Ferron Cojgé
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| Ferron Cojge | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Multi-role fighter bomber |
| Manufacturer | Ferron Aeronautics |
| First flight | 1988 |
| Introduction | 1994 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | Waltch Air Force |
The Ferron Cojge (NATA Reporting Name: 'Febris') is a multirole fighter bomber in service with the Federal Waltch Air Force. Entering service in 1999, it currently constitutes the mainstay of the Loftmacht's fighter fleet.
Configuration
The Cojge is a light-medium weight, single engined, multirole fighter. It utilises close-coupled canards in conjunction with cranked-delta wings to achieve a high level of maneouverability, as well as good short-field performance. In particular, the Cojge is configured to be intentionally unstable and employs digital fly-by-wire flight controls to maintain stability and increase agility in close combat. The engine installed on board the more recent variants possesses sufficient power to enable the Cojge to supercruise without resorting to its afterburner when carrying light air-to-air armament.
Compared to legacy combat aircraft, the Cojge was designed from the outset for ease of maintenance, which stems from its modular architecture. Routine inspection and maintenance during periods of high operational tempo can be carried out by a team of six or so untrained personnel under the supervision of an experienced flight NCO.
Although not a dedicated 'stealthy' design, the extensive use of composite materiel in the construction of its airframe, as well as the utilisation of radar-absorbent coating in key areas of its architecture, ensures that the radar signature of the Cojge is significantly lower than legacy designs.
Despite popular misconceptions arising from resemblance in general shape and architecture, the Cojge is not based on the Ghantish E-39 Grifo. Rather, it is a completely indigenous aircraft and any similarities are the result of convergent evolution.
Avionics
The Cojge's Mk. 1 Infernum fire control radar is an X-band, pulse-doppler, multimode set, the developmental ancestry of which may be traced back to the fire control radar utilised by the Mutulese K'akmul 20, coupled with a decade of further advancement in micro-electronics. The full extent of the Infernum's capabilities are classified, although it is known to possess the ability to track targets in the ground, sea and air out to 'at least' 120km for air targets (around 60km for surface targets) and provide mid-course guidance for four beyond-visual range air-to-air missiles simultaneously. In the Mark 2 upgrade, slated to begin in late-2021, it will be replaced by an AESA radar with expanded range and other enhanced capabilities, especially in terms of resistance against jamming as well as reduced probability of detection.
In addition to the Infernum, the Cojge also possesses an infra-red search and tracking (IRST) system, which enables it to passively detect and engage air and ground targets, especially those which possess low radar return.
Ergonomics
The data gathered from the Cojge's various sensors systems are presented to the pilot as a composite picture, having undergone integration in the aircraft's five data-busses. This helps to prevent 'information overload' and assists the pilot to manage his or her workload and increase his efficiency. Information is displayed in the cockpit via a wide view HUD, three large LED screens, as well as the pilot's helmet-mounted display.
Survivability
The Cojge received a new integrated electronic warfare suite (commonly known as a Defensive Aid Sub-System, or 'DASS') in a mid-2000's upgrade. Its features include electronic support measures such as radar warning receivers, laser warning receivers and missile approach detectors. Where threats have been identified, they may be counteracted using its on-board wide-band jammer, which utilises digital radio frequency memory technology, as well as automated dispensers of chaff and flares. A towed-radar decoy may also be utilised to enhance the aircraft's survivability in high-threat environments.
Specifications
- Length: 15.2m
- Wingspan: 8.6m
- Height: 4.5m
- Crew: 1
- Empty weight: 8,000kg
- Maximum takeoff weight: 16,500kg
- Internal fuel capacity: 3,500 kg
- Powerplants: 1 x Ferron Modell 95 afterburning turbofan, 62kn dry, 100kn reheat
- Top speed: Mach 2 at altitude
- Ferry range: 4,500km
- Service ceiling: 16,500m
- Combat radius: 1,000km (strike, high-low-high, external fuel), 1,500km (interception, external fuel), 800km (anti-ship strike, 2x anti-ship missiles, 2x AAM's, external fuel)
Armaments
Guns: 1x 30mm revolver cannon with 120 rounds
Hardpoints: 10x, for a total of 5,400kg of ordnance:
- Air-to-air missiles: AAM-5, AAM-4, AAM-3 (phased out)
- Air-to-ground missiles: GM-30 (Ground attack missile with semi-active laser or imaging infra-red guidance, 60kg warhead)
- Guided bombs: HM-250 and HM-500 (Tail kits for converting dumb bombs into satellite-guided bombs. Can be coupled with laser or electro-optical terminal seeker for extra precision)
- Anti-ship missile: Type 93 Air-to-Ship Missile
- Cruise misile: TM-4B (subsonic cruise missile with 400km range, inertial/satellite guidance systen, 450kg warhead)
- Rockets: 70mm unguided rockets
- Cluster munitions: Parachute-delayed 250kg anti-personnel and anti-armour cluster bombs
- Targeting pod: Giizis targeting pod