Aininian Aerospace AF-X Next Generation
| AF-X Next Generation F/X-NG Multirole Fighter | |
|---|---|
| File:AF 4 ng.jpg | |
| The AF-X NG on a test flight on 18 November 2012 | |
| Role | Multirole fighter |
| Manufacturer | Aininian Aerospace |
| First flight | 8 June 2011 |
| Introduction | Early 2015 (projected) |
| Status | In development |
| Number built | 11 |
| Unit cost |
$227 million (projected)
|
The Aininian Aerospace AF-X Next Generation, also known as the Aininian Aerospace F/X-NG Multirole Fighter, is a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth multirole fighter designed to replace the aging AF-2 Gannet and supplement the AF-3 Skydiver. Designed to be capable of fulfilling a ground attack and aerial warfare role, the aircraft is designed for stealth and features many advanced systems.
The aircraft was born out of the 2004 Next Generation Multirole Aircraft procurement project by the Aininian Air Force to counter recent Triumvirate developments, notably the Y-8M Soaring Eagle and the Y-10 Skydragon, and selected on 27 June 2007 under the designation of AF-4 Future Interdictor. It is set to enter service in late 2014 or early 2015, depending on the speed of the development of its Gatling gun and its radar suite. Featuring a fly-by-optics flight control system, it is practically invulnerable to conventional electronic magnetic interference.
It was formally introduced in December 2014 as the Aininian Aerospace AF-4 Juggernaut.
Variants
AF-X/A, main version of the AF-X designed for multirole use. 120 airframes ordered by the Aininian Air Force.
AF-X/AT, two-seat trainer variant of the AF-X/A with dumbed-down weapons systems.
AF-X/G, ground attack version of the AF-X that carries further munitions.
AF-X/R, variant of the AF-X that sacrifices munitions storage in favour of an extended range and monitoring equipment. Designed for a reconnaissance role.
Operators
Ordered
The following nations have ordered AF-X airframes:
- Aininian Air Force - 170 airframes total
Template:Country data Iglesiantis
- Iglesian Air Force - 172 airframes total
- Luziycan Air Force - 210 airframes total
- Namorese Liberation Air Force - 200 airframes total
Interest
The following nations have expressed interest in the AF-X program but have not committed to purchasing it yet:
File:Britannoflag.png Britanno
File:Eastna.png East Nautarya
Template:Country data Kraq Kraq
Pavonistade
File:Nautwe.png West Nautarya
File:Flag of West Cedarbrook.jpg West Cedarbrook: Cost-benefit analysis underway by West Cedarbrook Air Force
Specifications (AF-X/A)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 19.89m ()
- Wingspan: 14.27m ()
- Height: 4.78m ()
- Powerplant: 2 × AinAe XP 458e Turbofan
- Dry thrust: 68.9 kN () each
- Thrust with afterburner: 106.5 kN () each
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 - 2
- Range: 3,050km ()
- Combat radius: 1,400km ()
- Ferry range: >3,890km ()
- Service ceiling: 19,500m ()
- Rate of climb: 330m/s ()
Armament
- Guns: 1 x 30mm AinAe AW/G-11 internally mounted with 175 rounds (planned), 1 x 23mm AinAe AW/G-06 internally mounted with 130 rounds (current)
- Hardpoints: 6 exterior pylons and 4 internal with a capacity of 9,000kg
Avionics
- AinAe R5A Stealth AESA Radar and Electronic Support System
- AinAe TG456 Infrared Targeting System
- X5 Tactical Transmitter