses a twin-catapult system housed in side rails.

The canopy is made of bullet-resistant polycarbonate with glass coating and a stealthy tint, protecting the occupant from sunlight, lasers, electronic waves and even limited protection against enemy gunfire. The canopy consists of a frameless single-piece bubble canopy, frameless to increase pilot visibility. The frontal portion has been upgraded to be resistant to bird strikes and even gunfire (to a limited extent). The canopy shatters upon ejection with integrated explosive systems, allowing the pilot to eject at all speeds (even low speed), including while the aircraft is parked on the ground; this is commonly known as "zero-zero" capability.

Armament

Primarily, the F-26 Black Eagle is armed with a GAU-12 25mm Rotary Cannon - the same gun on the F-35 Lightning II. However, unlike the F-35, all variants of the F-26 Black Eagle carry the GAU-12 permanently: the gun is within the fighter itself. This gun can be switched with comparable guns of different calibers - ranging from 20 mm to 30 mm, all NATO guns and most Russian guns are available for interchanging.

In the case of the F-26A and F-26B, the F-26 line has two internal weapons bays - both on the bottom of the aircraft. The internal bays hold three hardpoints each. Each hardpoint is capable of holding approximately 1200 kg, meaning that it could store an impressive 7,200 kg of weapons within the internal bays alone. There are also a total of six underwing external hardpoints and one on each wingtip (only for air-to-air weapons). However, the F-26C Advanced Black Eagle, an enlarged variant meant for better air superiority, has a lengthened internal weapons bay, allowing it to carry the longer air-to-surface missiles.

All NATO weapons, including all European weapons (MBDA Meteor, IRIS-T, KEPD Taurus, etc.), Russian munitions and air-launched weapons built by ZDI is able to be carried by the F-26, as long as the weight allows it. Furthermore, with negotiations, indigenous weapons can also be integrated into the aircraft - this depends on the customer to use as an option.

Avionics and Electronics

The black Eagle's sensors, avionics and electronics are designated to bring the maximum situational awareness to the pilot, while ensuring the survivability of the fighter and the pilot. The main sensor aboard is the Rayman AN/APG-97 AESA radar - the result of over ten years of deep research, experiments and prototypes. Through quality, the AN/APG-97 proves its worth: with a detection range of 220 kilometers against a 1m² target, it overpowers other radars of its class, and proves that it is worthy of being in the realms of the F-22.

The AN/APG-97 is augmented by the Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), similar to that on the F-35 Lightning II. The Electro-Optical Targeting System is designated to replace all external targeting pods, ensuring greater stealth while keeping the targeting capabilities. It is primarily used for air-to-ground missions instead of conventional targeting pods (like the Sniper XR pod) - being used to guide laser-guided munitions and other weapons, while it also features a Low-altitude Navigation and Targeting Internal Network (LANTIRN) autopilot system, providing the pilot with "hands-off" terrain-following low-altitude capability - suitable for deep, low-altitude strikes into enemy territories. This capability is upgraded in the F-26E 'Strike Blackbird'.

However, the avionics of the F-26 is not complete with the two powerful sensors - the AN/AAQ-43 Distributed Watcher System (DWS) and the AN/ASQ-332 Aegis EW Suite. The AN/AAQ-43 Distributed Watcher System is a revolutionary sensor: bringing the roles of the IRST, the RWR and other sensors into one, it is capable of providing 360-degree watch around the aircraft in all directions. It brings sensor fusion - the key of defeating stealth fighters in war - into reality: in collaboration with the AN/ASQ-332 Aegis EW Suite, it can disable the enemy stealth fighter's radars and bring data from all sensors into one, detecting the fighter.

Variants

• F-26A CTOL: Standard Conventional Take-Off and Landing (CTOL) variant, primarily designated for the Federal Eastern Union Air Force. Drag chutes are optional, depending on the customer. The Block 20 variant features improvements in software.
• F-26B CV: Naval variant, primarily designated for the Federal Eastern Union Navy. It shares the same structure and avionics with the F-26A CTOL variant - however, it has adopted foldable wings, arresting gear and such for carrier service. The Block 20 variant features improvements in software, like the F-26A's.
• F-26C Advanced Black Eagle: Significantly upgraded, expanded variant of the F-26A. Features improved software and avionics, simplified fly-by-light control systems and better datalink.
• EF-26D Thunderbolt: Electronic Warfare Variant of the F-26. Based on the F-26C.

Specifications (F-26C Advanced Black Eagle)

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 17.2 m
• Wingspan: 11.5 m
• Height: 4.58 m
• Empty weight: 13,200 kg
• Max. takeoff weight: 29,000 kg
• Powerplant: 2 x ZDI F121-200
  
  • Dry thrust: 23,000 lbf
  • Thrust with afterburner: 31,000 lbf each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.0 (estimated)
• Supercruise speed: Mach 1.4
• Range: 2,800 km on internal fuel
• Combat radius: 1,200 km on internal fuel
• Maximum G-load: 9.0 g

Armament

• Gun: 1 x GAU-22/A 25 mm 4-barrel Gatling Gun, with 360 rounds
• Internal Bay:
  
  • F-26A/B: 6 x Hardpoints, each holding up to 1,200 kg.
  • F-26C: 6 x Hardpoints, each holding up to 1,200 kg and 2 x hardpoints near fuselage, containing two air-to-air missiles.
• External Hardpoints: 6 x Hardpoints, the four inner ones holding up to 2,800 lb. Two near-wingtip ones are suited for carrying air-to-air weapons due to estimated stress in the airframe.

Avionics

• Rayman AN/APG-97 AESA radar: 220 km against a 1m² target (estimated range)
• SDD-100 flares to counter IR missiles
• AN/AAQ-43 Distributed Watcher System (DWS) - takes roles of MLD and RWR
• AN/ASQ-332 Aegis Electronic Warfare Suite

[Atlantica]

Z.D.I. EF-26D Thunderbolt Multirole Fighter
Electronic Warfare towards War. Electronic Warfare towards Victory. Electronic Warfare to the Future.

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The Greater Eastern Imperium Air Force's EF-26D Thunderbolts just north of the Battle of El Crimio. Much of the jammers have been internalized.

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The ZDI EF-26D Thunderbolt is a continued line from the ZDI F-26 Black Eagles - it is a dedicated electronic warfare variant from the lines of the F-26 Black Eagle. Built to conduct electronic warfare but still remaining capable of air-to-air warfare, the EF-26D Thunderbolt brings the art of electronic warfare into the battlefield.

Though the F-26 Black Eagle remained capable of electronic warfare, the Greater Eastern Imperium Navy saw a greater need for a dedicated electronic warfare fighter, as the F-26B CV was not enough to suit the EIN's requirements for electronic warfare. And so began the development of the EF-26D: integrating jammers, electronic warfare sensors and more capabilities for SEAD/DEAD missions, the EF-26D was estimated to be a rather different picture than the original F-26A Black Eagle it was based upon. However, the project seemed to stall for a while, when the EIN temporarily considered more affordable, though less capable options, such as the E/A-18G Growler. However, the EF-26D was resurrected by the Greater Eastern Imperium Air Force's new demand for an electronic warfare fighter, and the EIN's eventual decision to return to the EF-26D. Since then, over 300 EF-26D units had been manufactured.

The EF-26D Thunderbolt features the same super-maneuverability of the original F-26A, as it features the same engines and thrust-vectoring controls - retaining the powerful air-to-air capability originally built into the F-26 platform. However, it stands different from the original F-26A, for that it is configured closer to electronic warfare and carrying out SEAD/DEAD missions. Capable of coupling an air superiority platform with electronic warfare and SEAD/DEAD-optimized configurations, the EF-26D Thunderbolt stands as a highly capable EW fighter.

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[Reserved for Future Expansions]