Ravorn FB18 MkVI Raider
| FB18 MkVI Raider | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Fixed-wing close air support, forward air control, and ground-attack aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Ravorn |
| History | |
| Introduction date | 2008 |
The Ravorn FB18 MkVI Raider is an attack aircraft designed by Dewhurst-Narculis, and in service with several nations around the globe. The FB18 MkVI has played a particularly important role in the Blackhelm Confederate Air Force, where it has been used in several campaigns.
The modern MkVI is a heavily upgraded version of the original MkI Raider, which made its debut in 1983.
Development
The original Ravorn FB18 MkI Raider was designed as a fighter-bomber in 1971, the plane was beset by problems with control and stability in sharp maneuvers, eventually computing caught up and the MKIB was a front-line bomber in the 1983 Southern War which initially saw on the first three days of hostilities, good success against Tarkanese emplacements but after the downing of 3 FB18s, they became reserved, only used when the airspace was secure. In 1995, the design was updated in the MkII which was one ton too heavy for the catapults and elevators of the Dresburg Class Carriers but saw service in land based naval squadrons and later on the Albatross Class super-carriers. Mk III was designed alongside the MKII as a reconnaissance aircraft, still in service for monitoring EEZ violations. MkIV and MKV came into being in 1999 as a dedicated tactical bomber and a dual seater trainer craft respectfully. both necessitated a rebuilt forward fuselage for both new models with their two man crews.
In 2008 the MkIIa saw a huge upgrade in MkVI which is intended for service for the Albatross subclass, the larger Consort Class, able to carry slightly heavier munitions (750kg more) as well as a updated engine, giving 25 more knots of maximum airspeed and 39km extra range. Included with updated electronics, it is expected that the MkVI will gradually replace the MkII and MkIIA in front-line service by 2018 and be in service till 2030. In 2013, 52 MkVI Raiders were ordered by the Republic of Hayanba which saw service on the ASW Carrier Ryujin and in various Naval airbases on the coast. So far the Raider has proven itself a versatile tactical bomber as well as being able to go toe-to-toe with older fighters (Early third generation and older).
Specifications
- Crew: 1
- Length: 54 ft 1 in (16.48 m)
- Wingspan: 33 ft 7 in (10.25 m)
- Width: 24 ft (7.31 m) wings folded
- Height: 16 ft 1 in (3.91 m) (not including landing gear)
- Empty weight: 19,778 lb (8,990 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 47,564 lb (21,620 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × Beaufor GPJE431E-A non-afterburning turbofan engine, 16,575 lbf (73.7 kN) thrust
Performance
- Maximum speed: 702 kn (812 mph; 1,298 km/h) at Sea level
- Service Ceiling: 52,000 ft (15,873 m)
- Range: 1,086 nmi; 1,256 mi (2009 km) maximum internal fuel
- Ferry range: 1,368 nmi; 1,582 mi (2,531 km) with maximum internal and external fuel
- Take-off run: 1,900 ft (579.3 m) at 47,300 lb (21,500 kg) Without Catapult assist
Armament
- Guns: 4× M213 18 mm (0.72 in) rotary cannon with 290 rounds each
- Hardpoints: 6× under-wing and 2× fuselage pylon stations (Light missiles only) with a capacity of 16,590 lb (7,250 kg) total capacity,with provisions to carry combinations of:
4× AAM (up to 500kg each) (plus can carry 4 AAM on fuselage, rated to 100kg each)
or
4× ARM/AGM (up to 500kg each)
or
4x Air launched torpedoes (up to 350kg each)
or
2x 1500L drop tanks
or
4x laser-guided/'dumb' bombs (up to 1500kg each)
or
8x intelligent depth charges (up to 750kg each)