Focke-Wulf Fw 190

Developing nation: Germany.
Manufacturer/designer: Focke Wulf Flugzeugbau AG/Kurt Tank.
Production: 1941 – 1946.
Number built: 20,000 +.
Type aircraft: Fighter.
First flight: June 1, 1939 D-OPZE.
First delivery: 1941.
Retired:1945 (Luftwaffe); 1949 (Turkey).

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Würger was a German single-seat, single-radial engine fighter aircraft.The aircraft was ordered by the Reichsluftfahrtministerium in 1937 as an addition to the Messerschmitt Bf 109. Kurt Tank (the desinger) submitted two proposals for a single-seat fighter equipped on the one hand with a liquid-cooled Daimler Benz DB 601 engine, and on the other, the new air-cooled BMW 139 radial engine. The radial engine was selected in the summer of 1938.

The first prototype was flown on June 1, 1939 and soon proved to have good qualities for such a comparatively small craft including excellent handling, good visibility and promising speed (initially around 610 km/hr), its wide landing gear made it a more versatile aircraft than the Bf 109 and a safer one.  It was the only German single-seat fighter powered by a radial engine and the only fighter of the war with electrically operated landing gear and flaps. The Focke Wulf Fw 190 saw action as an interceptor, day fighter, night fighter, conventional bomber, and as a torpedo bomber. It began service in 1941, was superior to all its opponents until 1942 – 43, and remained a successful fighter and fighter-bomber until the war ended. A total of over 20,000 Focke Wulf Fw 190 aircraft of all types were manufactured.

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 10.20 m (33 ft 5 1/2 in)
• Wingspan: 10.50 m (34 ft 5 in)
• Height: 3.35 m (11 ft 0 in)
• Wing area: 18.30 m² (196.99 ft²)
• Empty weight: 3,490 kg (7,694 lb)
• Loaded weight: 4,350 kg (9,590 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 4,840 kg (10,670 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Junkers Jumo 213 A-1 12-cylinder inverted-Vee piston engine, 1,287 kW, 1,544 kW with boost (1,750 PS / 2,100 PS)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 685 km/h at 6,600 m, 710 km/h at 11,300 m (426 mph at 21,655 ft / 440 mph at 37,000 ft (11,000 m))
• Range: 835 km (519 mi)
• Service ceiling: 12,000 m (39,370 ft)
• Rate of climb: 17 m/s (3,300 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 238 kg/m² (48.7 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 0.30 – 0.35 kW/kg (0.18 – 0.21 hp/lb)

Armament

• 2 × 13 mm (.51 in) MG 131 machine guns with 475 rpg
• 2 × 20 mm MG 151 cannons with 250 rpg in the wing root
• 1 × 500 kg (1,102 lb) SC 500 bomb (optional)

Variants:

Fw 190 V1 – Prototype Model; fitted with BMW 139 engine of 1,550 horsepower.
Fw 190 A – Base production model
Fw 190 A-0 – Preproduction Model Designation; 28 examples produced.
Fw 190 A-1 – Role specific optimized variant; appeared in June 1941; fitted with BMW 801C-1 engines of 1,560 horsepower; longer propeller; 4 x 7.92mm machine guns (2 in fuselage and 2 in wing roots) and 2 x 20mm cannons in outboard wings; bulged engine cowlings.
Fw 190 A-2 – Role specific optimized variant; appeared in October 1941; fitted with BMW 801 C-2 engine of 1,600 horsepower; redesigned exhaust system; upgraded gun sight; 2 x 7.92mm machine guns in fuselage and 4 x 20mm cannons (2 replaced original 7.92mm machine guns) in wings.
Fw 190 A-3 – Role specific optimized variant; appearing in spring of 1942; fitted with BMW 801 D-2 engines of 1,754 horsepower; centerline bomb rack.
Fw 190 A-3a – First appearing in fall of 1942; Turkish export versions; fitted with 4 x 7.92mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm cannons (same as A-1 model).
Fw 190 A-4 – Role specific optimized variant; appeared in July 1942; improved radio equipment; similar to A-3 in most respects (armament/engine).
Fw 190 A-4/U1 – Centerline bomb rack fitted; MG 151 cannons retained but all other machine gun armament removed.
Fw 190 A-4/U3 – Similar to U1 model; some converted to nightfighter duty; served as basis for Fw 190 F-1 “assault” fighter version.
Fw 190 A-4/U4 – Dedicated Reconnaissance Platform; fitted with photographic cameras; armament of machine gun and cannons fuselage mounted.
Fw 190 A-4/U7 – High-Altitude Variant; compressor intakes implemented on side cowlings.
Fw 190 A-4/U8 – Would later serve as basis for Fw 190 G-1 model.
Fw 190 A-4/R6 – Fitted with underwing rocket mortar weaponry
Fw 190 A-5 – Role specific optimized variant; revised engine placement; fitted with BMW 801 D-2 engine of 1,700 horsepower; MW 50 power boost capable.
Fw 190 A-5/U2 – Dedicated Nightfighter; 2 x 20mm MG151 cannons.
Fw 190 A-5/U3 – Nightfighter with provision for fuel tanks and bombs; 2 x 20mm MG151 cannons.
Fw 190 A-5/U4 – Dedicated Reconnaissance Fighter; fitted with cameras.
Fw 190 A-5/U8 – Nightfighter fitted with underwing racks for centerline bombs and underwing fuel drop tanks; 2 x 20mm MG151 cannons; later to become the Fw 190 G-2 model series.
Fw 190 A-5/U12 – Bomber Interceptor Variant; fitted with two underwing gun pods for array of 2 x 7.92mm machine guns and 6 x 20mm MG151 cannons.
Fw 190 A-5/U12 – Prototype Model
Fw 190 A-5R11 – Nightfighter Conversion Model; fitted with radar.
Fw 190 A-6 – Role specific optimized variant; new wing design; extra ammunition for 2 x 7.92mm fuselage machine guns and 4 x 20mm wing-mounted cannons; improved radio navigation system; streamlined centerline bomb/fuel rack fitting.
Fw 190 A-7 – Role specific optimized variant; based on the Fw 190 A-5/U9 prototype; fitted with BMW 801 D-2 engine of 1,700 horsepower; 2 x 20mm MG 131 cannons replacing standard MG17 7.92mm fuselage machine guns; upgraded gun sight.
Fw 190 A-8 – Role specific optimized variant; improved bubble canopy.
Fw 190 A-9 – Final A-Series Production Models; fitted with BMW 801S engines of 1,973 horsepower; improved engine armor protection; improved radiator system.
Fw 190 A-10 – High-Altitude Prototype Development
Fw 190 B – Wider wing span; higher altitude capability; pressurized cockpit; turbocharged BMW 801 engine.
Fw 190 C – High altitude capability; turbocharged Daimler-Benz DB 603 powerplant.
Fw 190 D “Dora” – Main service model by 1944; fitted with Junkers Jumo 213 supercharged engine.
Fw 190 D-0 – Developmental Prototype; fitted with Jumo 213a engine.
Fw 190 D-1 – Developmental Prototype
Fw 190 D-2 – Developmental Prototype
Fw 190 D-9 – Role specific optimized variant
Fw 190 D-10 – Role specific optimized variant
Fw 190 D-11 – Role specific optimized variant; fitted with uprated Jumo 213E engines; 17 examples produced.
Fw 190 D-12 – Role specific optimized variant; based on D-11 model; Mk 108 30mm cannon in propeller hub.
Fw 190 D-13 – Role specific optimized variant; based on D-11 model; Mk 151/20 20mm cannon in propeller hub.
Fw 190 D-13/R11 – All-Weather Development
Fw 190 E - Proposed reconnaissance fighter
Fw 190 F – Ground attack model based on Fw 190 A-4 powerplant.
Fw 190 F-1 – Improved under-fuselage armor; centerline and wing bomb racks.
Fw 190 F-2 – Based on Fw 190 A-5/U3; replaced F-1 series on production lines.
Fw 190 F-3 – Based on Fw 190 A-5/U17; 432 examples produced.
Fw 190 F-4 – Abandoned Strafing Design Variant
Fw 190 F-5 – Abandoned Strafing Design Variant
Fw 190 F-6 – Abandoned Strafing Design Variant
Fw 190 F-7 – Abandoned Strafing Design Variant
Fw 190 F-8 – Improved radio equipment; redesigned compressor for low-altitude boost in performance; 2 x 20mm MG151/20 cannons in wing roots and 2 x 7.92mm MG131 machine guns above engine housing; 3,400 examples produced.
Fw 190 F-8/U1 – Long-Range Nightfighter; underwing and centerline provision for fuel tanks and/or bombs.
Fw 190 F-8/U2 – Torpedo Bomber
Fw 190 F-8/U3 – Heavy Torpedo Bomber
Fw 190 F-8/U4 – Nightfighter
Fw 190 F-9 – Based on the Fw 190 A-9; redesigned empennage as found on the Ta 152 development; 147 examples produced.
Fw 190 G – Long-Range Attack Model; based on the Fw 190 A-5 powerplant.
Fw 190 G-1 – Based on the Fw 190 A-4/U8
Fw 190 G-2 – Based on the Fw 190 A-5/U8
Fw 190 G-3 – Based on the Fw 190 A-6
Fw 190 G-8 – Based on the Fw 190 A-8
Fw 190 A8-U1 – Original Designation for Trainer Fw 190’s.
Fw 190 S-5 – Trainer Variant
Fw 190 S-8 – Trainer Variant
Ra-2 – High Altitude Development
Ra-3 – High Altitude Development
Ta 152 – Ultra-high altitude fighter; Wider wing span; Jumo 213E powerplant; based on the Ra-3 development model.
Ta 152C – Low-Altitude Developmental Ta 152 Model; fitted with DB 603 engine; only two examples produced.
Ta 152H – Improved Ta 152; Only operational variant of the Ta 152.

Operators

France

• The French Air Force ordered 64 aircraft postwar from the SNCA aircraft company. The Fw 190 A-5/A-6 ( NC 900).

Germany

• Luftwaffe

Hungary

• Royal Hungarian Air Force received a total of 72 Fw 190 F-8

Spain

• The Spanish Air Force operated Fw 190 A-2,3,4 among Fw 190 A-8 and Gs

Romania

• The Royal Romanian Air Force received from Germany a number of Fw 190 A-8s

Turkey

• The Turkish Air Force, beginning in mid-1942, received 72 examples of the Fw 190 A-3a. The Fw 190 remained in service until 1948–49.

Yakolev Yak-3

The Yakolev Yak-3 World War 2 fighter plane made his first flight as I-30 on 12 April 1941. The second prototype crashed during flight tests and was written off. Although evaluation aircraft flew in combat, the first series Yak-3s did not enter operation with the 91st IAP until July 1944.

Developing nation: Soviet Union/Russia.
Manufacturer/designer: Yakovlev Design Bureau.
Production: 1941 – 1946.
Number built: 4848
Type aircraft: Fighter.
First flight: 12 April 1941 I-30.
First delivery: 1944.

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 8.5 m (27 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 9.2 m (30 ft 2 in)
• Height: 2.39 m (7 ft 11 in)
• Wing area: 14.85 m² (159.8 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,105 kg (4,640 lb)
• Loaded weight: 2,692 kg (5,864 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Klimov VK-105PF-2 V-12 liquid-cooled piston engine, 1,120 kW (1,620 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 655 km/h (407 mph)
• Range: 650 km (405 miles)
• Service ceiling: 10,700 m (35,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 18.5 m/s (3,645 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 181 kg/m² (36.7 lb/ft²)
• Power/mass: 0.36 kW/kg (0.22 hp/lb)

Armament

• Guns:
  • 1 × 20 mm ShVAK cannon,
  • 2 × 12.7 mm Berezin UBS machine guns

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker

The Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO designation Flanker) is the front-line fighter aircraft designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau.It is a twin-engined aircraft with a blended wing and fuselage, and twin tail fins. The aircraft were marketed at international air shows, putting up superb aerobatic displays, of  exceptional controllability at high angles of attack. Deliveries of the Su-27 fighters to the Soviet Air Force and Air Defence Forces started in 1985. Most of the series produced aircraft were T-10S design, hence the designation of Su-27S.

The first ‘Flanker-A’ prototypes flew on 20 May 1977. By the early 1980s, Sukhoi’s T10-1 prototype was the subject of much scrutiny by Western intelligence agencies, who dubbed it Flanker-A. As the prototype evolved into the Su-27 or Flanker-B production model, word of its potential as a fighter spread as well. Flanker-B Su-27S, which was the original version to enter service, entered service in 1984. The initial production single-seater was referred to as the Su-27S, allowing the designation Su-27 to refer to any or all variants in the family of aircraft

The aircraft has a near-zero static stability and thus require a fly-by-wire system. The SDU-10 pitch-only fly-by-wire system controls the pitch of the aircraft to ensure stability and controllability for the pilot, increase aerodynamic performance, limit overload and angle of attack when needed and decrease the airframe aerodynamic load.

The radar a powerful pulse-Doppler radar, and up to ten air-to-air missiles giving it a potent look-down shoot-down capability. The Flanker also features a rearward-facing radar at the end of a long boom placed between the engines allowing the Su-27 to search for targets behind the aircraft.

China also bought a license for the production of its own Su-27 fighters. Su-27SKs have since 1998 been produced as the F/J-11 in China under licence in accordance with intergovernmental agreement. The first licensed-production plane, assembled in the town of Shenyang, was flight tested on 16th December 1998.

Developing nation: Soviet Union/Russia.
Manufacturer/designer: Sukhoi Design Bureau.
Production line: IAPO Irkutsk Aviation Production Association, KNAAPO Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Production Association, NAPO Novosibirsk Aviation Production Association.
Number built: 650+
Type aircraft: twin-engine fourth-generation Air Defence Fighter.
First flight: May 20 1977.
First delivery: 1984.

General characteristics

• Crew: 1 or 2
• Length: 21.9 m (72 ft)
• Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
• Height: 5.92 m (19 ft 6 in)
• Wing area: 62 m² (667 ft²)
• Empty weight: 16,380 kg (36,100 lb)
• Loaded weight: 23,430 kg (51,650 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 30,450 kg (67,100 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Saturn/Lyulka AL-31F turbofans, 122.8 kN (27,600 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.35 (2,500 km/h, 1,550 mph) at altitude
• Range: 3,530 km (2,070 mi) at altitude; (1,340 km / 800 mi at sea level)
• Service ceiling: 18,500 m (62,523 ft)
• Rate of climb: 300 m/s (64,000 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 371 kg/m² (76 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 1.09

Armament

• 1 × 30 mm GSh-30-1 cannon with 275 rounds
• 8,000 kg (17,600 lb) on 10 external pylons

• Up to 6 × medium-range AA missiles R-27, 2 × short-range heat-seeking AA missiles R-73
  • Upgraded Su-27SM is capable of using R-77 instead of R-27

Su-27S armament

• 30 mm GSH-30 Cannon, 150 rounds
• 6 × R-27R, R-27ER, R-27T, R-27ET
• 4 × R-73E
• FAB-250
• FAB-500
• B-8
• B-13
• S-24
• S-25

T-10 ‘Flanker-A’	Original prototype, sred from excessive drag, weak structure, excessive weight, and flutter; four built
T-10S	Redesigned prototype
P-42	Third Su-27S prototype (T10S-3) modified to set several climb and altitude records
T10-20R	Special conversion testbed used for long-range supersonic flight
Su-27 ‘Flanker-A’	Production model prototype and development aircraft; 15 built
Su-27S ‘Flanker-B’	First production model with refined aerodynamics and an aft radar extension, single-seat model designed for dual-role air defense and ground attack missions
Su-27SK	Export version of the Su-27S
Su-27SKM	Updated variant of the Su-27S for export
Su-27SM	Upgrade program for the Su-27S
Su-27P ‘Flanker-B’	Identical to the Su-27S but designed purely as an air defense interceptor and equipped with an in-flight refueling probe
Su-27UB ‘Flanker-C’	Two-seat combat-capable trainer with an improved radar in a longer nose
Su-27PU ‘Flanker-C’	Prototype of the Su-30 fighter bomber
Su-27K ‘Flanker-D’	Prototype of the Su-33 navalized fighter, also referred to as the T-10K
Su-27KU or Su-27IB	Prototype of the Su-34 bomber
Su-27M ‘Flanker-E’	Prototype of the Su-35 fighter
J-11	Chinese designation for the Su-27, perhaps up to 300 to be license built in China
J-11B	Improved version of the Su-27SK developed by China that features major upgrades including a new radar and an infrared search and track system while also incorporating Chinese weapons, reports suggest further orders for the Su-27SK (J-11) built in Russia are to be cancelled in favor of constructing the J-11B locally in China

Dassault Mirage 2000

The Aviation Marcel Dassault Mirage 2000C is an single engine, delta wing all weather night and day interceptor. Developed around 1973 as a successor of the Mirage III and Mirage V. The first of four single seat prototypes flew on March 10, 1978, and the fifth machine a private (Dassault) build  two-seater took the air in October 1980 as the precursor of the Mirage 2000B two-seat operational trainer.

The Mirage 2000N was derived from and looks much like the Mirage 2000B, but the Nuclear Strike variant includes stronger wings for low altitude operations, as well as low-level precision navigation-attack system, build around the Thomson-CSF Antilope 5 radar, with automated terrain following capability, at very high speed and very low altitude. The Mirage 2000N carries a single ASMP (nuclear weapon with 150 or 300 kilotons warhead) on a centerline pylon.

The old prototype of the Mirage 2000B was extensively modified to fly as the first next-generation Mirage 2000-5 in October 1990. The first single Mirage 2000-5 flew in may 1991.

The Mirage 2000-5 is a new version of the multi-role aircraft with a new avionics system:

New pilot/system interface.
Five displays ‘glass cockpit.
Head-Up/Level/Down and two Lateral.
RDY Multi-waveform pulse 12 Doppler radar.
Multi-target capability.
Multi-function radar.
New internal countermeasures system.
Multi-target firing and a new air-to-air MICA missile.

Developing nation: France.
Manufacturer/designer: Marcel Dassault Aviation.
Production line: Bordeaux-Mariagne.
Number built: 601
Type aircraft: multirole, single-engine fourth-generation jet fighter.
First flight: March 10, 1978
First delivery: November 1982 to Armée de L’Air

General characteristics Mirage 2000C

• Crew: 1
• Length: 14.36 m (47 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 9.13 m (29 ft)
• Height: 5.20 m (17 ft)
• Wing area: 41 m² (441.3 ft²)
• Empty weight: 24,541 kg  (54,100 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 17,000 kg (37,500 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× SNECMA M53-P2 afterburning turbofan
• Dry thrust: 64.3 kN (14,500 lbf)
• Thrust with afterburner: 95.1 kN (21,400 lbf)

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 2.2 (2,333+ km/h, 1,450+ mph) at altitude/ 1,110 km/hr (690 mph) at low altitude
• Range: 1,550 km (837 nmi, 963 mi) with drop tanks
• Ferry range: 3,335 km (1,800 nmi, 2,073 mi) with auxiliary fuel
• Service ceiling: 17,060 m (59,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: 285 m/s (56,000 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 337 kg/m² (69 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.91

Armament

• Guns: 2× 30 mm (1.18 in) DEFA 554 revolver cannon, 125 rounds per gun
• Hardpoints: 9 total (4× under-wing, 5× under-fuselage) with a capacity of 6,300 kg (13,900 lb) external fuel and ordnance
• Rockets: Matra 68 mm unguided rocket pods, 18 rockets per pod
• Missiles:
  • Air-to-air missiles:
    • 6× MBDA MICA IR/RF
    • 2× Matra R550 Magic-II and 2× Matra Super 530D
  • Air-to-surface missiles:
    • 2× AM.39 Exocet
    • 2× AS-30L laser guided missile
    • 1× ASMP tactical nuclear cruise missile
• Bombs: 9× Mk.82

Avionics

• Thomson-CSF RDY (Radar Doppler Multi-target) radar

Sukhoi PAK-FA or T-50

Sukhois PAK-FA or T-50 is started taxi trials in December 2009 and first flight 29 January 2010. Designed by Sukhoi and built by the company’s Komsomolsk-on-Amur Aviation Plant, the T-50 prototype flew for 47 minutes and landed on the plant’s airfield.

According to Sukhoi, the fighter – Russia’s first all-new warplane since the collapse of the Soviet Union – has new avionics systems, a phased-array radar, and equipment to exchange information with both ground command-and-control systems and other aircraft in an air warfare group.

The sophisticated control systems “allow a pilot to concentrate on tactical tasks,” while use of composite materials, the aerodynamic design of the body and measures taken to decrease the visibility of the aircraft engine provide for “unprecedented low radio, optical and infrared visibility”.

The PAK-FA development is still classified, so images of the stealthy fighter are expected to appear only after the first flight. Delivery to VVS (Russian Air Force) planned for 2015 as Russia’s basic front-line fighter.

Estimated Performance:
———————————-
Dimensions (m):
- wing 14,2; S=78,8 m2
- length 22
- height 6,05
Weight (kg):
- max 37000
- normal 26000
- empty 18500
Fuel (kg): 10300
Combat load (kg):
- max 7500
- AA max 2260 conformal
Speed (km/h):
- max 2100; M2,0;
- rate of climb 350 m/s
- min 0 OVT
- cruise 1300
Alt (m): 20000
Flight range (km): 4000/5500 (2×2000kg)
- supersonic 2500
Runway (m): 350 (w/o OVT)
G-force (g): 10-11
EPR: 0,05 m2
Wing overload (kg/m2):
- max 470
- normal 330
Thrust-to-weight ratio:
- max 0,84
- normal 1,19
Fuel rate: 2,55 kg/km
Flight time: 3,3 h

Engine: AL-41F
- thrust 2×15500/2×9800
- compressor: diameter 932mm, 3 steps
- weight 1350 kg
- pressure increase 4,2-4,5
- life time 4000 hours
- overhaul life 1500 hours
- nozzle:
weight: 380 kg
deviation angle +-16 deg in any direction, +-20 deg flat
deviation speed: 60 deg/sec

Electronics:
N050(?)BRLS AFAR/AESA
Freq: 3mm
Diameter: 0,7m
Targets: 32 (8)
Range: 400 km; EPR 3 m2: 160 km; azimut +-70 deg; 90/-50 deg
Power: 4000 Wt
Weight: 65-80 kg

Armament: ? 2×30mm gun
Hardpoints: ? 8 (conf.), 2*4

Grumman E-2C Hawkeye

The Grumman E-2C Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-based tactical Airborne Early Warning (AEW) aircraft. The early E-2A and E-2B versions are no longer in service, todays Hawkeyes being to E-2C and E-2C+ standard. The Hawkeye is a vital cog in the carrier air wing system, provinding airborne control for the other members of the wing. Its primary role is to act as a forward radar station to defend the carrier battle group.

The APS-145 radar is the latest in a long series of E-2 radars. The radar sweeps a 3- million cubic mile evelope of airspace, while simultaneously plotting surface vessels. Up to 2,000 targets can be tracket on time.

The current version of the Hawkeye, the E-2C, became operational in 1973, and surpassed one million flight hours in August 2004.

Advanced Hawkeye (AHE)

Advanced Hawkeye (AHE), the newest variant of the E-2 aircraft platform, is currently in development and scheduled to be introduced to the Fleet in 2011. Using the E-2C Hawkeye 2000 configuration as a baseline, AHE will feature a state of the art radar with a two generation leap in capability and upgraded aircraft systems that will improve supportability and increase readiness. Key AHE program objectives include improved battle space target detection and situational awareness, support of Theater Air and Missile Defense (TAMD) operations, and improved Operational Availability. The AHE mission will be to provide advance warning of approaching enemy surface units, cruise missiles and aircraft, to vector interceptors or strike aircraft to attack, and to provide area surveillance, intercept, communications relay, search and rescue and strike and air traffic control. The AHE is intended to meet airborne early warning surveillance, battle management and TAMD needs as the Navy develops its Sea Power 21 concepts in support of Joint Vision 2020.

Role	twin-engine AEW aircraft
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country	USA
First flight	W2F-1 21 October 1960 E-2C 20 January 1971
Delivery	1961
Primary users	US Navy Egypt France Navy Israel Defence Force Japan Air Self Defence Force Singapore Taiwan

Variants

W2F-1  Original designation of the Hawkeye, changed to E-2A in 1962.

E-2A  Initial production version, was W2F-1 before 1962.

TE-2A  Two E-2As converted as crew trainers.

YC-2A  Two E-2As converted as prototypes of the C-2 Greyhound

E-2B  As E-2A but fitted with improved computing, enlarged outer fins. Conversions from E-2A.

YE-2C  Two E-2As converted as E-2C prototypes.

E-2C  As the E-2B but with all new electronics, surveillance radar and search radar, 63 built. In “plus-models” the E-2C     also has an upgraded power-plant.

E-2C Hawkeye 2000  It is an upgraded version of E-2C.

E-2D  Currently in flight test. It will feature an entirely new avionics suite, improved engines, a new “glass cockpit” and the ability to refuel in-flight. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) is expected in 2011.

E-2T E-2C variant for Republic of China (Taiwan), with parts taken from retired E-2B, 4 rebuilt E-2A/B. But it’s E-2C Group II with APS-145 radar. 

General characteristics E-2C

• Crew: 5 (2 pilots, 3 naval flight officers – combat information center officer, air control officer, radar operator)
• Length: 17.56 m (57 ft 7 in)
• Wingspan: 24.60 m (80 ft 7 in)
• Height: 5.58 m (18 ft 4 in)
• Wing area: 65 m² (700 ft²)
• Empty weight: 17,090 kg (37,678 lb)
• Loaded weight: 23,391 kg (55,000 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 23,391 kg (55,000 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Allison T56-A-425 or -427 turboprops, 4,800 shp (3,400 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 604 km/h (375 mph) at 12,000 ft (3,660 m)
• Cruise speed: 465 km/h (251 knots, 289 mph) at 28,700 ft (8,750 m)
• Stall speed: 152 km/h (82 knots, 94 mph) at idle power
• Range: 2,583 km (1,400 nm,1,605 mi)
• Service ceiling: 10,210 m (33,500 ft)
• Rate of climb: 13.3 m/s (2,610 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 378.9 kg/m² (77.6 lb/ft²)

Grumman C-2A Greyhound

The Grumman C-2A Greyhound is a twin-engine cargo aircraft, designed to provide critical logistics support to aircraft carriers of the United States Navy. Its primary mission is Carrier onboard delivery (COD). The first flight took place on 18 November 1964 with first delivery  in 1966.

The first batch of seventeen aircraft were overhauled from1973 to extend their operational life.  In 1984, 39 new aircraft (C-2A(R)) were built to replace the first batch of aircraft. All old C-2As were phased out in 1987.

The C-2A has a wide range of communications and radio navigation equipment that is compatible with both military and civil airways on a worldwide basis. Communications equipment includes HF, VHF, and UHF; radio navigation aids include GPS, TACAN, dual VOR, UHF/DF, LF/ADF, weather radar, Doppler radar, and two carrier approach systems. The crew consists of a Pilot, Copilot, Crewchief, and Loadmaster / Second Crewman. 

The entire fleet of current 34 C-2A(R) are undergoing  a Critical Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) will provide cost-effective, carrier-on-board delivery for the next 20 years. The fleet of US Navy C-2As are currently being outfitted (SLEP) with,enhancements to the centre wing, an aircraft rewire, improvements of the avionics systems and with the same NP2000 eight-blade propellers that are also being used on the E-2 Hawkeye fleet.

Role	twin-engine cargo aircraft
Manufacturer	Northrop Grumman
Country	USA
First flight	18 November 1964
Delivery	1966
Primary users	US Navy

General characteristics C-2A(R)

• Crew: 2 pilots, 2 aircrew
• Capacity: 26 passengers, 12 litter patients
• Payload: 4,536 kg (10,000 lb)
• Length: 17.30 m (56 ft 10 in)
• Wingspan: 24.60 m (80 ft 7 in)
• Height: 4.85 m (15 ft 10½ in)
• Wing area: 65 m² (700 ft²)
• Empty weight: 15,310 kg (33,746 lb)
• Loaded weight: 22,405 kg (49,394 lb)
• Useful load: 9,350 kg (20,608 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 24,655 kg (60,000 lb)
• Powerplant: 2× Allison T56-A-425 turboprops, 4,800 shp (3,400 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 553 km/h (343 knot, 394 mph) at 12,000 ft (3,660 m)
• Cruise speed: 465 km/h (251 knots, 289 mph) at 28,700 ft (8,750 m)
• Stall speed: 152 km/h (82 knots, 94 mph) at idle power
• Range: 2,400 km (1,300 nm,1,496 mi)
• Service ceiling: 10,210 m (33,500 ft)
• Rate of climb: 13.3 m/s (2,610 ft/min)
• Wing loading: 378.9 kg/m² (77.6 lb/ft²)

Agusta A109 LUH Hirundo

Several military versions of the Hirundo A109 have been developed for army, naval, and patrol use. The Agusta A109A  made his maiden flight on 4 August 1971. The baseline Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a light twin engine helicopter in the 3,000 kg class. With the addition of appropriate role fit equipment, LUH is able to satisfy a diverse range of mission requirements demanded from a military light utility helicopter.

 Avionics include an advanced digital cockpit, based on 3 AMLCDs and a digital 4-axis AFCS. A vast array of advanced equipment including sophisticated sensors are available. The integrated Mission Equipment Package (MEP) includes day/night and IFR avionics for single or dual pilot operations with a four-axis digital Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS). The availability of a wide range of mission equipment makes the LUH a real multi-role helicopter, able to perform all light helicopter roles including training, troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, maritime patrol, observation, armed escort and anti-armour.

Besides service with the USCG, the A109 Power has also been selected for law enforcement duties by Italian, British, Nigerian and Chinese agencies. Additionally, it serves military roles with the South African Air Force, Swedish MoD and Italian Navy. The A109 Power, the only twin light helicopter capable of ship-based operations, was again confirmed worldwide as the best-selling light twin helicopter in 2001.

The sale of the Agusta A109 to the Belgian armed forces in 1988 gave rise to a bribery scandal when it was alleged the company had given the Belgian Socialists over 50 million Belgian francs to get the sale. This scandal led to the resignation and conviction of NATO Secretary General Willy Claes.

Military operators:
 Albania ,  Argentine Army, Royal Australian Navy, Belgian Air Component,  Benin,  Bulgaria, People’s Republic of China, Carabineros de Chile, Ghana, Greece (Hellenic Air Force),  Italy, Royal New Zealand Air Force, Latvia, Malaysian Army, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department,  Mexico, Nigeria, Paraguayan Air Force, Peru,  South Africa, Sweden, Army Air Corps, Empire Test Pilots’ School, Royal Air Force, Venezuela

Former Military operators:
Slovenian Air Force, United States Coast Guard

Role	SAR/utility helicopter
Manufacturer	Agusta AgustaWestland
First flight	4 August 1971
Primary users	Italian Army Royal Australian Navy
Unit cost	US$ 6.3 million
Variants	AgustaWestland AW119

General characteristics  AW109 Power

• Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
• Capacity: 7/6 passengers
• Length: 13.04 m (42 ft 9 in) 
• Rotor diameter: 11.00 m (36 ft 2 in)
• Height: 3.50 m (11 ft 6 in)
• Empty weight:  2,000 kgs (3,461 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 2,850 kg- 3,000kg (6,283 lb) (depending on version))
• Powerplant: 2× Pratt & Whitney Canada 206C or Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 turboshafts, 567 hp or 571 hp (423 kW or 426 kW) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 285 km/h (177 mph ,154 knots)
• Ferry range: 964 km (599 mi, 521 NM)
• Service ceiling: 5,974 m (19,600 ft)
• Rate of climb: 9.8 m/s (1,930 ft/min)

Armament

(Agusta A109 LUH only)

Rocket launcher 7/12/19 tubes 70 mm

Twin machine gun-pod 7.62 mm

Machine gun-pod 12.7 mm

Machine gun-pod 12.7 mm with 3 tubes 70 mm rockets

Antitank missiles (TOW, HOT or Hellfire)

Air-to-air missiles (Stinger or Mistral)

AgustaWestland AW149

The first AW149 prototype flew for the first time November 13 2009, and is fully representative of the AW149 final configuration with respect to the airframe and avionics, whilst the second prototype will fly in the final configuration incorporating two 2000 shp class GE CT7-2E1 turbines with FADEC and an all new transmission system. With a fully digital avionics system with open architecture and fully integrated mission equipment, a modern glass cockpit and a 4-axis auto-pilot, the AW149 8 ton class helicopter is specifically designed for modern battlefield operations. The AW149 is fitted with the latest all weather day-night operational capabilities, dedicated avionics and a NVG-compatible cockpit, while rotor ice protection will be available as an option. The AW149, by its open architecture design, will be capable of being fitted with role equipment and systems as required by the customer to perform a wide range of roles and also to be easily re-roled or upgraded to meet future requirements. Advanced sensors, communication and data sharing systems provide high situational awareness for network-centric environments. The AW149, capable of seating up to 18 troops, is perfectly suited to perform a wide range of duties such as troop transport, battlefield and logistic operations, fire support, SAR and combat SAR, special forces operations, reconnaissance, surveillance, CASEVAC, command control & communication, external load lifting as well as VIP military transport. The AW149 has been developed to meet the Italian Air Force requirement for a new medium class SAR helicopter. The AW149 is also being offered in the marketplace to meet the demand for a modern technology helicopter to replace thousands of older generation helicopters in service with military operators worldwide. A customised version of the AW149, named the TUHP149, is the candidate for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP).

Role	Medium-lift
Manufacturer	AgustaWestland
First flight	November 13 2009
Introduced	2010

 

Specifications AW149

General characteristics

• Crew: 2
  Capacity: 18 passengers
• Length: 14.63 m
• Main rotor diameter: × 14.6 m
• Width: 3.08 m
• Height: 5.15 m
• Empty weight:  kg
• Gross weight: 8100 kg
• Powerplant: 2 × General Electric GE CT7-2E1 2000 shp turbines with FADEC

Performance

• Maximum speed: 278 km/h
• Range: 1061 km
• Service ceiling: 6098 m
• Rate of climb: 10.9 m/s

Armament

Rocket launcher 7/12/19 tubes 70/81 mm

Window mounted machine gun 7.62 mm

Machine gun-pod 12.7/20 mm

Machine gun-pod 12.7 mm with 3 tubes 70 mm rockets

Provision for air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles

Fokker D.VIII

Role	Fighter
Manufacturer	Fokker-Flugzeugwerke
Designed by	Reinhold Platz
First flight	May 1918
Primary user	Luftstreitkräfte
Number built	approximately 381

The Fokker D.VIII nicknamed  ’the Flying Razor’ by the Allies, unusual parasol-monoplane configuration was perhaps the most advanced of the war. Designed by Fokker’s great engineering, Reinhold Platz, the D.VIII was a highly maneuverable aircraft with great pilot visibility and pleasing flight characteristics and would have been a formidable opponent had it not been so late in entering the war.

Arriving to combat in August 1918, the swift and nimble fighter’s meaningful service time at the front was delayed while a wing structure problem, which caused three planes to crash, was rectified. By the time the D.VIII was again placed in service, it had very little time to prove itself in combat before the war ended. If the war has continued into the winter of 1918-19, would have replaced the Fokker D.VII as the preeminent German fighter.

Today, only a single authentic D.VIII exists (in the Museo Dell’Aeronautica Gianni Caproni in Trento, Italy).

General characteristics

• Crew: One
• Length: 5.86 m (19 ft 4 in)
• Wingspan: 8.40 m (27 ft 6.75 in)
• Height: 2.80 m (9 ft 3 in)
• Wing area: 10.7 m² (115.5 ft²)
• Empty weight: 384 kg (848 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 562 kg (1,238 lb)
• Powerplant: 1× Oberursel UR.II, 82 kW (110 hp)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 204 km/h (127 mph)
• Service ceiling: 6,300 m (20,670 ft)

Armament

• 2 × 7.92 mm Spandau MG08 machine guns

Variants

• V 26 : Initial prototype.
• V 28 : Prototype fitted with either the 108 kW (145 hp) Oberursel Ur.III, or the 104 kW (140 hp) Goebel Goe.III rotary engines.
• V 30 : Single-seat glider.

 

This replica Fokker D-VIII was built in 1991 by Ron and Vince Arganbright. The original Fokker was known as the ‘Flying Razor’ and was renowned for its high speed and unmistakable with its small wing between the landing gear. The World War I original was powered by a 100hp Oberursel engine while this replica boasts a 250hp Continental Star engine. Maintained in airworthy condition by the Stampe & Vertongen museum.

After its crash on August 18, 2002 during the Schaffen Fly-In this aircraft was rebuild by the volonteers of the Stampe Museum in Antwerp. The original German markings were replaced by the markings worn by the Fokker D.VIII ‘17′ that came in the hands of Belgian Air Force Lt.Albert Van Cotthem after the World War I armistice in 1918. He used the aircraft during various aerobatics competions. The marking ‘17′ was applied during the competition at Evere on June 4th and 5th, 1921.

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