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DispatchAccountMilitary

by The Czaslyudian Federal Republic of Cossack Peoples. . 31 reads.

Transport Helicopters of the Czaslyudian Military

This Dispatch Covers Multiple Topics
For VIGH-15/VIGH-15N
For VI-20
For VI-32



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VIGH-15 "Zefiros" Utility Helicopter
VIGH-15

Role: Utility Helicopter
Origin: FRCP
First Flight: 2001
Introduction: October 8th, 2002
Status: In service
Users: FRCP
Produced: 2002-present
Number built: 1,500 (as of 2019)
Unit cost: B 16 million

Specifications

Length: 17.3 m
Main rotor diameter: 16.1 m
Empty weight: 5390 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 9480 kg
Powerplant: 2 x Harpiya-944 (1,512 kW each)
Maximum speed: 308 km/h

Range:

740 km
950 km (VIGH-15N, VIGH-15MP)

Service ceiling: 5258 meters
Rate of climb: 7.9 m/s

Capacity:

14 soldiers or
4,100 kg of internal/external cargo


Armament:

VIGH-15LU:


VIGH-15N:


The VIGH-15 is a medium-sized utility helicopter in service with the Czaslyudian Armed Forces, designed and produced by WURCo., a Czaslyudian arms company. The VIGH-15 is one of the most ubiquitous aircraft in service with the Czaslyudian military, using its modular design to adapt to missions involving transport, logistical, and even several different naval roles. The helicopter sees service in organic air assault formations, aboard warships (including the Petrov-Class and Tsvetkov-Class), and even in civilian organizations aiding in search and rescue, firefighting, and medical transport.

Overview
The VIGH-15, designed in the Vikentiy Ilyich Rotary Design Bureau of WURCo., is an all-weather, multirole transport aircraft. The modular framework of both cargo space and the aircraft's equipment allows the craft to perform in logistical roles as well as combat roles, maintaining tactical flexibility, a boon to low-level commanders.

The variants that find use within the FRCP are as follows.

  • VIGH-15TT: Land-based transport configuration. Fitted to carry a squad of armed infantry, deployed through side or rear doors. Able to carry relevant equipment from cargo hoist.

  • VIGH-15LU: Armed variant. Side doors may be utilized for deploying CMG-28 machine gun mounts, cargo/crew space decreased. ATGMs may be attached under aircraft. Pilots have access to laser designator, targeter.

  • VIGH-15N: Naval ASW variant. Folding blades for compact storage, deck landing guidance system. Dipping sonar or disposable sonobuoys and processing equipment, magnetic anomaly detector. Provisions to carry two lightweight torpedoes or two "Marzanna" PRVD-808 anti-ship missiles on hardpoints.

  • VIGH-15MP: Naval AEW system. Utilizes two-sided REF-81 AESA radar panel in lieu of armament.

  • V-15: Export/civilian version. Commonly equipped with searchlights for SAR and policing, firefighting devices such as fire retardants, increased space for stretchers or medical facilities for medevacs.

Design
The standard VIGH-15 has a length and rotor diameter of 17.3 meters and 16.1 meters, respectively. This puts it at a far greater size than the spiritual predecessor of the VIGH-15 the VI-67 armed scout helicopter. The VIGH-15's engines and lightweight airframe give it an empty weight of 5,390 kilograms and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 9,480 kilograms. This gives the VIGH-15 sufficient capacity to externally lift cargo pallets or lightweight vehicles like the LAZP-53 when the cargo hold is empty (though this is not recommended due to stresses on airframe and propulsion).

The helicopter has two crew, a pilot and a navigator/sensor operator. The VIGH-15 features fly-by-wire controls and four 40 x 20-centimeter liquid-crystal multifunction displays for flight data and situational awareness. Both crew have access to helmet-mounted displays for improved awareness and communication. The helicopter also includes a digital autopilot and other flight management systems, including a collision avoidance system. The pilots have access to satellite maps or preloaded digital maps to enable easy navigation, as well as a suite of tactical radio frequencies and datalinks (in the millimeter-, K-bands) for easy communication. The VIGH-15 has a nose-mounted surveillance radar (which in the VIGH-15LU has an additional targeting and fire control add-on) that can detect other low-flying helicopters and ground vehicles at ranges up to 150 kilometers and transmit that data via a datalink to battlefield commanders for analysis.

The airframe is made of lightweight aluminum with plates of aramid-fiber reinforced armor plates for crew areas, engines, and fuel tanks. Damage to the superficial aluminum areas is easily identifiable, making it easier to detect the need for repairs. The armor plates (in addition to the armor underneath the seating of the pilots) helps defend the crew and vital equipment universally from small-arms fire. In terms of overarching design, the airframe was designed for crashworthiness and the safety of the pilots and crew. The VIGH-15 can survive falls from up to 10 meters a second, and all four of its jettisonable windows in the cargo compartment can be used as emergency exits.

Troop/cargo deployment is facliitated through two sliding plug doors on either side of the aircraft and one rear loading ramp. The VIGH-15TT can carry a full squad of infantry (14 men), or, in a medevac role it can carry 7 stretchers. Otherwise, the VIGH-15 can carry 4,100 kilograms of cargo or payload. The cabin has soundproofing to reduce hearing loss accompanied by prolonged exposure to aircraft engines; this also improves passenger comfort. the VIGH-15 is able to accommodate a rappelling system and a hoist and cargo hook for external payloads.

The VIGH-15 is powered by two Harpiya-944 turboshaft engines, each producing 1,512 kilowatts of electrical power. Powering a four-blade titanium composite rotor, the helicopter can reach a cruise speed of 280 kilometers an hour and a never-exceed speed of 308 kilometers. With its fuel capacity, the VIGH-15 has a range of 740 kilometers and an endurance of 5 hours. The VIGH-15 has a service ceiling of 5258 meters and a rate of climb of 7.9 meters a second. Due to the extremes in temperature in the FRCP, the Harpiya-944 was designed to operate in hot-and-high conditions as well as extreme cold; the VIGH-15 has an innovative ice protection method built into its rotors. Hydrophobic materials were selected and made into alloys that would allow the machinery resistance against ice formation as well as sufficient strength among other qualities to operate without fear of ice hindering the functioning of its propulsion. This is also preferable to other methods of deicing, such as using bleed air to heat surfaces, because it passively prevents ice formation and has no effect on the aircraft's infrared signature. The exhaust ports of the two turboshaft engines are also fitted with infrared suppressors to cool its exhaust significantly before allowing it to leave the aircraft, a major advantage over its larger cousins.

For passive protection, the VIGH-15 is equipped with the Nazaret laser warning receiver (LWR), Halileya radar warning receiver (RWR), Khayfa missile approach warning system (MAWS), and the Yerusalym automated countermeasure system. The Yerusalym is linked to the aforementioned warning systems and disperses suitable disposable countermeasures for the percieved threat. It has up to 30 'buckets' of chaff, which counter laser-guided and radar-guided munitions, and 30 'buckets' of IR two-color flares, which counter infrared seeker heads. The cargo compartment of the VIGH-15 also includes a fire suppression system, utilizing stored containers of fire retardant to prevent any unnecessary losses from onboard fire.

Specific variants of the base VIGH-15 deviate significantly in both capability and purpose; for example, the VIGH-15LU armed variant includes a maximum of four "Perun" PRPZ-242 anti-tank guided missiles, a maximum of four RSK-37 rocket pods for 122mm rockets (such as the Zmay and Azhdaya), and as many as three CMG-28 12.7mm machine gun positions (two from side doors, one from the rear ramp.

The "Perun" PRPZ-242 is an air-launched, multi-stage guided missile with a high-powered booster, fire and forget capability with laser guidance to the target area and terminal infrared homing. The "Perun" is designed to engage single and multiple targets (including tanks and other AFVs, fortifications) from distances as great as 20 kilometers away. The first booster stage rapidly propels the missile to speeds up to Mach 3.8, after which the second and final sustainer missile stage maintains that speed while maneuvering to impact targets. The 130-kilogram missile's size only allows for five missiles to be equipped to each under-wing hardpoint, typically for a total of 10 missiles. The missile guidance relies on manual targeting via laser beam-riding until the user is assured the missile will reach the target at which point the missile will seek out targets on its own, using infrared homing during its terminal flight to reach its target. The 28-kilogram blast-fragmentation warhead can penetrate nearly 2,000 millimeters of steel armor.

The naval versions deviate the most. Standard among these models (VIGH-15N, VIGH-15MP) are folding rotor blades for compact storage aboard warships or carriers, as well as additions in avionics like the Shakhray PBR-4349 Deck Landing Guidance System. For the standard VIGH-15N, the range has been increased to 950 kilometers with additional fuel tanks. The VIGH-15N is equipped with either 30 disposable sonobuoys or a reusable dipping sonar and onboard processing equipment to analyze their data, as well as an armament of either two Tryzub-1048 lightweight torpedoes or two "Marzanna" PRVD-808 low-observable anti-ship missiles. The disposable sonobuoys may include passive nondirectional sensors, active non-directional, and active directional sensors, each one listed in order of increasing efficacy at the same distance from a target. Some models have a magnetic anomaly detector at the expense of their sonar equipment, but these models are atypical. On the other hand, the unarmed VIGH-15MP is focused around the REF-81 AESA radar system, which it carries underneath its body during flight. The VIGH-15MP acts akin to an airborne early warning system for a naval force. The VIGH-15MP has effectively 360o of coverage with the REF-81 radar and can spot targets as low as 1 square meter from ranges of 180 kilometers. Surface ship-sized targets can be usually spotted from anywhere to 130-240 kilometers away. The radar can track as many as 60 targets simultaneously.



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VI-20 "Valʹkiriya" Transport Helicopter


VI-20

Role: Medium transport helicopter
Origin: FRCP
First Flight: April 1998
Introduction: October 18, 1999
Status: In service
Users: FRCP, Almadaria
Produced: 1998-present
Number built: ~6000
Unit cost: B 28 million

Specifications

Length: 19.7 m
Main rotor diameter: 19.52 m
Empty weight: 8,900 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 13,940 kg
Powerplant: 2 x Piksi-929
Maximum speed: 292.5 km/h

Range:

  • 600 km (max load)

  • 790 km (typical load)

  • 1,150 km (1,800 kg load)

Service ceiling: 5,300 m
Rate of climb: 10 m/s

Capacity:

  • 28 soldiers

  • 14 stretchers

  • 5,040 kg internal load

  • 6,000 kg external load


Armament:

4 hardpoints, each having up to:


The VI-20 is a medium-lift helicopter produced by WURCo., a Czaslyudian arms company. The VI-20 serves as a heavier transport than the VIGH-15, being able to carry nearly 1 metric ton more cargo internally, and provides longer-ranged support, whether that be purely transport, combat, or search and rescue.

The VI-20 was designed in the Vikentiy Ilyich Rotary Design Bureau, a division of WURCo., under the need for a comprehensive helicopter fleet after experiences in the Korf Dabrowskite Insurgency (1989-1991) with the VI-67 armed scout helicopter. The original intent of the VI-20 was to provide a platform that could transport entire units into tactical situations swiftly, as well as provide armed and logistical support for land operations.

Over time, the VI-20 has matured into a staple of mobility for higher command functions, plastun-level logistical units, and air assault units. The VI-20's increased lift capacity enables it to carry small vehicles or equipment to work in conjunction with otherwise unsupported units, and its range and endurance allow the aircraft to support theater-level operations.

Overview
The VI-20 was borne out of the various rotary-wing programs in the mid-90s, with the first mockup displayed in the disastrous 1997 Chornaya Airshow, where forty-three citizens were killed by human error in a VI-92 attack helicopter pilot. Nevertheless, the VI-20 escaped the bad luck surrounding its debut and went into serial production the following year.

The VI-20 has shown great potential as the workhorse of the Czaslyudian Army, filling more niches than the VIGH-15, such as electronic warfare, combat search and rescue (CSAR), armed assault, mobile command post, land-based anti-shipping and anti-submarine operations, alongside traditional transport roles where it is able to outperform the VIGH-15 in all except landing site requirements and maneuverability.

The variants are as follows.

  • VI-20VT: Transport version.

  • VI-20LU: Armed variant.

  • VI-20PiP: Search and rescue model. Equipped with winches for recovery of downed aircrews, painted yellow to differentiate itself from combat models.

  • VI-20AVMZ: Naval version. Airframe includes floatation devices to facilitate landings in water, torpedo and anti-ship missile armament.

  • VI-20EpV: Electronic warfare variant. Equipped with the Pravoporushennya EW system.

  • VI-20EdV: Electronic warfare variant. Alternatively equipped with the Pidslukhovuvach ESM system.

  • VI-20NSP: Police variant, equipped with searchlights and extremely dimilitarized.

  • V-20: Export version.

  • VI-22a: Almadarian-built version with increased carrying capacity among other design changes. Designated "Carruaje" by the Almadarian military.

Design
The VI-20 has a modular fuselage structure of lithium-aluminum alloys, granting the airframe remarkable lightness and strength. From boom to nose, the VI-20 measures 19.7 meters in length and its 5 main titanium rotor has a diameter of 19.52 meters. The blades are unique in that they are shaped to have small fan-like protrusions at their tips to improve rotor efficiency and decrease acoustic signature. The VI-20 can be easily rigged for aerial refueling which is shown in a tube-like appendage to the starboard side of the cockpit.

The VI-20 is crewed by three, a pilot, a navigator/co-pilot, and a loadmaster/flight engineer. The pilots have access to satellite positioning as well as pre-generated digital maps. The cockpit has an array of six multifunction LCDs to provide awareness of the craft's functions and position, as well as an automated flight control system and a collision-avoidance system to assist the pilots. Besides the maps and visual cues from the cockpit, the pilots can also rely on the VI-20's night vision compatibility and the optional addition of the Dyvytysya-102 FLIR system, which together help the VI-20 operate in low-visibility conditions. The Dyvytysya-102 also doubles to acquire targets in the armed variants.

The VI-20 relies off of two Piksi-929 turboshaft engines for power and propulsion. This setup produces 1,830 kW of electrical power from each engine, which is in itself supplemented by an Auxiliary Power Unit to allow the craft to function when the engines are off, saving fuel. The inlets to the two engines are able to be fitted with a particle separator that protects the engines in a desert or beach-like environment. The dual Piksi-929 turboshafts drive a five-bladed main rotor, giving the VI-20 a rate of climb of 10 meters a second, a maximum speed of 292.5 kilometers per hour (with a cruise speed of 270 kph), a flight ceiling of 5,300 meters, and ranges of 600 kilometers with maximum load, or that of 1,150 kilometers with a payload less than 1,814 kg with add-on fuel tanks. The maximum takeoff weight of the VI-20 is 13,940 kilograms, with an empty weight of 8,900 kilograms. De-icing of the rotor parts is performed by expelling bleed-air over the parts, preventing ice formation while in flight. The VI-20 is able to be equipped with a refueling probe for long-ranged operations.

The VI-20 has a troop capacity of 28, which is approximately two Czaslyudian squads or half a menshyy plastun. The methods of disembarkment include the two side doors on port and starboard of the aircraft and the primary rear ramp. The interior storage can, however, be converted for use as a medevac, comfortably storing 14 stretchers, or approximately 5,040 kilograms of cargo. Protecting the cargo area, engines, and the pilots are plates of aramid-fiber reinforced steel, providing protection from weapon calibers in the ranges of 12.7mm ball rounds and miscellaneous fragmentation. The storage area also includes sound-canceling methods and vibration reduction measures to improve the comfort of the flight.

In addition to its interior loads, the VI-20 can use a cargo hoist to carry outboard cargo at tolerances similar to its maximum interior takeoff weight. Besides the ability for the helicopter to lift sizable loads, the hook also allows for the use of the Prymanka CM-1087 minesweeping system. The Prymanka CM-1087 is a raft-like buoy that is directed across the surface of the water by the helicopter at reduced speeds. The CM-1087 system functions by using its magnetized tails to detonate mines by directing open-electrode magnetic sweeps of the nearby water. The system has an effective range of approximately 180 meters. If the system fails to detonate any mines via this sweep, the buoy can still sacrifice itself as expendable bait. The CM-1087 also has passive sonar detectors to recognize the detonation of mines or launch transients from torpedoes. The VI-20 can support up to 3 of these devices in its interior holds.

For external loads, the VI-20 has a cargo hook that allows it to pick up light vehicles with ease, ranging from the LAZP-53 light mobility vehicle up to the MC-250 5-ton truck. The external maximum takeoff weight is also greater than the interior MTOW, being able to carry around 6,000 kilograms of cargo.

The VI-20, though more vulnerable to enemy fire because of its size, has self-sealing fuel tanks, prominent bird-strike tolerance, mechanical flaw tolerance, and engine burst containment to improve the survivability of the passengers and crew. The airframe is also built to withstand falls of 10 meters a second. These protection measures make the VI-20 better suited for behind-the-lines operation, such as command and logistical roles. The VI-20 is equipped with a Halileya radar warning receiver and Khayfa missile approach warning system, as well as the standard 30-and-30 chaff/flare combination.

The radar of the VI-20 is typically a REF-515, a passive electronically scanned array with 360o of coverage over ranges of 50 kilometers, detecting low-flying aircraft to small ground targets. In the case of the electronic warfare variants, the REF-515 is supplemented with one of two electronic warfare systems; the Pravoporushennya electronic attack system and the Pidslukhovuvach electronic support system. The Pravoporushennya system is housed in two large multiband active phased arrays on either side of the airframe, necessitating the removal of the cabin windows. The Pravoporushennya is meant to seek out and actively jam command-and-control systems, other forms of radio communications, and radar systems that assist surface-to-air missile batteries or radio systems that assist in enemy command and control. The phased array can easily broadcast on multiple frequencies with great signal agility to counter any sort of electronic counter-countermeasures enemy systems or communications may employ. The Pravoporushennya is typically equipped on the VI-20EpV and a great asset to land formations. On the other hand, the Pidslukhovuvach is a passive array, used primarily for signals interception and triangulation. The Pidslukhovuvach is based mostly within the aircraft, with its receivers stretched across the interior cargo bay and out to the tail boom. The Pidslukhovuvach can detect signals out to 130 kilometers away. The ESM array is typically deployed in the VI-20EdV.

The armed variant of the VI-20, the VI-20LU, is able to carry the same munitions as the VI-148, giving it flexibility as a helicopter. The stub wings allow for four hardpoints, capable of carrying fuel drop-pods to gun pods to rockets and missiles. The VI-20 also has the ability to carry three "Marzanna" PRVD-808 anti-ship missiles or three Tryzub-1048 lightweight torpedoes.



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VI-32 "Kondor" Heavy-Lift Cargo Helicopter


VI-32

Role: Heavy-lift cargo aircraft
Origin: FRCP
First Flight: March 2nd, 2000
Introduction: 2007
Status: In service
Users: FRCP
Produced: 1998-present
Number built: 43
Unit cost: B 213 million

Specifications

Length: 35 m
Main rotor diameter: 27 m
Empty weight: 22,038 kg
Maximum takeoff weight: 49,585 kg
Powerplant: 3 x Pryvyd-441 (5,600 kW)
Maximum speed: 306 km/h
Range: 1,060 km
Service ceiling: 5,200 m
Rate of climb: 6 m/s

Capacity:

56 passengers with up to:


The VI-32 is a large, heavy-lift transport helicopter used by the Czaslyudian military, produced by WURCo. The design features three large turboshaft engines. The VI-32 is the largest helicopter in the inventory of the Czaslyudian military, meant to provide heavy logistical support, such as transporting cargo ranging from some armored vehicles to ballistic missiles.

The high cargo capacity in the form of a vertical-lift-off aircraft allows for cargo to be deployed to forces without runways, making it suitable for supporting operations in underdeveloped and rugged terrain.

Overview
The VI-32 had a long and arduous trail to its current position in the Czaslyudian military. While its reputation was mired by constant corruption issues in the program developing the aircraft, in practice the aircraft was also fraught with mechanical issues which were made evident with its military trials. While trials with a test payload had gone smoothly, when actual military hardware was put aboard the helicopter near the max capacity of the VI-32 on July 24, 2003, the crew was forced to make an emergency landing, destroying the helicopter and injuring all five operators.

Forced to reconsider every variable in the design of the aircraft for a chance to redeem the VI-32, the VI-32 faced four years of effective drawing-board purgatory before being submitted for military service. This redesign of the VI-32 had significantly reduced capabilities but with much more powerful engines and a new main rotor blade. This model was reluctantly adopted to service the heavy-lift role and later models further improved its reliability, capability, and protection.

The modern VI-32 primarily serves as either a transport craft, a naval minesweeper, or acts as a crane for the wrecks of downed aircraft.

Design
The VI-32 is a massive construct: the empty weight is 22,038 kilograms, with a length of 35 meters from tail to nose. The VI-32's main titanium rotor has a diameter of 27 meters. The tail rotor of the VI-32 is the exact same as the main rotor of the retired VI-67 armed scout helicopter.

The VI-32 is controlled by four aircrew; one pilot, navigator, loadmaster, and flight engineer. The VI-32's cockpit follows a fly-by-wire, glass cockpit design focus. This allows the pilot and navigator the ability to remain aware of their surroundings and manipulate the craft with greater flexibility than with manual controls. The cockpit has eight multifunction LCDs, split evenly between the pilot and navigator. Heavily influenced by the infamous "Worst Case Theorists" in the Department of War, the electronics of the VI-32 are all EMP-hardened with copper bonding foil, and the interior is fitted for CBRN operations.

The power and propulsion of the VI-32 is from three Pryvyd-441 turboshaft engines. The Pryvyd-441, introduced after the July 24th Incident, provides significantly more power than the previous two-engine design while collectively weighing less. At around 5,600 kW of electrical power, the three Pryvyd-441 engines give the VI-32 a rate of climb of 6 meters a second, and a never-exceed-speed of 306 kilometers per hour. The VI-32 can cruise at approximately 287 kilometers per hour, over ranges nearing 1,060 kilometers depending on its cargo. The VI-32 can remain operational for 12 hours before needing to be refueled and serviced. The service ceiling of the VI-32 is 5,200 meters. The VI-32 uses a 9-bladed titanium main rotor, a significant improvement from the somewhat impractical composite used on its earliest versions. The helicopter has self-sealing fuel tanks in order to sustain damage from small-arms fire or fragmentation.

In total, the VI-32 can take off with approximately 27,547 kilograms of onboard cargo, capable of carrying several ballistic missiles within its hold, two Type 342 armored personnel carriers, one Type 319 infantry fighting vehicle, three MC-250 trucks, or several LAZP-53 mobility vehicles. In addition to its heavy loads, the VI-32 can carry a full menshyy plastun (56) of fully-geared soldiers.

In addition to its interior loads, the VI-32 can use a cargo hoist to carry outboard cargo at tolerances similar to its maximum interior takeoff weight. Besides the ability for the helicopter to lift sizable loads, the hook also allows for the use of the Prymanka CM-1087 minesweeping system. The Prymanka CM-1087 is a raft-like buoy that is directed across the surface of the water by the helicopter at reduced speeds. The CM-1087 system functions by using its magnetized tails to detonate mines by directing open-electrode magnetic sweeps of the nearby water. The system has an effective range of approximately 180 meters. If the system fails to detonate any mines via this sweep, the buoy can still sacrifice itself as expendable bait. The CM-1087 also has passive sonar detectors to recognize the detonation of mines or launch transients from torpedoes. The VI-32 can support up to eight of these devices in its interior holds.

The VI-32 has chaff and flare dispersal systems for self-protection against surface-to-air missile threats, with up to 60 buckets of flares and chaff each. In addition, as of 2021, officials in WURCo. stated that production models from then on out would include a version of the Spysa-632 active protection system suited for airborne use. Designated the Orlyne Oko-647, the system would operate very much the same way as it would on a ground vehicle; receiving cues from MMW radar systems dispersed across the helicopter to detect an oncoming missile or projectile, tracking it with its two bottom-mounted turrets, and delivering a high-energy burst of infrared radiation via a fiber laser to disable or destroy the projectile.



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