SA22 (To Be Redone)

SA-22 Yellowjacket

An SA-22-C preforms an automated landing aboard the SIV Fort Providence

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Role: Multirole endurance fighter

National Origin: Synne Industries

Manufacturers: SynUnder Ind.

First flight: 9 May 2076

Introduction: 28 October 2081

Status: In service

Primary user: Synnian Navy

Produced: 2075-present

Number built: 3,822 (as of 2085)

Program cost: C$381.9 billion (as of 2085)

Unit cost: C$14.5 million (SA-22-C) C$15.6 million (SA-22-H) C$11.3 million (SA-22-G)

Developed from: HKX-22, CCX-19, GHX-21

Developed into: PB-20

The Haukner & Kahn SA-22 Yellowjacket is a family of seventh generation, single seat, twin engine, multirole stealth fighter aircraft developed by Haukner & Kahn aeronautics primarily for the Synnian Navy (SIN) though seeing some use in the Synnian Air Force (SIAF). With development beginning in 2068 the SA-22 was the result of the Atlantis Program, a multinational collaboration to strengthen the air and naval power of Synne Industries, Crb Co. and their respective corporate child states. The Yellowjacket was originally planned to serve as a multirole carrier fighter only as seen in the CCX-19 but due to the need to replace aging ground-attack aircraft and rising tensions with various superpowers development of ground-attack and interceptor variants began in 2071. The main objective for the SA-22 was to utilize late 21st century technology in an affordable way in order to serve aboard new ships developed during the Atlantis Program. Both the SA-22-C (Carrier variant) and SA-22-H (Interceptor variant) feature VTOL capability, thrust vectoring exhaust nozzles and maneuvering thrusters while the SA-22-G (Ground attack variant) relies only on traditional methods of maneuvering to reduce maintenance cost.

Technologies used in all variants include

• Entanglement based situational awareness system (ERIG)

• Self repairing airframe

• Nanomachine based missile deflection coat

• Advanced identification software

• Entanglement based integration with satellites

• Early missile detonation system

• Reduced infrared detectability

• Advanced stealth geometry of airframe

• Conversion of atmosphere into ammunition

• Conversion of atmosphere into fuel

• Reduced noise emissions

• Fusion powered turbofan

• Low maintenance engines

• Pilot flight pattern recognition and machine learning

• Automated takeoff, landing and flight correction

• Rotary missile rack

• Ballistics reflection coating

• Automated nanomachine maintenance and repair

• Advanced electronic warfare capabilities

The Synnian Navy and Air Force plans on buying at least 23,000 SA-22-Cs, 19,000 SA-22-Hs and 2,800 SA-22-Gs by 2100 which will replace all of the currently used aircraft. As of 2085 24% of SynUnder Industries' arms manufacturing sector has been reconstructed to produce the SA-22 and its variants. This is expected to grow until 2160 when the SA-22 is scheduled to be replaced. After replacement the SA-22 is still expected to serve as an unmanned strike aircraft or reconnaissance drone.

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Development

The SA-22's development started in 2068 as part of the Atlantis program. No specific groups were selected to participate and any willing party was given the chance to submit a candidate to be developed into a multirole fighter for the Synnian Navy. In 2070 the HKX-22 (Haukner & Kahn), CCX-19 (Crb Co.) and GHX-21 (Goshauk aerospace) were chosen by Synnian executives with 33 votes each and Grand Admiral Hadley remaining neutral. Haukner & Kahn won the popular vote for development of the aircraft and was to design the entirety of the SA-22 from the three chosen prototype aircraft while manufacturing would rely on SynUnder Industries. In 2071 the program split the aircraft into three variants and two of the five prototype SA-22-Cs were converted into an early SA-22-H and SA-22-G with design commonality being 25% though much higher (theorized 70%) between the SA-22-C and SA-22-H. To support the new variants the Synnian Government injected an additional 80 billion Crbbles into development. Though several dead ends in development and the addition of the variants did result an increase in the tax rate a steady rise in Synnian nationalism mitigated potential criticism of the program by a large amount.

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Design

Overview

The single seat design and lack of a bubble canopy resembles the SA-17 though many of the SA-22's stealth features are more dramatic than the SA-17's to compensate for not utilizing Radar Absorbent Materials. These features include an increase in edges, a wider body near the center of the aircraft and a flatter nose. Internally the SA-22 houses a primary 800 MW helium-based fusion reactor and a secondary 300 MW reactor, a lightweight battery housed behind the cockpit is used to ignite the reactors and exchanging energy between primary and secondary reactors powers the cooling systems and electromagnets for both. Combustion fluid is stored in the wings and the SA-22 can also carry drop tanks if required, all fuel storage is self sealing and self repairing through subatomic reconstruction by nanomachines. This property also allows the SA-22 to passively refuel and restock on ammunition though the process is much slower at high speeds or high altitudes due to the difficulty of absorbing atmospheric particles. The SA-22 also houses a variety of miniaturized sensors on its surface along with an electronic warfare, ERIG integrated identification and early missile detonation module spread across the aircraft.

Improved defense measures include

• Visual cloaking at low speeds

• Entanglement based early detonation of enemy missiles

• Semi-active ballistics phasing in non-critical areas

• Improved stealth geometry

• Ballistics deflection at low speeds

• Improved chaff and flares system

• Passive chaff and flares re-arming

• Advanced jamming module

• Laser based CIWS (SA-22-G)

• Radiation shielding

• Volume adjustment at temperature extremes (SA-22-C, SA-22-H)

• Automated evasion of missiles and AAA

• Reduced infrared signature

• Nanomachine based seaplane capabilities (SA-22-C, SA-22-H)

An SA-22-H demonstrates its high-capacity missile launch system

Improved offensive systems include

• Improved cooling system for autocannon

• 360 degree tracking for semi-active radar missiles

• Improved ERIG tracking for all missiles

• 360 degree VR view for pilot through helmet

• Increased internal missile load through rotary storage

• Maneuvering thrusters

• Nanomachine based G-force dampening

• Increased effectiveness of supercruise

• Automated combat capabilities

• Machine mimicry of pilots through uploaded statistics

• Strengthened airframe suited for railgun use

• Increased nuclear payload

• Improved quantum and traditional radar

• Increased bomb load

• High power nose laser (SA-22-H)

• Ejection of melted autocannon as projectile (SA-22-H)

• Ejection and ignition of combustion fluid (SA-22-G)

• Ejection of plasma matter from reactors

• Guidance system on spent drop tanks

• Increased storage space in cockpit for firearms (See SA-22-G shotgun incident)
  

Primarily to be used for automated maintenance the SA-22's airframe weight is from 3 to 10% nanomachines. The nanomachines are evenly distributed within the aircraft but can be configured to assist in maneuvers through uneven weight distribution. Nanomachines will use oxygen and nitrogen particles in the atmosphere to construct new nanomachines, ammunition or replacement parts. Through onboard schematics and sensors embedded within the airframe the SA-22 can detect and repair minor damage, any direct hits from high capacity missiles or extensive ballistics damage to critical systems will usually be unrepairable by nanomachines as seen in the 2076 death run tests. Nanomachines can also be projected up to 1.5 meters above the aircraft's surface through electromagnets to deflect incoming bullets by moving nanomachine mass in the way of projectiles. Other functions include de-stressing G-force damage, automatic sealing of fuel tanks, detonating incoming missiles, adjusting aircraft volume, assisting with buoyancy and re-arming chaff and flares. Due to automated maintenance by nanomachines and nanoassembly of fuel, maintenance and refueling costs of the SA-22 are only 7% of those of the SA-17. Nanomaintenance will also extend the SA-22's service life by several hundred thousand flight hours opening up potential for prolonged automated patrol in place of drones.

Engines

The SA-22-C and SA-22-H are powered by two Goshauk C105 electric turbofans. The SA-22-G is powered by two Synne Aeronautics T070 electric turbofans. Both engines provide supercruise capability though the T070's top supercruise speed is Mach 1.7 opposed to the Mach 2.6 of the SA-22-C and Mach 3.1 of the SA-22-H. The C105 is suited for higher speeds, lower infrared and radar signatures and a faster supercruise while the T070 is far more economical and efficient granting the SA-22-G a range of 2,150,944 miles compared to the SA-22-H's 1,822,527 miles and the SA-22-C's range of 1,974,004 miles atmospherically. The T070's more robust design also results in higher noise levels and a distinct hissing sound that Synnian ground forces have reported is similar to a choir, though not designed to make such a noise, reports have shown that it has a psychological effect on enemy ground forces as observed in the 2084 Brazilistan war.

The SA-22-C and SA-22-H are both outfitted with two liquid fuel thrusters integrated into the exhaust system of the engines, these will allow for an acceleration of up to mach 27 for a short time. These high speeds will allow the SA-22-C and SA-22-H to enter low-earth-orbit or glide for short periods of time before re-entry, the ability to orbit will allow the SA-22 to conserve fuel in an orbital glide while covering very long distances and extending its range. During re-entry carbon carbon nanomachine shielding will protect the underbelly of both the SA-22-C and SA-22-H, this will not be fitted onto missiles or other externally carried armament so it is highly discouraged for pilots to glide or orbit with explosives carried externally. A re-entry burn will first turn the SA-22's underbelly towards the earth using maneuvering thrusters, this is followed by activation of dorsal thrusters which will push the SA-22 downwards. Maneuvering thrusters will then use atmospheric drag to ease the SA-22 into the lower atmosphere, this process is usually automated though manual control is possible with an instruction handbook located in the SA-22's cockpit firearms compartment. Once the SA-22 reaches an altitude of 85,000 feet a short glide is preformed and air breathing engines are switched back on.

Both the SA-22-C and SA-22-H house a single SAALS150 electric lift fan while the SA-22-G does not utilize a VTOL system. The SAALS150 on both SA-22 variants is housed in front of the main engines with a two-door dorsal air intake, the front door also serves as a rudimentary airbrake to be used alongside the primary airbrake. The trust is vented into a four-vent swivel module housed behind a ventral door system along with several other ventral exhaust ports and two rotary roll posts on each wing. Maneuvering thrusters can also help with faster and safer rotation of the aircraft in VTOL mode, the SA-22-C and SA-22-H are capable of hovering while at a roll of up to 60 degrees or a pitch of up to 35 degrees. To assist with lifting the heavier back of the aircraft the thrust vectoring system of the main engine can rotate 90 degrees downward, this is seen at a lesser extent in the SA-22-G at angles of up to 25 degrees to help with rotation and STOL.

Armament

The SA-22-C and SA-22-H are both armed with twin SRAK-H six-barrel 30mm autocannons housed internally with 780 rounds of ammunition each and a passive regeneration of 12 rounds per minute at sea level with 1 round less per minute for every 5,000 feet above sea level on average. The SRAK-H can also be mounted externally as a gun pod with 950 rounds and a similar rate of re-arming, the gun pod has some stealth features but will increase the radar cross section. The SA-22-G utilizes a fixed front-facing pair of SRAK-C six-barrel 30mm autocannons with some stealth features. Each autocannon carries 800 rounds of ammunition with a passive regeneration of 15 rounds per minute at sea level with 1 round less per minute for every 5,000 feet above sea level on average. Due to heating problems with the SRAK-H the SA-22-C and SA-22-H utilize superconducting metals to rotate the barrel in place of a standard electric rotary motor, the superconductors will also help with cooling the autocannons. A unique feature of the SA-22-H is to turn off the rotary superconductors and switch to an electric motor, the resulting heat will slowly melt the barrels over time, once the barrels are completely melted the superconducting rotary device can continue to rotate the barrel at high speeds. Once activated, the special firing system of the SA-22-H can disconnect the melted barrels and accelerate the mass using the rotary superconductors at a speed of up to mach 8 as a projectile, the barrels will have to be replaced upon re-arming. All SA-22 variants are capable of automated firing of the autocannon upon lining up with a target. Another method of attack utilized by the SA-22-H is a high power solid state laser mounted on the nose of the aircraft, this laser is capable of melting most types of aircraft aluminum and has been proven effective

The SA-22-C and SA-22-H utilize removable external, wing-mounted hardpoints to carry drop-tanks or additional missiles and bombs. Both variants also have 2 retractable wingtip pylons and 3 retractable central pylons, all extra hardpoints only have minor stealth features and will increase detectability by radar. The SA-22-G has a total of 17 hardpoints with 2 wingtip pylons, 3 fuselage mounted pylons and 2 missile racks on each wing with 3 pylons each, all hardpoints are retractable with missile racks foldable to reduce radar detectability. All SA-22 variants are capable of carrying medium or small air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and guided bombs on hardpoints including the HKM-L9 SPAMRAAM, the HKM-X2 QEGAAM and the HKM-X1 Air suppression drone, the SA-22 is also capable of carrying a single medium nuclear cruise missile on a central pylon though this hinders VTOL capability. The SA-22-G's missile racks can be configured to carry rocket pods or up to 6 small ERIG guided bombs with a total of 36 bombs in order to operate as a fighter-bomber.

All SA-22 variants have two internal missile bays with two rotary missile racks each (total 4). The SA-22-C and SA-22-H have bay doors located below the wing on the side of the fuselage while the SA-22-G's bay doors are wider and located on the underside of the aircraft. Missile racks for all variants are designed to carry medium air-to-air or air-to-ground missiles only including the HKM-L9 SPAMRAAM, HKM-X3 QKAAM, HKM-X4 QHKAAM and HKM-B58 QHEASM. The internal missile rack will rotate after each firing of a missile, each rack has a capacity of 8 medium missiles or 16 small missiles, upon expending all missiles on a rack the pylons will fold inwards and move on a rail to be replaced by the second missile rack, this allows all variants to carry a total of 32 medium or 64 small missiles internally with mixing possible. Though the SA-22 has received some criticism due to its inability to carry anti-ship missiles internally the Synnian aggressive marketing division has stated that the SA-22's primary goal is to be launched from a carrier or destroyer to engage ground or air targets, not to directly attack enemy ships.

In addition to standard weaponry the SA-22 and its variants also utilize unconventional means of attacking, usually through the use of waste material or expended equipment. These include a simple semi-active radar tracking system installed on drop tanks and the ejection of spent fusion material to act as infrared countermeasures or a method of ground attack similar to napalm.

Stealth and signatures

radar

The SA-22 family of fighters has a much smaller radar cross section than any other 6th and 7th generation fighters. The SA-22's unique geometry allows it to function as a stealth aircraft without the usage of Radar Absorbent Materials thus lowering maintenance costs and eliminating the need for temperature controlled hangars. The C105 and T070 engines in conjunction with nano-cooling technology also helps reduce the SA-22's infrared signature greatly. Special nanomachine coatings can also assist with reducing visual signatures.

One of the newer design elements in the SA-22 is full body air intakes, through absorption of air on all surfaces of the aircraft using nano-tubing the SA-22 is able to close off its main air intakes to further reduce its radar detectability in exchange for thrust. In-flight nano reconstruction of the aircraft can also reduce the radar signature of the SA-22 only on certain areas depending on the environment. Other stealth features include a sawtooth design for weapons bays, advanced geometry drop tanks and stealth plating for landing gear.

acoustics

As the SA-17 and other Synnian teen-series fighters all had high noise levels ranging from 110 to 150 decibels during subsonic flight the SA-22 program aimed to reduce loudness by a substantial amount to adapt to a modern battlefield. Advances in exhaust nozzle geometry and external nano-dampening were able to reduce noise levels greatly, the current estimated levels are 50 to 60 decibels during traditional takeoff or landing, up to 80 during VTOL and 40 decibels during subsonic flight though levels can vary based on aircraft variant. In stealth testing in 2078 all variants of the SA-22 were flown over suburban areas of Synne Industries, surveys following the tests show that the SA-22 is almost undetectable by noise, this is further proven by its effectiveness in RIMPAC 2083.

Cockpit

The SA-22's cockpit has:

• 60 by 25cm full color nanomachine based 3d touchscreen

• nanomachine based image projection onto glass

• full quantum internet access

• lightweight glasses-integrated display system

• 20 by 15 by 90cm firearm storage container

• Both glove, stick, keyboard and mouse based controls with some controllers compatible

• Full body quantum tunneling ejection of pilot within certain distance of receiving bases

• Electromagnetic traditional ejection seat

• 2 nanoscale oxygen generators with fuel to oxygen capabilities

• nanomachine based advanced heads-up-display with full cockpit projection capabilities linked to external cameras

Sensors and Avionics

The SA-22's senor suite is capable of advanced situational awareness, automated and manual drone command/piloting and advanced ERIG based identification. The SA-22 carries both a 4th generation miniaturized ERIG module and a CCR35-S quantum radar both designed by Crb Co. Aeronautic Systems. The ERIG is capable of providing primary targeting functions while targeting can be enhanced by low RCS targeting pods. The HKS-U "Red Herring" electronic warfare suite combines the situational awareness of multiple variable wavelength sensors positioned on the SA-22 along with ERIG and advanced quantum computing to detect and neutralize threats automatically through early detonation and ballistics disruption while also allowing the pilot to preform counterattacks through threat source detection and advanced prediction software.

The communications suite of the SA-22 is comprised of a basic quantum communications system linked with the onboard computer. Mapping and navigation relies primarily on ERIG mapping though for ranges further than 350 nautical miles the SkyGrid Geostationary satellite constellation can be used for rudimentary mapping in real-time.

It should be noted that the majority of the SA-22's software is written in block code due to a lost bet.

Combat history

• 2084 Brazilistan war

• Minor engagements with pirates 2081-present

Variants

The SA-22 is built in 3 different versions to suit various combat missions.

SA-22-C

The SA-22-C is the primary carrier-based multirole fighter variant of the SA-22 with VTOL capability. The SA-22-C is heavier than both the SA-22-H and SA-22-G. It is very similar to the SA-22-H but is more flexible with shorter turnaround times and the capability to operate as a helicopter replacement in VTOL mode.

The SA-22-C is expected to replace the SA-17 as a primary carrier fighter with a higher top speed, acceleration, thrust to weight ratio, fuel reserves, precision and software. The Synnian Navy is expected to purchase upwards of 22,000 units.

SA-22-H

The SA-22-H is the carrier-based interceptor variant of the SA-22 with VTOL capability. The SA-22-H is lighter than both the SA-22-C and SA-22-G but is more complex mechanically. The SA-22-H is designed primarily to engage air targets rather than preform ground or sea strikes though it is capable of both with limited effectiveness.

The SA-22-H is planned to replace the SA-17 alongside the SA-22-C while also replacing the ground based SA-12 and SA-13 as an interceptor. The SA-22-H is more maneuverable than both the SA-22-C and SA-22-G with higher top speeds and a much higher thrust to weight ratio though less economical and having a range slightly smaller than that of the SA-22-C. The Synnian Air Force and Navy are expected to purchase a combined 19,000 units.

SA-22-G

The SA-22-G is the carrier or ground based ground attack variant of the SA-22 with STOL capability and landing gear suited to rough terrain. The SA-22's weight and mechanical complexity lies between that of the SA-22-H and SA-22-C. The SA-22-G is designed to attack ground targets such as infantry, buildings or armored vehicles with both explosives and its autocannons. The SA-22-G's autocannons are of a different variant than those of the SA-22-H and SA-22-C and carry slightly more ammunition and passively regenerate ammunition faster. The SA-22-G also has more hardpoints than both the SA-22-C and SA-22-H though this combined with other features increase radar detectability by a small amount. The SA-22-G also lacks the spacefaring capabilities of the SA-22-C and SA-22-H as it is deemed unnecessary and inappropriate for a ground attack aircraft.

The SA-22-G is planned to replace the SA-12 alongside the SA-22-H as a ground attack aircraft. The SA-22-G has greatly reduced noise levels and radar detectability compared to the SA-12 along with improved maneuverability and resistance to ground fire. The Synnian Ground Army and Synnian Marines are planned to purchase a total of 2,800 units.

Operators

SA-22-C

Synne Industries 1,796 total operational

• Synnian Navy

• Synnian Marine Corps

• Synnian Space Force

• Synnian Air Force

Crb Co. mercenaries 2 total operational

SA-22-H

Synne Industries 1,208 total operational

• Synnian Navy

• Synnian Marine Corps

• Synnian Space Force

• Synnian Air Force

SA-22-G 386 total operational

Synne Industries

• Synnian Navy

• Synnian Ground Army

• Synnian Marine Corps

• Synnian Air Force

Crb Co. mercenaries 14 total operational

Specifications

General characteristics

Performance

Armament