B-49M

File:PV49.jpg
Original B-49 model
Role	Tactical bomber
National origin	Temuair/Sieuxerr
Manufacturer	Parada-Vara/Amiot
First flight	November 2, 1993
Introduction	1994 2003 (B-49EW)
Status	In service
Primary user	AeroBlades International
Number built	14
Program cost	500,000,000 URD
Developed from	Parada-Vara B-49

The B-49M is an upgraded model of the Parada-Vara B-49, which is a twin-engine light bomber originally produced by Parada-Vara in Temuair in the early 1950s. New electronic systems, new engines, and other features were added. The aircraft were purchased in the early 1990s, when AeroBlades was denied the rights to purchase large twin engine ground attack aircraft by the Sieuxerrian Government. A compromise was found, and it was agreed that AeroBlades would purchase older B-49 aircraft from the Imperial Air Force, and would modernize them. They have been used mostly to train air defense crews and pilot training, however they can be used in a number of ground attack roles.

Design

The B-49Ms are all built off of the older B-49 light bomber model which saw service with the Imperial Air Force of Temuair. The airframes were stripped, then repaired and strengthened effectively 'resetting' the lifetime of the aircraft.

After the aircraft had been stripped, they were fitted with improved engines produced by Gnome et Rhône which were designated GR-1000. The GR-1000 engines produced 32.5 kN while not in afterburner, and 38.1 during afterburner. These featured an increased mean time per failure rate than the older AE-930 engines. This allows the B-49M to reach speeds of over 1,000 kilometers per hour at 4,500 meters altitude. As a result of the increased amount of fuel consumed and due to redesign of crew placement, effective range has been reduced.

The electronics upgrades were comprehensive and completely upgraded the aircraft. Its nosecone was designed, removing the bombardier and placing him behind the pilot in the cockpit. The nosecone retained a single 25mm Srad CA.251 cannon with 100 rounds of ammunition for self-defense and strafing. Inside the nose, an AN/APG-67 multi-mode X band pulse doppler radar was fitted inside, along with an IRST sight dereived from the Optronique secteur frontal IRST system found on the Rafale fighter aircraft. The system is a slightly down-graded model originally intended for export. It also has an in-built targeting pod system in the nose as well, which is based off the PDLCT, which has a laser designation system and an infrared camera. This mounted in the area opposed to the left-mounted 25mm cannon. On the wingtips, it has two integrated Electronic Warfare Support and Electronic Intelligence (ELINT) pods. The pods allow detection, identification, locating and analyzing radio frequencies, which can then be jammed and/or engaged if the need arises. Additionally, the aircraft has radar warning receivers and flare launchers.

In the redesign, the tail gun was dropped, and the gunner was re-purposed as an electronic warfare officer who commands over an electronic warfare suite. The suite detects, identifies, and engages enemy radar and communications systems.

The B-49M has demonstrated comparability with a series of locally produced and foreign weapon systems. These systems can include R.550 Magic air-to-air missiles, Exocet anti-shipping missiles, Mark 80 series of unguided and guided bombs, and cruise missiles.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 3: Pilot, Weapon Systems Officer, Electronic Warfare Officer
• Length: 21.95 m ()
• Wingspan: 22.1 m ()
• Height: 5.69 m ()
• Empty weight: 15,530 kg ()
• Loaded weight: 22,530 kg (x2 R.550 Magic, x1 AM-39 Exocet) ()
• Max. takeoff weight: 28,700 kg ()
• Powerplant: 2 × GR-1000 afterburning turbojets
  • Dry thrust: 32.5 kN (7,306 lbf) each
  • Thrust with afterburner: 38.1 kN (8,565 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1,000+ km/h at 4,500 meters
• Ferry range: 2,000 km (1,242 mi)
• Service ceiling: 11,500 m (36,700 ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.4

Armament

• Guns:
  
  • 1 × 25 mm Srad CA.251 cannon forward w/ 100 rounds
• Hardpoints:
  
  • Four under-wing
    
  • Internal weapons bay with upto 4,000 kg of ordinance
     and provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Missiles:
    
    • 2-4 × Short-range AAMs (On under-wing hardpoints)
    • 2-4 × Medium/Long-Range AAMs (On under-wing hardpoints)
    • 1-3 × Medium Anti-Shipping Missiles (2 on wings, 1 in internal bay)
    • 1-3 × Anti-Radiation Missiles (2 on wings, 1 in internal bay)
    • 1 × Cruise Missile (1 in internal bay)
  • Bombs:
    
    • 16 × 125 kg Bombs (8 in internal bay, 6 on racks on under-wing hardpoints)
    • 14 × 250 kg Bombs (8 in internal bay, 4 on racks on under-wing hardpoints)
    • 6 × 500 kg Bombs (4 in internal bay, 2 on racks on under-wing hardpoints)
    • 2 × 1,000 kg Bombs (2 in internal bay)
    • 1 × 3,000 kg Bombs (1 in internal bay)

Avionics

• Radar:
  • AN/APG-67 radar
• Sensors
  • IRST System
• Targeting pods
  • Integrated Targeting Pod
• Countermeasures:
  • 2 × EWS/ELINT Pods
  • Radar Warning Receivers
  • Flare Launching System
  • Electronic Warfare Suite