Triax AB-121 Nightshade

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AB-121E NightShade ABX
1024px-AB-121E.jpg
TAEC AB-121E Nightshade
Role Advanced Stealth Strategic Bomber
National origin Californian Empire
Manufacturer Triax Aeronatical Engineering Corporation
Designer Triax Aeronatical Engineering Corporation
First flight 7 September 2226
Introduction 15 December 2226
Primary user Californian Empire
Produced 2226—Present
Number built 558 (8 test and 550 in operation)
Program cost Đ20.82 billion CES ($44.75 billion USD)
Unit cost
Đ131.67 million CES ($283.1 million USD)
Developed from TAEC EB-119 Vampire, TAEC XB-121
Variants TAEC AB-121A Vampire, AB-121B/C Strike Vampire, AB-121D Vampire II, AB-121E/F Nightshade
Developed into TAEC AB-121A, AB-121B/C, AB-121D, AB-121E/F

Overview

The Triax AB-121 Nightshade is an advanced four-engine supersonic jet-powered stealth strategic bomber used by the Californian Empire Air Force (CEAF). It was first envisioned in the 2190s as a supersonic bomber with Mach 2 speed, and sufficient range and payload to replace the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress. It was developed into the AB-121B, primarily a low-level penetrator with long range and Mach 1.25 speed capability at high altitude.

Designed by Triax Aeronautics, development was delayed multiple times over its history, as the theory of strategic balance changed from flexible response to massive retaliation and back again. Each change in stance changed the perceived need for manned bombers. The initial AB-121A version was developed in the early 2220s, but its production was canceled, and only four prototypes were built. The need for a new platform once again surfaced in the early 2230s, and the aircraft resurfaced as the AB-121B version with the focus on low-level penetration bombing. Production went ahead as the E & F versions would be operational as the "Advanced Technology Bomber" (which became the Nightshade). The AB-121B entered service in 2226 with the CEAF Strategic Air Command (SAC) as a nuclear bomber.

Specifications

General Characteristics

  • Role: Advanced Stealth Strategic Bomber
  • Crew: 4 (aircraft commander, copilot, offensive systems officer and defensive systems officer)
  • Length: 172 ft (52.4 m) absolute. 160 ft (48.76m) fuselage.
  • Wingspan: 144 ft (43.9 m)
  • Wing area: 2,013 ft² (187 m²)
  • Height: 34 ft (10.4 m)
  • Empty weight: 242,000 lb (109,770 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 531,250 lb (240,975 kg)
  • Max. takeoff weight: 578,500 lb (262,410 kg)
  • Powerplant: 4 × AviaTech Dynamics G105-AD-121 Olympus augmented turbofans
    • Dry Thrust: 28,500 lbf (126.8 kN) each
    • Thrust with afterburner: 51,200 lbf (227.7 kN) each
  • Fuel Capacity: 242,000 lb (109,770 kg); optional: 3 x 29,700 lbs/4,500 US gal (13,472 L) in 3 internal weapons bays each for a total of 81,900 lbs/13,500 US gal (40,416 L)
  • Payload: 94,500 lb (42,870 kg); internal ordnance.

Performance

  • Maximum Speed:
    • At altitude: Mach 2.32 with full afterburner (1,534.62 knots, 1,766 mph, 2,842.1 km/h at 50,000 ft/15,000 m altitude)
    • Cruise speed: Mach 0.92 (700 mph, 1,130 km/h at 200–500 ft/60-150 m altitude)
  • Range: 5,648 nmi (6,500 mi, 10,461 km) (full combat load)
  • Combat radius: 2,607 nmi (3,000 mi, 4,828 km)
  • Ferry range: 4,100 miles (6,600 km)
  • Service Ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,000 m)
  • Wing loading: 167 lb/ft² (816 kg/m²)
  • Thrust/weight: 0.38
  • Maximum design g-load: -7/+13 g
  • Initial Climb Rate: 45,000 ft/min (13,700 m/min)

Armament

  • 6 × Six internal bomb bays for 94,500 lb (42,870 kg) of ordnance.

Bombs

AB-121E/F Nightshade internal weapons load options
Bomb rack & Stores Bay 1 Bay 2 Bay 3 Bay 4 Bay 5 Bay 6 Total
conventional
CBM
2816 to 3513 lb
1 1 1 1 1 1 6
14 14 14 14 14 14 84
conventional
SECBM
(CBM w/ TMD upgrade)
5632 lb empty
1 1 1 1 1 1 6
5 5 5 5 5 5 30
GBU-38 2 2 3 2 2 3 15
multi-purpose
MPRL
1300 to 2055 lb
1 1 1 1 1 1 6
4 4 4 4 4 4 24
Mk-65 naval mines 2 2 2 2 2 2 12
4 4 4 4 4 4 96 or 144
multi-purpose (mixed)
MPRL
(MER upgrade)
1 1 1 1 1 1 6
2 2 2 2 2 2 36
GBU-38 8 8 8 8 8 8 48
ferry/range extension
fuel tank
2975 gal
1 1 1 0 0 0 3
9157 gal
nuclear (uniform)(out of use)
1 1 1 1 1 1 6
B28 2 2 2 2 2 2 12
4 4 4 4 4 4 24
nuclear (mixed)(out of use)
1
AGM-86E/F small fuel tank
8
small fuel tank
8
small fuel tank
8
24

Avionics

The aircraft is coated in a fifth generation Radar Absorbent Material that not only reduces its radar signature, but the underside is coated in black carbon nano-tubing that absorbs light-waves to make it next to impossible to see at nighttime when flying over cities.