F-30 Shrike: Difference between revisions

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==Design==
==Design==
===Characteristics===
===Overview===
The Shrike is designed as a cost-effective, light fighter, which means that features available on modern aircraft such as stealth coatings and thrust vectoring controls are absent on the Shrike.  By virtue of it being a small aircraft, the Shrike has a reduced radar cross section from the frontal aspect and there is some care taken to shield its fan blades but by no means is the fighter considered stealthy.  To best utilize the fighter, it is meant to be flown at low-level to take advantage of terrain masking, where its avionics and agility allow it to fly through even the most harrowing terrain.
The Shrike is a twin-engine, lightweight, supersonic, multirole, tactical fighter aircraft.  It is born out of the designs of lightweight fighters such as the {{wpl|F-5 Tiger II}}, the {{wpl|Gripen}}, the {{wpl|JF-17}}, and the {{wpl|FA-50}}.  Comparatively, the Shrike is closer to the Gripen in terms of size and weight than other lightweight fighters.  The Shrike is capable of 9-''{{wpl|g-force|g}}'' maneuvers and it can reach Mach 2 in level-flight at altitude.  A frameless, bubble canopy affords the pilots superb visibility in dogfights and significant innovations were taken in the cockpit to help pilots reduce the effects of {{wpl|g-force}} during maneuvers.  These innovations included side-mounted controls and a reclined seat.  The aircraft has a favorable thrust-to-weight ratio, providing significant power in acceleration and turning.


The fighter features a blended wing body to provide additional lift for its small shape.  It does not feature canards and it has a single, vertical stabilizer.  The aircraft features triple-redundant, digital, {{wpl|fly-by-wire}} controls.  It is a twin-engine design with a bubble canopy for maximum visibility.  The Shrike carries all of its weapons externally except for its gun and it features a compact design with a wet wing.
The Shrike is armed with a 30-millimeter internal cannon, the [[Cannons_of_Layarteb#GAU-20_Revolver_Cannon|GAU-20/A Revolver Cannon]], which is located in an under-fuselage, port-side mount.  The aircraft has ten hardpoints for the mounting of a number of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and miscellaneous stores to complete its mission.  The Shrike is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter but, to keep costs low, stealth and {{wpl|radar cross section}} reductions were kept to a minimum.  By the nature of the aircraft's design and its small size, it does not present a larger radar cross section than to other fighters of comparable generation and size.  Much of the aircraft's construction is from lightweight composites, which help aid in this reduced RCS however.


For its size, the Shrike packs a considerable punch, especially in the area of maneuverability.  It is rated to perform maneuvers between -3G and +8G though it can be pushed to +9G without damage to the airframe.  It is recommended only to stress the airframe to this level with a minimum loadout of two, wingtip, air-to-air missiles.  Helping the Shrike in its agility are its two, powerful engines, which allow a fully loaded Shrike to be airborne in 1,000 m (3,281 ft).  At combat weight however, the Shrike can be airborne in as little as 355 m (1,165 ft).  To aid in landing, the Shrike features a drag chute measuring 16 ft (4.87 m) in diameter, which is towed 15 ft (4.57 m) behind the airframe.  With a drag chute, the Shrike can stop in just 800 m (2,625 ft) and without it, this is nearly doubled to 1,500 m (4,921 ft).
===General Configuration===
The Shrike is an impressively agile aircraft in all speed regimes, whether slow or supersonic.  This is largely achieved through a {{wpl|relaxed stability}} design, which means that the aircraft is aerodynamically unstable.  Without its fly-by-wire system, it would be very difficult to fly and for that reason, all fly-by-wire systems have triple redundancy to ensure survivability in battle.


===Powerplant===
The airframe, largely made out of lightweight composites, has an estimated lifespan of 8,000 hours and it can withstand -4''g'' to +10''g''; however, maneuvers over +9''g'' will deform and damage the wings, requiring replacement.  A G-limiter onboard the aircraft prevents maneuvers in excess of +9''g'', primarily to prevent {{wpl|G-LOC}} or G-force induced loss of consciousness.  Because G-LOC at low altitude is almost always fatal, the Shrike is equipped with an {{wpl|Airborne_collision_avoidance_system|auto-GCAS}} system that prevents a ground collision.  The auto-GCAS system automatically corrects for diving maneuvers and automatically returns the aircraft to level or climbing flight to prevent collisions with the ground.  This system was credited with preventing two crashes during the prototype and evaluation phase of the aircraft's development.
The Shrike is powered by two, afterburning, turbofan engines.  They do not feature thrust vectoring control but they are capable of being modified with pitch-control paddles, though at additional expense.  Layartebian fighters do not have thrust vectoring controls installed as of 2017 nor are there plans to fit them except to a limited number of T-62C Shrikes for familiarization purposes with fifth-generation aircraft.   


Each engine has a maximum output of 6,382 lbf (28.39 kN) on military power and 11,023 lbf (49.03 kN) in full afterburner.  There are three afterburner stages, which allow for multiple scenarios.  Selecting mode 1 is useful for air combat and maneuvers while mode 2 is useful for takeoff and performance climbing.  Mode 3 is designed for maximum performance at the expense of fuel consumption.  At full military power, the specific fuel consumption is 0.725 lb/(h*lbf).  In full afterburner however, this increases to 1.8 lb/(h*lbf). 
The Shrike has a wing design similar to that of the FA-50 Golden Eagle.  To generate extra lift, the aircraft is equipped with fore-body strakes that extend up to the cockpit from the wing.  The Shrike does not have canards though despite this, the aircraft has excellent low-speed handling due to its powerful engines.  Because of its light weight and high thrust output, the fighter is capable of short takeoffs and it can operate on highway and unimproved airstrips, though the latter do require some preparation to ensure foreign objects are not present.  


At sea level, in full afterburner, the Shrike will exhaust its internal fuel supply in as little as 130 seconds while at an altitude of 36,000 ft (11,000 m), this can be extended to 4 minutes.  As the Shrike is a small aircraft, its fuel carriage is limited.
The Shrike is not designed to be a carrier-born aircraft but, despite this, it is equipped with an arrestor hook for emergency landings or short-runway landings.  The aircraft is equipped with an automated landing system, which is identical to that installed in naval aircraft.  This aids recovery even in the worst weather conditions, making the Shrike suitable for all air forces in the world.  


The Shrike has four internal fuel tanks, two in the fuselage and one in each wing.  The main fuselage tank holds 322 gal (1,219 l) of fuel while a reserve tank holds just 100 gal (379 l).  Each wing tank holds 200 gal (757 l) for a total of 822 gal (3,112 l) of fuel.  This equals a fuel load of 5,512 lb (2,500 kg).  Fuel is drained first from the two wing tanks, then the main fuselage tank, and lastly the reserve tank.  On the reserve tank, at minimum throttle, at sea level, the Shrike has approximately 6 minutes of flying time remaining.
===Cockpit===
Because the Shrike is both a trainer and a fighter, it comes in two cockpit configurations.  In both configurations, the Shrike's cockpit is a {{wpl|glass cockpit}}, incorporating multiple {{wpl|multi-function display|multi-function displays}}.  These allow the pilots to choose from any number of displays allowing for robust aircraft control.  The principles of {{wpl|data fusion}} are highly present in the cockpit, which aims to reduce the workload on the pilot, especially in the single-seat variant.
 
Controls are fully {{wpl|HOTAS}} or Hands on Throttle and Stick, with the flight control stick on the right and the throttle on the left.  This is done chiefly to aid in control during high G-force maneuvers but also to provide additional room in front of the pilot, especially with regards to the display screens.  Both the pilot and the RIO/WSO sit on {{wpl|ACES II}} zero-zero ejection seats, reclined to 30° to aid in high G-force maneuvers.  The reliability of the ACES II makes it the primary ejection seat in Layartebian aircraft.
 
In both trainer and combat variants, the pilot has access to two, {{wpl|LCD}} multi-function displays or MFDs.  These are situated left and right of the center of the pilot's console.  Both are 5 inches (12.7 cm) square.  In the center of the console are four, small, digital displays for a variety of functions such as the artificial horizon, compass, altimeter, Mach indicator, and so on and so forth.  Each of these displays are 2.5 in (6.35 cm) square.  In combat variants, the WSO has a different cockpit setup, which does not include dual controls.  In this setup, the WSO has two much larger MFDs.  Each one is 5 inches (12.7 cm) in width but 8 inches (20.32 cm) in height.  The WSO has access to the same four, small, digital displays as the pilot, as well as other flight systems.  In trainer variants, the rear cockpit has dual controls.  All primary MFDs have a resolution of 1024 pixels x 1024 pixels while the smaller, displays have a resolution of 480 pixels x 480 pixels.
 
The canopy of the Shrike is made from a flexible, polycarbonate material that is designed to flex during bird strikes to ensure survivability.  Regardless of variant, the canopy is a single piece, bubble canopy with superior visibility.  The canopy is not coated with any special materials for RCS reduction.


To augment its small fuel supply, the Shrike can carry up to three, external drop tanks on its centerline and innermost wing hardpoints.  Each of these can hold a single 315 gal (1,192 l) tank while only the innermost wing hardpoints can carry the larger 370 gal (1,400 l) fuel tank.  Fuel tanks larger than this are not cleared for the aircraft.  By carrying three, 315 gal (1,192) tanks, the Shrike can increase its fuel supply by 115% and with a maximum fuel tank configuration of two 370 gal (1,400 l) tanks and one 315 gal (1,192) tank, the Shrike can increase its fuel supply by 128%.
The {{wpl|head-up display}} or HUD of the Shrike is identical to that of the {{wpl|F-16 Falcon}}, having been taken from the F-16C Block 50/52 variant.  This was done solely to reduce cost.
  It, like all systems within the cockpit, is compatible with {{wpl|night-vision goggles}}.  In addition, the aircraft's systems are also compatible with {{wpl|helmet-mounted display}} or HMD systems.


In a full ferry configuration, the Shrike can fly as far as 1,600 mi (2,575 km).  Combat radius for an air-to-air missile is 400 mi (644 km) and for a hi-lo-hi mission with a full bomb load, it is 180 mi (290 km).  The fighter has a maximum ceiling of 55,000 ft (16,765 m) and in an air-to-air configuration, using maximum afterburner, the Shrike has a climb rate of 40,000 ft/min (203.2 m/s).  Its maximum speed at sea level is 822 mph (1,323 km/h), which equates to Mach 1.08.  At altitude, its maximum speed is 1,320 mph (2,125 km/h), which equates to Mach 2.  While the airframe is capable of flying faster at altitude, it is not recommended.
Climate control systems in the cockpit provide for air conditioning and heating systems and the aircraft's cockpit is equipped with a redundant backup life-support system to counteract potential hypoxia-related issues.  


===Avionics===
===Avionics===
Though the Shrike is designed to be cost-effective, which precludes the use of expensive, stealth features and thrust vectoring; it is not handicapped by its avionics suite.  In fact, the avionics suite of the Shrike is arguably the most expensive component of the aircraft, pound-for-pound.  The Shrike features a state-of-the-art, compact radar designed to give it the ability to fight on the modern battlefield. It features an infrared search and track system for emissions control and a sophisticated ECM suite.
The avionics of the Shrike are an upgrade of what might be normally found in a fighter of its size and capacity.  This contributes to the a good portion of the aircraft's cost but it also enables the Shrike to compete with larger and more advanced 4.5-generation aircraft.


The primary detection system is its radar, the [[Layartebian_Avionics#AN.2FAPG-91.28V.29-1|AN/APG-91(V)-2]].  Designed roughly around the same dimensions as the {{wpl|AN/APG-67}} radar, the AN/APG-91(V)-2 weighs just 175 lb (80 kg) and features a state of the art, {{wpl| Active_electronically_scanned_array|AESA}} system.  The radar is an {{wpl|X band}} radar operating at 9.0 GHz.  The radar features 400 transceivers, each with a maximum power output of 15 watts.  While this would give the radar a maximum peak power of 6 kilowatts, the radar is only rated for 2.5 kilowatts peak due to cooling limitations.  The average pulse power is nominally under 250 watts.  The radar features a wide array of modes.  For air combat, the crew can select range while scan (RWS), track while scan (TWS), boresight (ACM), single target track (STT), velocity search with ranging (VSR), and long range scan (LRS) modes.  For ground combat, the crew can select ground map (GM), ground moving target (GMT), or maritime (SEA) modes.  The radar is equipped with a terrain-following function as well.
For basic functionality, the Shrike is equipped with a {{wpl|GPS}} and an {{wpl|inertial navigation system}}.  The aircraft can utilize {{wpl|Instrument Landing System}} or ILS for landing in poor weather or other conditions.  The aircraft has a {{wpl|ground proximity warning system}} and {{wpl|Link 16}} capabilities, which can be expanded to new standards.  All aircraft feature these systems but domestic and export aircraft have different advanced systems such as radar and ECM.


For passive detection, the Shrike mounts the [[Layartebian_Avionics#AN.2FAAS-48_Infrared_Search_and_Track_.28IRST.29_System|AN/AAS-48(V)-2 IRST]], a compact derivative of the AN/AAS-48(V)-1 that weighs just 172 lb (78 kg).  The system has a maximum azimuth of ±90° and an elevation range of -15° to +60° creating a significant cone forward and to the sides of the aircraft. Its detection range against fighter-sized targets is 37 mi (60 km) from the rear and 10 mi (16 km) from the front.  The IRST is equipped with a laser-ranging device, which has a range of 9 mi (15 km) against airborne and 12.5 mi (20 km) against ground targets with an accuracy of 5 m (16.5 ft).  Its instant field of view is 10° x 7.5° and it can be operated autonomously to search out targets for the crew.
====Detection Systems====
Shrikes in service with the Imperial Layartebian Military are equipped with the [[Layartebian Avionics|AN/APG-91]] {{wpl|solid-state}}, {{wpl|active electronically scanned array}} (AESA) radar.  The radar is composed of 775 {{wpl|transceiver|transmit/receive modules}}, which provide near-instantaneous {{wpl|beam steering}} and frequency hopping capabilities.  This makes the radar an {{wpl| low-probability-of-intercept-radar|LPIR}} radar.  The radar has a diameter of 23.62 inches (600 mm) and a weight of 331 lb (150 kg).  It has a peak power output of approximately 11.625 kilowatts but an average pulse significantly less.  Each T/R module is 4.4 inches (112 mm) long by 1.18 inches (30 mm) width by 0.47 inches (12 mm) thick.  They weigh only 2.82 oz (80 g) each but can handle 15 watts of maximum power.


Defending the Shrike is an array of electronic and physical countermeasures and warning systems.  On domestic aircraft, this is the [[Layartebian_Avionics#AN.2FASQ-238.28V.29-1|AN/ASQ-238(V)-5 Electronic Countermeasures Suite]], which features the AN/ALR-94 radar warning receiver, the AN/AAR-52 missile warning system, and the AN/ALQ-229 RF jammer.  The AN/AAR-52 is a dual-mode system that uses both UV and IR detection systems while the AN/ALQ-229 is equipped with a low-band receiver and transmitter and a high-band receiver and transmitter with a frequency range of 1 to 35 GHz.
The AN/APG-91(V)-2 of the Shrike is a derivative of the AN/APG-91(V)-1 of the [[F-28 Viper]] but it is smaller and less capable.  The radar is capable of tracking as many as 32 aircraft at once, of which 6 can be engage simultaneously.  Air-to-air modes include: range while scan (RWS), track while scan (TWS), single-target track (STT), and dogfight. Because the radar is a {{wpl|synthetic aperture radar}}, it can provide high-resolution mapping.  In air-to-ground modes, the AN/APG-91(V)-2 can engage both stationary and moving targets as well as seaborne targets.  The radar also has terrain-following capabilities.  The AN/APG-91(V)-2 operates on {{wpl|X band}}.  Export Shrikes are equipped with the Elta ELM-2052 radar instead.


Export Shrikes are equipped with a comparable system.  The ECM is the AN/ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Protection Jammer.  The ASPJ is equal in its range and capability to the AN/ALQ-229.  For missile detection, the Shrike features the AN/ALR-74 radar warning receiver, the same as used in the {{wpl|F-16 Falcon}}.  The missile warning system is the AN/AAR-57, which is a UV-based missile warning system.
The use of the radar, despite its LPI capabilities, means that the Shrike is still actively transmitting emissions.  To counter this, the Viper is equipped with the [[Layartebian Avionics|AN/AAS-48 IRST]].  Mounted on the nose just forward of the canopy, the AN/AAS-48(V)-1 IRST provides passive detection via infrared capabilities.  It has a range of 50 miles (80 km) head-on and 90 miles (145 km) for the rear with limited air-to-ground capabilities.  Against supersonic targets, these ranges increase.  The system is entirely passive and functions on two IR bands, 3 - 5 µm and 8 - 11 µm.  It has a field of view of 180° x 75° and can simultaneously track up to 500 targets.  The IRST is a weather-dependent system however and it is not useful against ground targets.  In a dogfight, the IRST is also equipped with a ranging laser, which aids the cannon.  Export Shrikes are equipped with the {{wpl|optronique secteur frontal|OSF}} IRST system.


Both domestic and export versions of the Shrike carry the [[Layartebian_Avionics#AN.2FALE-47_CMDS|AN/ALE-47]] chaff and flare dispensing system.  The aircraft has 4 dispensers located on the fuselage of the aircraft just underneath its engine compartments.  Each dispenser can hold magazines that allow for 30 chaff bundles or flares or 15 larger flares.  To complement the AN/ALE-47 dispensers, the Shrike also carries two [[Layartebian_Avionics#AN.2FALE-58_CMDS|AN/ALE-58]] dispensers on its wingtips.  Each of these dispensers adds an additional 160 chaff or flare packets in a high-capacity dispenser.
For ground-attack missions, the Shrike would carry an {{wpl|Sniper XR|AN/AAQ-33 Sniper}} targeting pod.  The Sniper can be mounted on chin pylon, where it provides downward-focused {{wpl|FLIR}} and laser-designation.  It can be used for {{wpl|nap-of-the-earth}} flying without utilizing the terrain-following capabilities of the Shrike's radar. The Sniper pod provides high-resolution imagery and laser-designation up to 50,000 feet (15,250 m).  All versions of the Shrike would require the Sniper for laser-designation or ground-targeting FLIR.


For utilization of laser-guided bombs, the Shrike cannot self-guide munitions without a pod, though it can drop bombs guided by ground teams.  To facilitate this, the Shrike has a single, fuselage hardpoint for the carriage of laser-designation pods.  In Layartebian service, this hardpoint is often occupied by a {{wpl|Sniper XR|AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR}} pod.   
====Self-Defense Systems====
To defend against threats, the Shrike is equipped with the [[Layartebian Avionics|AN/ASQ-238 Electronic Countermeasures Suite]].  The version specifically deployed on the Shrike is the AN/ASQ-238(V)-5 system.  It provides an assortment of jamming and warning systems.  This includes the AN/ALR-94 Radar Warning Receiver, which provides 360° detection for radar-based threats out to as far away as 300 mi (480 km).   


While the Shrike is not equipped with towed decoys or decoy dispensers, the aircraft is compatible with certain pylons that allow for decoy dispensers or towed decoys.  These are not typically fitted to Layartebian aircraft however.
While the AN/ALR-94 provides warning against radar-based threats, the Shrike has the AN/AAR-52 Missile Warning System for non-radar threats, primarily infrared-guided missiles.  The AN/AAR-52 is a dual-mode system that utilizes infrared and ultraviolent detection to warn the pilot of approaching missiles.  The use of both systems is done to help counter the advantages and disadvantages of each.  Infrared-based alert systems detect the hot rocket motor of incoming missiles but they are not all-weather systems, which UV-based systems are.  IR-based systems are highly effective against air-to-air missiles while UV-based systems are better against surface-to-air missiles.  The AN/AAR-52 utilizes these systems thus to warn the pilot of approaching missiles that might escape the AN/ALR-94.


===Cockpit===
Beyond warning the pilot of approaching threats, the ECS can also jam them. Against radio frequency (RF) threats, the system employs the AN/ALQ-229 for jamming.  The AN/ALQ-229 provides not only full spectrum jamming of a wide area but also directional jamming for focused lethality.  The AN/ALQ-229 is also effective against monopulse seekers such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM.  Against these missiles, the AN/ALQ-229 utilizes "Cross-eye techniques."  To achieve this, there are transmitters placed on each wing of the aircraft with a 180° phase shift.  This angle-deception technique forces the seeker of the incoming missile to realign its antenna and in doing so gives the missile incorrect tracking data causing the missile to miss entirely.  However, the system is not effective against two separate seekers coming from different bearings.  Export versions of the Shrike utilize both the AN/ALR-94 and the AN/AAR-52 but in place of the AN/ALQ-229, they mount the AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Countermeasures (IDECM) system.
The Shrike's cockpit is based on those of multiple 4.5-generation aircraft using some influence from fifth-generation aircraft as well.  The goal of the cockpit design team was to create a fully functional cockpit that would reduce workloads on single pilots and truly share workloads on two pilots.  Because of the different roles of the Shrike, there are three cockpit configurations.  The single-seat F-62A offers a workload-reduced, single-pilot cockpit while the two-seat F-62B offers a backseat cockpit with a layout geared to the role of the weapon system's officer or WSO.  The trainer T-62C offers identical cockpits to both the pilot and the instructor with dual controls.


A feature that the Shrike possesses that no other Layartebian aircraft possesses without retrofit is a collision avoidance system named the Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System or Auto-GCAS.  The Auto-GCAS system prevents controlled flight into terrain if the pilot has lost consciousness due to excess g-forces.  The system, which is proven effective, will ensure that an aircraft not under pilot control rights itself with a +5G recover that will turn an aircraft from any attitude into a wings level, upright position.  It works for G-induced loss of consciousness (G-LOC), cockpit decompression and hypoxia, and even spatial disorientation as can happen at night or in bad weather over water.  The use of the Auto-GCAS is considered invaluable on training aircraft but is soon to be retrofitted onto combat aircraft as well.  With the Shrike, it is present from the get-go.
Beyond radars, IRSTs, and ECM systems, the Shrike is also equipped with a number of physical countermeasures in the form of chaff, flare, and decoys.  All Shrikes are equipped with [[Layartebian Avionics|AN/ALE-47]] dispensers for chaff and flares.  Each dispenser can hold up to 30 chaff bundles or flares and there can be up to five configurations for chaff and flare loads.  The Shrike mounts four on the fuselage with all four in the rear of the aircraft.  These can be supplemented with weapons pylons equipped with chaff dispensers.  A Shrike with these pylons can mount two such pylons on stations 2 and 9, with each pylon adding three dispensers, bringing the potential total up to ten dispensers.


The layout of the cockpit in the Shrike is conventional in that there is a physical HUD, a side-stick and throttle with full HOTAS (hands on throttle and stick) compatibility, and it is fully compatible with night vision goggles (NVGs).  In the standard layout, the stick is located on the right and the throttle on the left.  Between the throttle and the stick, there are twenty-four programmable buttons and roller switches, which can be fully customized by each pilot in accordance to his or her needs.  The system is fully compatible with all commercial Helmet Mounted Displays (HMDs) to provide seamless integration for existing aircraft or upgrade programs.
In addition, the Shrike mounts two [[Layartebian Avionics|AN/ALE-58]] high-capacity dispensers on stations 1 and 10.  These high-capacity dispensers can hold up to 160 chaff or flare cartridges; however, they are typically loaded with chaff so that the under-fuselage dispensers can be loaded with flares.  All told, a Shrike utilizing all of its available chaff and flare dispensers can carry up to 320 cartridges in its AN/ALE-58 dispensers, 180 chaff cartridges in its pylon dispenser, and 60 medium or 120 small flare cartridges in its fuselage AN/ALE-47 dispensers.  In addition, the Shrike can carry several chaff-dispensing pods.  In its basic configuration it can carry up to four chaff-dispensing pods on its inner four wing pylons.  For pods, the Shrike can carry the AN/ALE-37A Chaff Pod, the AN/ALE-41 Chaff Pod, or the AN/ALE-43 Chaff Pod.  The AN/ALE-37A weighs 277 lb (126 kg) and it can carry up to two, 120-round payload modules for a total of 240 rounds of chaff, flares, or decoys.  The AN/ALE-41 weighs 360 lb (163 kg) and the AN/ALE-43 weighs 626 lb (284 kg) and both utilize rolls of chaff to create long corridors.


There was considerable discussion on whether or not to include the Pilot Voice Input (PVI) system that is present on the [[F-60 Firefly]].  The PVI system is a direct, voice activated system that allows a pilot to control non-critical systems with only voice commands.  The system requires significant voice training for each pilot but in the end, it can store as many as 200 commands that can be activated with a response time of just 200 ms.  Average recognition capability is 95%.  Overall, the PVI system allows for control of twenty-six systems.  However, in the end, this option was not installed on Shrike aircraft though programmers and hardware developers on the design team allowed for future retrofitting of the PVI system.
===Performance===
The Shrike - as a 4.5-generation fighter - has comparable performance to the {{wpl|Gripen|JAS-39 Gripen}}.  Because of its size and capabilities, it is not meant to match the performance of larger, 4.5-generation fighters such as the [[F-28 Viper]], the {{wpl|Dassalt Rafale}}, or the {{wpl|Eurofighter Typhoon}}.  Against 5th generation fighters such as the {{wpl|F-22 Raptor}} and the {{wpl|F-35 Lightning II}}, the Shrike is not meant to be competitive on the battlefield.  It would take a highly skilled pilot integrated in a robust, fighting force to defend against 5th generation threats.


The pilot sits on an ACES II zero-zero ejection seat that is reclined by 17° to reduce the stresses of G-forces on the pilot during maneuvers.  The cockpit is fully climate controlled and it is linked to a proven, reliable on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS), which has been rigorously tested to ensure it is not prone to failures related to particulate inhalation and hypoxia systems.  The canopy of the Shrike is a single-piece, bubble canopy that affords excellent visibility.  The canopy is not lined with gold to reduce its radar cross section as that would have not been cost-effective for the aircraft.  The canopy is made out of a strengthened, polycarbonate material designed to protect the pilot against debris and bird strikes.
Top speed for the Shrike at sea-level is Mach 1.08 (822 mph; 1,323 km/h; 714 kn).  At altitude, the Shrike is capable of a top speed of Mach 2 (1,320 mph; 2,125 km/h; 1,147 kn).  The Shrike has a maximum ceiling of 55,000 ft (16,765 m) and its initial rate of climb is 40,000 ft/min (203.2 m/s).  The Shrike is not necessarily designed to {{wpl|supercruise}} but it has the ability to maintain a cruising speed above Mach 1 without afterburners with a very light weapons load.  However, despite this, the advantages are outweighed by the disadvantages and the Shrike is not normally flown in this capacity.


Beyond these features, the pilot has a very functional cockpit.  The {{wpl|head-up display|HUD}} of the Shrike is a wide-angle system with a field of view of 35° wide by 25° high.  It can be programmed to a wide array of symbols that are compatible with existing symbols used by any nation in the world.  It also features custom features to allow for unique symbology.  In the event of a bird strike, the HUD is designed to collapse to provide another safety feature for the pilot. A rubber buffer strip on the HUD is there to shield the canopy as it flexes during bird strikes to avoid shattering.
Insofar as maneuverability is concerned, the Shrike is a highly agile fighter.  With its standard engines, the Shrike is capable of withstanding -4''g'' to +10''g'' but a G-limiter caps this to -3''g'' to +9''g''.  With thrust-vectoring, the Shrike's maneuverability can match that of many high-performance, 4.5-generation fighters.


The pilot has two primary liquid-crystal (LCD) multifunction displays (MFDs).  Each of these represent the newest MFDs available to Layartebian aircraft production.  Located left and right, they each measure 6 in (15.24 cm) wide by 8 in (20.32 cm) tall.  Each MFD offers full RGB colors programmable to 16.7 million colors in an 8-bit configuration or 262,144 colors in a 6-bit configuration.  It can also be programmed to monochrome.  They offer a response time of 25 ms and 768 x 768 resolution.  There are fourteen button groups around each MFD with three on the top and bottom each and four on the sides.  Each group features two buttons to allow for forward and backwards or up and down.  Alternatively, on some menus, these buttons provide as many as twenty-eight options per MFD.  Each MFD is interchangeable to allow for full customization for the pilot.  In addition, these MFDs can function as single or split modes.  In a single mode, the entire display is viewable but in split modes, the MFD allows for a top and a bottom section.  The top section is a 6 in (15.24 cm) square display and the bottom section is a 2 in (5.08 cm) by 6 in (15.24 cm).  This can be further segmented into two 2 in (5.08 cm) by 3 in (7.62 cm) units so that a single MFD can contain as many as three windows.  The pilot could have the left MFD featuring the radar, the RWR, and the IRST display while the right can feature the TGP view and the weapons selector.  This adds for maximum functionality.
With its typical combat load, the Shrike has a combat radius of 400 mi (650 km).  Its unrefueled, ferry range is 1,600 mi (2,575 km).  Its takeoff run at sea-level is 355 meters (1,165 ft) while its landing run is 800 meters (2,625 ft) with a landing chute.  This can be decreased with an add-on, drogue chute.  Installation of the braking chute would be done in the base of the tail.  The typical landing chute measures 16 ft (4.87 m) in diameter, which is towed 15 ft (4.57 M0 behind the aircraft.  Without a landing chute, its braking distance is 1,500 meters (4,921 ft).


A secondary MFD is played center and it measures 5 in (12.7 cm) square.  It features only a single display that cannot be segmented, twenty-six buttons, and the same color and resolution specifications as the main displays have.  This can be used for map and navigation functions, flight system functions, or hold any of the systems of the aircraft whether it is the TGP, the radar, the RWR, et cetera.
===Propulsion===
The Shrike is a twin-engine fighter and it is powered by a pair of {{wpl|Bypass_ratio|low-bypass}}, {{wpl|afterburning}}, {{wpl|turbofan}} engines.  Each engine is capable of providing up to 6,382 lbf (28.39 kN) of thrust dry and up to 11,023 lbf (49.03 kN) with full afterburner.  When equipped with 2D {{wpl|thrust-vectoring}} paddles, they allow vectoring of ±20° along the pitch axis.  The Shrike is capable of performing some {{wpl|post stall}} maneuvers, sometimes referred to as {{wpl|supermanueverability}} when equipped with thrust-vectoring paddles.  To date, Layartebian variants of the Shrike are not equipped with thrust-vectoring paddles.


The pilot has two small, digital screens each measuring 2 in (5.08 cm) square above the secondary MFD which allow for artificial horizon and the compass.  A digital fuel gauge is located to the right of the right-hand primary MFD along with two other digital displays for angle of attack (AOA) and vertical velocity (VVI).  A digital fault screen is located on the lower right side just above the clock. There are switches and selectors on both the right and the left side arm panels.  In the center of the cockpit is a programmable selector keypad like that on the {{wpl|F-16 Falcon}}.
The LDC-TF-29A engine that powers the Shrike measures 121 in (3.07 m) in length with a diameter of 24.41 in (0.62 m).  Each engine weighs 1,420 lb (644 kg).  The engine has an {{wpl|axial compressor}} with three fan and six, high-pressure, compressor stages.  There is also one high-pressure turbine and one low-pressure turbine stage.  Specific fuel consumption at military thrust is 0.725 lb/(lbf-h) (74 kg/(kN-h) and at full afterburner it is 1.8 lb/(lbf-h) (183.6 kg/(kN-h).  It has an overall thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.8:1 and an overall pressure ratio of 26:1.


While both the F-62A Shrike and the T-62C Shrike feature this layout, the F-62B Shrike features a different layout.  In the F-62B Shrike, the pilot has the same layout as the F-62A Shrike but the back-seat officer or WSO has a different layout.
Feeding these engines is an internal fuel supply of 5,512 lb (2,500 kg) in four, internal fuel tanks.  The main fuselage tank holds 322 gal (1,219 L) of fuel while a reserve tank holds just 100 gal (379 L).  Each wing tank holds 200 gal (757 L) for a total of 822 gal (3,112 L) of {{wpl|JP-8}} fuel, which weighs approximately 6.71 lb per gallon or (0.8 kg per liter).  Externally, the Shrike can carry three drop tanks on its centerline and innermost wing pylons.  On the centerline pylon, the Shrike can carry a single tank between 300 gal (1,135 L) and 330 gal (1,250 L).  On its innermost wing pylons, the Shrike can carry any fuel tank between 300 gal (1,135 L) and 370 gal (1,400 L).  A typical configuration mounts one 300-gal tank and two 370-gal tanks, increasing the fuel supply by 126% for a total fuel capacity of 1,862 gal (7,047 L) or 12,494 lb (5,667 kg).  


In the F-62B Shrike, the WSO mans the weapon systems.  He or she can launch weapons but his or her primary role is to operate the weapons so that they are ready to be employed, allowing the pilot to focus on flying.  To aid the WSO in this function, he has two large MFDs each measuring 12 in (30.48 cm) wide and 9 in (22.86 cm) tall.  Each features forty-four buttons around its edges and the screens can be used in dedicated, single-screen views or split into multiple segments that split each screen in half and then offer smaller views in each segment to allow for as many as six displays per MFD.  The WSO has a side stick for control of the TGP, which features twelve buttons that can be programmable per his or her wishes.  The WSO also has access to two 5 in (12.7 cm) square MFDs that can be used for secondary purposes.  Typically one will be set to the RWR and the other will be set to the weapon modification page allow for customized, weapon settings.  These are located above the main MFDs.  Resolution on the main displays is 1024 x 1024 but they are equipped with the same color depth as the pilot's MFDs.  
Lastly, beyond the fuel supply that the Shrike carries with it at takeoff, it is capable of {{wpl|aerial refueling}} or air-to-air refueling (AAR).  The Shrike is equipped for probe-and-drogue refueling with a fueling receptacle mounted in its nose on the starboard side.  The Shrike is not equipped for boom refueling nor can this capability be retrofitted.


===Armament===
===Weapons===
As a light fighter, the Shrike does not carry as much ordnance as most 4.5-generation fighters but for its size and weight, it is capable of carrying a respectable payload of 11,575 lb (5,250 kg) across ten external hardpoints.
The Shrike is - first and foremost - a combat aircraft and no combat aircraft would be complete without its weaponry.  Across its ten hardpoints, the Shrike can carry up to 11,575 lb (5,250 kg) of ordnance in addition to its internal cannon.  These hardpoints are mounted centerline, along the fuselage, at the chin, and across the wings and wingtips.


====Cannon====
====Internal Cannon====
The standard cannon equipped on all variants of the Shrike is the [[Layartebian_Guns#GAU-20_Impulse_Revolver_Cannon_.28IRC.29|GAU-20/A Impulse Revolver Cannon]], which is fed by an internal magazine of 150 rounds.  The GAU-20/A is the Layartebian designation of the Amastoli-designed Model 278 Autocannon.  It fires a 27x151mm shell out of a 70-caliber barrel at varying rates of fire.  The cannon is mounted internally along the port wing root.
The Shrike's internal cannon, on domestically-built fighters, is the {[[Cannons_of_Layarteb#GAU-20_Revolver_Cannon|GAU-20/A Revolver Cannon]], which is identical to the French GIAT 30M 791.  The 30-millimeter cannon fires the 30x150mm B projectile at a muzzle velocity of 1,025 m/s (3,360 fps).  The cannon has a selectable rate of fire that allows for rates of fire of 300, 600, 1,500, or 2,500 rounds per minute, which allows Shrike pilots to tailor their ammunition expenditure based on target and situation.  Higher rates of fire are better used in dogfighting, where windows of opportunity are measured in quarters of seconds while slower rates of fire are useful in strafing where ammunition expenditure is critical to the number of runs available.  The standard ammunition load for the Shrike is 150 rounds.


Export Shrikes can be equipped with several cannons.  The system is limited to a weight of 400 lb (180 kg) and magazines are limited to an internal volume of 2,200 in³ (36,000 cm³).  With these limitations, the follow gun options are offered standard: the {{wpl|M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan}} with 300 rounds, the {{wpl|BK-27|Mauser BK-27}} with 150 rounds, the {{wpl|GIAT 30|GIAT 30M 791}} with 145 rounds, or the {{wpl|GSh-30-1}} with 100 rounds.  Other configurations could be available pending dimension and weight limitations.
Export F-28 Vipers can be sold with three other guns instead.  The first is the {{wpl|M61 Vulcan|M61A2 Vulcan}} cannon, a six-barrel, {{wpl|Gatling gun}} with 250 rounds.  The other two options are the {{wpl|GAU-12|GAU-12/U Equalizer}} with 125 rounds and the {{wpl|Mauser BK-27}} with 150 rounds.  There are other cannon options available but they depend on size, weight, power requirements, and ammunition capacities.


For cannons with a laser-aided targeting system such as the GAU-20/A and the GSh-30-1, the IRST is fully compatible.
The Shrike is capable of mounting several gun pods on its centerline hardpoint.  This includes the {{wpl|List_of_U.S._aircraft_gun_pods#XM12/M12_and_SUU-16/A|SUU-16/A}}, the {{wpl|List_of_U.S._aircraft_gun_pods#XM25_and_SUU-23/A|SUU-23/A}}, and the {{wpl|GAU-13|GPU-5/A}}.  The SUU-16/A and the SUU-23/A both utilize the M61A1 Vulcan and carry 1,200 rounds of ammunition.  The SUU-16/A weighs 1,650 lb (748 kg) and utilizes a ram-air turbine for power, requiring the aircraft to be flying over 300 mph (261 kn; 483 km/h).  It has a fixed rate of fire of 6,000 rpm.  The SUU-23/A weighs 1,730 lb (785 kg) and it is self-powered, meaning that the minimum speed requirements of the SUU-16/A are removed.  It has a fixed rate of fire of 6,000 rpm too.  The GPU-5/A pod utilizes the GAU-13/A Gatling gun, a scaled-down derivate of the infamous {{wpl|GAU-8|GAU-8/A Avenger}}.  The GAU-13 has four barrels to the GAU-8's seven but both fire the 30x173mm round.  The GPU-5 pod holds 353 rounds and it weighs 1,325 lb (601 kg) empty but 1,854 lb (841 kg) loaded.  It has a fixed rate of fire of 2,400 rpm.  The GPU-5 pod requires a heavily stressed hardpoint due to recoil and firing effects, which the Shrike has.


====External Hardpoints====
====External Hardpoints====
The Shrike is equipped with ten external hardpoints with two underside and eight on the wings and wingtips.  The total capacity of ordnance is 11,575 lb (5,250 kg) but combat configurations will see a much lower ordinance weight due to size limitations and range requirements.
For external hardpoints, the Shrike has a single hardpoint centerline, one hardpoint in the chin position on the fuselage, three hardpoints on each wing, and one hardpoint on each wingtip.  Together, they can carry a wide-array of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance as well as sensor pods and other, miscellaneous equipment.
 
The centerline hardpoint is rated for up to 2,425 lb (1,100 kg).  On this hardpoint, the Shrike can carry a single store.  This pylon is limited to carrying gun pods, drop tanks, sensor pods, or ECM pods.  Typically, this pylon is used to mount a 300-gal (1,135 L) external drop tank.  In addition, this pylon is capable of mounting the MXU-648 Travel Pod.  This pylon cannot carry missiles or bombs.


The centerline hardpoint of the Shrike is rated to 2,425 lb (1,100 kg) and is normally used to carry external drop tanks up to 315 gal (1,192 l).  This hardpoint can also be used to carry ECM and targeting pods and it is not wired for bombs or missiles though it can be configured to hold bombs of the 2,000 lb (900 kg) class.
The chin pylon, which is located forward and to the starboard side of the aircraft's underside fuselage is rated for up to 550 lb (250 kg).  This pylon is limited to carrying sensor and ECM pods and it is typically where the Shrike would carry its Sniper pod.


The shoulder hardpoint, located forward to the portside underneath the aircraft is purely for carrying ECM or targeting pods.  It is rated to just 550 lb (250 kg).  Reconnaissance pods can also be carried if they fit the weight limitations.
The innermost wing hardpoints are each rated for up to 2,800 lb (1,275 kg) of ordnance each.  They can be used to carry a wide array of munitions from air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles to bombs, ECM pods, and drop tanks up to 370 gal (1,400 l).  These are the only hardpoints capable of carrying anti-ship missiles and 2,000 lb (900 kg) class stores due to the dimension limitations of other hardpoints.  These cannot carry rocket pods however due to their proximity to the fuselage of the aircraft, but they can carry chaff-dispensing pods.  They are compatible with the MXU-648 Travel Pod.


The innermost wing hardpoints are each rated to carry 2,800 lb (1,275 kg) each.  They can be used to carry a wide array of munitions from air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles to bombs, ECM pods, and drop tanks up to 370 gal (1,400 l).  These are the only hardpoints capable of carrying anti-ship missiles and 2,000 lb (900 kg) class stores due to the dimension limitations of other hardpoints.  These cannot carry rocket pods however due to their proximity to the fuselage of the aircraft.
The center wing hardpoints are rated to carry 880 lb (400 kg) of ordnance each.  They can be used to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as rocket pods and bombs.  They could be used to carry ECM pods as well but not targeting pods or reconnaissance pods.  They can carry air-to-ground rocket pods and chaff-dispensing pods.


The center wing hardpoints are each rated to carry 880 lb (400 kg).  They can be used to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as rocket pods and bombs.  They could be used to carry ECM pods as well but not targeting pods or reconnaissance pods.
The outer wing hardpoints are rated to carry 355 lb (160 kg) of ordnance each.  Because of their light weight, they are limited to carrying on air-to-air missiles, light air-to-ground missiles, small rocket pods, and light bombs of the 250 lb (100 kg) class.


The outer wing hardpoints are each rated to carry 355 lb (160 kg).  These hardpoints are limited to air-to-air missiles, light air-to-ground missiles, small rocket pods, and light bombs of the 250 lb (115 kg) class.
The wingtip hardpoints are rated at 255 lb (115 kg) each, and they are primarily for short-range, air-to-air missiles.  They are wired to carry ECM pods, but these pods must be light and small enough to conform to the weight and size limitations.


The wingtip hardpoints are each rated at 255 lb (115 kg) and are primarily for light air-to-air missiles, primarily dogfight missiles.  These are wired for light ECM pods despite some being light enough to be carried.  Upgrades may provide this capability however.
Insofar as ordnance types are concerned, the Shrike is set up for Western ordnance.  However, it can be reconfigured to support Russian ordnance; however, only one type can be supported at once.   


==Operational History==
==Operational History==

Revision as of 02:57, 18 October 2019

Layartebian Defense Corporation F-30 Shrike
Role Multirole lightweight fighter
National origin  Layarteb
Manufacturer Layartebian Defense Corporation
First flight 11 April 2008; 16 years ago (2008-04-11)
Introduction 6 September 2014; 10 years ago (2014-09-06)
Status In-Service
Primary user Imperial Layartebian Air Force
Produced 2012 - Present
Unit cost
$37,500,000 [Domestic]
$42,000,000 [Export]

The Layartebian Defense Corporation F-30 Shrike is a twin-engine supersonic multirole light fighter aircraft originally designed for the export market. However, its performance and versatility led to its adoption by the Imperial Layartebian Military. The Shrike is an all-weather, 4.5 generation aircraft similar to the F/A-50 Golden Eagle and the JAS-39 Gripen.

As a light fighter, the Shrike is designed to be a cost-effective solution for the export market for nations incapable of procuring large and expensive, 4.5 generation fighters such as the Dassalt Rafale, the Eurofighter Typhoon, or the Layartebian-made F-28 Viper. In addition to serving as a light fighter, the Shrike also has a trainer variant designed to provide modern capabilities for emerging pilot students. The aircraft makes heavy use of fly-by-wire systems, making it a highly agile aircraft, especially when combined with thrust vectoring engines, which is an option available on the aircraft. The fighter has an internal cannon and ten hardpoints for air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance.

Development

Origins

The debut of the F-28 Viper in 2002 provided ample support to the Layartebian Defense Corporation in both the domestic and in export markets. Cleared for export to Tier I and Tier II allies, the Viper quickly became not only the most numerous fighter in Layartebian service but also its most exported fighter in history. Forming the backbone of many nations, the Viper was a resounding success but it had a major limitation to some smaller Tier II and Tier III allies, which was its cost. The Viper, designed as a big, 4.5-generation fighter, came with an export price tag of nearly $100 million and significant operating costs to maintain it in peak, flying condition. To rectify this issue, the Layartebian Defense Corporation undertook Project Shrike, which aimed to produce an export-oriented, light fighter at half the cost of the Viper without sacrificing too much on capability, serviceability, and usability.

Project Shrike began, in earnest, in spring 2005. Multiple project teams were convened and given the task of submitting proposals for a twin-engine, lightweight fighter that would serve in the 21st century the same way that the F-5 Tiger II did in the 20th century. Because development was being done entirely in-house, without a domestic contract and without any export contracts, cost had to be a priority. For that reason, a grand fly-off was not envisioned and only the best design - on paper - was chosen. Design LC-502A was chosen and the prototype phase began in early 2007 with the first prototype rolled out in January 2008. Its first flight was April 11, 2008.

Testing on the LC-502A took on a slower pace than normal, chiefly due to the lack of delivery contracts but the buzz around the aircraft soon garnered steam when in summer 2010, the Imperial Layartebian Air Force approached the Layartebian Defense Corporation about the possibility of evaluating the fighter as a replacement for some retiring aircraft. A strategy review in the Ministry of Defense had determined that an inexpensive, 4.5-generation light fighter could provide economically viable in combat, especially against enemies in disproportionate scenarios, especially in counter-insurgency campaigns. As a result, the LC-502A was given the designation of YF-30.

Concurrently with this level of interest, the Layartebian Defense Corporation propositioned modifying the two-seat LC-502B into a potential trainer aircraft. As a result, the LC-502C prototype was born and it took to the skies in March 2011. Testing on the aircraft continued and export interest grew quickly. All-in-all, six aircraft prototypes per built, two of each variant. Rigorous testing began but came to a three-month delay in May 2013 after PAV-4 suffered a fatal crash, killing test pilot John B. Kelly, a former air force colonel and prestigious member of the air force's flight demonstration team. PAV-4, a YF-30A single-seat design, was being put through high-G maneuvers at very low altitude during a particularly dangerous aspect of its testing program. Disruption of airflow into the starboard engine during a +9G turn at 2,000 ft (610 m) caused the aircraft to enter into a flat spin. The spin was unrecoverable and the extremely low altitude of the spin meant that the recovery parachute system could not deploy quickly enough. Kelly was killed in the crash, having never initiated the ejection sequence, perhaps due to blackout or an effort to recover the aircraft.

Changes were made to the five remaining prototypes and testing resumed in August 2013. Testing of high-G maneuvers was now limited to altitudes in excess of 6,500 ft (2,000 m). No further issues with airflow disruption were noted however.

The YF-30 was dubbed the "Shrike" in line with its project name on August 8, 2012, when low-rate initial production was authorized. The first operational squadron of F-30A Shrikes would reach initial operational capability on September 6, 2014 with the air force. The first T-8A Shrike reached initial operational capability on March 1, 2015 with the air force.

Production

The initial order from the Imperial Layartebian Air Force was for two hundred and eighty F-30A Shrike single-seat combat aircraft and four hundred T-8A Shrike two-seat trainer aircraft. Based on these orders and export orders, the Layartebian Defense Corporation commissioned the first production line for low rate initial production in August 2012 at the Roanoke Aircraft Plant in Roanoke, Virginia. In FY12, six aircraft were produced, rising to sixteen in FY13, thirty-two in FY14, forty-five in FY15, eighty-one in FY16, and ninety in FY17 and FY18 each. Orders and line time is showing a projected eighty-one aircraft in FY19. Orders and production plans for FY20 show 87 aircraft producing. At present, the Virginia line is producing the F-30A and the T-8A exclusively for the Imperial Layartebian Air Force. Based on orders, production will continue through 2022 when the final T-8As will be delivered, lest the Imperial Layartebian Air Force order more.

A second production line at the Montgomery Production Plant in Montgomery, Alabama, which is one of three LDC manufacturing facilities between Montgomery and Columbus, Georgia, was commissioned in FY14 with the production of nine aircraft. This rose to twenty-one in FY15, thirty-three in FY16, forty-two in FY17, and fifty in FY18. The projection for FY19 is for sixty-one aircraft. Orders and production forecasts for FY20, FY21, and FY22 have the plant producing sixty-four aircraft per year. The Montgomery facility produces aircraft solely for the export market.

All told, as of 2019, there have been six hundred and fifty-seven Shrikes produced, four hundred and forty-one just for the Imperial Layartebian Military. The Shrike has been available for export to Tier I (The October Alliance or TOA) and Tier II allies since 2014 and Tier III partners since 2018.

Upgrades

Initial versions of the F-30 Shrike were of the Block 1 variant. In total, forty Block 1 variant aircraft were produced from FY12 to FY14. The initial operational capability (IOC) Shrikes had very limited air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities and were largely used for pilot transition training. Insofar as air-to-air ordnance was concerned, they could only carry the AIM-9M Sidewinder and for air-to-ground ordnance, they could only carry unguided, iron bombs of the Mark 80 series.

Production of the Block 5 variant began in FY14 with a total of one hundred and forty-nine aircraft produced from FY14 to FY16. The Block 5 upgrade is considered the full operational capability and it was also the first export model and the first trainer model. The Block 5 variant integrated the full suite of air-to-air weapons such as the radar-guided AIM-120 AMRAAM and air-to-ground weapons, including precision-guided munitions such as the the JDAM and the Paveway bombs, the AGM-65 Maverick, the AGM-84 Harpoon, and the AGM-154 JSOW.

Production of the Block 10 variant began in FY16 and it is the variant currently in production. Four hundred and sixty-eight aircraft have been produced to this variant. The Block 10 integrated more weapons and provided for avionics upgrades fixing a number of flaws in the datalink system of the Block 1 and the Block 5 variants. It integrated long-range cruise missiles and newer air-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles, giving expansion on the aircraft's capabilities. In domestic variants, the Block 10 upgrade allows the Shrike to carry nuclear weaponry.

Development on a Block 15 variant is on the horizon but it is not expected to be introduced into production until sometime in 2021. Expected improvements will mainly be to the aircraft's systems providing improved compatibility with 5th generation fighters.

Design

Overview

The Shrike is a twin-engine, lightweight, supersonic, multirole, tactical fighter aircraft. It is born out of the designs of lightweight fighters such as the F-5 Tiger II, the Gripen, the JF-17, and the FA-50. Comparatively, the Shrike is closer to the Gripen in terms of size and weight than other lightweight fighters. The Shrike is capable of 9-g maneuvers and it can reach Mach 2 in level-flight at altitude. A frameless, bubble canopy affords the pilots superb visibility in dogfights and significant innovations were taken in the cockpit to help pilots reduce the effects of g-force during maneuvers. These innovations included side-mounted controls and a reclined seat. The aircraft has a favorable thrust-to-weight ratio, providing significant power in acceleration and turning.

The Shrike is armed with a 30-millimeter internal cannon, the GAU-20/A Revolver Cannon, which is located in an under-fuselage, port-side mount. The aircraft has ten hardpoints for the mounting of a number of air-to-air, air-to-ground, and miscellaneous stores to complete its mission. The Shrike is classified as a 4.5-generation fighter but, to keep costs low, stealth and radar cross section reductions were kept to a minimum. By the nature of the aircraft's design and its small size, it does not present a larger radar cross section than to other fighters of comparable generation and size. Much of the aircraft's construction is from lightweight composites, which help aid in this reduced RCS however.

General Configuration

The Shrike is an impressively agile aircraft in all speed regimes, whether slow or supersonic. This is largely achieved through a relaxed stability design, which means that the aircraft is aerodynamically unstable. Without its fly-by-wire system, it would be very difficult to fly and for that reason, all fly-by-wire systems have triple redundancy to ensure survivability in battle.

The airframe, largely made out of lightweight composites, has an estimated lifespan of 8,000 hours and it can withstand -4g to +10g; however, maneuvers over +9g will deform and damage the wings, requiring replacement. A G-limiter onboard the aircraft prevents maneuvers in excess of +9g, primarily to prevent G-LOC or G-force induced loss of consciousness. Because G-LOC at low altitude is almost always fatal, the Shrike is equipped with an auto-GCAS system that prevents a ground collision. The auto-GCAS system automatically corrects for diving maneuvers and automatically returns the aircraft to level or climbing flight to prevent collisions with the ground. This system was credited with preventing two crashes during the prototype and evaluation phase of the aircraft's development.

The Shrike has a wing design similar to that of the FA-50 Golden Eagle. To generate extra lift, the aircraft is equipped with fore-body strakes that extend up to the cockpit from the wing. The Shrike does not have canards though despite this, the aircraft has excellent low-speed handling due to its powerful engines. Because of its light weight and high thrust output, the fighter is capable of short takeoffs and it can operate on highway and unimproved airstrips, though the latter do require some preparation to ensure foreign objects are not present.

The Shrike is not designed to be a carrier-born aircraft but, despite this, it is equipped with an arrestor hook for emergency landings or short-runway landings. The aircraft is equipped with an automated landing system, which is identical to that installed in naval aircraft. This aids recovery even in the worst weather conditions, making the Shrike suitable for all air forces in the world.

Cockpit

Because the Shrike is both a trainer and a fighter, it comes in two cockpit configurations. In both configurations, the Shrike's cockpit is a glass cockpit, incorporating multiple multi-function displays. These allow the pilots to choose from any number of displays allowing for robust aircraft control. The principles of data fusion are highly present in the cockpit, which aims to reduce the workload on the pilot, especially in the single-seat variant.

Controls are fully HOTAS or Hands on Throttle and Stick, with the flight control stick on the right and the throttle on the left. This is done chiefly to aid in control during high G-force maneuvers but also to provide additional room in front of the pilot, especially with regards to the display screens. Both the pilot and the RIO/WSO sit on ACES II zero-zero ejection seats, reclined to 30° to aid in high G-force maneuvers. The reliability of the ACES II makes it the primary ejection seat in Layartebian aircraft.

In both trainer and combat variants, the pilot has access to two, LCD multi-function displays or MFDs. These are situated left and right of the center of the pilot's console. Both are 5 inches (12.7 cm) square. In the center of the console are four, small, digital displays for a variety of functions such as the artificial horizon, compass, altimeter, Mach indicator, and so on and so forth. Each of these displays are 2.5 in (6.35 cm) square. In combat variants, the WSO has a different cockpit setup, which does not include dual controls. In this setup, the WSO has two much larger MFDs. Each one is 5 inches (12.7 cm) in width but 8 inches (20.32 cm) in height. The WSO has access to the same four, small, digital displays as the pilot, as well as other flight systems. In trainer variants, the rear cockpit has dual controls. All primary MFDs have a resolution of 1024 pixels x 1024 pixels while the smaller, displays have a resolution of 480 pixels x 480 pixels.

The canopy of the Shrike is made from a flexible, polycarbonate material that is designed to flex during bird strikes to ensure survivability. Regardless of variant, the canopy is a single piece, bubble canopy with superior visibility. The canopy is not coated with any special materials for RCS reduction.

The head-up display or HUD of the Shrike is identical to that of the F-16 Falcon, having been taken from the F-16C Block 50/52 variant. This was done solely to reduce cost. 

It, like all systems within the cockpit, is compatible with night-vision goggles.  In addition, the aircraft's systems are also compatible with helmet-mounted display or HMD systems.

Climate control systems in the cockpit provide for air conditioning and heating systems and the aircraft's cockpit is equipped with a redundant backup life-support system to counteract potential hypoxia-related issues.

Avionics

The avionics of the Shrike are an upgrade of what might be normally found in a fighter of its size and capacity. This contributes to the a good portion of the aircraft's cost but it also enables the Shrike to compete with larger and more advanced 4.5-generation aircraft.

For basic functionality, the Shrike is equipped with a GPS and an inertial navigation system. The aircraft can utilize Instrument Landing System or ILS for landing in poor weather or other conditions. The aircraft has a ground proximity warning system and Link 16 capabilities, which can be expanded to new standards. All aircraft feature these systems but domestic and export aircraft have different advanced systems such as radar and ECM.

Detection Systems

Shrikes in service with the Imperial Layartebian Military are equipped with the AN/APG-91 solid-state, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar. The radar is composed of 775 transmit/receive modules, which provide near-instantaneous beam steering and frequency hopping capabilities. This makes the radar an LPIR radar. The radar has a diameter of 23.62 inches (600 mm) and a weight of 331 lb (150 kg). It has a peak power output of approximately 11.625 kilowatts but an average pulse significantly less. Each T/R module is 4.4 inches (112 mm) long by 1.18 inches (30 mm) width by 0.47 inches (12 mm) thick. They weigh only 2.82 oz (80 g) each but can handle 15 watts of maximum power.

The AN/APG-91(V)-2 of the Shrike is a derivative of the AN/APG-91(V)-1 of the F-28 Viper but it is smaller and less capable. The radar is capable of tracking as many as 32 aircraft at once, of which 6 can be engage simultaneously. Air-to-air modes include: range while scan (RWS), track while scan (TWS), single-target track (STT), and dogfight. Because the radar is a synthetic aperture radar, it can provide high-resolution mapping. In air-to-ground modes, the AN/APG-91(V)-2 can engage both stationary and moving targets as well as seaborne targets. The radar also has terrain-following capabilities. The AN/APG-91(V)-2 operates on X band. Export Shrikes are equipped with the Elta ELM-2052 radar instead.

The use of the radar, despite its LPI capabilities, means that the Shrike is still actively transmitting emissions. To counter this, the Viper is equipped with the AN/AAS-48 IRST. Mounted on the nose just forward of the canopy, the AN/AAS-48(V)-1 IRST provides passive detection via infrared capabilities. It has a range of 50 miles (80 km) head-on and 90 miles (145 km) for the rear with limited air-to-ground capabilities. Against supersonic targets, these ranges increase. The system is entirely passive and functions on two IR bands, 3 - 5 µm and 8 - 11 µm. It has a field of view of 180° x 75° and can simultaneously track up to 500 targets. The IRST is a weather-dependent system however and it is not useful against ground targets. In a dogfight, the IRST is also equipped with a ranging laser, which aids the cannon. Export Shrikes are equipped with the OSF IRST system.

For ground-attack missions, the Shrike would carry an AN/AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod. The Sniper can be mounted on chin pylon, where it provides downward-focused FLIR and laser-designation. It can be used for nap-of-the-earth flying without utilizing the terrain-following capabilities of the Shrike's radar. The Sniper pod provides high-resolution imagery and laser-designation up to 50,000 feet (15,250 m). All versions of the Shrike would require the Sniper for laser-designation or ground-targeting FLIR.

Self-Defense Systems

To defend against threats, the Shrike is equipped with the AN/ASQ-238 Electronic Countermeasures Suite. The version specifically deployed on the Shrike is the AN/ASQ-238(V)-5 system. It provides an assortment of jamming and warning systems. This includes the AN/ALR-94 Radar Warning Receiver, which provides 360° detection for radar-based threats out to as far away as 300 mi (480 km).

While the AN/ALR-94 provides warning against radar-based threats, the Shrike has the AN/AAR-52 Missile Warning System for non-radar threats, primarily infrared-guided missiles. The AN/AAR-52 is a dual-mode system that utilizes infrared and ultraviolent detection to warn the pilot of approaching missiles. The use of both systems is done to help counter the advantages and disadvantages of each. Infrared-based alert systems detect the hot rocket motor of incoming missiles but they are not all-weather systems, which UV-based systems are. IR-based systems are highly effective against air-to-air missiles while UV-based systems are better against surface-to-air missiles. The AN/AAR-52 utilizes these systems thus to warn the pilot of approaching missiles that might escape the AN/ALR-94.

Beyond warning the pilot of approaching threats, the ECS can also jam them. Against radio frequency (RF) threats, the system employs the AN/ALQ-229 for jamming. The AN/ALQ-229 provides not only full spectrum jamming of a wide area but also directional jamming for focused lethality. The AN/ALQ-229 is also effective against monopulse seekers such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM. Against these missiles, the AN/ALQ-229 utilizes "Cross-eye techniques." To achieve this, there are transmitters placed on each wing of the aircraft with a 180° phase shift. This angle-deception technique forces the seeker of the incoming missile to realign its antenna and in doing so gives the missile incorrect tracking data causing the missile to miss entirely. However, the system is not effective against two separate seekers coming from different bearings. Export versions of the Shrike utilize both the AN/ALR-94 and the AN/AAR-52 but in place of the AN/ALQ-229, they mount the AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Countermeasures (IDECM) system.

Beyond radars, IRSTs, and ECM systems, the Shrike is also equipped with a number of physical countermeasures in the form of chaff, flare, and decoys. All Shrikes are equipped with AN/ALE-47 dispensers for chaff and flares. Each dispenser can hold up to 30 chaff bundles or flares and there can be up to five configurations for chaff and flare loads. The Shrike mounts four on the fuselage with all four in the rear of the aircraft. These can be supplemented with weapons pylons equipped with chaff dispensers. A Shrike with these pylons can mount two such pylons on stations 2 and 9, with each pylon adding three dispensers, bringing the potential total up to ten dispensers.

In addition, the Shrike mounts two AN/ALE-58 high-capacity dispensers on stations 1 and 10. These high-capacity dispensers can hold up to 160 chaff or flare cartridges; however, they are typically loaded with chaff so that the under-fuselage dispensers can be loaded with flares. All told, a Shrike utilizing all of its available chaff and flare dispensers can carry up to 320 cartridges in its AN/ALE-58 dispensers, 180 chaff cartridges in its pylon dispenser, and 60 medium or 120 small flare cartridges in its fuselage AN/ALE-47 dispensers. In addition, the Shrike can carry several chaff-dispensing pods. In its basic configuration it can carry up to four chaff-dispensing pods on its inner four wing pylons. For pods, the Shrike can carry the AN/ALE-37A Chaff Pod, the AN/ALE-41 Chaff Pod, or the AN/ALE-43 Chaff Pod. The AN/ALE-37A weighs 277 lb (126 kg) and it can carry up to two, 120-round payload modules for a total of 240 rounds of chaff, flares, or decoys. The AN/ALE-41 weighs 360 lb (163 kg) and the AN/ALE-43 weighs 626 lb (284 kg) and both utilize rolls of chaff to create long corridors.

Performance

The Shrike - as a 4.5-generation fighter - has comparable performance to the JAS-39 Gripen. Because of its size and capabilities, it is not meant to match the performance of larger, 4.5-generation fighters such as the F-28 Viper, the Dassalt Rafale, or the Eurofighter Typhoon. Against 5th generation fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II, the Shrike is not meant to be competitive on the battlefield. It would take a highly skilled pilot integrated in a robust, fighting force to defend against 5th generation threats.

Top speed for the Shrike at sea-level is Mach 1.08 (822 mph; 1,323 km/h; 714 kn). At altitude, the Shrike is capable of a top speed of Mach 2 (1,320 mph; 2,125 km/h; 1,147 kn). The Shrike has a maximum ceiling of 55,000 ft (16,765 m) and its initial rate of climb is 40,000 ft/min (203.2 m/s). The Shrike is not necessarily designed to supercruise but it has the ability to maintain a cruising speed above Mach 1 without afterburners with a very light weapons load. However, despite this, the advantages are outweighed by the disadvantages and the Shrike is not normally flown in this capacity.

Insofar as maneuverability is concerned, the Shrike is a highly agile fighter. With its standard engines, the Shrike is capable of withstanding -4g to +10g but a G-limiter caps this to -3g to +9g. With thrust-vectoring, the Shrike's maneuverability can match that of many high-performance, 4.5-generation fighters.

With its typical combat load, the Shrike has a combat radius of 400 mi (650 km). Its unrefueled, ferry range is 1,600 mi (2,575 km). Its takeoff run at sea-level is 355 meters (1,165 ft) while its landing run is 800 meters (2,625 ft) with a landing chute. This can be decreased with an add-on, drogue chute. Installation of the braking chute would be done in the base of the tail. The typical landing chute measures 16 ft (4.87 m) in diameter, which is towed 15 ft (4.57 M0 behind the aircraft. Without a landing chute, its braking distance is 1,500 meters (4,921 ft).

Propulsion

The Shrike is a twin-engine fighter and it is powered by a pair of low-bypass, afterburning, turbofan engines. Each engine is capable of providing up to 6,382 lbf (28.39 kN) of thrust dry and up to 11,023 lbf (49.03 kN) with full afterburner. When equipped with 2D thrust-vectoring paddles, they allow vectoring of ±20° along the pitch axis. The Shrike is capable of performing some post stall maneuvers, sometimes referred to as supermanueverability when equipped with thrust-vectoring paddles. To date, Layartebian variants of the Shrike are not equipped with thrust-vectoring paddles.

The LDC-TF-29A engine that powers the Shrike measures 121 in (3.07 m) in length with a diameter of 24.41 in (0.62 m). Each engine weighs 1,420 lb (644 kg). The engine has an axial compressor with three fan and six, high-pressure, compressor stages. There is also one high-pressure turbine and one low-pressure turbine stage. Specific fuel consumption at military thrust is 0.725 lb/(lbf-h) (74 kg/(kN-h) and at full afterburner it is 1.8 lb/(lbf-h) (183.6 kg/(kN-h). It has an overall thrust-to-weight ratio of 7.8:1 and an overall pressure ratio of 26:1.

Feeding these engines is an internal fuel supply of 5,512 lb (2,500 kg) in four, internal fuel tanks. The main fuselage tank holds 322 gal (1,219 L) of fuel while a reserve tank holds just 100 gal (379 L). Each wing tank holds 200 gal (757 L) for a total of 822 gal (3,112 L) of JP-8 fuel, which weighs approximately 6.71 lb per gallon or (0.8 kg per liter). Externally, the Shrike can carry three drop tanks on its centerline and innermost wing pylons. On the centerline pylon, the Shrike can carry a single tank between 300 gal (1,135 L) and 330 gal (1,250 L). On its innermost wing pylons, the Shrike can carry any fuel tank between 300 gal (1,135 L) and 370 gal (1,400 L). A typical configuration mounts one 300-gal tank and two 370-gal tanks, increasing the fuel supply by 126% for a total fuel capacity of 1,862 gal (7,047 L) or 12,494 lb (5,667 kg).

Lastly, beyond the fuel supply that the Shrike carries with it at takeoff, it is capable of aerial refueling or air-to-air refueling (AAR). The Shrike is equipped for probe-and-drogue refueling with a fueling receptacle mounted in its nose on the starboard side. The Shrike is not equipped for boom refueling nor can this capability be retrofitted.

Weapons

The Shrike is - first and foremost - a combat aircraft and no combat aircraft would be complete without its weaponry. Across its ten hardpoints, the Shrike can carry up to 11,575 lb (5,250 kg) of ordnance in addition to its internal cannon. These hardpoints are mounted centerline, along the fuselage, at the chin, and across the wings and wingtips.

Internal Cannon

The Shrike's internal cannon, on domestically-built fighters, is the {GAU-20/A Revolver Cannon, which is identical to the French GIAT 30M 791. The 30-millimeter cannon fires the 30x150mm B projectile at a muzzle velocity of 1,025 m/s (3,360 fps). The cannon has a selectable rate of fire that allows for rates of fire of 300, 600, 1,500, or 2,500 rounds per minute, which allows Shrike pilots to tailor their ammunition expenditure based on target and situation. Higher rates of fire are better used in dogfighting, where windows of opportunity are measured in quarters of seconds while slower rates of fire are useful in strafing where ammunition expenditure is critical to the number of runs available. The standard ammunition load for the Shrike is 150 rounds.

Export F-28 Vipers can be sold with three other guns instead. The first is the M61A2 Vulcan cannon, a six-barrel, Gatling gun with 250 rounds. The other two options are the GAU-12/U Equalizer with 125 rounds and the Mauser BK-27 with 150 rounds. There are other cannon options available but they depend on size, weight, power requirements, and ammunition capacities.

The Shrike is capable of mounting several gun pods on its centerline hardpoint. This includes the SUU-16/A, the SUU-23/A, and the GPU-5/A. The SUU-16/A and the SUU-23/A both utilize the M61A1 Vulcan and carry 1,200 rounds of ammunition. The SUU-16/A weighs 1,650 lb (748 kg) and utilizes a ram-air turbine for power, requiring the aircraft to be flying over 300 mph (261 kn; 483 km/h). It has a fixed rate of fire of 6,000 rpm. The SUU-23/A weighs 1,730 lb (785 kg) and it is self-powered, meaning that the minimum speed requirements of the SUU-16/A are removed. It has a fixed rate of fire of 6,000 rpm too. The GPU-5/A pod utilizes the GAU-13/A Gatling gun, a scaled-down derivate of the infamous GAU-8/A Avenger. The GAU-13 has four barrels to the GAU-8's seven but both fire the 30x173mm round. The GPU-5 pod holds 353 rounds and it weighs 1,325 lb (601 kg) empty but 1,854 lb (841 kg) loaded. It has a fixed rate of fire of 2,400 rpm. The GPU-5 pod requires a heavily stressed hardpoint due to recoil and firing effects, which the Shrike has.

External Hardpoints

For external hardpoints, the Shrike has a single hardpoint centerline, one hardpoint in the chin position on the fuselage, three hardpoints on each wing, and one hardpoint on each wingtip. Together, they can carry a wide-array of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance as well as sensor pods and other, miscellaneous equipment.

The centerline hardpoint is rated for up to 2,425 lb (1,100 kg). On this hardpoint, the Shrike can carry a single store. This pylon is limited to carrying gun pods, drop tanks, sensor pods, or ECM pods. Typically, this pylon is used to mount a 300-gal (1,135 L) external drop tank. In addition, this pylon is capable of mounting the MXU-648 Travel Pod. This pylon cannot carry missiles or bombs.

The chin pylon, which is located forward and to the starboard side of the aircraft's underside fuselage is rated for up to 550 lb (250 kg). This pylon is limited to carrying sensor and ECM pods and it is typically where the Shrike would carry its Sniper pod.

The innermost wing hardpoints are each rated for up to 2,800 lb (1,275 kg) of ordnance each. They can be used to carry a wide array of munitions from air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles to bombs, ECM pods, and drop tanks up to 370 gal (1,400 l). These are the only hardpoints capable of carrying anti-ship missiles and 2,000 lb (900 kg) class stores due to the dimension limitations of other hardpoints. These cannot carry rocket pods however due to their proximity to the fuselage of the aircraft, but they can carry chaff-dispensing pods. They are compatible with the MXU-648 Travel Pod.

The center wing hardpoints are rated to carry 880 lb (400 kg) of ordnance each. They can be used to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles as well as rocket pods and bombs. They could be used to carry ECM pods as well but not targeting pods or reconnaissance pods. They can carry air-to-ground rocket pods and chaff-dispensing pods.

The outer wing hardpoints are rated to carry 355 lb (160 kg) of ordnance each. Because of their light weight, they are limited to carrying on air-to-air missiles, light air-to-ground missiles, small rocket pods, and light bombs of the 250 lb (100 kg) class.

The wingtip hardpoints are rated at 255 lb (115 kg) each, and they are primarily for short-range, air-to-air missiles. They are wired to carry ECM pods, but these pods must be light and small enough to conform to the weight and size limitations.

Insofar as ordnance types are concerned, the Shrike is set up for Western ordnance. However, it can be reconfigured to support Russian ordnance; however, only one type can be supported at once.

Operational History

Post-Conquests

Introduced into service with the Imperial Layartebian Air Force in 2014, the F-62 Shrike was not utilized in any combat operation in 2015 or 2016; however, in 2017, they were deployed to Sergipe in a close air support role. A single squadron of F-62A Shrikes rotated into Sergipe in June 2017, all of which were Block 10 variants. They have flown several low-risk sorties as of the end of 2017 with no losses or missions worthy of note.

The T-62C Shrike has transitioned into being the primary jet trainer for the Imperial Layartebian Military. Its use has been received positively by both pilots and instructors and the aircraft has had a good safety record thus far with two incidents, one of which resulted in the loss of the crew.

Foreign Use

Export-model F-62 and T-62 Shrikes have not performed any combat missions as of the end of 2017 and have not reported any incidents either.

Variants

Prototype Models

  • YF-62A - Single seat light attack prototype
  • YF-62B - Two-seat light attack prototype
  • YF-62C - Two-seat trainer prototype

Production Models

  • F-62A Shrike - Single-seat, light attack fighter ($37.5 million)[n 6]
    • Block 1 - Initial operating variant with limited integration of short-range air-to-air and unguided air-to-ground ordnance
    • Block 5 - Integration of precision-guided, air-to-ground ordnance
    • Block 10 - Full integration of available air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance
  • F-62B Shrike - Two-seat, light attack fighter ($37.5 million)[n 6]
    • Block 1 - Initial operating variant with limited integration of short-range air-to-air and unguided air-to-ground ordnance
    • Block 5 - Integration of precision-guided, air-to-ground ordnance
    • Block 10 - Full integration of available air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance
  • T-62C Shrike - Two-seat trainer ($35 million)[n 6]
    • Block 1 - Initial operating variant with no weapons capabilities
    • Block 5 - Limited integration of short-range air-to-air and unguided air-to-ground ordnance
    • Block 10 - Full integration of available air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance

Operators

 Layarteb (942 Planned)

Export Customers

Template:Standard table ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|Country ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|F-62A ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|F-62B ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|T-62C ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|Total ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|Users ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|Notes |----- |Libya |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"| |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|32 |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|24 |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|56 |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|Royal Libyan Air Force |colspan="1" style="text-align: left"|Delivered 2016 |----- |Mexico |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"| |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"| |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|50 |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|50 |colspan="1" style="text-align: center"|Mexican Air Force |colspan="1" style="text-align: left"|Delivered 2017 |----- ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|Totals ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|0 ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|32 ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|74 ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"|106 ! style="text-align: center; background: #aacccc;"| ! style="text-align: left; background: #aacccc;"| |}

Accidents

There have been three incidents with the Shrike in Layartebian service. Two have resulted in crew deaths while one resulted in a write-off to the airframe.

The first incident happened while the aircraft was still in its prototype phase. Flight test vehicle PAV-4, a YF-62A, crashed on May 11, 2013 killing test pilot John B. Kelly. Kelly, a former air force colonel with three kills in air combat was conducting high-G combat maneuvers over Langley, Virginia. During one such maneuver, airflow into the starboard engine was disrupted, causing the engine to stall. In an attempt to restart the engine, Kelly inadvertently caused an asymmetric thrust scenario that induced a flat-spin at an altitude of just 500 ft (152 m). Perhaps unaware of his altitude in the situation, Kelly did not initiate ejection and the aircraft crashed moments later, killing Kelly and destroying the airframe.

The second incident happened on April 18, 2015 when a T-62C suffered a gear collapse during its takeoff roll. The pilot of the trainer rapidly deployed the parachute and brought the aircraft to a halt. However, because of the gear collapse, the aircraft caught fire underneath the cockpit, forcing both pilots to escape from the airframe across the wing. Neither pilot was injured but the airframe was written off and subsequently scrapped.

The third incident occurred on June 18, 2017. The aircraft was being flown by a trainee with an instructor pilot in the rear seat on a low-level, nighttime, training sortie. Flying without terrain following radar utilizing night vision goggles, the aircraft inadvertently collided with a high-tension power line tower, sheering off the starboard side wing. The aircraft was immediately thrown into a spin that prevented ejection due to an inverted attitude. The plane crashed into the ground killing both crewmen seconds later.

Specifications

General characteristics

Performance


Armament

  • Guns: 1x GAU-20/A Impulse Revolver Cannon with 150 rounds
  • Hardpoints: 10 total: 1x centerline rated at 2,425 lb (1,100 kg); 1x chin rated at 550 lb (250 kg); 2x inner-wing rated at 2,800 lb (1,275 kg) each; 2x center-wing rated at 880 lb (400 kg) each; 2x outer-wing rated at 355 lb (160 kg) each; and, 2x wingtip rated at 255 lb (115 kg) each for a total capacity of 11,575 lb (5,250 kg) of external ordnance.
  • Rockets: LAU-10-series rocket pods, LAU-61-series rocket pods, LAU-121-series rocket pods, LAU-5003-series rocket pods
  • Missiles:
  • Bombs:
  • Other: 3x 315-gal (1,192 L) external drop tanks, 2x 370-gal (1,400 L) external drop tanks

Avionics

  • Sensors
  • Countermeasures

Links

Links

Notes

1.^ F-62B: 14,771 lb (6,700 kg)
2.^ Figure notes for an air-to-air mission. For a hi-lo-hi mission, the combat radius is 180 mi (290 km).
3.^ Figure is for performance takeoff at combat weight. For max weight, takeoff distance is 1,000 m (3,281 ft).
4.^ Figure is for a light load and using the drag chute. Without the drag chute, landing distance is 1,500 m (4,921 ft).
5.^ Export-model Shrikes are equipped with the AN/ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Projection Jammer.
6.^ Export aircraft carry a 10% higher cost.
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