[VT]: Research Team to Argentina

[Naio90]

"We could work on the basic schematics of the current tank gun the TAM 2IP employs and try improving it based on the model we use in the argentine army Leopard 2A6, in order to come up with an entirely new model tailormade to your requirements."

 

[Naio90]

@HeadlessSeeker

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"That sounds good and all but we want to be able to use current NATO ammunition, would this tailor made system be able to work with NATO 120mm tank rounds? In particular we are interested in acquiring depleted uranium ammunition. Which we are already in the process of doing for our current 105mm guns. However it may be best if we develop the upgrade package for the Leopard 1A5 with it's current 105mm gun and then later work on up-gunning to a 120mm cannon. This way we are able to determine if a up gunning is necessary, and if the time comes for us to be able to transition smoothly. Also one thing we will need to determine when developing these models is weight. As we know the Leopard 1 series relies much on it's agility, and thus adding more weight could hamper this. So that is another factor we will need to consider when developing this package."
@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"We can of course do that, it is actually easier to do, than to develop a new system from scratch. We could look into reducing the overall weight of the Leopard by replacing components with new developmetns that employ lighter materials and smaller size parts. For example, using various new composites for interior parts."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Excellent, I think that is perfectly fine. Also the use of fiber optics or other such electrical materials would also help reduce weight I am fairly certain."

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Yes, that was already calculated in the upgrade package." the argentine engineer would reply.

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Alright, I think that is everything we needed to discuss. The small parts can of course be ironed out when we get to work. So I think we can move onto ships? Unless there is anything you want to bring up?"

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"I think we can move on!" The naval engineer would lean forward and arrange some papers.

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

The lead from the Damen Song Cam Shipyard would speak up."So, the first thing I would like to discuss is the Kirovs that the Vietnamese Navy uses. However this can be applied to a number of the vessels Vietnam has in it's inventory. Due to the unstable nature of Russia we want to switch out weapons systems and sensors for systems which we can reliably repair at any point in time. However at the same time we want to maintain potency, such as the range advantage the Kirovs have enjoyed for some time. It should be a simple matter considering Argentina offers the Orca. But, certain things will be need to be rearranged to accommodate new systems of course."

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Installing the launches for the Orca would have to go hand in hand with a review of the different fire control systems and radars as well, in order to guarantee an efficient use of this long range missile. This would obviously end up being a complete upgrade package for the Kirov.

Many of those systems are already in use in our Patria and Sur-Class Destroyers."

 

[Naio90]

@HeadlessSeeker (Shall we continue? )

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Indeed, as I imagine the Orca as is would not be compatible with the current fire control systems present, and to do so would be more costly then simply replacing the systems. A complete refit will be necessary for long term use, no half measures can be used. Would you be able to get a team to overview one of our Kirovs to determine the cost of implementing the upgrades? As you would know what it would take to implement your systems better then we would."

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Everything can be done with enough time and perceverence. This meeting is being really productive and intense, at some point we would appreciated to make a brief summary of everything ArgenDef is going to provide and develop for the Military Forces of Vietnam. Of course, we can continue discussing other things afterwards, as our interest in cooperating with your nations persists and is one of our main goals here at ArgenDef: to keep our most loyal customers close."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"If you would like we can take a break and allow for the brief summary to be created? As we have gone over a lot so far. Also at this point I fear the Su-47 project will need to be put aside due to in all likelihood us having lost the right to it."
@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Ok, give us some time in order for the transcripts to be processed."

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

"Very well, shall we head back to our rooms?'

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Yes, lets Get some rest. We will have everything ready tomorrow morning."

 

[Naio90]

The next morning, before restarting the meeting, the argentine side would give their vietnamese counterpart several copies of documents reviewing the products agreed to develop up to now:


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

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.


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).


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).


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.



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

 

[HeadlessSeeker]

The Next morning after returning to the table the Vietnamese team would look over the documents."This all looks good. However, an issue came up. We did indeed lose the ability to upgrade the Su-47. However, I think that some of this technology can be adapted to other platforms. For instance, the data link could be implement on the Lockheed A-12 aircraft Vietnam has acquired. We also still have the ownership rights to the Su-35 Super Flanker, so we can adapt what was meant for the Su-47 into the Su-35." he would say having obviously this morning before coming to the table received the news.

@Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Yes, that could be done with a little more engineering. We would obviously needs access to the blueprints and even better, a unit fo the mentioned aircrafts in order to use it as prototype version for each of the upgrade packages we are going to develop.

The developing times would span for some months up to a year depending the case."