[VT]: Research Team to Argentina

[Naio90]

"The CITEFA Orca's top speed, as measured during the live-fire exercises is of around 980km/h, around 270m/s. For gun systems, we can mount offer 1 or 2 mounted CITEFA MCA 30mm cannons.

As for the TF-09, we could use it as a starting point on which to develop an upgraded variant, of course, this would mean that the weight would be increased around 18%, roughly, and the size would be a somewhat larger, but nothing too far away from what we see in the 09.

The AESA Buho has a 50x53cm dimension, to be installed at the front part of the aircraft. with the mentioned max. detection range of 270km being calculated against targets of 11sq ft. However, here we would suggest you incorporate one of the developments we are currently working on, which will be a more efficient and higher ranged frontal AESA radar with reduced weight and dimensions and lower energy demands. You could combine this with a new on demand secondary rear-facing radar.

Development times should fit with the development of the upgrade program."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Alright, so that clears that up about the Orca at least. But we will want to note that when developing the Su-47. Also we think a single CITEFA MCA 30mm cannon will suffice. For the air to air weapon systems the Su-47 features a internal rotary launcher system. We will want to resize the weapons bay to accommodate their specific sizes.

For the power plant how uniform would the size change be? Also, we have considered the use of 2d thrust nozzles for better stealth characteristics. However it would come at the cost of performance.

Now then, for the radar what are the projected specifications for this new development you mentioned? Also, beside rear facing radar we have considered the use of side facing radar as well. With the increase of thrust we believe we should be able to fit more systems onto the aircraft."

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"The conversion and upgrade of the engine to include the incorporation of thrust vectoring would need some rethinking, but as we saind, the modular design of the TF line of engines allows us to work incompartments and reduce the size and weight icnrement. This new engine could integrate thrust-vectoring nozzles with rotational axes canted at an angle, operating in one plane for pitch, but at the same time the canting would allow the aircraft using this new engine to produce both roll and yaw by vectoring each engine nozzle differently.

The total increase of weigh would be about 180kg per engine, plus some 30cm in lenght.

Let me also get you the plans of this new radar."

The engineer would use the intercom to call to his office and ask an aide to retrieve the plans for the new radars currently being drawn.

 

[Naio90]

A secretary would enter the conference room and give the argentineEnginner some papers. The argentine would then give copies to the vietnamese,

"This of course can be modified and adapted to your specific needs."

-------------------------------------------​

INVAP Buho II AESA
The Buho II system is a airborne active electronically scanned array (AESA), based on the previous Buho model, upgraded and modernized to suit the needs of the current combat requirements.

Its a computer-controlled array antenna in which the beam of radio waves can be electronically steered to point in different directions without moving the antenna. Developed by INVAP for the Argentine Air Force it is a primary air-to-air radar. It boosts:

• Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)
• Pulse Doppler Radar (Full LDSD Capability)
• Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA)
• Continuous Wave Illumination

It Works on the X-band and is mounted on a two-step hydraulic drive unit that allows the antenna to scan through an electronically controlled beam between limits of 60° in azimuth and 120° in roll. It has two 10kw energy tubes providing a max. peak power of 20kw. It can work on an average of 5kw, with the out being 2kw for illumination.

The Buho II can detect and track up to 28 airborne targets at ranges of up to 360km. It includes mapping capability also allowing it to be used in multi-role missions by being able to perform air-to-ground attacks. This can be done by actively scanning the sky for potential threats, to provide additional combat survivability.

It is capable of picky up flying targets with a RCS of 3.4m2 up to a distance of 340 within its frontal angle of detection of 120°. Smaller targets can be detected at closer ranges, for example objectives with an RCS of 0,05m2 at up to 80km.

• Physical specifications:
• Weight: 103kg
• Screen dimension: 53x52cm flat
• Length: 0,7m

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

The Lead from Aircraft Repairing Company A-41 would read over the document before smirking and giving a brief clap."This! This is perfect! Absolutely perfect! Exactly what we need." he would say happy with what was handed to him."You said this is in the process of being developed yeah? What can we pitch in?" he would ask as the other experts from A-41 would read through it. A Junior engineer would speak up after adjusting his tie."Will it be possible to include a data fusion system with this?" He would ask as one of the senior members would speak up."I don't see why not. Having a data fusion system would give an edge over classic Russian and Soviet designs in terms of reaction." The senior engineer said adjusting his glasses."We should make sure this interfaces with rear facing and side facing radar. Nothing in the world would be able to snear up on this then." another Junior Engineer would say sipping his coffee.

 

[Naio90]

"We are glad you like it. Any suggestion or improvement you would like to add, we are still on time to include it.

A Data Fusion System (DFS) could be designed to operate inside this new framework and include the Buho II. Something like a onboard sensors that electronically fused as to work as a collective whole and provide valuable feedback to the pilot in real-time through a Tactical Situation Display component of the onboard cockpit and Helmet Mounted Display System, during a military operation. This would give a better battlefield awareness and reduce the workload for the pilot.

Adaptations would be made to carry "Secondary Buho II" radars to be integrated on the sides and rear of the aircraft. "

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"So for this Data Fusion System we will need a mixture of things of course." the lead would say sitting back in their chair."Aside from radar we would need to incorporate MIDS, ESM, and FLIR." he would say scratching the back of his head."The Su-47 already has a infrared search scanner incorporated. But not one with Data Fusion technologies." he said as the first Senior Engineer would speak up."ESM requires a third party so to say. Specifically what comes to mind is a AEW&C platform would need to be created or adapted. Though I believe Argentina has an aircraft already that can be adapted for such a purpose?"

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"MIDS, ESM and FLIR? We have some alternatives to show you, that might work. We have the following designs available. They are theoretical and would need to be developed. But the foundations are ready."


INVAP-FLIR-01
The FLIR-01 is a 2nd gen. an airborne forward-looking infrared system designed and manufactured by INVAP. This system includes several integrated components such as:

- High-performance multipurpose thermal imaging
- Long-range navigation
- Surveillance module
- Fire control capabilities

Other included developments are a electronic image stabilization, local area processing, everything linked together through an adaptable interface.

By operating in the far infrared wavelengths, it minimizes the amount of detectable energy emitted by the aircraft.

Properties: Identification Friend or Foe (IFF), Classification/Brilliant Weapon (Automatic Target Aquisition), Continous Tracking Capability (Visual)

Characteristics:
- Weight:
12kg internal processing unit
63,5kg attachable pylon unit
- Size:
33x20x15 internal processing unit
30x25x50cm attachable pylon unit
- Range Max: 45 km


INVAP-ESM-01
The ESM-01 is an airborne electronic warfare support module developed by INVAP that provides battlefield threat awareness and active self-protection jamming capabilities for aircraft against air defense systems actively engaging the unit. It consists of 3 subunits that are integrated and operate simultaneously:

- Threat Radar Jammer
- Threat Radar Warning Receiver
- Airborne Radio Frequency Expendables

The ESM-1 detects, denies, disrupts, degrades and evades lethal threats and provides multi-spectral (radio frequency, infrared and laser) situational awareness, increasing the combat survivability of the aircraft.

It has a maximum detection and operation range of Range Max: 198km, and its components are distributed along the aircraft for optimal operation, weighing less than 10kg in all cases and.


INVAP-TDL
The INVAP TDL or Tactical Data Link is a airborne communications unit that works through radio waves and is used to transmit, relay and receive tactical data and information through secure and encrypted connections.

It operates forming networks with surrounding receivers and relay units as to operate in the most efficient and secure way possible within the theater of operations.

The TDL is a time-division multiple access-based secure, jam-resistant, high-speed digital data link which operates in the radio frequency band 960 – 1,215 MHz. This frequency range limits the exchange of information to users within line-of-sight of one another, although with satellite capabilities, it is nowadays possible to pass Link 16 data over long-haul protocols.

Its a small sized and 4,7kg heavy component integrated within the airframe.

 

[Naio90]

Oh, I forgot, we also can offer you a RWR to be included as part of the aircraft self-defense avionics:

INVAP-Phantom
The INVAP Phantom is a self-protection and RWR system that provides long-range detection, identification and accurate localization of infrared homing, radio frequency and laser threats. The system incorporates radar warning receiver, laser warning and Missile Approach Warning for threat detection plus a phased array radar jammer and a decoy dispenser for threat countering. It also includes a dedicated management unit for data fusion and reaction decision.

The RWR system consists of multiple wideband antennas placed around the aircraft which receive the radar signals. The receiver scans across the frequency band and determines various parameters of the received signals, like frequency, signal shape, the direction of arrival, pulse repetition frequency, etc. These data are then further sorted by threat priority and displayed.

The primary role of the RWR is to identify, avoid, evade and engage targets.

Thanks to the Data Fusion it can operate directly in tandem with AWAC aircraft to enhance its stand-alone detection range.

Its layout of components distributed evenly and precisely around the aircraft gives its component a 360° range of operations.

Detection range: 120nm
RWR/Laser warning/threat detection: 120nm
Phase array jammer: 96nm

Incorporated chaff dispensers (automatic and manual activation when in range).

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"I think there was a misunderstanding. When I said ESM I meant electronic support measures. Basically to facilitate this we need an AWAC platform. Thus I propose making an AAI Condor AWAC variant. We can make use of the tactical data link with a connection to this aircraft. However, I have noticed that the ESM-01 and Phantom are both self protection units. Are you proposing we install both? Though for protection systems I was thinking somthing similar in purpose to Khibiny."

 

[Naio90]

"The Phantom is a more refined and multirole, including it would be better.

As for the AAI Condor AWAC, we could go something like this (The argentine engineer would tak out some papers.)

Of course this comes with a new 270° long-range airborne radar, the INVAP O-360.

AAI Condor PMEA

The AAI Condor PMEA (acronym for Airspace Monitoring Platform) is a an adapted version of the Condor Medium Transport Aircraft airframe in order to serve as an AWAC aircraft with multiple electronic warfare capabilities.

It employs avionics, landing gear, electric and hydraulic flight control system developed by INVAP, among others.

The structure will be made out of steel, carbon composite materials, aluminum, titanium, fibers, acrylic plastics and plastics, electronic and mechanical components would use the typical materials of contemporary aircraft.

All on board ELINT/SIGINT and communication devices and systems are developed by INVAP specifically to be operate in this aircraft.

In order to adapt the airframe to the new requirements of this type of missions, the range and flight-time has been increased at the cost of recuding the overall weight. Fuel consuption has also been reduced by appying new tecnologies and developments.

Specifications
Role: Airborne early warning and control
Crew: pilot, co-pilot, 5-7 mission systems operators
Length: 31m
Wingspan: 29m
Height: 11m
Powerplant: 2× INVAP-AMI TF-10 Turbofan
Loaded weight: 70 tonnes
Max. takeoff weight: 80 tonnes

Performance
Max. Speed: Mach 0,8
Cruise speed: 750 km/h
Service ceiling: 13,000 m
Max range: 4,500nm (empty) or 3,500nm (fully loaded)

Avionics
INVAP Alpha DECM
INVAP Buho II AESA
INVAP RaReAl
Communications system
Navigation system
Standard flight systems
ILS/OLS
GPS
Fly-by-wire capable
Other navigation/operation systems

AWAC & Comm Systems
INVAP-TDL
INVAP-ESM-01
INVAP-FLIR-01
INVAP O-360
INVAP Phantom+




INVAP O-360
Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&C) developed by INVAP. It uses active electronically scanned array technology. The O-270 to be used on multiple aircraft platforms, such as the AAI Condor.

The radar provides 360° coverage and has an instrumental range of 405km and detection range of 315 km in a dense hostile electronic warfare environment—in heavy radar clutter and at low target altitudes. In addition to this, the radar is also capable of identifying friends or foes, and has a sea surveillance mode.

The Erieye system has full interoperability with other INVAP and homologated argentine equipment and systems and air defence command and control systems.

This radar is an active, phased-array, pulse-doppler sensor that can feed an onboard operator architecture or downlink data (via an associated datalink subsystem) to a ground-based air defence network. The system employs a large aperture, dual-sided antenna array housed in a dorsal 'plank' fairing. The antenna is fixed, and the beam is electronically scanned, which provides for improved detection and significantly enhanced tracking performance compared with radar-dome antenna systems.

The O-360 detects and tracks air and sea targets out to the horizon, and sometimes beyond this due to anomalous propagation — instrumented range has been measured at 405km. Typical detection range against fighter-sized targets is approximately 380km, in a 150° broadside sector, both sides of the aircraft. Outside these sectors, performance is reduced in forward and aft directions.

Other system features include:

• Adaptive waveform generation (including digital, phase-coded pulse compression)
• Signal processing and target tracking
• track while scan (TWS)
• low side lobe values
• low- and medium-pulse repetition frequency operating modes;
• frequency agility
• Air-to-air and sea surveillance modes
• target radar cross-section display

The radar operates as a medium- to high-PRF pulse-Doppler, solid-state radar, in E/F-band (3 GHz), incorporating 192 two-way transmit/receive modules that combine to produce a pencil beam, steered as required within the operating 150° sector each side of the aircraft (one side at a time). It is understood that Erieye has some ability to detect aircraft in the 30° sectors fore and aft of the aircraft heading, but has no track capability in this sector.



INVAP-Phantom+
The INVAP Phantom+ is an enhanced-capabilities version of the self-protection and RWR system that provides long-range detection, identification and accurate localization of infrared homing, radio frequency and laser threats. The system incorporates radar warning receiver, laser warning and Missile Approach Warning for threat detection plus a phased array radar jammer and a decoy dispenser for threat countering. It also includes a dedicated management unit for data fusion and reaction decision.

It is designed for larger airframes, such as AWAC aircraft, thus the improved capabilities in exchange for bigger size and incresed weight (233kg in total).

The RWR system consists of multiple wideband antennas placed around the aircraft which receive the radar signals. The receiver scans across the frequency band and determines various parameters of the received signals, like frequency, signal shape, the direction of arrival, pulse repetition frequency, etc. These data are then further sorted by threat priority and displayed.

The primary role of the RWR is to identify, avoid, evade and engage targets.

Thanks to the Data Fusion it can operate directly in tandem with AWAC aircraft to enhance its stand-alone detection range.

Its layout of components distributed evenly and precisely around the aircraft gives its component a 360° range of operations.

Detection range: 180nm
RWR/Laser warning/threat detection: 180nm
Phase array jammer: 120nm

Incorporated chaff dispensers (automatic and manual activation when in range).

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Hmm..." the lead would say looking over the paper before passing it around to his colleagues."Yes! I think this shall do nicely. With this working together with the proposed Su-47 Berkut we will have an aircraft system capable of identifying and responding to possible threats at a speed on par with NATO counterparts. A very deadly duo wouldn't you say?" he said with a slight smirk."So, now I believe we are on the same page in regards to this project." he said before looking to one of his team members."But there is one other thing. As I would like to bring it up before we move onto the other teams and their proposals." he said gesturing to one of their rookies."Yes, well basically my thoughts are that as we will in our respective regions essentially have unchallenged air superiority thanks to the edge this aircraft will provide and the tactical situation we in Vietnam are faced with wish to give a revival." he would say as he brought out three documents stapled together. The one on top had a picture of what appeared to be a bomber aircraft, and under the picture were the words 'Convair B-36 Peacemaker' in bold letters. The following other two documents had photos of what looked to be earthquake style bombs with both being labeled as T-12 Cloudmaker and ASM-A-1 Tarzon."We require a platform and a weapon that can fill a performance gap." he would say handing over the documents which had public knowledge of the systems on them."Essentially what our military wants is somthing that is able to destroy infrastructure and key hardened targets. While the Earthquake bomb concept was considered obsolete after the introduction of nuclear arms we are now in a world where such weapons are not really an option. This is somthing the United States has seen as well as Russia as both countries have introduced both deep penetrators and massive explosives. Such as the MOAB, FOAB, and Massive Ordnance Penetrator. Thus we want an guided earthquake bomb that is to be dropped from 12 km and weigh 10,000-19,505 kg." he would say pushing up his glasses."Originally what we wanted to do was buy the rights to the Peacemaker from First choice but they had been unresponsive." he said.

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Indeed, we are very happy with the results of this meeting, and we are just only beginning." The lead engineer would say.

After the vietnamese would present their ideas of an high-impact bomb and a corresponding carrier for it, one of the argentine engineers would respond.

"Well, that could be another job four the Condor airframe. Just as we adapted it to serve as medium transport, refueling and AWAC aircraft, we could make the necessary modifications to convert it into a massive-sized ordinance carrier capable of loading and delivering a unguided "erathquake" bomb.

He would take out a paper with the details of the Condor aircraft and make some modification before handing it over to the vietnamese on the other side of the table.



AAI Condor TOA

The AAI Condor TOA (acronym for Tactical Operations Aircraft) is a an adapted version of the Condor Medium Transport Aircraft airframe in order to serve as an special mission aircraft.

It employs avionics, landing gear, electric and hydraulic flight control system developed by INVAP, among others.

The structure will be made out of steel, carbon composite materials, aluminum, titanium, fibers, acrylic plastics and plastics, electronic and mechanical components would use the typical materials of contemporary aircraft.

It has a special rear hatch which is connected through a attachable railed-cradle which can be used to load, carry and deliver different types of heavy ordinance. Its high cargo capacity allows it to carry heavier equipment with the corresponding configuration.

Its modular design allows its cargo bay to be adapted to carry out a diversity of operations.

In order to adapt the airframe to the new requirements of this type of missions, the range and flight-time has been increased at the cost of recuding the overall weight. Fuel consuption has also been reduced by appying new tecnologies and developments.

Specifications
Role: Special Operations Aircraft
Crew: pilot, co-pilot, navigator and 4-6 mission specific personnel
Length: 31m
Wingspan: 29m
Height: 11m
Powerplant: 2× INVAP-AMI TF-10 Turbofan
Loaded weight: 67 tonnes
Max. takeoff weight: 87 tonnes

Performance
Max. Speed: Mach 0,8
Cruise speed: 750 km/h
Service ceiling: 13,000 m
Max range: 4,700nm (empty) or 3,700nm (fully loaded)

Avionics
INVAP Alpha DECM
INVAP Buho II AESA
INVAP RaReAl
Communications system
Navigation system
Standard flight systems
ILS/OLS
GPS
Fly-by-wire capable
Other navigation/operation systems
INVAP Phantom+



CITEFA Martillo
The CITEFA Martillo (Hammer) is a GPS-guided large-yield air-dropable bomb, designed to be used from the AAI Condor TOA.

It is is an bunker buster bomb, designed to penetrate and destroyed armored and covered environments, provoking the highest damage possible to eliminate targets such as bunkers and deep lying cave systems, as well as major surface buildings.

Once launched from the mounted cradle, it activates its internal navigation systems, which are GPS guided, using encrypted data transfer channels to receive updated mission and target information to located its exact and precise pre-determined impact point. It has a precision of 1-2m.

It can be launched from an altitude between 9,000 and 13,000m altitude.

Its outer hull is made out of an reinforced metal alloy, and its internal systems are using aup to date technology and materials to allow its precise and efficient usage.

Weight: 11,000 kg
Length: 6.1m
Diameter: 0.77m
Filling: H-6
Filling weight: 9,500 kg
Blast yield: 12t TNT

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Perfect! It looks like the Condor can do anything. That simplifies things a whole lot. Especially logistics." the lead would say with a laugh."Though I may have one or two question." he would say before clearing his throat."How many of these bombs can the Condor be expected to reasonably carry? For the Martillo will it use a annular wing and octagonal tail surface like the Tarzon? It sounds like the way things are set up it will deployed in a similar manner as the MOAB. I am not exactly an expert when it comes to designing bombs but I imagine the choice of explosive filler will greatly impact it's well... impact."

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"The modular design we based the Condor on is really paying off. It was always our intention to have a multi role airframe that could be adapted to different uses, much like the US C-130.

As for the capacity of the Condor TOA to carry the CITEFA Martillo, with some small tweaks we could accommodate up to 2 units at the same time. Also, the Martillo uses neither of the ones you mentioned. The bombs are dropped by deploying drogue parachutes, which also extract the cradle and platform from the aircraft. Shortly after launch, the drogues are released and bombs fall unretarded. GPS satellite-guidance is used to guide bombs to their targets. It deploys grid fins to help control the trajectory of the bomb.

And the filler, well, our engineers employed the mixured called H6, that according to them guaranteed the maximum power and blast in enclosed spaces once it penetrates."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Grid fins are probably for the best as from my understanding they should be perfect for something as heavy as the Martillo. I believe the American MOAB uses grid fins as well, and with good reason. Now that we have the outlines all we will have to do is get to work. I do believe that is everything we have for now?" he would ask looking at his team."Alright, with that in mind I would like to hand things off to the team from Vinaxuki." he would say motioning to them. The lead expert from Vinaxuki would clear his throat."Yes, thank you." he would say."Our project proposal is a bit less ambitious. What we are looking to do is upgrade our current inventory of Leopard 1A5 main battle tanks. Now they are rather good tanks do not get me wrong, but their capabilities are not up to task considering our neighbors. What we want to do is go the route the Canadians did and apply upgrades to the vehicle like they did with the Leopard C2. We want to apply something equivalent to MEXAS composite armor system perhaps more up to date like AMAP. We also want to place the FM K.4 Modelo 1L in it in place of its current main gun. To go with that we are hoping to include the 3 axis stabilization gyro of the TAM 2, though we know that was provided by Israel. Not only that but we want to introduce a hunter-killer mode and new fire control system. With all that combined with our pursuing the purchase of US-made depleted uranium rounds we believe it will fulfill our needs perfectly."

 

[Naio90]

With everything regarding the aeronautical requirements of the SEOUSS apparently covered, the argentine ArgenDef engineer would sit back in silence and continue to take down notes on his computer, arranging and polishing everything that was just discussed in order to prepare to upcoming work that will eventually end up with the mass production of the components desired by the vietnamese.

The sun was already near the horizon, about to dissapear behind the mountains when the argentine representative for CITEFA would take the word in reply to the new vietnamese official's explanation about their desires for a modified Leopard 1A5 tank.

"That can be done. In comparison with my colleagues from air and navy, we do not have the extense experience in building equipment from scratch but we are as capable as them, and we did recently work on upgrading some of our inventory together with foreign providers such as the israelis and the TAM 2IP project. We also acquired recently shares and plans from some turkish companies like Roketsan and TAI that have an interesting array of electronic components that could be loaded into this upgrade package your are propossing.

We can share with you, and incorporate into this project the israeli 3 axis stabilization gyro, the FM K.4 Modelo 1L we use in our TAM MBTs.

In addition, something from this could be of itnerest to you." The argentine would extend some brochures, brochures, brochures to the vietnamese.

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"So based on the brochures you have given us I think the application of the Rocketsan Composite Armor and the optional mounting of the RPG shield should do the job for armor improvement nicely. It certainly appears to meet our needs based on this brochure. These optics provided in the brochure are what we are looking for. But in both cases we will want to figure out their capabilities before going forward. The technical details are sparse, but I am guessing that is for security reasons. We can work that out when we get to work I imagine? However for the fire control system will it be able to be modified for main gun cannon use? I do like the options it has listed, but I just want to make sure before we go forward."

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"We could obviously design and construct a demonstrator unit for you to assess on the ground what their capabilities will be. Of course this would demand a longer time between ordering and entering mass production, if we have to modify specs in between, but its something we could do.

All components will obviously be adapted to the needs of the specific product. We ahve the schematics and rights to adapt every Roketsan and Aselsan products here in the ArgenDef facilities."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Very good, I think we can go forward with using them for this project? Also, one idea our team had been tossing around revolved around the main gun. Primarily we were interested in exploring the possibility of using a 120mm gun. This would allow the vehicle to defeat most armour in our region, if not exceed requirements. However one issue the Germans ran into when trying to upgun the Leopard 1 was the mantlet was weakened."

@Naio90