AH-9 Sibrona

AH-9 Sibrona
Conceptual blueprint of the AH-9
Role	Heavy Attack Helicopter
National origin	Inyursta
Manufacturer	San Felasco Aviation & Martel Arms
First flight	2011
Status	In service
Primary user	Inyurstan Navy
Produced	2016-present
Number built	80+

The AH-9 Sibrona is a "heavy attack helicopter" designed largely for service with the Inyurstan Navy. It is named for the Sibrona, a mildly venomous but widespread and agile species. Currently, it is the only indigenously designed helicopter in active service with the Inyurstan Armed Forces (though San Felasco Aviation & Colomas Aeronautics have both produced indigenous helicopters for the civilian market).

Development

During the Lolloh-Ruol Wars, Inyurstan naval aviation rotary units found themselves overburdened with multiple airframes to conduct niche mission tasks. For example, using modified UH-60 utility helicopters to attack Lollohian landing ships during the Cevroniks Campaign, versus using a separate airframe to support on-shore marine operations in Wesselania. In 2008, the Inyurstan Navy opened up a contract for a versatile, multi-mission attack helicopter capable of conducting long-range missions, close air support of on-shore forces, and anti-ship assaults.

Four companies submitted prototype bids, including San Felasco Aviation, Colomas Aeronautics, Texacuan Aviation and [MERICK FIRM HERE]. San Felasco's prototype resembled a slender, light transport helicopter modified to just a cockpit and an elongated tail.

Design

The final product design came with a reduced vertical profile compared to the prototypes, as well as an elongated fuselage.

Protection & Survivability

An advantage of the side-by-side cockpit is the symmetric horizontal ejection seats. In the case of a no-survivor hit, such as a missile or total loss of lift, these allow the pilots to safely eject.

It features ballistic protection up to 15mm on around the lower cockpit and rotors. Armor was lightened down to increase total carrying capacity, as it is anticipated that the AH-9 generally wouldn't be deployed to close range of enemy heavier (20mm+) AAA sites.

Where it lacks in physical armor, the AH-9 excels in thwarting short and medium-range missiles launched by smaller surface ships and maritime fighter aircraft. The LIDACS-II/HS and LIDACS-III/HS are both...

Variants

AH-9: Standard model. Never produced in large quantity.
AH-9S: Main production variant, including....
AH/E-9S2: Proposed electronic warfare prototype. Gun has been removed...

Specifications

Crew: 2
Speed:
Combat Radius: 530km Combat Air Patrol (x2 250gal Fuel tanks)
440km CAS Mission
370km Anti-Ship Mission
Range: >3,000km
Max Climb Rate:
Empty Weight:
Gross Weight:
Max Takeoff Weight:
Internal Fuel Capacity:
Hardpoints:

• x4 Underwing
  
• x2 Wingtip
  

Armament

Gun: RK-27 "Warlord" 27mm Autocannon
Air-to-Air Missiles:

Air-to-Ground	Anti-Ship	Air-to-Air	Other
ASM-23 Tayra	ASM-8 Barracuda	C-12 Éscouta	Example
ASM-7 STRIKE	ASM-7 STRIKE	C-9Y3 Sabre	Example
EXAMPLE	---	C-92Y Dagger	Example
Various Rocket Pods	---	C-109 Kukri	Example