Arthuristan Dynamics Centaur

Arthuristan Dynamics Centaur
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Arthuristan Dynamics Centaur
Role	Heavy STOL airlifter
National origin	Arthurista
Manufacturer	Arthuristan Dynamics
First flight	1994
Introduction	1998
Status	In production
Primary user	Commonwealth Air Force
Produced	1995 - present

The Arthuristan Dynamics Centaur was introduced in the late-90s as a replacement for the Belfast as the Commonwealth Air Force's primary medium airlifter. The Commonwealth Air Force required an aircraft which was capable of fulfilling both the tactical and strategic airlifter roles, with cargo capacity equal to, or exceeding, that of the Belfast, while having sufficient STOL capabilities to operate from improvised, un-improved runways or motorways.

The Centaur is powered by four Rollers Engineering PE-7 Propfans, each turning a pair of contra-rotating scimitar propellers. Its pressurised cabin is capable of transporting 300 personnel or 47 tonnes of cargo.

Centaur C.1

A landing Centaur C.1.

The Centaur C.1 is the standard cargo-lifting variant of the aircraft family. Significant numbers remain in service. Although originally envisaged as a 'universal transport' to replace all tactical and strategic airlift aircraft in service, the desire for a platform with greater range and payload led to the decision to license-build additional squadrons of C-5 Galaxies.

C.1 COMOD

The COMOD is an upgrade kit installed on aircraft dedicated to supporting the Joint Commando Force. It is equipped with an enhanced navigation system, terrain-conforming radar and improved night vision to increase its capability in nighttime low-altitude flying in support of clandestine operations. It is also equipped with under-wing hardpoints compatible with the Scorpion missiles for close air support.

C.1 BOMOD

The BOMOD is a simple upgrade kit which allows a standard Centaur transport aircraft to be used as a strategic bomber. Up to six 'palletised' bundles of ACM-1 Cerberus cruise missiles, for a total payload of 24, may be ejected from the rear cargo hatch and launched towards their target. Transport pilots do not require special training or qualification to fly bombing missions, aside from a few hours in the simulator, although cargo personnel may be run through a brief familiarisation course.

Centaur E.1

The E.1 variant is an electronic warfare version of the Centaur design. It is equipped with electronic support measure equipment to sample and intercept radio communications and radar radiation, and to jam and disrupt both utilising on-board agile frequency-hopping radio jamming equipment and phased-array radar jammer.

Centaur JSTARS

The JSTARS variant is a battlefield surveillance aircraft. Introduced in 1991, it is equipped with a phased array dual-mode synthetic aperture radar / moving target indication (SAR/MTI) radar.

Centaur TACAMO

The Centaur TACAMO, or "Take Charge and Move Out" is equipped with radio equipment capable of communicating on every radio frequency band from very low frequency (VLF) to super high frequency (SHF) utilising a variety of modulations. Its primary role is to enhance the viability of Arthurista's nuclear deterrence by enabling real-time communications with the alert units of Bomber Command.

Centaur K.1

The K.1 variant is a specialist refueller, equipped for both probe-and-drogue and flying boom.

Centaur G.1

The Centaur G.1 is a gunship variation of the basic Centaur model. It was designed to provide heavy persistent close air support in asymmetric warfare scenarios.

The G.1 is equipped with three internal weapons slots. Its default armament is three 40mm autocannons, although alternatives ranging from 20mm or 25mm Gatling cannons, 30mm to 35mm autocannons, to a 40mm cannon utilising telescoped munitions may also be installed. One of the weapon slots is strengthened and may be fitted with a 120mm autoloading mortar, capable of firing guided rounds. The wings can be fitted with up to six pylons, each capable of carrying up to four Scorpion missiles or Small Diameter Bombs.

The G.1 is equipped with a synthetic aperture radar and thermal imaging system to detect and engage targets in all light and weather conditions. Its countermeasures suite is capable of dispensing both traditiona IR-flares, as well as BriteCloud Digital Radio Frequency Memory decoys for increased survivability in hostile environments.

The Centaur gunship has not been adopted by the Commonwealth Air Force, due to its perception as a 'luxury item' unsuited to conventional warfare. However, it is offered by Arthuristan Dynamics as an export option.

Specifications

• Crew: 4
• Capacity: up to 300 troops or 47,000 kg of cargo
• Length: 40.7m
• Wingspan: 44.4m
• Empty weight: 66,380kg
• Maximum takeoff weight: 145,000kg
• Powerplant: 4x Rollers Engineering PE-7 propfans, 14,890 hp each

• Maximum speed: 780km/h
• Range: 6,600km with 20,000kg payload
• Service ceiling: 12,000m