Trojan II-class Drone Carrier

The Trojan II-class Drone Carrier is a helium-filled, rigid airship (distinct from blimps)in service with the Blackhelm Confederate Air Fleet combines the capabilities of the KC-10 Tanker, the E-3 AWACS, and the US airborne aircraft carriers of World War 1.

Description

Lift and Propulsion

The helium is contained in several self-sealing cells which are packed in a kevlar/polymer composite skin which is wrapped around a lightweight titanium alloy skeleton. There are 6 turbofans which provide forward flight propulsion, two stationary gas turbine powered fans to provide additional power and to conserve fuel while cruising.

Abilities and Armament

Each Trojan II is able to hold 20 UCAV's on board and conduct the launching and recovery under many circumstances. A lightweight magnetic catapult propels the UCAV forward and off of the carrier decks. Since during launch the air is passing over the wings of the aircraft to be launched at 300mph the catapult only acts as an ejector system to get the aircraft clear of the airship. The launching aircraft only needs to use 60% engine power to get clear of the airship's leading edge, and a blast deflector protects the vehicles left on the deck from being damaged. Landing is a bit tricky but it can be achieved routinely with a little practice. The operation is much like in-flight refueling, the aircraft brings its self up to the back of the air ship and slowly accelerates/brakes until it is hovering over the landing area on the outer ramp. The arrestor hook (which has to be moved to the front) then captures a hook and the aircraft powers down, making contact with the deck. The hook winches the aircraft in further and the rear hatch is closed. There is a small storage area for 7-10 drones under the main deck and in the gondolas, the rest can be stored on top of the deck. There is enough room to re arm and refuel the aircraft for another mission while they are all on deck. The crews can sleep, eat and relax in the comforts of the airliner style cabins and galley. Should a catastrophe occur the flight crew in the forward gondolas would detach. As for the rest of the crew, a number of 2 man "escape pods" eject through the top of the airships skin and then parachute to safety. These pods float in water and are protected from NBC attacks as well. Additionally, two massive radars are enclosed by the skin of the airship (the skin acts as a big radome) which can track multiple airborne targets and act as an AWACS for a larger air force operation. If the radar detects incoming missiles, it carries a large variety and quantity of counter measures to keep it protected from enemy fire. Should the skin of the airship be punctured, up to golf ball sized holes can be self-sealed by a special gel. It can also also refuel bombers, fighters, or another Airship via its 2 hose and drouge systems and 2 flying boom system. Also all on board batteries and fuel-cell systems are supplemented by the solar panels which recharge all systems, in-flight, saving on fuel.

Specifications

Crew: 50 standard (69 max)
[1 pilot, 1 co-pilot, 12 airship crew/weapons/AWACS operators, 2 boom operators , 34 aircraft pilots/support crew
Power Plant: (2) Turbofans (2) Gas Turbine powered ducted fans in tail
Range: 4,000+ miles unrefueled
Service Celing: 53,000 feet
Cruising Speed: 112mph (using rear engines only)
Normal speed: 240mph
Maximum Safe Speed: 320mph
Maximum Speed: 500mph (not recommended)

Aircraft

(20) normal sized UCAV

Weapons

(6) AK-630 turrets
(1) THEL Anti-Missile Laser
(12) AA-12 Adder air to air missiles in forward ports

Counter Measures/Electronics

RR-129A/AL Chaff Countermeasures
JU-51/B Advanced Infrared Flare
AN/AAQ-24 DIRCM pods
AN/ALQ-178 ECM pods
ALR-56C Radar Warning Receiver
Air Search Radome