RfA-39
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| RfA-39 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | Multirole aircraft |
| National origin |  Dniegua
|
| Manufacturer | Rhinefeltaba Aeronomics, A/G |
| First flight | July 27th 1988 |
| Introduction | March 21st, 1994 |
| Status | In service |
| Produced | 1997- |
| Unit cost |
$34,500,000 URD
|
The Rhinefeltaba Aeronomics Grypon (Grie-fon) is a single engine, all weather lightweight fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by Rhinefeltaba Aeronomics of Dniegua. It is the mainstay fighter of the Dnieguan Air Force. Development of the RfA-39 began in the early 1980's as a replacement for then in service fighters and attackers, and has undergone several significant upgrades during its service life, the most recent being in 2007. The current production version of the RfA-39 is the RfA-39D.
Development
Design
The RfA-39 is a lightweight, single engine aircraft which is capable of preforming a wide variety of combat missions, including air superiority, reconnaissance, and both land and sea attack. It utilizes a delta wing configuration, as well as canards control surfaces, with relaxed stability design and triplex fly-by-wire flight controls.
The RfA-39 was built with an intentionally unstable design; the rear stabilizer producing negative lift at high speeds, increasing induced drag. This is compensated for by the delta wing configuration as well as the digital fly by wire technology. The decision to produce a design that was intentionally unstable was made to meet the Air Force requirement that the lightweight fighter be as agile as possible while in flight. The chosen design method removes many flight performance restrictions that would otherwise be imposed on the aircraft in addition to reducing overall drag.
A second requirement for the RfA-39 was an ability to be able to operate from short, unprepared runways, thus requiring it to be capable of STOL operations. The RfA-39 has an exceptionally short take off run, and was designed with the stress of short landings in mind, with a pair of air brakes mounted on the rear of the fuselage, as well as the canards also being able to act as air brakes. The original RfA-39 had a minimum take off run of 800 meters, with a landing distance (assisted by a drag chute) or a mere 600 meters, while the improved R1 reduced the take off run to 650 meters, and requires only 550 meters of landing space. The aircraft also has an extremely short turn around time; capable of being refueled, rearmed and receive basic maintenance attention inside the span of 10 minutes.
The aircraft itself was designed with a long service life in mind, as the Air Force required a design which could serve for a minimum of 50 years, and remain valid within that time frame. To this end, Rhinefeltaba choice to employ a modular design on nearly all critical parts of the aircraft, including the radar and single Rhinefeltaba KPA-239 engine. Further, its avionics, electronics and other sensors, including the software that operates the, were deliberately made to be flexible to facilitate the aircraft's sale on the export market as well as to accommodate future upgrades with minimal effort. The end result was a robust aircraft, with many subsystems and components requiring little or no maintenance at all. Computerized monitoring systems track the status of the aircraft and are used by technicians to address problems before they develop. The Grypon is also extremely cheap to operate, with costs per flight hours reported to be less than, 7,000 URD an hour.
The RfA-39D models features an in-flight refueling system, added upon combat experience in the Tejano Civil War. Other improvements included a on board oxygen generation system.
Avionics, electronics and electronics
The rFa-39 avionics and sensors are, both at the time of their creation as well as today, some of the most advanced in operation, with digital recorders that store details of the aircraft performance throughout its mission. This data can be reviewed in the cockpit or transferred to other storage devices form post-mission analysis. This same system allows for mission data to be uploaded to the aircraft. The aircraft's navigational system combines INS with data from the air data computer and radar altimeter to preform terrain following and masking functions. The RfA-39D also includes DNAV up-links for more accurate navigational ability.
With the introduction of the RfA-39D in 2007, the aircraft gained several new electronic systems, including the Saiid infrared search and track (IRST) system. This system provides the ability to remain electronically "silent" while in operation, allowing it to acquire and track targets without activating its radar. The system, which is an improved version of the Nuadhaich Optical Tracking and Identification System, boasts a range of 90 km vs a head on target, but extends out to nearly 180 km in chase profile. It should be noted that the range at which a target can be identified is significantly less than the overall range of the system. Wile no solid numbers have been released, it is thought to be approximately 65% of the total detection range. Target information is displayed on the aircraft's MFD, and the system be be tasked to track particular targets, or scan an particular area where a target is believed to be located. The Saiid can also be used to engage air, ground and sea targets, and include an laser range finder, capable of engaging from as close as 300 m out to 3 km. against air targets, the laser is capable of measurements against objects as close as 300 m, or as distant as 5 km. The system is capable of tracking multiple threats simultaneously and operates well in a cluttered battlefield environment.
In addition, the RfA-39D benefits from a built in optoelectronic targeting system that provides laser ranging and infrared detection for air to surface weaponry. Finally, the aircraft Identification friend or foe (IFF) system has been provided with three separate steerable antenna, which match the radars field of view and detection range.
Both versions of the aircraft benefit from an integrated electronic warfare system. The system, designed by Polybius and designated Clavel, is capable of operating in an undetectable passive mode or to actively jam hostile radar. Defensive systems also include a missile warning approach system, which passively detects and tracks incoming missiles, and a radar warning receiver. Standard chaff and flare dispensers, including new flares which are designed to defeat UV guided missiles like the FIM-92 Stinger
The RfA-39D aircraft are also capable of carrying a variety of specialized podded systems, included target designation, reconnaissance, fuel, and electronic warfare systems. The specialized reconnaissance system is capable of performing at any altitude, at any time, and under any weather conditions. It is equipped with a daylight camera and Ir sensors, as well as integrated into the aircraft's radar system. The system can take four images per second and store 3200 images with 5000 x 5000 pixel resolution. Information obtained by the pod is recorded, and can be transmitted to command stations and/or reviewed by the pilot or second seat crewmen while in flight.
Cockpit
The all glass cockpit of the RfA-39 features three large multi-function displays, which are used for navigation, communication, diagnostic, and weapons system control. In keeping with traditional Dnieguan design philosophy, the fighter features the ability for the pilot to control the aircraft, as well as the weapons and cockpit systems, without removing his hand from the flight stick or throttle. Additional functions, such as communications and navigational data, are accessed through the center mounted control maternal, set just below the 22x28 degree diffraction heads up display. The in-cockpit display allows for maximum situation awareness for the pilot by streamlining the information provided though a sophisticated information management system. Information from the various sensors and systems in the aircraft is combined, analyzed and then displayed to the pilot on the heads up display. Upgrades featured on the RfA-39D series include the use of a helmet-mounted display system, which allows the pilots to access to mission and aircraft data, as well as allowing him to acquire, observe and track targets visually, and cue weapons systems to the direction his head is pointing. It is fitted with a day camera which records in a 40 degree field of view as well as well as an electroactive tracking system. The system is also able to operate with night vision devices. According to the developer, the system is similar to the Shchel-3UM system used on the Mikoyan MiG-29 and Sukhoi Su-27 fighters. In addition, the system features an integrated oxygen mask, and is rated for performance in a biological or chemical environment. The systems connecting the helmet system to the cockpit systems is designed for rapid and safe detachment in the event of an emergency ejection or rapid egress from the cockpit becomes necessary.
Three 150 x 200 multi-function displays (MFD) are included in the cockpit to allow the pilot access to aircraft, weapons, systems and mission data. The large center MFD is used for navigational and mission data, and can display this information superimposed over variety of maps. The left screen is dedicated to the aircraft status and electronic warfare system, whereas the right screen is dedicated to sensory and fire control data. The MFDs are interchangeable and designed for redundancy in the event of failure, flight information can be presented on any of the displays. In two seat versions, such as the RfA-39E, the rear three MFD displays can be operated independently of the pilots systems. The two seat RfA-39 versions have no reduce capacity for combat missions, aside from the removal of the 27mm cannon, and are uniquely suited to reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions, as well as providing command and control for other strike aircraft.
Election system is capable of allowing for safe ejection at speeds of 1,150 kilometers per hour, or Mach 1.8 at high altitude, as well as providing sage ejection at altitudes that do not exceed 16 kilometers. Further, the pilot can eject safely above 100 m during an inverted flight, or 700 m in a hard vertical dive. It can provide safe escape form the aircraft between +6G and -3G. Lastly, it will also function at zero speed and altitude. Activation of the ejection system will cause the campy to be fractured by a miniature detonation cord running around the frame and down the center line. Escape trajectory is also oriented to the left of the aircraft to avoid the ejecting pilot striking the tail fin. The two-seat version features an airbag which deploys in front of the second crewmen as a means to protect them from shrapnel from the canopy. The second seats escape trajectory takes it to the right of the aircraft. The entire ejection process is accomplished in under 2 seconds.
The cockpit canopy itself is 9 mm thick, with the front windscreen being 26.5 mm thick. It is designed to withstand object impact of up to 1 kg at 1,000 kilometers per hours. Objects that impact the windscreen are directed down and away from the pilot's head by a deflector on the canopy frame.
Engine
The RfA-39 and L-3R1 are powered by the KPA-239 afterburning turbofan engine, providing 18,000 lbs of thrust. The engine itself was designed with low cost maintenance in mind and has proven during its service life to be an exceptionally reliable engine system, prodding over 178,000 flight hours without a single engine failure.
An upgraded version, the Borzof KvT-86, was utilized on the 2007 RfA-39D updates, providing 22,000 lbs of thrust. This increase in thrust provides the ability to supercruise; achieve supersonic flight without the use of afterburners. The RfA-39D can reach and sustain speeds of Mach 1.1 while carrying a full combat payload, without the use of its afterburners. With afterburners, it can reach speeds in excess of Mach 2.
Weapons systems
The RfA-39 series was designed with multirole missions in mind, and therefore can carry a wide array of air to air, air to ground and anti-shipping munitions.
The RfA-39, excepting the two seat variants, is armed with the 27x172mm cannon armed with 120 rounds. There are 8 hard points for a total of 5,300 kg of ordinance. Common armaments include short range air to air missiles and medium range radar guided missiles. For air to ground missions, rocket pods, freefall or cluster bombs.
Radar
The original radar system utilized by both the RfA-39 and RfA-39D variants was the AR/P-47R2, a multi-mode Pulse-Doppler radar operating in the X-band. The radar was capable of all-weather operation and acquisition of targets up to 120 km away, as well as simultaneous tracking and engagement of several targets. In keeping with the multirole demand on the aircraft, it is capable of engaging land, sea and air targets, including the use of beyond visual range munitions.
In 2007, the RfA-39D entered production, and featured a variety of upgrades over the original and improved R1 versions. Primary among these is the new Arkan multi-mode active electronically scanned array (ASEA) radar. Like its predecessor, the multi-mode radar is capable of identifying, tracking and engaging a variety of ground, sea and air targets. No information regarding the overall range of the radar has been released, but it is thought to be in excess of 200 km. According to the developer, the Arkan radar gives the RfA-39D the ability to detect low-RCS aircraft, such as the Emmerian F-35 at beyond visual ranges.
Operational history
Varaints
RfA-39: Original version adopted for use by the Dnieguan Air Force in 1998. Many of have been upgraded to newer models. An original RfA-39 is on display at the Museum of Skandarian Aerospace History.
RfA-39E: Original two seat training version built for the Dnieguan Air Force. The addition of the second crew member required the removal of the internal cannon and fuel tank.
RfA-39B: 2002 upgrade to the existing RfA-39's, as well as being applied to all new manufacture aircraft. Included upgrades to armament options, internal systems, avionics, electronics, and the additional of an in-flight refueling probe.
RfA-39C: Upgrades applied to the existing two seat training versions based on the RfA-39B design.
RfA-39D: 2007 upgrades for new manufactured aircraft. Complete air frame redesign allowing for increased payload, with the addition of two hard points, as well as increased internal fuel capacity. A more powerful engine, improved by Borzov engine company, along with an improved ASEA radar set.
RfA-39E2: New tandem seating training version built to the RfA-39D standard.
RfA-39N: Nasalized version of the RfA-39D for use aboard Dnieguan aircraft carries.
Operators
Specifications
Specifications (RfA-39C)
General characteristics
- Crew: 1 (2 for IfK-39E/E2)
- Length: 14.1m (46ft 3in)
- Wingspan: 8.4 m (27 ft 7 in)
- Height: 4.5 m (14 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 43 m² (462 ft²)
- Empty weight: 6,800 kg (14,991 lbs)
- Max. takeoff weight: 14,000 kg (30,865 lbs)
- Powerplant: 1 × Borzof KvT-86 afterburning turbofans, 80.5kN, 18,000 lbf ()
Performance
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,376 mph) at high altitude
- Combat radius: 800 km (500 mi, 432 nmi)
- Ferry range: 3,200 km (2,000 mi) with drop tanks
- Service ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)
- Wing loading: 283 kg/m² (58 lb/ft²)
Armament
- 1 x 27mm cannon with 120 rounds
- 8 hardpoints, three on each wing and two under fuselage) for up to 5,300 kg (11,684 lb) of ordinance
Avionics
X-band Pulse-Doppler radar