NA107 Chainbreaker: Difference between revisions

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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
  |name= NA48 Chainbreaker
  |name= NA107 Chainbreaker
  |image= File:MU Roundel Mirage 4000.png
  |image= File:MU Roundel Mirage 4000.png
  |caption=
  |caption=
Line 14: Line 14:
  |status= In service
  |status= In service
  |primary user= [[Talaharan Air Corps]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on total number in service with their fleets. -->
  |primary user= [[Talaharan Air Corps]]<!--Limit one (1) primary user. Top 4 users listed in 'primary user' and 'more users' fields based on total number in service with their fleets. -->
  |more users= [[Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service]]</br>[[Pulaui Air Force]]<!-- Limit is three (3) in 'more users' field, three (3) total users with primary user. Please separate with <br />. -->
  |more users= [[Ankat People's Air Force]]</br>[[Pulaui Air Force]]</br>[[Tyreseian Workers' Navy|Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service]]
  |produced= 1998–present
  |produced= 1998–present
  |program cost= Ⲇ17 billion ($22 billion FY2018)
  |program cost= Ⲇ33 billion ($43 billion FY2018)
  |unit cost= Ⲇ54 million ($70 million FY2022)
  |unit cost= Ⲇ54 million ($70 million FY2022)
  |number built= 254
  |number built= 460
  |developed from= {{wp|Mirage 2000|NA28 Spirit Wind}}
  |developed from= {{wp|Mirage 2000|NA87 Spirit}}
}}
}}
|}
|}


The '''NA48 Chainbreaker''' ({{wp|Central Atlas Tamazight|Takelat}}: ⵏⴰ48 ⵔⴰⵣⴰⵜⵉⵙⵦⵏⵙⴰⵍⴰⵏ; ''NA48 Razatisensalan'') is a {{wp|twinjet}}, {{wp|canard (aeronautics)|canard}}, {{wp|delta-wing}}, {{wp|multirole combat aircraft|multirole combat fighter}} manufactured by the United Aeronautics Syndicate. The Chainbreaker is generally classified as a [[Jet fighter generations (Ajax)|4.5++ generation aircraft]], and occasionally as a heavy multirole fighter. It is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics with limited stealth design and is capable of engaging in {{wp|air superiority|supremacy}}, {{wp|air interdiction|interdiction}}, {{wp|aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance}}, {{wp|close air support}}, and {{wp|anti-ship warfare}} missions.
The '''NA107 Chainbreaker''' ({{wp|Central Atlas Tamazight|Takelat}}: ⵏⴰ107 ⵔⴰⵣ ⵙⵦⵏⵙⴰⵍⴰⵜ; ''NA107 Raz Sensalat'') is a {{wp|twinjet}}, {{wp|canard (aeronautics)|canard}}, {{wp|delta-wing}}, {{wp|multirole combat aircraft|multirole combat fighter}} manufactured by the United Aeronautics Syndicate. The Chainbreaker is generally classified as a [[Jet fighter generations (Ajax)|4.5++ generation aircraft]], and occasionally as a heavy multirole fighter. It is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics with limited stealth design and is capable of engaging in {{wp|air superiority|supremacy}}, {{wp|air interdiction|interdiction}}, {{wp|aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance}}, {{wp|close air support}}, and {{wp|anti-ship warfare}} missions.


Developed from the NA28 Spirit Wind, the Chainbreaker was intended to consolidate the roles of the NA28 Spirit Wind and the NA28/36 Sunray in a modern platform. The airframe first flew in 1998, but the development of the aircraft's systems delayed its official introduction to 2004. While primarily a domestic project, the full avionics and sensor suite was developed with a number of foreign resources and technologies.
Developed from the NA87 Spirit, the Chainbreaker was intended to consolidate the roles of the NA87 Spirit and the NA87/95 Sunray in a modern platform. The airframe first flew in 1998, but the development of the aircraft's systems delayed its official introduction to 2004. While primarily a domestic project, the full avionics and sensor suite was developed with a number of foreign resources and technologies.


Following its introduction, the Chainbreaker was marketed for export to a limited number of socialist republics worldwide. The [[Talaharan Air Corps]] remains the primary user of the aircraft, in addition to the [[Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service]].
Following its introduction, the Chainbreaker was marketed for export to a limited number of socialist republics worldwide. The aircraft is the primary fighter of the [[Ankat People's Air Force]], the [[Pulaui Air Force]], the [[Talaharan Air Corps]], and the [[Tyreseian Workers' Navy|Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service]].


==Development==
==Development==
The NA48 Chainbreaker was developed from the single-engine {{wp|Mirage 2000|NA28 Spirit Wind}} and shares a considerable number of commonalities with the older aircraft. Despite this, the Chainbreaker is considerably larger and heavier than its predecessors. The design of the airframe was completed in the mid-1990s and production began in 1997. The first test flight took place in May of 1998. After its success, full production of the airframes was commenced that year, though the aircraft was only officially brought into service after the sensors and avionics were successfully selected and installed in 2004.
The NA107 Chainbreaker was developed from the single-engine {{wp|Mirage 2000|NA87 Spirit}} and shares a considerable number of commonalities with the older aircraft. Despite this, the Chainbreaker is considerably larger and heavier than its predecessors. The design of the airframe was completed in the mid-1990s and production began in 1997. The first test flight took place in May of 1998. After its success, full production of the airframes was commenced that year, though the aircraft was only officially brought into service after the sensors and avionics were successfully selected and installed in 2004.


===Origin===
===Origin===
After the introduction of the NA28/36 Sunray in 1986, the Talaharan Air Corps relied on three different mainline fighter aircraft, including both variants of the NA28 and the aged {{wp|Dassault Mirage III|NA6 Tiara}} which had originally entered into service in 1961. By 1990, the Talaharan Air Corps was preparing for the retirement of the Tiara and were seeking to adopt a new modern fighter aircraft with superior multi-mission capabilities and at least some limited stealth design elements for the new millennium.  
After the introduction of the NA87/95 Sunray in 1986, the Talaharan Air Corps relied on three different mainline fighter aircraft, including both variants of the NA87 and the aged {{wp|Dassault Mirage III|N65 Vindicator}} which had originally entered into service in 1961. By 1990, the Talaharan Air Corps was preparing for the retirement of the Vindicator and were seeking to adopt a new modern fighter aircraft with superior multi-mission capabilities and at least some limited stealth design elements for the new millennium.  
[[File:Chainbreaker 3.png|300px|thumb|right|The X48BW prototype at the UAS testing field in Wasif, c. 1999]]
[[File:Chainbreaker 3.png|300px|thumb|right|The X107BW prototype at the UAS testing field in Wasif, c. 1999]]
The United Aeronautics Syndicate received its commission for the project, dubbed the "X50 Fighter Program", later that year from the TCDF Air Corps Logistics and Design Commissariat and an internal tendering process within the Syndicates design bureau was commenced following Tyreseian endorsement under the Rubric Coast Joint Development Agreement. Reportedly, four designs were evaluated, including wind tunnel testing, at a scale model phase. However, only one design made it to the full prototyping stage to be presented to the Logistics and Design Commissariat in 1997. This prototype from Design Bureau B - Weskera ultimately underwent multiple revisions before first taking flight a year later. The X50 would subsequently be renamed the X48BW after the year of its first flight and entered into full production as the NA48 Chainbreaker.
The United Aeronautics Syndicate received its commission for the project, dubbed the "X100 Fighter Program", later that year from the TCDF Air Corps Logistics and Design Commissariat and an internal tendering process within the Syndicate's design bureau was commenced following Tyreseian endorsement under the Rubric Coast Joint Development Agreement. Reportedly, four designs were evaluated, including wind tunnel testing, at a scale model phase. However, only one design made it to the full prototyping stage to be presented to the Logistics and Design Commissariat in 1997. This prototype from Design Bureau B - Weskera ultimately underwent multiple revisions before first taking flight a year later. The X100 would subsequently be renamed the X107BW after the year of its first flight and entered into full production as the NA107 Chainbreaker.


===Production===
===Production===
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==Design==
==Design==
[[File:Chainbreaker 2.png|300px|thumb|right|An NA48 Chainbreaker taking off, c. 2006]]
[[File:Chainbreaker 2.png|300px|thumb|right|An NA107 Chainbreaker taking off, c. 2006]]
The NA48 Chainbreaker is a is a {{wp|twinjet}}, {{wp|delta-wing}} aircraft with {{wp|Canard (aeronautics)|canards}} to reduce the load on the main wings and to increase the aircraft's maneuverability. The aircraft is ostensibly an upscaled version of the older NA28 Spirit Wind multirole fighter. While the Spirit Wind was powered by a single {{wp|Snecma M53|ZH'N N23Ch11 GAN engine}}, the Chainbreaker features two of the same engine. The Chainbreaker's wing surface area is approximately 80% greater than the Spirit Wind and the mass of the airframe is approximately 40% greater as well. The ordnance capacity of the newer aircraft is also approximately 50% greater than its elder.  
The NA107 Chainbreaker is a is a {{wp|twinjet}}, {{wp|delta-wing}} aircraft with {{wp|Canard (aeronautics)|canards}} to reduce the load on the main wings and to increase the aircraft's maneuverability. The aircraft is ostensibly an upscaled version of the older NA87 Spirit multirole fighter. While the Spirit was powered by a single {{wp|Snecma M53|ZH'N N82Ch11 GAN engine}}, the Chainbreaker features two of the same engine. The Chainbreaker's wing surface area is approximately 80% greater than the Spirit and the mass of the airframe is approximately 40% greater as well. The ordnance capacity of the newer aircraft is also approximately 50% greater than its elder.  


While its general appearance, profile, and ergonomics resemble the Spirit Wind, it has a number of major distinctions. The two most evident differences are the twin-engine configuration and the canards at the fore of the aircraft. These upgrades afford the Chainbreaker significant improvements to speed and manoeuverability despite the increased weight and size of the aircraft. At its inception, the Chainbreaker also had significantly more advanced avionics, though the NA28 fighters have both since been upgraded to a modern standard. Another upgrade over the previous aircraft is the bubble canopy which affords the pilot a greater field of view. Overall, improvements to the airframe allow it to operate consistent at Mach 2.2 and at an altitude of 20 km.  
While its general appearance, profile, and ergonomics resemble the Spirit, it has a number of major distinctions. The two most evident differences are the twin-engine configuration and the canards at the fore of the aircraft. These upgrades afford the Chainbreaker significant improvements to speed and manoeuverability despite the increased weight and size of the aircraft. At its inception, the Chainbreaker also had significantly more advanced avionics, though the NA87 fighters have both since been upgraded to a modern standard. Another upgrade over the previous aircraft is the bubble canopy which affords the pilot a greater field of view. Overall, improvements to the airframe allow it to operate consistent at Mach 2.2 and at an altitude of 20 km.  


===Engines===
===Engines===
[[File:Moteur M53-P2 (cropped).JPG|300px|thumb|right|One of two ZH'N N23Ch11 GAN afterburning turbofan engines that power the NA48 Chainbreaker]]
[[File:Moteur M53-P2 (cropped).JPG|300px|thumb|right|One of two N82Ch11 engines that power the NA107 Chainbreaker]]
The ZH'N N23Ch11 GAN is a single shaft turbofan turbojet engine. The engine was originally developed for the NA28 Spirit Wind fighter which equipped a single powerplant. The NA48 Chainbreaker mounts two of the engines in a twin configuration, offering it a significant power improvement. The engine was designed to be capable of reaching Mach 2.5 in a test aircraft. The engine first took flight in 1973 and first went supersonic the next year.
The N82Ch11 is a single shaft turbofan turbojet engine. The engine was originally developed for the NA87 Spirit fighter which equipped a single powerplant. The NA107 Chainbreaker mounts two of the engines in a twin configuration, offering it a significant power improvement. The engine was designed to be capable of reaching Mach 2.5 in a test aircraft. The engine first took flight in 1973 and first went supersonic the next year.


The engine is a single-shaft design, with eight compressor stages. The first three compressor stages were enlargened to permit both high-pressure and low-pressure airflow through the same shaft. The turbine is a two-stage axial design with a low-pressure annular combustor. The principles that guided the design and production of the engine were simplicity and cost-efficiency along with a major performance increase over existing Talaharan engines.
The engine is a single-shaft design, with eight compressor stages. The first three compressor stages were enlargened to permit both high-pressure and low-pressure airflow through the same shaft. The turbine is a two-stage axial design with a low-pressure annular combustor. The principles that guided the design and production of the engine were simplicity and cost-efficiency along with a major performance increase over existing Talaharan engines.
   
   
===Equipment and sensors===
===Equipment and sensors===
The avionics suite of the NA48 Chainbreaker has three major components. The first is the {{wp|RBE2|XW97T2 Sentinel}} active radar system; the second is the {{wp|Thales Spectra|XT10 Guardian}} electronic warfare suite; and the third is the {{wp|Optronique secteur frontal|XT99 Shibainu}} target tracking system. These components rely largely upon foreign technologies and systems which were imported and integrated into the Chainbreaker's avionics.
The avionics suite of the NA107 Chainbreaker has three major components. The first is the {{wp|RBE2|WX97T2 Sentinel}} active radar system; the second is the {{wp|Thales Spectra|TX10 Guardian}} electronic warfare suite; and the third is the {{wp|Optronique secteur frontal|TX99 Inu}} target tracking system. These components rely largely upon foreign technologies and systems which were imported and integrated into the Chainbreaker's avionics.


The XW97T2 Sentinel is an {{wp|active electronically scanned array}} (AESA) multirole radar system. For the first six years of production, the Chainbreaker was equipped with the XW97T0, a {{wp|Passive electronically scanned array|passive electronically scanned radar array}} (PESA). After the introduction of the AESA variant, the entire fleet of Chainbreakers was upgraded.
The WX97T2 Sentinel is an {{wp|active electronically scanned array}} (AESA) multirole radar system. For the first six years of production, the Chainbreaker was equipped with the WX97T0, a {{wp|Passive electronically scanned array|passive electronically scanned radar array}} (PESA). After the introduction of the AESA variant, the entire fleet of Chainbreakers was upgraded.


The XT10 Guardian electronic warfare suite is an onboard internal network that provides vital information to the pilot and defense for the aircraft. The network includes a variety of sensors and computers laid out across the airframe. They include two infrared missile warning sensors; a general missile warning system; a {{wp|thermographic camera}} array that provides defensive stealth support for firing missiles undetected; firewalls against external electronic attacks; tracking and localization for infrared homing, radio transmission, and laser-guided threats; radar detection warning, a {{wp|phased array}} {{wp|radar jammer}}; decoy and chaff dispensers; and a data management and threat assessment computer.  
The TX10 Guardian electronic warfare suite is an onboard internal network that provides vital information to the pilot and defense for the aircraft. The network includes a variety of sensors and computers laid out across the airframe. They include two infrared missile warning sensors; a general missile warning system; a {{wp|thermographic camera}} array that provides defensive stealth support for firing missiles undetected; firewalls against external electronic attacks; tracking and localization for infrared homing, radio transmission, and laser-guided threats; radar detection warning, a {{wp|phased array}} {{wp|radar jammer}}; decoy and chaff dispensers; and a data management and threat assessment computer.  


The third major system of the Chainbreaker's avionics is the XT99 Shibainu. The Shibainu system is a target identification and tracker system. This system relies on infrared sensors and a computational tracker to precisely identify and track the movement of targets and friends in the air in a radius of up to 100 km or on the ground in a radius of up to 6 km. The system also uses a laser rangefinder to track distances between a selected target and the host aircraft. This system is used for managing friend/foe identification, for accurately identifying targets prior to engagement, and for passive reconnaissance and incoming threat detection.
The third major system of the Chainbreaker's avionics is the TX99 Inu. The Inu system is a target identification and tracker system. This system relies on infrared sensors and a computational tracker to precisely identify and track the movement of targets and friends in the air in a radius of up to 100 km or on the ground in a radius of up to 6 km. The system also uses a laser rangefinder to track distances between a selected target and the host aircraft. This system is used for managing friend/foe identification, for accurately identifying targets prior to engagement, and for passive reconnaissance and incoming threat detection.


===Armament===
===Armament===
[[File:Nexter 30mm rounds p1220835.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A belt of 30×150mm autocannon rounds]]
[[File:Nexter 30mm rounds p1220835.jpg|250px|thumb|right|A belt of 30×150mm autocannon rounds]]
The NA48 Chainbreaker has the same gun configuration as the NA28 Spirit Wind, with dual electrically-operated 30×150mm seven-chamber {{wp|GIAT 30|SK30T1}} revolver autocannons, each loaded with 125 rounds. The autocannons have three firing modes: continuous fire, 0.5-second burst fire, or 1-second burst fire. The rate of fire can also be changed between air-to-ground modes (300 or 600 rounds per minute) and air-to-air modes (1,500 or 2,500 rounds per minute). In continuous mode at the maximum rate of fire, the aircraft's ammunition reserves can be depleted in 6 seconds.
The NA107 Chainbreaker has the same gun configuration as the NA87 Spirit, with dual electrically-operated 30×150mm seven-chamber {{wp|GIAT 30|SK89T1}} revolver autocannons, each loaded with 125 rounds. The autocannons have three firing modes: continuous fire, 0.5-second burst fire, or 1-second burst fire. The rate of fire can also be changed between air-to-ground modes (300 or 600 rounds per minute) and air-to-air modes (1,500 or 2,500 rounds per minute). In continuous mode at the maximum rate of fire, the aircraft's ammunition reserves can be depleted in 6 seconds.


In terms of {{wp|unguided bomb|unguided munitions}}, the NA48 Chainbreaker can be armed with both rocket pods and {{wp|General-purpose bomb|general-purpose bombs}}. The rockets are typically {{wp|SNEB|68 mm ZA6T1}} unguided rockets which are mounted in pods of 18. These rockets were originally designed as an intermediary between lighter air-to-air rockets and heavier air-to-ground rockets, but in modern service they are only considered suitable for the latter role. The general-purpose bombs which the Chainbreaker is equipped with are typically {{wp|Mark 82 bomb|XGA32T0}} low-drag bombs. These bombs are unlicensed copies of a Latin-Belfrasian design and each bomb contains approximately 87 kg of explosives. The maximum quantity of bombs that the Chainbreaker can carry is 27.
In terms of {{wp|unguided bomb|unguided munitions}}, the NA87 Chainbreaker can be armed with both rocket pods and {{wp|General-purpose bomb|general-purpose bombs}}. The rockets are typically {{wp|SNEB|68 mm ZA6T1}} unguided rockets which are mounted in pods of 18. These rockets were originally designed as an intermediary between lighter air-to-air rockets and heavier air-to-ground rockets, but in modern service they are only considered suitable for the latter role. The general-purpose bombs which the Chainbreaker is equipped with are typically {{wp|Mark 82 bomb|XGA60T0}} low-drag bombs. These bombs are unlicensed copies of a Latin-Belfrasian design and each bomb contains approximately 87 kg of explosives. The maximum quantity of bombs that the Chainbreaker can carry is 24.


The guided-missile loadout of the Chainbreaker can vary substantially according to its mission. For air superiority, the aircraft is typically outfitted with a large number of {{wp|MICA (missile)|0T1 Wasp}} air-to-air missiles and drop tanks to ensure combat stamina. For anti-ship missions, the {{wp|Exocet|AM39T2 Shipbreaker}} air-to-surface missile and precision-guided missiles are common. For close air support missions, the Chainbreaker can be equipped with any number of precision-guided munitions, cruise missiles, anti-armour missiles, unguided munitions, and ground coordination systems. For reconnaissance missions, the Chainbreaker's armaments are generally minimized in favour of a recce pod that mounts cameras and sensors to map terrain and assess targets, in addition to drop tanks for endurance and range.
The guided-missile loadout of the Chainbreaker can vary substantially according to its mission. For air superiority, the aircraft is typically outfitted with a large number of {{wp|MICA (missile)|0T1 White Night}} air-to-air missiles and drop tanks to ensure combat stamina. For anti-ship missions, the {{wp|Exocet|AM39T2 Shipbreaker}} air-to-surface missile and precision-guided missiles are common. For close air support missions, the Chainbreaker can be equipped with any number of precision-guided munitions, cruise missiles, anti-armour missiles, unguided munitions, and ground coordination systems. For reconnaissance missions, the Chainbreaker's armaments are generally minimized in favour of a recce pod that mounts cameras and sensors to map terrain and assess targets, in addition to drop tanks for endurance and range.
 
==Variants==
[[File:Chainbreaker 5.png|300px|thumb|right|A Tyreseian NA107 Chainbreaker flying along the Rubric Coast, c. 2007]]
;X107BW: 1998: Prototype airframe
 
;NA107: 2003: First production model with complete avionics suite
 
;NA107/C17: 2008: Two-seat trainer and reconnaissance variant
 
;NA107T1: 2010: PESA radar system replaced with AESA radar
 
;NA107T2: 2015: Multi-function display and cockpit ergonomics upgrade
 
;MP98PK: 2016: Pulaui manufacture designation, constructed to the same standard and classified in service identically to the NA48T2
 
;X107/C30: 2020: Next generation development testbed


==Operators==
==Operators==
[[File:Chainbreaker 4.png|333px|thumb|right|An NA48 Chainbreaker of the Pulaui Air Force in flight, c. 2010]]
[[File:Chainbreaker 4.png|333px|thumb|right|An NA107 Chainbreaker of the Pulaui Air Force in flight over Birhanu, c. 2010]]
{{flag|Pulau Keramat}}
;{{flag|Ankat}}: [[Ankat People's Air Force]] - 38 aircraft in service with another 5 to be delivered. The first 30 aircraft were manufactured in Talahara and delivered beginning in 2016. Subsequent deliveries have been fulfilled both by Talahara and Pulau Keramat.
* [[Pulaui Air Force]] - 24 in service across two squadrons. The NA48 Chainbreaker has officially been in competition with the [[Tlo-45|Tlo-45 Condor]] to equip the Pulaui Air Force since 2006.
 
 
;{{flag|Pulau Keramat}}: [[Pulaui Air Force]] - 185 aircraft in service. An additional 25 aircraft are to be delivered. The Chainbreaker was adopted as Pulau Keramat's primary fighter aircraft in 2008. The first 112 aircraft were manufactured wholly in Talahara. In 2016, licensed production facilities in Pulau Keramat were opened to increase the rate of production.




{{flag|Talahara}}
;{{flag|Talahara}}: [[Talaharan Air Corps]] - 165 in service with another 45 planned to replace existing NA87 Spirit aircraft in service before 2030. The replacement program is anticipated to be completed ahead of schedule.
* [[Talaharan Air Corps]] - 182 in service with another 90 planned to replace existing NA28 Spirit Wind aircraft in service before 2030. Delays in the replacement program are anticipated with a current average production rate of only 10 new aircraft per year.




{{flag|Tyreseia}}
;{{flag|Tyreseia}}: [[Tyreseian Workers' Navy|Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service]] - 72 in service across six squadrons.
* [[Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service]] - 48 in service across four squadrons.


==Specifications==
==Specifications==
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|genhide=
|genhide=


|crew= One
|crew= 1-2
|capacity=
|capacity=
|length m= 18.7
|length m= 18.7
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-->
-->
|eng1 number= 2
|eng1 number= 2
|eng1 name= {{wp|Snecma M53|ZH'N N23Ch11 GAN}}  
|eng1 name= {{wp|Snecma M53|ZH'N N82Ch11 GAN}}  
|eng1 type = afterburning turbofan engines
|eng1 type = afterburning turbofan engines
|eng1 kn= 64.3
|eng1 kn= 64.3
Line 181: Line 197:
-->
-->
|guns= 2 × 30 mm autocannons with 250 rounds of ammunition
|guns= 2 × 30 mm autocannons with 250 rounds of ammunition
|bombs= up to 27 x 227 kg (500 lb) bombs
|bombs= up to 24 x 250 kg (551 lb) bombs
|rockets=  
|rockets=  
|missiles=  
|missiles=  
Line 189: Line 205:
|hardpoint missiles=</br>
|hardpoint missiles=</br>
***Air-to-air
***Air-to-air
****{{wp|MICA (missile)|0T1 Wasp}} air-to-air missile
****{{wp|MICA (missile)|0T1 White Night}} air-to-air missile
****{{wp|Meteor (missile)|66T1 Black Night}} air-to-air missile
****{{wp|AAM-5 (Japanese missile)|TXT98 Shortbow}} air-to-air missile
****{{wp|AAM-4|TXT99 Longbow}} beyond-visual-range missile
***Air-to-surface
***Air-to-surface
****{{wp|AGM-114 Hellfire|24T1 Sunburst}} air-to-ground missile
****{{wp|AGM-114 Hellfire|24T1 Sunburst}} air-to-ground missile
****{{wp|Exocet|AM39T2 Shipbreaker}} anti-ship missile
****{{wp|Exocet|AM39T2 Shipbreaker}} anti-ship missile
****{{wp|Storm Shadow|ET0 Black Sky}} cruise missile
****{{wp|Storm Shadow|ET0 Dark Sky}} cruise missile
****{{wp|Apache (missile)|ET1 Black Earth}} interdiction missile
****{{wp|ARMIGER|WXT3 Armiger}} anti-radiation missile
****{{wp|AS-30|30T0 Falcon}} MCLOS missile
****{{wp|AS-30|30T0 Falcon}} MCLOS missile
****{{wp|Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|50T0 Sabre}} precision-guided munition
****{{wp|Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|50T0 Sabre}} precision-guided munition
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***FLIR pod
***FLIR pod
***Recce pod
***Recce pod
***laser designator pod
***Laser designator pod
|
|


|avionics=
|avionics=
*{{wp|RBE2|XW97T2 Sentinel}} AESA radar
*{{wp|RBE2|WX97T2 Sentinel}} AESA radar
*{{wp|Thales Spectra|XT10 Guardian}} electronic warfare suite
*{{wp|Thales Spectra|TX10 Guardian}} electronic warfare suite
*{{wp|Optronique secteur frontal|XT99 Shibainu}} tracking system
*{{wp|Optronique secteur frontal|TX99 Inu}} tracking system
}}
}}


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*[[Falcus Designs Me-550]]
*[[Falcus Designs Me-550]]
*[[Ferron Cojgé]]
*[[Ferron Cojgé]]
*[[Kai-07 Raiden]]
*[[Tlo-45|Tlo-45 Condor]]
*[[Tlo-45|Tlo-45 Condor]]
*[[UFC Tempest]]
*[[UFC Tempest]]
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[[Category:Ajax]]
[[Category:Ajax]]
[[Category:Talahara]]
[[Category:Talahara]]
[[Category:Aircraft]]
[[Category:Combat aircraft]]
[[Category:Fighters]]

Latest revision as of 20:22, 22 June 2024

NA107 Chainbreaker
MU Roundel Mirage 4000.png
Role Multirole combat aircraft
National origin Talahara
Manufacturer United Aeronautics Syndicate
First flight 9 March 1998 (1998-03-09)
Introduction 18 May 2004 (2004-05-18)
Status In service
Primary users Talaharan Air Corps
Ankat People's Air Force
Pulaui Air Force
Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service
Produced 1998–present
Number built 460
Program cost Ⲇ33 billion ($43 billion FY2018)
Unit cost
Ⲇ54 million ($70 million FY2022)
Developed from NA87 Spirit

The NA107 Chainbreaker (Takelat: ⵏⴰ107 ⵔⴰⵣ ⵙⵦⵏⵙⴰⵍⴰⵜ; NA107 Raz Sensalat) is a twinjet, canard, delta-wing, multirole combat fighter manufactured by the United Aeronautics Syndicate. The Chainbreaker is generally classified as a 4.5++ generation aircraft, and occasionally as a heavy multirole fighter. It is equipped with advanced sensors and avionics with limited stealth design and is capable of engaging in supremacy, interdiction, reconnaissance, close air support, and anti-ship warfare missions.

Developed from the NA87 Spirit, the Chainbreaker was intended to consolidate the roles of the NA87 Spirit and the NA87/95 Sunray in a modern platform. The airframe first flew in 1998, but the development of the aircraft's systems delayed its official introduction to 2004. While primarily a domestic project, the full avionics and sensor suite was developed with a number of foreign resources and technologies.

Following its introduction, the Chainbreaker was marketed for export to a limited number of socialist republics worldwide. The aircraft is the primary fighter of the Ankat People's Air Force, the Pulaui Air Force, the Talaharan Air Corps, and the Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service.

Development

The NA107 Chainbreaker was developed from the single-engine NA87 Spirit and shares a considerable number of commonalities with the older aircraft. Despite this, the Chainbreaker is considerably larger and heavier than its predecessors. The design of the airframe was completed in the mid-1990s and production began in 1997. The first test flight took place in May of 1998. After its success, full production of the airframes was commenced that year, though the aircraft was only officially brought into service after the sensors and avionics were successfully selected and installed in 2004.

Origin

After the introduction of the NA87/95 Sunray in 1986, the Talaharan Air Corps relied on three different mainline fighter aircraft, including both variants of the NA87 and the aged N65 Vindicator which had originally entered into service in 1961. By 1990, the Talaharan Air Corps was preparing for the retirement of the Vindicator and were seeking to adopt a new modern fighter aircraft with superior multi-mission capabilities and at least some limited stealth design elements for the new millennium.

The X107BW prototype at the UAS testing field in Wasif, c. 1999

The United Aeronautics Syndicate received its commission for the project, dubbed the "X100 Fighter Program", later that year from the TCDF Air Corps Logistics and Design Commissariat and an internal tendering process within the Syndicate's design bureau was commenced following Tyreseian endorsement under the Rubric Coast Joint Development Agreement. Reportedly, four designs were evaluated, including wind tunnel testing, at a scale model phase. However, only one design made it to the full prototyping stage to be presented to the Logistics and Design Commissariat in 1997. This prototype from Design Bureau B - Weskera ultimately underwent multiple revisions before first taking flight a year later. The X100 would subsequently be renamed the X107BW after the year of its first flight and entered into full production as the NA107 Chainbreaker.

Production

While the United Aeronautics Syndicate began full-scale production of the airframe immediately after receiving approval from the Logistics and Design Commissariat, the delivery of the planned avionics and sensor suite of the final aircraft was initially delayed owing to the number of parts of devices that had to be sourced from Tsurushima and Wazheganon. As such, the production chain for the aircraft was only finalized in 2003, with the Chainbreaker officially entering into active service with the Talaharan Air Corps in 2004.

Production of the airframes is handled primarily at the United Aeronautics Syndicate Manufactory in Wasif. The avionics suite is assembled domestically at the port of Mutafayil, with a number of components still produced overseas. The avionics suite is subsequently shipped for final installation in Wasif.

Design

An NA107 Chainbreaker taking off, c. 2006

The NA107 Chainbreaker is a is a twinjet, delta-wing aircraft with canards to reduce the load on the main wings and to increase the aircraft's maneuverability. The aircraft is ostensibly an upscaled version of the older NA87 Spirit multirole fighter. While the Spirit was powered by a single ZH'N N82Ch11 GAN engine, the Chainbreaker features two of the same engine. The Chainbreaker's wing surface area is approximately 80% greater than the Spirit and the mass of the airframe is approximately 40% greater as well. The ordnance capacity of the newer aircraft is also approximately 50% greater than its elder.

While its general appearance, profile, and ergonomics resemble the Spirit, it has a number of major distinctions. The two most evident differences are the twin-engine configuration and the canards at the fore of the aircraft. These upgrades afford the Chainbreaker significant improvements to speed and manoeuverability despite the increased weight and size of the aircraft. At its inception, the Chainbreaker also had significantly more advanced avionics, though the NA87 fighters have both since been upgraded to a modern standard. Another upgrade over the previous aircraft is the bubble canopy which affords the pilot a greater field of view. Overall, improvements to the airframe allow it to operate consistent at Mach 2.2 and at an altitude of 20 km.

Engines

One of two N82Ch11 engines that power the NA107 Chainbreaker

The N82Ch11 is a single shaft turbofan turbojet engine. The engine was originally developed for the NA87 Spirit fighter which equipped a single powerplant. The NA107 Chainbreaker mounts two of the engines in a twin configuration, offering it a significant power improvement. The engine was designed to be capable of reaching Mach 2.5 in a test aircraft. The engine first took flight in 1973 and first went supersonic the next year.

The engine is a single-shaft design, with eight compressor stages. The first three compressor stages were enlargened to permit both high-pressure and low-pressure airflow through the same shaft. The turbine is a two-stage axial design with a low-pressure annular combustor. The principles that guided the design and production of the engine were simplicity and cost-efficiency along with a major performance increase over existing Talaharan engines.

Equipment and sensors

The avionics suite of the NA107 Chainbreaker has three major components. The first is the WX97T2 Sentinel active radar system; the second is the TX10 Guardian electronic warfare suite; and the third is the TX99 Inu target tracking system. These components rely largely upon foreign technologies and systems which were imported and integrated into the Chainbreaker's avionics.

The WX97T2 Sentinel is an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multirole radar system. For the first six years of production, the Chainbreaker was equipped with the WX97T0, a passive electronically scanned radar array (PESA). After the introduction of the AESA variant, the entire fleet of Chainbreakers was upgraded.

The TX10 Guardian electronic warfare suite is an onboard internal network that provides vital information to the pilot and defense for the aircraft. The network includes a variety of sensors and computers laid out across the airframe. They include two infrared missile warning sensors; a general missile warning system; a thermographic camera array that provides defensive stealth support for firing missiles undetected; firewalls against external electronic attacks; tracking and localization for infrared homing, radio transmission, and laser-guided threats; radar detection warning, a phased array radar jammer; decoy and chaff dispensers; and a data management and threat assessment computer.

The third major system of the Chainbreaker's avionics is the TX99 Inu. The Inu system is a target identification and tracker system. This system relies on infrared sensors and a computational tracker to precisely identify and track the movement of targets and friends in the air in a radius of up to 100 km or on the ground in a radius of up to 6 km. The system also uses a laser rangefinder to track distances between a selected target and the host aircraft. This system is used for managing friend/foe identification, for accurately identifying targets prior to engagement, and for passive reconnaissance and incoming threat detection.

Armament

A belt of 30×150mm autocannon rounds

The NA107 Chainbreaker has the same gun configuration as the NA87 Spirit, with dual electrically-operated 30×150mm seven-chamber SK89T1 revolver autocannons, each loaded with 125 rounds. The autocannons have three firing modes: continuous fire, 0.5-second burst fire, or 1-second burst fire. The rate of fire can also be changed between air-to-ground modes (300 or 600 rounds per minute) and air-to-air modes (1,500 or 2,500 rounds per minute). In continuous mode at the maximum rate of fire, the aircraft's ammunition reserves can be depleted in 6 seconds.

In terms of unguided munitions, the NA87 Chainbreaker can be armed with both rocket pods and general-purpose bombs. The rockets are typically 68 mm ZA6T1 unguided rockets which are mounted in pods of 18. These rockets were originally designed as an intermediary between lighter air-to-air rockets and heavier air-to-ground rockets, but in modern service they are only considered suitable for the latter role. The general-purpose bombs which the Chainbreaker is equipped with are typically XGA60T0 low-drag bombs. These bombs are unlicensed copies of a Latin-Belfrasian design and each bomb contains approximately 87 kg of explosives. The maximum quantity of bombs that the Chainbreaker can carry is 24.

The guided-missile loadout of the Chainbreaker can vary substantially according to its mission. For air superiority, the aircraft is typically outfitted with a large number of 0T1 White Night air-to-air missiles and drop tanks to ensure combat stamina. For anti-ship missions, the AM39T2 Shipbreaker air-to-surface missile and precision-guided missiles are common. For close air support missions, the Chainbreaker can be equipped with any number of precision-guided munitions, cruise missiles, anti-armour missiles, unguided munitions, and ground coordination systems. For reconnaissance missions, the Chainbreaker's armaments are generally minimized in favour of a recce pod that mounts cameras and sensors to map terrain and assess targets, in addition to drop tanks for endurance and range.

Variants

A Tyreseian NA107 Chainbreaker flying along the Rubric Coast, c. 2007
X107BW
1998: Prototype airframe
NA107
2003: First production model with complete avionics suite
NA107/C17
2008: Two-seat trainer and reconnaissance variant
NA107T1
2010: PESA radar system replaced with AESA radar
NA107T2
2015: Multi-function display and cockpit ergonomics upgrade
MP98PK
2016: Pulaui manufacture designation, constructed to the same standard and classified in service identically to the NA48T2
X107/C30
2020: Next generation development testbed

Operators

An NA107 Chainbreaker of the Pulaui Air Force in flight over Birhanu, c. 2010
 Ankat
Ankat People's Air Force - 38 aircraft in service with another 5 to be delivered. The first 30 aircraft were manufactured in Talahara and delivered beginning in 2016. Subsequent deliveries have been fulfilled both by Talahara and Pulau Keramat.


 Pulau Keramat
Pulaui Air Force - 185 aircraft in service. An additional 25 aircraft are to be delivered. The Chainbreaker was adopted as Pulau Keramat's primary fighter aircraft in 2008. The first 112 aircraft were manufactured wholly in Talahara. In 2016, licensed production facilities in Pulau Keramat were opened to increase the rate of production.


 Talahara
Talaharan Air Corps - 165 in service with another 45 planned to replace existing NA87 Spirit aircraft in service before 2030. The replacement program is anticipated to be completed ahead of schedule.


 Tyreseia
Tyreseian Workers' Naval Air Service - 72 in service across six squadrons.

Specifications

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1-2
  • Length: 18.7 m (61 ft 4 in)
  • Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 5.8 m (19 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 73 m2 (790 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 10,600 kg (23,369 lb)
  • Gross weight: 20,100 kg (44,313 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 24,500 kg (54,013 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: approx 11,000 l (2,900 US gal; 2,400 imp gal) internal fuel
  • Powerplant: 2 × ZH'N N82Ch11 GAN afterburning turbofan engines, 64.3 kN (14,500 lbf) thrust each dry, 95.1 kN (21,400 lbf) with afterburner

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 2,445 km/h (1,519 mph; 1,320 kn) max level speed
  • Maximum speed: Mach 2.3
  • Maximum sustained speed: Mach 2.2
  • Approach speed: 260 km/h (160 mph; 140 kn)
  • Range: 2,000 km (1,243 mi; 1,080 nmi)
  • Combat range: 1,850 km (1,150 mi; 999 nmi) plus, with external tanks and recce pod
  • Service ceiling: 20,000 m (66,000 ft)
  • Rate of climb: 305 m/s (60,000 ft/min)
  • Time to altitude: 15,000 m (49,213 ft) (M2) 3 minutes
  • Wing loading: 220 kg/m2 (45 lb/sq ft) at combat weight

Armament

  • Guns: 2 × 30 mm autocannons with 250 rounds of ammunition
  • Hardpoints: 13 with a capacity of 9,500 kg (20,900 lb),with provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Bombs: up to 24 x 250 kg (551 lb) bombs

Avionics

See also


Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

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