UFC Firestorm
| Firestorm unmanned hypersonic aircraft | |
|---|---|
| <imgur w=300>8isVFy9.png</imgur> | |
| Role | unmanned aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Arthuristan Dynamics |
| First flight | 2019? |
| Introduction | 2025? |
| Status | Prototype |
| Number built | Unknown (one prototype rumoured to have crashed during testing) |
The Firestorm is an unconfirmed project for an unmanned hypersonic aircraft, initially conceptualised by Arthuristan and Belfrasian engineers for development by the United Fighters Consortium. Primarily, it would serve as a reconaissance platform to replace the legacy D-21, which was altogether disproportionately expensive, given its disposable nature. Further development may also see it grow into a bomber platform in the 2025-2030 timeframe, able to neutralise time-sensitive targets which may very well have moved on or taken cover before slower weapons arrive, or else are too well-protected for conventional bombers or cruise missiles to attack.
The Firestorm is based around four dual-cycle engines. Each has an uprated conventional turbofan and a ramjet, sharing an air intake and an exhaust. The Firestorm takes off and accelerate to Mach 2 with the turbofans, whereupon the ramjets take over and accelerate the aircraft to mach 6. At high altitudes, where airflow is unviable for ramjet operation, the engines may operate in 'closed-cycle' mode as rocket motors. The engines are fuelled by slush hydrogen, which doubles as a structural coolant, as well as liquid oxygen.
Specifications
- Length: 35 metres
- Wingspan: 20 m
- Wing area: 300 m2
- Max. takeoff weight: 72,000 kg
- Cruise speed: Mach 6 (6,400 km/h)
- Range: 15,000km
- Service ceiling: 27,500m
- Propulsion: 4 x combined cycle engines