Gruening F5M Lynx: Difference between revisions

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{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
  |name            = Gruening F5M Lynx
  |name            = Gruening F5M Lynx
  |image          = Image:ST21.png
  |image          = Image:ST21.png
  |caption        = A pair of Meridonian Navy F5M7s of the High Spades conducting an overhead break at MNAS Marin Bay.
  |caption        = A pair of Meridonian Navy F5M6s of the High Spades conducting an overhead break at MNAS Marin Bay.
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
  |type            = {{wpl|Air superiority fighter}}<br>{{wpl|Multirole combat aircaft|Multirole fighter}}
  |type            = {{wpl|Air superiority fighter}}<br>{{wpl|Multirole combat aircaft|Multirole fighter}}
  |national origin = {{flag|Meridon}}
  |national origin = {{flag|Meridon}}
  |manufacturer    = Gruening Defense Aerospace
  |manufacturer    = [[Gruening Defense Aerospace]]
  |design group    =  
  |design group    =  
  |designer        =  
  |designer        =  
Line 16: Line 15:
  |retired        =  
  |retired        =  
  |status          = In active service
  |status          = In active service
  |primary user    = [[Image:MNFlag.png|border|22px]] [[Meridonian Navy]]
  |primary user    = [[Image:MNFlag.png|border|22px]] [[Meridonian Navy]] <br> [[Image:MAFFlag.png|border|22px]] [[Meridonian Air Forces]]
  |more users      =  
  |more users      =  
  |produced        = 1969-present
  |produced        = 1969-present
  |number built    = 924
  |number built    = 1,340
  |program cost    =  
  |program cost    =  
  |unit cost      = 86.2 million MD (F5M7)
  |unit cost      = 86.2 million MD (F5M7)
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The '''Gruening F5M ''Lynx''''' is a [[Meridon|Meridonian]] carrier-capable, supersonic, twin engine, two seat, twin tail, variable sweep {{wpl|fighter aircraft|jet fighter}}. Originally designed for the Meridonian Navy to supplement and eventually replace the {{wpl|McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F4M Spectre}} in an air superiority fighter and interceptor role, it has been significantly developed and upgraded since its initial introduction to compose a major part of the tactical aircraft of both the Navy and the {{Meridonian Air Forces|Air Forces}}, where it has been made capable of multirole missions.
The '''Gruening F5M ''Lynx''''' is a [[Meridon|Meridonian]] carrier-capable, supersonic, twin engine, two seat, twin tail, variable sweep {{wpl|fighter aircraft|jet fighter}} built by [[Gruening Defense Aerospace]]. Originally designed for the Meridonian Navy to supplement and eventually replace the {{wpl|McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II|F4M Spectre}} in an air superiority fighter and interceptor role, it has been significantly developed and upgraded since its initial introduction to compose a major part of the tactical aircraft of both the Navy and the [[Meridonian Air Forces|Air Forces]], where it has been made capable of multirole missions.


Originally designed and optimized for long-range air to air interception  of cruise missiles, bombers, and fighter aircraft, a need for long-range strike capabilities on naval aircraft became apparent, which saw later variants upgraded to become capable of precision bombing and reconnaissance via the Tactical Aircraft Navigation and Designation Module (TANDEM) pod. Following the collapse of the Air Force's Air Supremacy Initiative in the 1980s, the F5M was introduced as an interim solution to fill a gap in the air superiority field. Collaboration with the Navy and Air Forces in the 90s saw the introduction of the "Super Lynx", an enhanced design featuring leading edge extensions, integrated targeting and navigation systems, enhanced avionics and airframe construction, and a substantial enhancement in its mission profile with the ability to launch standoff air-to-ground munitions.
Originally designed and optimized for long-range air to air interception  of cruise missiles, bombers, and fighter aircraft, a need for long-range strike capabilities on naval aircraft became apparent, which saw later variants upgraded to become capable of precision bombing and reconnaissance via the Tactical Aircraft Navigation and Designation Module (TANDEM) pod. Following the collapse of the Air Force's Air Supremacy Initiative in the 1980s, the F5M was introduced as an interim solution to fill a gap in the air superiority field. Collaboration with the Navy and Air Forces in the 90s saw the introduction of the "Super Lynx", an enhanced design featuring leading edge extensions, integrated targeting and navigation systems, enhanced avionics and airframe construction, and a substantial enhancement in its mission profile with the ability to launch standoff air-to-ground munitions.


Currently, it serves as one of the mainline fighter aircraft of both services alongside the {{wpl|Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F6M2 Wasp}}, where it remains ideally suited for air combat missions. Built around the  
Currently, it serves as one of the mainline fighter aircraft of both services alongside the {{wpl|Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet|F6M2 Wasp}}, where it remains ideally suited for air combat missions. Built around the {{wpl|AIM-54 Phoenix|MUA-55 Phoenix}} long-range air-to-air missile as its primary armament, it remains one of the most potent long-range interceptors in service, though it has been upgraded to be able to field the {{wpl|AIM-120 AMRAAM|MUA-120 CAIMS}} alongside the Wasp.






==Development==
==Development==
 
[[File:F5M superlynx patch.png|250px|thumb|Program patch of the F5M Super Lynx series, which brought about M6 and M7 models.]]


==Design==
==Design==
[[File:CRAFDrago2005.jpg|thumb|left|250px|A Cacertian AFASF-12A inflight with engines on full afterburner.]]
The AFASF-12 has an all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage possessing broad aerodynamic similarities to the earlier [[NSF-12 Albatro Strike Fighter|NSF-12 ''Albatro'']]. It has mid-mounted swept wings with blended leading-edge root extensions swept at approximately 40°. A pair of tailplanes and vertical fins are mounted on booms outboard of the engines. Automatic, five-segmented slates are mounted on the leading of the wings with maneuvering flaps and wingtip ailerons mounted on the trailing edges. The boron-composite skin used in the construction of the Drago gives the aircraft very high heat resistance as well as exceptionally thin wing edges.
It was originally powered by a pair of EDA-78 turbofan engines with afterburners which are widely in comparison to its contemporaries; the space between the engines generates lift, reducing wing loading and improving maneuverability. Since 2010, most Dragos in Cacertian service have been upgraded to newer and significantly more fuel-efficient EDA-2010 turbofan engines. Both engines are fed by rectangular inlets equipped with variable intake ramps and, as an adaptation for rough-field operations, these ramps can be closed completely to prevent ingestion of ground debris. When the main intake ramps are closed, louvers on the upper fuselage are automatically opened and allow the engines to receive air through their auxiliary inlets.
The cockpit of the Drago is high-mounted and equipped with a bubble canopy that gives it increased visibility in comparison to previous Cacertian-designed fighters. The avionics systems includes a heads-up display, advanced radar, inertial guidance system, flight instruments, ultra high frequency communications, an advanced air navigation system, and instrument landing receivers.
An integrated helmet mounted display projects all essential fight information gathered by the integrated avionics and is visible to the pilot in any light condition. This allows operators to track and destroy enemy aircraft without the necessity of looking down at cockpit instruments.


[[File:GASDFDrago2014.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Gylian Self-Defense Forces|Gylian Air Self-Defense Force]] AFASF-12EA.]]
[[File:F14 pancake.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Rear view of an F5M2 Lynx circa 1987, showing the area between the engine mounts.]]


The Drago is equipped with an advanced pulse-doppler radar that allows the aircraft to look up at high-flying targets as well as look-down at low-flying targets without confusing ground clutter. Despite the fact the Drago was more purposefully designed as a low-to-mid altitude dogfighter, it is equipped with radars capable of tracking targets beyond visual range.
The F5M was designed based both on experience flying the F4M Spectre as a naval fighter, and on perceived needs of the carrier air wing in conducting force projection and self-defense operations. Seeing the threat of missile-armed bomber flights as an emerging threat towards the carrier group, the F5M was designed with long range and an air-to-air focus in mind while ground attack missions would be relegated to the F4, a role in which it had proved itself more than capable of performing. Like the F4M, the F5M was designed around a two-crew design with a pilot and radar intercept officer deemed better able to manage air intercepts.  


The armament for a Drago often varies depending on its mission profile. As a dedicated air superiority fighter, this primarily focused on medium range air-to-air missiles, but as newer variants of the Drago were developed, this would later expand to also include multi-mission munitions. The Drago is equipped with eight external pylons, four under each wing. A single 30mm cannon with a 150-round magazine is located in the port wing root.
A number of emerging technologies were included in its design, chief among those its variable geometry wings, which move forward for slower flight and move rearward for faster supersonic flight. It included a number of innovative control surfaces to improve its low-speed handling, which was necessary for carrier operations. Originally it was powered by a pair Altern MG-410 afterburning turbofan engines, which proved to be prone to compressor stall incidents at high angles of attack, and was later replaced by Hollon FT80 engines, which provided a substantial increase in both reliability and performance. Both engines are supplied with rectangular intakes equipped with movable ramps, bleed doors and other such functions. Landing gear is provided in a tricycle arrangement, and is reinforced for carrier landings.  


Since their introduction in 1983, the Drago has undergone a number of upgrades to improve performance and expand its capabilities. As of 2008, the majority of Dragos in service with the Cacertian Royal Air Fleet have been overhauled with newer hardware and sensors, which greatly increased a pilot’s situational awareness, as well as a new radar capable of provided instantaneous updates and enhanced multitarget tracking.
The Lynx's weapons system was based around the utilization of the TAI-81 X band pulse-doppler radar, the first in use capable of launching using {{wpl|track while scan}}; and the {{wpl|AIM-54 Phoenix|MUA-55 Phoenix}} missile, a very long range air to air missile intended for intercepting targets at ranges in excess of 100 nautical miles. Utilizing the Phoenix for long-range intercepts and the {{wpl|AIM-7 Sparrow|MUA-7 Falcon}} for escort and air intercept missions. From the outset it was armed with the {{wpl|M61 Vulcan|Mark 40 20mm cannon}} in a nose mount with 600 rounds of ammunition. The Lynx carries a radar warning receiver, chaff, flare, and models from the F5M4 and later are integrated with electronics countermeasures systems to defend against incoming missiles.  


Dragos in Ruvelkan service saw extensive modifications and upgrades during their action in the Zemplen War. Designated AFASF-12Ks, the domestically developed Ruvelkan Dragos possess precision-guided targeting and an enhanced optical locator system that allows Ruvelkan Dragos to operate independently of ground-control interception. Among other upgrades, several Ruvelkan Dragos were later equipped with low-drag conformal fuel tanks which greatly increased  their operational range for increased aerodynamic drag.
The Lynx featured pioneering developments in pilot interface in Meridonian fighter craft, including the first multi-function HUD, hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS), and early multifunction displays, features which would prove instrumental in the design of later combat aircraft.
[[File:F5m_cockpit.png|thumb|right|550px|Pilot cockpit layouts of the F5M2 (left), F5M5 (center) and F5M7 (right).]]
Lynx models from the F5M6 and later improve vastly upon the original design of the base model F5Ms (F5M through F5M5). The F5M6 introduced leading-edge extensions (LEX) to the wing root, enhanced visibility cockpit glass, full multifunction glass flight displays, integrated NAV/attack FLIR pods, and HMD integration, as well as allowing for the carrying of standoff weaponry including cruise, anti-satellite, and anti-ship missiles. The so-called "Super Lynx" upgrade vastly improved performance in nearly all aspects over the airframe. F5M7 upgrades, first fielded by the Air Force, feature a full glass display replacing all 'steam gauge' instruments.


==Operational History==
==Operational History==
[[File:RIAFDrago2009.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A Ruvelkan AFASF-12K during the Zemplen War.]]
[[File:F5M7_1.png|thumb|left|250px|A pair of Navy Super Lynxes during the [[Marquesan Emergency]], armed with GUB-15 guided bombs and MUA-120 CAIMS air-to-air missiles.]]


Dragos have been involved in several modern conflicts since their introduction, first seeing action in [[Knichus]] during the [[FedCom Civil War]] primarily serving as combat escorts for Cacertian ground attack aircraft—they did not engage in direct air-to-air dogfights.
The F5M entered frontline service with the [[Meridonian Navy]] in early 1974, equipping units from 8 Carrier Air Group aboard the carrier ''Anerca''- specifically, 35 Naval Fighter Squadron.  


The first major deployment of Dragos in their intended combat role was during the short, six-day [[Imerti Conflict]] in which [[Ruvelkan Imperial Air Force]] Dragos fought several—though inconclusive—skirmishes against Syaran Zephyr fighters.
Following the collapse of the Air Forces' Air Supremacy Initiative in 1977, Gruening received a contract to massively upscale production to fill the capability gap for Air Forces units. The contract led directly to Gruening abandoning civilian sector development as it shifted its efforts entirely to military production of the Lynx, and for a time briefly became the largest single employer in its home [[Mahine Territory]] as it opened plants in Kohaku and TBD to support its Marin Bay operation. The first Air Forces unit to be equipped with Lynxes was 97 Tactical Fighter Squadron of Tactical Fighter Wing 74 in July of 1978.


The [[Zemplen War]] saw Ruvelka’s air force pitted directly against the [[Commonality Air Force]] in the [[Aerial warfare of the Zemplen War|largest air-to-air conflict in modern history]]. As the main fighter aircraft of Ruvelka, the Drago's primary competition was the Syaran [[Zephyr]].
Fleet F5M models were well-liked by pilots for their high thrust-to-weight ratios, endurance and range, and payload capacity. Issues with low-speed handling were apparent, however, as the plane was prone to difficult-to-recover flatspins at high yaw/high angle of attack scenarios, and the Altern MG-410 engines that equipped fleet models were prone to compressor stalls at high angles of attack. Maintenance personel found dealing with Lynx models cumbersome due to the complexity of its moving wing and wing vane systems. Some of the issues of early models were addressed in the F5M2 upgrade, however these models were mostly delivered to the Air Forces with the exception of two squadron's worth of planes being delivered to the Navy.  


While the Drago's maneuverability, especially within visual range, and higher speed gave it an edge in dog-fighting, early efforts at air-to-air combat were hampered by Ruvelkan reliance on pilot guidance by ground controllers. As Ruvelkan forces were forced to fall back throughout 2008, the loss of forward airbases and radar stations resulted in the Ruvelkan air force abandoning the ground guidance element and focusing on aerial command and control.
Navy F5Ms regularly conducted intercepts of Korean, Kaskaidan, Aureumterran and other aircraft sent to probe naval formations in the Marinan and Anagonian oceans. The retirement of carrier-based bomber platforms and the sunsetting of  Chevalier-based photograph reconnaissance platform also saw the shifting of the photo reconnaissance duties of these aircraft onto fleet Lynxes, which were equipped with specially developed Aircraft Reconnaissance Capture Apparatus (ARCA) pods. The size of the ARCA pod required specialized modifications to aircraft to be able to carry them. Of an airwing's two Lynx squadrons, one was equipped with three ARCA capable aircraft. F5M5 and later models came equipped standard with these modifications, allowing flexibility in the employment of the ARCA pod until its sunsetting in 2010 with the advent of more capable and miniaturized targeting pods and other sensors systems such as UAVs.


Taking advantage of their numerical superiority (although the CAF outnumbered the RIAF in total aircraft, the Ruvelkans fielded more fighters) Ruvelkan Drago Squadrons began employing a tactic called "kürt fészek" (hornet nest), avoiding one-on-one engagements with Syaran Zephyrs and forcing combat at close range to maximize their maneuverability. The Ruvelkans continuously refined and expanded their Drago fleet during the war, and their heavy usage of complex, rapid maneuvers earned the aircraft the nickname of "балерина" (ballerina) by Syaran pilots.
==Variants==
;F5M
:Initial operational variant, first supplied to the Meridonian Navy in 1974. As initially supplied, it was almost purely an interceptor and air superiority aircraft, with marginal ground strike capability added through unguided bombs and rockets only. It was powered by Altern MG-410 afterburning turbofans, which proved unreliable and prone to compressor stalls especially at high AOAs. All F5M models were upgraded to F5M2 standard by 1983.


During the [[Arzell Crisis]], the [[Imperial Shalumite Air Force]] placed their Dragos on standby although the resolution to the conflict came before they were sortied.


The Drago entered serialized production in Cacerta in 1983 and has remained in continuous production ever since. The original variant of the AFASF-12 ceased production in the mid-1990s, but the newer and upgraded variants for both Cacerta and its clients continues. With over 2,300 units produced between Cacerta and licensed nations, the Drago is one of the most produced air-superiority fighters in the region.
;F5M2
:Upgraded variant of the initial F5M2 variant addressing numerous concerns by the Navy and adding operational requirements for use by the Air Force. Wing vanes mounted in the glove box were permanently removed, and the addition of a second CRT display for navigation was included. Integration with civilian navigational sources including VOR and ILS were integrated for use, including a HUD approach mode. Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) capability was added to this model. A total of 103 F5Ms were upgraded, and an additional 242 were produced to F5M2 standard.


==Variants==
;F5M3
;AFASF-12
:Upgrade program conducted in the mid-late 1980s, its primary improvement was replacing the unreliable Altern MG-410 engines with Hollon FT80s, which themselves were a product of the failed Air Supremacy Initiative. Performance increases were substantial, allowing even a fully-loaded fighter to take off without the use of afterburner, a feat unmatched by any other model of naval fighter before or since. Integration was added for the TANDEM NAVLFIR system, including the employment of laser-guided bombs.  
:The initial production version that entered service with the Royal Air Fleet in 1983. Following an upgrade and refit program (which resulted in the AFASF-12A) in the mid-1990s, only a handful of examples of the original version of the Drago currently exist, most of which are listed in the Air Fleet’s reserve or are preserved in museums.


;AFASF-12E
;F5M4
:The AFASF-12E ('''''E'''''sportazione) is the export variant of the original Drago. Many of the features remain the same between the original and the export, the only differences being a commercial variant, and not the Air Fleet standard, radar and electronic suite.
:The F5M4 was an enhancement project designed to cover perceived gaps in employment capabilities. It was equipped with an enhanced TA-902E radar which mitigated the previous TAI-81's shortfalls to clutter detection, processing speed, and jamming capabilities, and included integration of an air-to-ground radar. New cockpit displays, including the first multifunction displays and an enhanced heads-up display, were added.  The F5M4 was also integrated with an inbuilt ECM jammer and provided for the employment of GPS-guided bombs utilizing the TANDEM II pod. Deliveries began in 1992 and concluded in 1999.


;AFASF-12A
;F5M5
:In 1993, Ersilia began a program designed to upgrade the systems of the Drago to modern standards and equipment; the final product was designated as the AFASF-12A ('''''A'''''ggiornamento). A number of flight control improvements provided better stability and controllability as well as an improved mechanical-hydraulic flight control system. The package also included a new radar and ECM system as well as the ability for the Drago to carry underwing and centerline drop tanks for increased range. The AFASF-12A was the first of the Drago family capable of engaging ground targets, although its overall focus was still air-to-air dominance.
: Primarily an enhancement program to upgrade F5M2 and F5M3 models to current standards in the mid 90s to early 2000s, the F5M5 label was also issued to upgraded F5M4s, to which the modifications were primarily software-related. The F5M5 included integration of a host of new weapons systems, including the MUA-120 CAIMS, MUB-65, and CUS-154 SOGW.


;AFASF-12EA
;F5M6
:Ersilia offered a limited upgrade program to its export customers in 1998 following the success and release of the AFASF-12A designated as the AFASF-12EA ('''''E'''''sportazione '''''A'''''ggiornata). Many of the improvements that were installed on the As were included in the package, however the radar and electronic suits were once again commercial and not the Air Fleet’s standard.
:The F5M6, or "Super Lynx", was a comprehensive re-drawing and enhancement program of the base airframe first produced in 1998. The F5M6 introduced a wide range of new upgrades to the airframe design. Equipped with the enhanced Hollon FT80E engines that provided additional fuel efficiency over the base model FT80s, the F5M6's efficiency and handling was also increased by redesigned leading edges, as well as leading edge extensions and new control surfaces. The F5M6 also introduced an inbuilt auxiliary power unit (APU) which removed reliance on ground facilities for aircraft startup. The F5M6 integrated a fly-by-wire system, a further enhanced TA-910 radar, integrated NAV/attack FLIR, full multifunctional displays for both pilot and RIO, redesigned cockpit glass, integration for helmet-mounted cuing systems, integration of stand off weaponry including anti-shipping, cruise missile and anti-satellite weaponry. Deliveries began in 1999 to the Navy and the Air Force in 2000, and deliveries were completed in 2014.  


;AFASF-12NG
;F5M7
:The lack of air-to-air engagements in the modern era resulted in the creation of the newer AFASF-12NG ('''''N'''''uova '''''G'''''enerazione).  Originally, the NGs (later nicknamed Drago IIs) were simply further upgraded AFASF-12As with expanded ground attack capabilities. As of 2008, however, the AFASF-12NG entered its own serialized production and NGs that are now entering service are considered brand new aircraft.
First fielded by the Air Force in 2020, the F5M7 is a modernization program that saw further flight control enhancements, including a full-panel multifunctional display for the pilot and RIO, as well as the redesign of some airframe components to decrease weight, increase performance, or increase longevity. The Navy received its first batch of upgraded F5M7 models in 2021.
 
;AFASF-12K
:The AFASF-12K ('''''K'''''orszerűsített) is a Ruvelkan-developed variant improving on the original AFASF-12EAs purchased from Cacerta. The aircrafts' performance during the [[Zemplen War]] affected further development of Ruvelka's air-superiority program and the native Ruvelkan design began deployment in late 2008. New precision-guided targeting capabilities and a uniquely designed optical locator system relieves the Ruvelkan AFASF-12EAs from their reliance on ground-control interception systems. These systems allow the AFASF-12K to conduct its missions independently.


==Operators==
==Operators==
===Current Operators===
===Current Operators===
* {{flag|Meridon}}; [[Cacertian Royal Air Fleet]]—776 in service as of September 2018. The Drago and newer Drago IIs form the backbone of the Air Fleet’s fighter inventory.
* {{flag|Meridon}}- 662 in service of F5M6 and F5M7 variants across both Air Forces and Navy.
 
* [[File:Svetvostok flag.png|25px|frameless]] [[Svetvostok]]- 80 in service of F5M6 variant with the [[Svetvostok National Security Forces|Svetvostok Navy.]]
* {{flag|Kozakura}}- 270 F5M4s variants in service with the [[Kozakuran Armed Forces|Kozakuran Air Forces]]. Slated to upgraded to the F5M7 variant.


===Former Operators===
===Former Operators===
* {{flag|Joseon}}- A total of 240 F5M2 aircraft were operated, and the last aircraft retired in 2023. 64 are still listed as reserve aircraft.


 
==Specifications (F5M6)==
==Specifications (AFASF-12NG)==
[[File:F14 Schematics.jpg|thumb|right|300px|F5M, F5M2, F5M3, F5M4, and F5M5 Lynx model airframe.]]
[[File:AFASF12DragoBlueprint.png|thumb|right|300px|Ersilia AFASF-12 line drawing.]]
[[File:F5M7_schematic.png|thumb|right|300px|F5M6 and F5M7 Lynx airframe.]]


===General Characteristics===
===General Characteristics===
* '''Crew:''' 1
* '''Crew:''' 2
* '''Length:''' 17.37 m (57 ft)
* '''Length:''' 62 ft 9 in (19.13m)
* '''Wingspan:''' 11.4 m (37 ft 5 in)
* '''Wingspan:''' 64 ft 1.5 in (19.545 m)
* '''Height:''' 4.73 m (15 ft 6 in)
* '''Swept wingspan:''' 38 ft 2.5 in (11.646 m) swept
* '''Wing Area:''' 38 m² (409 ft²)
* '''Height:''' 16 ft (4.9 m)
* '''Empty Weight:''' 13,380 kg (29,500 lbs)
* '''Wing Area:''' 565 sq ft (52.5 m2) wings only
* '''Loaded Weight:''' 19,200 kg (42,330 lbs)
* '''Empty Weight:''' 45,624 lb (20,694 kg)
* '''Max Takeoff Weight:''' 26,500 kg (58,420 lbs)
* '''Max Takeoff Weight:''' 76,820 lb (34,844 kg)
* '''Powerplant:''' 2 × EDA-2010 afterburning turbofans
* '''Powerplant:''' 2 × Hollon FT80E afterburning turbofans
* '''Fuel Capacity:''' 6,400 kg (14,109 lbs)
* '''Fuel Capacity:''' 17,000lb internal, 2x optional 267gal (1,756lb/797kg) external tanks


===Performance===
===Performance===
* '''Maximum Speed:''' Mach 2.25 (2,100 km/h, 1,310 mph) at altitude
* '''Maximum Speed:''' Mach 2.41 (2,975 km/h, 1,849 mph) at altitude
* '''Cruise Speed:''' 1,960 km/h (1,220 mph)
* '''Service Ceiling:''' 55,000 ft (16,764 m) +
* '''Service Ceiling:''' 16,200 m (>53,000 ft)
* '''Rate of Climb:''' 45,000 ft/min plus (230 m/s)
* '''Rate of Climb:''' 330 m/s (65,000 ft/min)
* '''Wing Loading:''' 96 lb/sq ft (470 kg/m2)
* '''Wing Loading:''' 442 kg/m² (90.5 lb/ft²)
* '''Thrust/Weight:''' 1.14, clean configuration, 50*
* '''Thrust/Weight:''' 1.02


===Armament===
===Armament===
* '''Guns:''' 1 × 30 mm cannon with 150 rounds
* '''Guns:''' 1 × {{wpl|GAU-12 Equalizer| Mark 40 25mm cannon}} with 600 rounds
* '''Payload:''' 5,500 kg (12,100 lb) on 8 external hardpoints (8 underwing)
* '''Payload:''' 10 hardpoints total: 4 between engine fairing, 2 under engine nacelle, 2 per wing glove (1 wing glove per wing) with capacity of 15,000lbs (6,803 kg) of munition to carry the following:


==See Also==
==See Also==




{{Template:Meridon topics}}
{{Template:MeridonTopics}}
{{MeridonDefenseForce}}
{{MeridonDefenseForce}}
[[Category:Meridon]]
[[Category:Meridon]]
[[Category:Meridonian military]]
[[Category:Meridonian military]]

Latest revision as of 03:50, 18 September 2024

Gruening F5M Lynx
ST21.png
A pair of Meridonian Navy F5M6s of the High Spades conducting an overhead break at MNAS Marin Bay.
Role Air superiority fighter
Multirole fighter
National origin  Meridon
Manufacturer Gruening Defense Aerospace
First flight 14 August 1970
Introduction 2 February 1974
Status In active service
Primary user MNFlag.png Meridonian Navy
MAFFlag.png Meridonian Air Forces
Produced 1969-present
Number built 1,340
Unit cost
86.2 million MD (F5M7)

The Gruening F5M Lynx is a Meridonian carrier-capable, supersonic, twin engine, two seat, twin tail, variable sweep jet fighter built by Gruening Defense Aerospace. Originally designed for the Meridonian Navy to supplement and eventually replace the F4M Spectre in an air superiority fighter and interceptor role, it has been significantly developed and upgraded since its initial introduction to compose a major part of the tactical aircraft of both the Navy and the Air Forces, where it has been made capable of multirole missions.

Originally designed and optimized for long-range air to air interception of cruise missiles, bombers, and fighter aircraft, a need for long-range strike capabilities on naval aircraft became apparent, which saw later variants upgraded to become capable of precision bombing and reconnaissance via the Tactical Aircraft Navigation and Designation Module (TANDEM) pod. Following the collapse of the Air Force's Air Supremacy Initiative in the 1980s, the F5M was introduced as an interim solution to fill a gap in the air superiority field. Collaboration with the Navy and Air Forces in the 90s saw the introduction of the "Super Lynx", an enhanced design featuring leading edge extensions, integrated targeting and navigation systems, enhanced avionics and airframe construction, and a substantial enhancement in its mission profile with the ability to launch standoff air-to-ground munitions.

Currently, it serves as one of the mainline fighter aircraft of both services alongside the F6M2 Wasp, where it remains ideally suited for air combat missions. Built around the MUA-55 Phoenix long-range air-to-air missile as its primary armament, it remains one of the most potent long-range interceptors in service, though it has been upgraded to be able to field the MUA-120 CAIMS alongside the Wasp.


Development

Program patch of the F5M Super Lynx series, which brought about M6 and M7 models.

Design

Rear view of an F5M2 Lynx circa 1987, showing the area between the engine mounts.

The F5M was designed based both on experience flying the F4M Spectre as a naval fighter, and on perceived needs of the carrier air wing in conducting force projection and self-defense operations. Seeing the threat of missile-armed bomber flights as an emerging threat towards the carrier group, the F5M was designed with long range and an air-to-air focus in mind while ground attack missions would be relegated to the F4, a role in which it had proved itself more than capable of performing. Like the F4M, the F5M was designed around a two-crew design with a pilot and radar intercept officer deemed better able to manage air intercepts.

A number of emerging technologies were included in its design, chief among those its variable geometry wings, which move forward for slower flight and move rearward for faster supersonic flight. It included a number of innovative control surfaces to improve its low-speed handling, which was necessary for carrier operations. Originally it was powered by a pair Altern MG-410 afterburning turbofan engines, which proved to be prone to compressor stall incidents at high angles of attack, and was later replaced by Hollon FT80 engines, which provided a substantial increase in both reliability and performance. Both engines are supplied with rectangular intakes equipped with movable ramps, bleed doors and other such functions. Landing gear is provided in a tricycle arrangement, and is reinforced for carrier landings.

The Lynx's weapons system was based around the utilization of the TAI-81 X band pulse-doppler radar, the first in use capable of launching using track while scan; and the MUA-55 Phoenix missile, a very long range air to air missile intended for intercepting targets at ranges in excess of 100 nautical miles. Utilizing the Phoenix for long-range intercepts and the MUA-7 Falcon for escort and air intercept missions. From the outset it was armed with the Mark 40 20mm cannon in a nose mount with 600 rounds of ammunition. The Lynx carries a radar warning receiver, chaff, flare, and models from the F5M4 and later are integrated with electronics countermeasures systems to defend against incoming missiles.

The Lynx featured pioneering developments in pilot interface in Meridonian fighter craft, including the first multi-function HUD, hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS), and early multifunction displays, features which would prove instrumental in the design of later combat aircraft.

Pilot cockpit layouts of the F5M2 (left), F5M5 (center) and F5M7 (right).

Lynx models from the F5M6 and later improve vastly upon the original design of the base model F5Ms (F5M through F5M5). The F5M6 introduced leading-edge extensions (LEX) to the wing root, enhanced visibility cockpit glass, full multifunction glass flight displays, integrated NAV/attack FLIR pods, and HMD integration, as well as allowing for the carrying of standoff weaponry including cruise, anti-satellite, and anti-ship missiles. The so-called "Super Lynx" upgrade vastly improved performance in nearly all aspects over the airframe. F5M7 upgrades, first fielded by the Air Force, feature a full glass display replacing all 'steam gauge' instruments.

Operational History

A pair of Navy Super Lynxes during the Marquesan Emergency, armed with GUB-15 guided bombs and MUA-120 CAIMS air-to-air missiles.

The F5M entered frontline service with the Meridonian Navy in early 1974, equipping units from 8 Carrier Air Group aboard the carrier Anerca- specifically, 35 Naval Fighter Squadron.

Following the collapse of the Air Forces' Air Supremacy Initiative in 1977, Gruening received a contract to massively upscale production to fill the capability gap for Air Forces units. The contract led directly to Gruening abandoning civilian sector development as it shifted its efforts entirely to military production of the Lynx, and for a time briefly became the largest single employer in its home Mahine Territory as it opened plants in Kohaku and TBD to support its Marin Bay operation. The first Air Forces unit to be equipped with Lynxes was 97 Tactical Fighter Squadron of Tactical Fighter Wing 74 in July of 1978.

Fleet F5M models were well-liked by pilots for their high thrust-to-weight ratios, endurance and range, and payload capacity. Issues with low-speed handling were apparent, however, as the plane was prone to difficult-to-recover flatspins at high yaw/high angle of attack scenarios, and the Altern MG-410 engines that equipped fleet models were prone to compressor stalls at high angles of attack. Maintenance personel found dealing with Lynx models cumbersome due to the complexity of its moving wing and wing vane systems. Some of the issues of early models were addressed in the F5M2 upgrade, however these models were mostly delivered to the Air Forces with the exception of two squadron's worth of planes being delivered to the Navy.

Navy F5Ms regularly conducted intercepts of Korean, Kaskaidan, Aureumterran and other aircraft sent to probe naval formations in the Marinan and Anagonian oceans. The retirement of carrier-based bomber platforms and the sunsetting of Chevalier-based photograph reconnaissance platform also saw the shifting of the photo reconnaissance duties of these aircraft onto fleet Lynxes, which were equipped with specially developed Aircraft Reconnaissance Capture Apparatus (ARCA) pods. The size of the ARCA pod required specialized modifications to aircraft to be able to carry them. Of an airwing's two Lynx squadrons, one was equipped with three ARCA capable aircraft. F5M5 and later models came equipped standard with these modifications, allowing flexibility in the employment of the ARCA pod until its sunsetting in 2010 with the advent of more capable and miniaturized targeting pods and other sensors systems such as UAVs.

Variants

F5M
Initial operational variant, first supplied to the Meridonian Navy in 1974. As initially supplied, it was almost purely an interceptor and air superiority aircraft, with marginal ground strike capability added through unguided bombs and rockets only. It was powered by Altern MG-410 afterburning turbofans, which proved unreliable and prone to compressor stalls especially at high AOAs. All F5M models were upgraded to F5M2 standard by 1983.


F5M2
Upgraded variant of the initial F5M2 variant addressing numerous concerns by the Navy and adding operational requirements for use by the Air Force. Wing vanes mounted in the glove box were permanently removed, and the addition of a second CRT display for navigation was included. Integration with civilian navigational sources including VOR and ILS were integrated for use, including a HUD approach mode. Automatic Carrier Landing System (ACLS) capability was added to this model. A total of 103 F5Ms were upgraded, and an additional 242 were produced to F5M2 standard.
F5M3
Upgrade program conducted in the mid-late 1980s, its primary improvement was replacing the unreliable Altern MG-410 engines with Hollon FT80s, which themselves were a product of the failed Air Supremacy Initiative. Performance increases were substantial, allowing even a fully-loaded fighter to take off without the use of afterburner, a feat unmatched by any other model of naval fighter before or since. Integration was added for the TANDEM NAVLFIR system, including the employment of laser-guided bombs.
F5M4
The F5M4 was an enhancement project designed to cover perceived gaps in employment capabilities. It was equipped with an enhanced TA-902E radar which mitigated the previous TAI-81's shortfalls to clutter detection, processing speed, and jamming capabilities, and included integration of an air-to-ground radar. New cockpit displays, including the first multifunction displays and an enhanced heads-up display, were added. The F5M4 was also integrated with an inbuilt ECM jammer and provided for the employment of GPS-guided bombs utilizing the TANDEM II pod. Deliveries began in 1992 and concluded in 1999.
F5M5
Primarily an enhancement program to upgrade F5M2 and F5M3 models to current standards in the mid 90s to early 2000s, the F5M5 label was also issued to upgraded F5M4s, to which the modifications were primarily software-related. The F5M5 included integration of a host of new weapons systems, including the MUA-120 CAIMS, MUB-65, and CUS-154 SOGW.
F5M6
The F5M6, or "Super Lynx", was a comprehensive re-drawing and enhancement program of the base airframe first produced in 1998. The F5M6 introduced a wide range of new upgrades to the airframe design. Equipped with the enhanced Hollon FT80E engines that provided additional fuel efficiency over the base model FT80s, the F5M6's efficiency and handling was also increased by redesigned leading edges, as well as leading edge extensions and new control surfaces. The F5M6 also introduced an inbuilt auxiliary power unit (APU) which removed reliance on ground facilities for aircraft startup. The F5M6 integrated a fly-by-wire system, a further enhanced TA-910 radar, integrated NAV/attack FLIR, full multifunctional displays for both pilot and RIO, redesigned cockpit glass, integration for helmet-mounted cuing systems, integration of stand off weaponry including anti-shipping, cruise missile and anti-satellite weaponry. Deliveries began in 1999 to the Navy and the Air Force in 2000, and deliveries were completed in 2014.
F5M7

First fielded by the Air Force in 2020, the F5M7 is a modernization program that saw further flight control enhancements, including a full-panel multifunctional display for the pilot and RIO, as well as the redesign of some airframe components to decrease weight, increase performance, or increase longevity. The Navy received its first batch of upgraded F5M7 models in 2021.

Operators

Current Operators

Former Operators

  •  Joseon- A total of 240 F5M2 aircraft were operated, and the last aircraft retired in 2023. 64 are still listed as reserve aircraft.

Specifications (F5M6)

F5M, F5M2, F5M3, F5M4, and F5M5 Lynx model airframe.
F5M6 and F5M7 Lynx airframe.

General Characteristics

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 62 ft 9 in (19.13m)
  • Wingspan: 64 ft 1.5 in (19.545 m)
  • Swept wingspan: 38 ft 2.5 in (11.646 m) swept
  • Height: 16 ft (4.9 m)
  • Wing Area: 565 sq ft (52.5 m2) wings only
  • Empty Weight: 45,624 lb (20,694 kg)
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 76,820 lb (34,844 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Hollon FT80E afterburning turbofans
  • Fuel Capacity: 17,000lb internal, 2x optional 267gal (1,756lb/797kg) external tanks

Performance

  • Maximum Speed: Mach 2.41 (2,975 km/h, 1,849 mph) at altitude
  • Service Ceiling: 55,000 ft (16,764 m) +
  • Rate of Climb: 45,000 ft/min plus (230 m/s)
  • Wing Loading: 96 lb/sq ft (470 kg/m2)
  • Thrust/Weight: 1.14, clean configuration, 50*

Armament

  • Guns: 1 × Mark 40 25mm cannon with 600 rounds
  • Payload: 10 hardpoints total: 4 between engine fairing, 2 under engine nacelle, 2 per wing glove (1 wing glove per wing) with capacity of 15,000lbs (6,803 kg) of munition to carry the following:

See Also

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