Clios Peregrine
| Clios Peregrine | |
|---|---|
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| Role | Medium-lift multi-role helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Clios Aerospace (1973-2017) Volarion RotorWorks (2017-present) |
| Designer | Clios Aerospace |
| First flight | 07 April 1975 |
| Introduction | 10 December 1980 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | Belfrasian Army Belfrasian Air Force Federation Navy See Operators |
The Clios Peregrine is a medium-lift transport and utility helicopter family manufactured and designed by Clios Aerospace. It was developed originally for the Belfrasian Army through the 1970s and it's original success within the Army saw it quickly become adopted by the Federation Navy, Air Force and international customers, along with growing a significant civilian customer base.
In the years following the entry of the Peregrine into the armed forces it has been extensively modified for new missions and roles, including mine laying and medical evacuation. Variants of the helicopter include versions for electronic warfare and special operations, combat search and rescue, technology demonstrators and make-shift gunships. Shortly after it was introduced into service a cadet family, the Cassini, was adopted by the Federation Navy for extensive usage aboard naval vessels.
Design and development
At the start of the 1970s the Belfrasian Army was still operating the Augustus Ram and issued a requirement for an up-to-date design, opening the update program to other competitors alongside Augustus, who had recently been bought out by Kinnamos International and had at the time stated a desire to move away from military ventures. The requirement stated that the helicopter needed to have a common body engine system, better longevity in areas where they would only receive field maintenance, and a requirement for their mission profile to be highly agile and subject to variance.
Despite the previously desire to move away from military ventures, the [Kinnamos Heron]] was presented to the Army alongside competitor designs as a replacement for the aging Ram helicopter. The first flight model of the Peregrine by Clios Aerospace was presented at the same date. Clios Aerospace had already ingratiated themselves with the Federation military with deals to help develop military-grade satellites and guidance systems for early-era missile systems, and so had the ability to pre-check their helicopter with the military council. While the Kinnamos Heron performed exactly as expected and excelled in it's abilities as an agile utility helicopter, the army selected the Clios Peregrine as it was able to match the requirements exactly. An added bonus was a requirement for them to be able to be carried inside of transport aircraft with minimal deconstruction required, an ability the Peregrine was able to provide almost immediately.
Four working prototypes of the Peregrine were initially constructed and complied with requirements set the Army. The helicopter design was proven in rigorous testing to have the improved reliability, survivability and low costs expected of the design. The design features dual engines with improved high/low altitude performance and heat management, a highly modular design to fit with desired mission variety, strengthened gearboxes that could sustain damage and wear but still work along with the ability to run without lubricant, something called 'running dry'. Ballistic shielding was also built into the frame to protect the crew and carried personnel from small-arms fire whilst aboard, a dual-stage landing gear with shock absorbent systems installed, and a highly crashworthy main structure. The rotor systems of the design were quieter and a new design of blade improved it's endurance in areas of high-spin friction known as the Kopp-Etchells effect over periods of time before needing blade replacements. The fuel storage aboard the helicopter was reinforced to become crash-worthy, meaning that while it is reinforced to try and hold onto that fuel if the helicopter was to crash, if the fuel begins to spill it will automatically release a fire retardant system that will coat the fuel and try to seal the breach from the outside.
The working prototypes were accepted by the Army following a final round of tests in 1979. The design was entered into full production one month later and the first delivery of service-ready Peregrine AH.1 helicopters took place on 10 December 1980.
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Matching the requirement placed on the helicopter, the Army began developing variants of the system for usage in roles such as medical evacuation, airborne command and control, and electronic warfare. The variants worked off of the common AH.1 body-system and maintained full part compatibility to such a point that the helicopters were able to be interchanged with each other once the mission equipment was transferred. Despite this high compatibility, the army ordered an improved model to handle the weight increases as a result of the added mission equipment. The AH.2 came into service in 1988 with variants being immediately updated to the new specifications. The AH.2 featured significantly more powerful engine and gearbox design that had been designed for service with the Cassini cadet family four years earlier and had already received updates. The more powerful engines drastically increased the helicopter's abilities, it's carry-load capacity for instance increased from 450 kg to 4,100 kg with the new engine design. The AH.2 featured an updated cockpit design and an automated flight control assistance system to assist pilots in handling the helicopter due to the more powerful engines aboard.
In 1992 a major software update introduced the AH.3 models as the model also introduced an improved air intake system, tail rotor management software and reinforced the front of the helicopter to be able to carry an in-flight refuelling system with large-scale refit measures. The AH.3 was a decided failure as the new updates worked against existing software, resulting in two fatal accidents within months of the AH.3's release, prompting the immediate AH.4 update to come into service that fixed the problems.
Development began in 2003 to extend the life of the helicopter and improve it to standards developed since it's previous AH.4 release. The AH.5 incorporates a modernised engine system, improved rotor blade design and installed glass cockpits for the crew to operate with. Tests of the AH.5 resulted in an immediate order for replacement of existing airframes with the AH.5 starting in 2005. The design maintains commonality with older models for ease-of-integration of mission equipment. AH.5 airframes quickly became more common than older models, with most older models requiring a refit to increase them up to standard as opposed to being entirely replaced.
The AH.6 aircraft was released in 2013, featuring a vibration cancelling system for the cabin, an improved and highly adaptive flight control system which included up-to-date glass hardware and integration to the heads-up display helmets in service at the time. The airframe was updated for improved crashworthiness and protection from damage.
The second primary design of the Peregrine is in a search and rescue format, the HAR.3. The Peregrine HAR.3 is a highly modified variant, with upgraded commnications and navigation suites that would be deemed unnecessary on a standard service Peregrine. Secure communications and an ECM jamming resistance hardware mainframe allows for the helicopter to penetrate into hostile territory without fear of losing communications. The variant was the first in the Peregrine family to have glass architecture installed, a night vision goggle-friendly lighting system and an infrared forward-looking turret for identifying personnel on the ground. An advanced radar system allow the helicopter to detect possible enemy anti-air batteries for avoidance and an in-flight refuelling probe allows the helicopter to extend it's operational range considerably. Equipment load ensures that the helicopter can maintain a crew of four, the usage of both door guns either on manual fire or wired pilot-control along with a 3,600 kg capacity slung payload. Combat enhancements to the design involve a radar and laser warning receiver, infrared jamming systems and an improved countermeasure suite. Rescue equipment includes the 270 kg capacity door hoists from the civilian rescue variant and a low-frequency homing system to track locator beacons.
Throughout the development of the Peregrine helicopter, it has always ensured to keep to it's common platform and design intentions. The helicopter has a long, low shape for ease-of-transportation aboard cargo aircraft, has the ability to carry up to eleven troops with their equipment or an array of stretchers. The seats inside are easy to remove and can be swapped for 1,200 kg of cargo internally if needed. The helicopter has a sling-load ability, with weight-bearing structures at the sling point being transferred directly to the rotor to avoid straining the airframe and can lift up to 4,100 kg externally. The primary usage of the helicopter is to conduct air assault operations and is capable of air-lifting a fully equipped infantry squad and slung-load cargo in a single lift, or to conduct the rapid movement of a 105mm howitzer, it's ammunition and gunnery crew.
The airframe has attachments on the top of the fuselage for the usage of 'stub wings' called the external stores system. Each wing consists of two pylons to carry either fuel pods or up to 4,500 kg of armament such as rockets, missiles and gun pods. The wings have line sealing and crash protection systems to cut off fuel flow from carried fuel pods in the event of a crash and variants of the wings allow for a higher-angle installation with a single pylon in order to free the field of fire for door gunners if needed.
Cassini
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Shortly following the success of the Army-utilised models, the Federation Navy took a vested interest in the model and submitted a request for the design to be altered for operations aboard naval ships. Clios Aerospace delivered with the adjustment of a hinged tail that folds in to reduce the footprint when stored aboard ships. The helicopter is capable of deploying aboard air-capable ships of the navy, can handle Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW) and operate as a cargo carrying platform and conduct search and rescue operations. The popularity of the hinged-tail design for sea-going operations resulted in the variant being upgraded to a 'Cadet Family' titled Cassini. The first delivery of the first Cassini models, the Cassini HM.1, was made four years after the introduction of the AH.1 in 1984.
The Cassini helicopters maintain a surprising level of commonality with Peregrine models, with the most obvious change being the hing tail which also consisted of bringing the rear gear forward past the hinge and folding stabilisers to help the hinge system work. The other physical changes to the helicopter was swapping parts out for like-for-like replacements with corrosion protection. The engine of the Peregrine was swapped out for a more powerful version capable of lifting heavier loads or being more stable in rough conditions. The left-side door was removed to allow the placement of a weapons arm for a 25-round pneumatic sonobuoy launcher. A window allows observation of the sonobuoy launcher whilst in flight and acts as an emergency egress port in the event of a water-landing.
The HM.1 found huge success within the Federation Navy, being deployed aboard patrol ships, frigates, and destroyers to replace the older Sea Sprite models. It's primary mission was to conduct surface and anti-submarine warfare. In order to conduct these missions, the helicopter mounted a complex system of sensors which included a towed Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) for identifying submerged submarines, air-launched sonobuoys along with a forward looking infrared nose module and an extensive ESM and search radar system. A weapons pylon aboard the helicopter allows the option to equip anti-surface and anti-submarine weapons and a door pintle allows the employment of either a 7.62mm machine-gun or a heavier 12.7mm mini-gun.
Following the introduction of the HM.1, the Federation Navy began development of a variant for exclusive anti-submarine warfare duties, the Cassini HAS.1. The HAS.1 had an extensive suite installed, such as a dipping sonar system and carried up to two longer ranged, more capable torpedoes than it's HM.1 cousin. The helicopter carried a crew of four - The pilot and co-pilot, the tactical sensors operator and an sonar technician. The helicopter enjoyed success as the primary helicopter for anti-submarine warfare carried aboard carriers and interchanged with HM.1's aboard destroyers and patrol ships as needed.
Both the HM.1 and HAS.1 were mutually updated up to the HM.4 and HAS.4 generations to keep up to date with Peregrine updates and new electrical and equipment versions coming into service. However in 2005 before a planned update, a major rethink at the Federation Navy took place for a common platform to be developed instead of maintaining two variants.
The resulting helicopter delivered in 2006, the Cassini HM.6, combined the features of it's previous HM. series and HAS. series helicopters into a single platform. It's on-board sensor suite includes an advanced forward-looking infrared package, an advanced area surveillance system, an airborne fleet data link and a significantly more powerful airborne active sonar. It has the ability to equip the MAD suite, although operationally any benefits lost are gained with extra equipment capacity and it's active sonar system. The HM.5 was also the first in both series' to feature a fully glass cockpit and to have it's surface-search radar swapped out for a powerful multi-mode radar capable of conducting automatic periscope detection and discrimination technology to identify submerged submarines with a raised observation periscope. The HM.6 has since become the primary helicopter of the Federation Navy in both capacities.
The introduction of the HAS.1 was accompanied by the release of a dedicated combat search and rescue variant, titled the HAR.1. The HAR.1 quickly became the navy's primary search and rescue helicopter and was also used for conducting special operations. It modified itself away from the HM. series with an advanced thermal imagining system to identify personnel in the water, a high-yield launch detection passive radar and infrared thermal reduction baffles to help reduce the range of a lock-on. It was imagined that the HAR. series would be conducting rescue operations with the high possibility of coming under fire, so the helicopter was also equipped with laser and radar detection systems and the necessary electronics to utilise anti-surface missiles from add-on pylons on both sides of the helicopter. The pylons had the benefit of not interfering with the operation of the door winch from which the helicopter could lift personnel from the water to the cabin. The HAR.3 design, introduced in 1996, reintroduced the second door of the Peregrine helicopters, although the second door had a dead-lock system which required a load weight of 2,000 kg to break to allow it to act as a wall again if needed.
Civilian usage
The massive success of the Peregrine in military service has seen it also be introduced into the civilian market. The helicopter has seen service in the Federation and overseas as a coast-guard search and rescue helicopter, a firefighting helicopter, a medical and cargo transportation platform or a platform for the transportation of VIPs. An instance of this is with the Presidential Protection Corps of the Federation utilising the Peregrine for the transportation of the President of the Federation .
The helicopter was adopted as a fire-fighting platform by the Federation National Fire Agency shortly after it's inception. The variant, called a Peregrine CFH (Civilian Fire Helicopter) is based off of the AH.4 model and is capable of sling-loading 4,100 kg of equipment or to load a twin-tank fire-fighting system. The tank is capable of holding roughly 3,800 litres and can be refilled in under two minutes with one and a half hours of flight time when on fire-fighting duties. The belly tank allows the helicopter to move fast between the source of water and the fire. A four meter long snorkel is the source of replenishment for the tank which is powered by a prop-driven vacuum to refill at a rate of 2,980 litres a minute. The belly tank is capable of releasing all 3,800 litres of water in under five seconds over it's drop zone. An extended landing gear system has also been installed on the CFH model to allow it to land with the belly tank installed without fear of damaging the system.
Variants
- Peregrine AH.1
- Initial production version of the design. Carries four crew-members (Pilot, co-pilot, two door-gunners or crew chiefs) and up to eleven personnel with equipment. Helicopter was out-dated for more modern AH.2 version in 1988.
- Peregrine AH.2
- Updated platform with more powerful engine and gearbox design taken from the Cassini HM.2 along with automated flight control assistance and cockpit design. Increased payload weight from 450 kg to 4,100 kg.
- Peregrine AH.3
- Briefly operated successor with improved air intake, software management system and in-flight refuelling capability. Design faults led to model abandonment within six months of release and construction of model abandoned entirely.
- Peregrine AH.4
- The AH.4 was introduced to fix the problems encountered with the AH.3 Software management systems were replaced along with correction of flight failure features that resulted in two deaths in previous model.
- Peregrine AH.5
- 2005 update of the design, includes glass cockpit architecture, modernised engine systems and rotor design for improved survivability and drastically improves the life-span of the parts in the field. Also incorporates helicopter health system which eases maintenance and alerts the pilot of any potential hazards with on-board equipment with hazard perception software.
- Peregrine AH.6
- An updated design released in 2013. Design improvements include vibration cancellation for the cabin, an improved flight control system that is adaptive and up-to-date glass architecture for ease of integration with pilots heads-up displays. Improved crash-worthiness and armour updates also included.
- Peregrine AH.6S
- An extensive overhaul of the AH.6 bed featuring radar-defeating materials and hullform, next-generation electronics and active stealth electronics. A government leak in 2018 confirmed the existence of this vehicle, and that it was the precusor for the 'Kestrel' family.
- Peregrine HAR.4
- The HAR.2 is a dedicated search and rescue platform of the Peregrine brought into service originally in 1992. The inclusion of improved electrical software, extended fuel reserves and increased versatility aid it's mission in the recovery of personnel under presumptive enemy fire. The design has been seen in use as a special operations workhorse as well, with it's versatility being a bonus in special operations. In-flight refuelling probe extends length to 20.25 meters when stowed.
- Peregrine E.5
- A dedicated electronic warfare (EW) platform of the family, the E.5 contains equipment and specially trained personnel to conduct airborne forward signals intercept and general electronic warfare duties for ground forces on the move.
Cassini
Following the release of the Peregrine to the Belfrasian Army, the Federation Navy submitted a request for a naval version for usage aboard the ships in the fleet. Structural changes and a variety of requested versions resulted in a cadet family of the helicopter being created.
- Cassini HM.5
- Multi-purpose helicopter, equipped with surface-search radar and ESM suites on nose mount. Fitted with 25-tube sonobuoy launcher and modified hinge-tail system. Previously heavily utilised by Federation Navy, limited continuing usage with foreign exports in modified variants.
- Cassini HAS.5
- Carrier-borne anti-submarine helicopter with dipping sonar and twin weapon pylons for heavier anti-submarine ordnance. Main service with foreign export
- Cassini HM.6
- Federation Navy-only variant, features improved surviability set-up, FLIR turret and multi-mode radar/IFF interrogator. Combines dipping sonar with sonobuoy array and option for MAD towed array if needed. Advanced periscope detection capability included. In active usage with the Federation Navy.
- Cassini HAR.3
- Naval Search-and-Rescue helicopter. Maintains same central chassis as Peregrine with double door system with improved defensive capabilities and thermal imaging systems for identifying personnel in the water or hidden on land. Comes with anti-surface targetting software and weapon pylons.
Kestrel
Following an information leak from the Federation government in 2018, it has become known that a family of stealth helicopters have evolved from the Peregrine family, having originally been known as the Peregrine AH.6S. The Kestrel's reportedly have advanced next-generation electronics, radar-defeating technology, and have allegedly been utilised by special forces in a number of raids.
- Kestrel AH.1
- The only known Kestrel version so far, the information leak reports that this version has been produced at least 30 times as of October 2018
- Kestrel AH.2
- A 2021 leak indicated that an upgraded Kestrel variant was now replacing older models and, while most of the leak was pre-redacted, indicated that it utilised cutting edge technology with "..one proven combat mission".
Civilian
- Peregrine CFH
- Fire-fighting model capable of holding 3,800 litres of water with a flight time of one and a half hours.
- Peregrine CAR
- Air rescue version used by the Federation Coast-guard and other rescue agencies.
Operators
Specifications
General characteristics
- Crew: 2 pilots minimum w/ option for 2 cargo masters or door gunners
- Capacity: 14-17 seats
Seats for 11 troops with equipment
6 stretchers w/ seating for medics - Length: 19.51 m (64.0 ft) ()
- Rotor diameter: 16.36 m (53.7 ft) ()
- Height: 3.76 m (12.3 ft) ()
- Empty weight: 4,820 kg (10,630 lb) ()
- Max. takeoff weight: 10,670 kg (23,520 lb) ()
- Powerplant: 2 × Augmenn 2500 turboshaft, () each
Performance
- Maximum speed: 183 mph (295 km/h)
- Combat radius: 368 mi (592 km) ()
- Ferry range: 1,380 mi (2,220 km) w/ fuel pods ()
Armament
- Guns:
- 2 x pintle-mounts for calibres between 7.62mm to 12.7mm
- 1 x 30mm cannons in gunship role for anti-personnel/vehicle or automated anti-mine duty.
- Hardpoints: 4: 2 per attachable stub wings
- Other:
- Air-dropped minefield dispersal system