by Max Barry

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Etoile Arcture wrote:This is the largest version I have: https://imgur.com/9b1pzhi I think Pinginium did the original artwork.

Do we have any idea how it was produced or which programs were used?

Yeah I cant find the vector image I thought I had. I remember we talked about it at length but it was so long ago I forgot what he said... sorry guys :(

10 years on here last month... woah...

It is time to begin coordinating Z-Day plans again.

-poke-

Sent you a TG, EA.

:)

Everyone else -Blows raspberry-

;)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

The State of Monavia wrote:HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

And to you. I hope things went well.

Korrodos wrote:-poke-

Sent you a TG, EA.

:)

Everyone else -Blows raspberry-

;)

Ouch, that hurt! TG sent.

Lol. Don't know my own strength.

-Flexes-

Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings, Happy Hanukkah and a joyful Winterval!

Jah! What EA said! Hope you all are well!

Best wishes to everone and Happy New Year 2020!

Happy new year

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

A little something I was working on...

This page is a work in progress by its author and should not be considered final.

AH-79C Anaconda


Role

Attack helicopter

National origin

Etoile Arcture

Manufacturers

Aerodyne Inc.
Korrodosian Aviation
Company
(under
license)

First flight

16 April 2000

Introduction

23 March 2008

Status

In service

Used by

See Operators

Produced

2000-present

Number built

?,000+, plus ?
prototypes

Unit cost

US$45 million

Variants

AH-79A Anaconda
AH-79C Anaconda

Developed from

YAH-79 Anaconda

The AH-79C "Anaconda" (export designation: Panzerabwehrhubschrauber Anakonda, or Hélicoptère d'Appui Destruction Anaconda, or Vertolet Anakonda, or Rotorcraft strike complex "Anakonda") is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, heavy attack helicopter featuring a robust damage-tolerant semi-monocoque fuselage, engine/transmission and rotor system. It can fly and fight unrestricted in day/night all-weather conditions over all types of terrains and in all climates, operating in land and littoral environments without reconfiguration. Flying at very low-attitude and relatively low-speed fight profiles it uses terrain masking manoeuvres, pop-up attack tactics and low observable (LO) aircraft features that minimise radar, infrared, acoustic and visual signature to increase battlefield survivability. Its primary mission is anti-armour attack, battlefield interdiction, scout/observation and armed reconnaissance, while also being capable of air-threat suppression and air defence suppression, and possessing a high-speed dash capability to provide armed escort to transport helicopters. It has a weapon suite for prosecuting air, ground and waterborne targets with an area weapon (30 mm (1⅒-inch) automatic revolver machine cannon), aerial rocket system (free-flight and laser-guided 2¾-inch, 3½-inch and 5-inch folding fin aerial rockets), air-to-air subsystem (infrared homing Scorpion, Mistral, Stinger, Attero or Sidewinder missiles), and point target subsystem (semi-active laser-homing Hellfire II and Arcus, radar-guided Longbow Hellfire and Brimstone II and, fibre-optic guided and fire-and-forget Scimitar and Spike missiles, and anti-radiation homing Sidearm missiles). An integrated surveillance and fire control system uses radar and electro-optic sensors to navigate through difficult terrain and locate, identify and engage multiple targets in adverse weather and degraded visual conditions. An integrated defensive aids subsystem provides autonomous multispectral (RF/IR/EO) threat situational awareness and self-protection jamming and countermeasures for high survivability in dense electronic warfare threat environments.

Design


Overview

The AH-79C follows the standard template of a multi-role attack helicopter with a narrow profile and small frontal area that minimises drag and visual silhouette, with stub-winglets for external stores carriage, twin-tandem seating in a pressurised armour-protected cockpit, and a fixed non-retracting tricycle landing gear with single wheel units on shock-absorbing legs. Power is derived from twin side-by-side turboshaft engines in hardened nacelles with integral inlet particle separators and built-in exhaust cooling. The aircraft is highly survivable, type-certified to FAR Part 27 rotorcraft airworthiness standards and MIL-STD-1290A crashworthiness standards, and is highly manoueverable with ADS-33E-PRF military rotorcraft mission handling qualities in low and high-density altitude conditions. It has a stiffened airframe that can sustain high structural loading, a high-efficiency drive train system and responsive engines of high specific excess power, and an articulated rotor head that allows high yaw, roll and pitch rates. These factors combine to extend the flight envelope to aerobatic manoeuvres including 90° bank turns, barrel rolls (combination loop and roll), split S (half rolls), snap turns, Fieseler or Hammerhead (stall turn), and negative g (inverted flight) manoeuvres. It has a 100°/sec yaw rate with unlimited yaw pointing ability at speeds up to 80 knots to turn/line-up on targets (snap turn), can fly sideways at 66 knots (sideslip), hover out of ground effect at full load in FAR Part 29 Category A conditions, make running and non-running take-offs and landings in 40-knot crosswinds, and operate from a rolling, pitching, yawing flight deck in up to Sea State 6. It is highly deployable, able to self-deploy 800 nautical miles into a 20-knot headwind, and can be airlifted (with rotor blades removed and landing gear folded rearwards) by a C-130 or larger transport aircraft.

Airframe

The airframe features an aerodynamically streamlined Fenestron (fan-in-tail/fantail) anti-torque tail rotor, high horizontal T-tail stabilizer with inward canted low-RCS endplate fins, a ventral fin anti-spin strake and mid-mounted tailplanes with angular endplate fins slightly offset to port to counteract rotor torque in forward flight. It has a conventional pod-and-boom layout, with low radar cross-section (RCS) sloped sides and chines blended into the forward fuselage and highly swept tail boom that houses the tail rotor drive shaft. Over 75% of the aircraft by weight is made of composite materials and the remainder from lightweight corrosion-resistant metals. The fuselage is a semi-monocoque damage-tolerant/crashworthy/fail-safe all-composite structure of temperature insensitive, ballistic-resistant glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), graphite and para-aramid fibre (Kevlar) honeycomb sandwich skins over lightweight, low density, high strength titanium-aluminide alloy (TiAl3) spars, ribs and longerons built around a central torsion box beam keel structure. This can sustain high aerodynamic loadings: up to 2.5 g turns and pullups, -0.5 g pushovers and roll manoeuvres, and -0.3 g pop-up manoeuvres. The fuselage panels provide toughness with high strength and modulus, minimal thermal, acoustic and mechanical vibration signature, tolerates crash impacts at 10.5 m/s, and provides LinkSTANAG 4569 AEP-55 kinetic energy (KE) protection and LinkSTANAG 2920 V50 fragmentation protection to vital areas and systems to resist small arms and heavy machine gun fire. A multilayered polymeric thin-film coating is applied with an infrared absorbent layer and dielectric layer that protects against lightning strike, high-intensity radiated fields (HIRF), electromagnetic interference (EMI), electromagnetic pulse (EMP), and transient radiation effects in electronics (TREE).
Anedral stub-winglets are attached at the centre fuselage constructed with a primary torque box structure of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) ribs and skins reinforced by 7075-T6 aluminium alloy spars, and can be equipped with two articulating weapons pylons for carrying various stores and a wingtip station for twin-tube missile launchers or a rail missile launcher. They also house a self-sealing auxiliary fuel tank that can hold up to 189 L (50 US gal) of reserve fuel. A wire strike protection system (WSPS) is mounted on the airframe that deflects and/or severs any tension ropes, mechanical, electrical transmission, or communication wires or cables suspended from buildings, towers and masts before they can entangle the rotor system or landing gear during low-level flight. It includes aluminium alloy windshield deflectors and windshield wiper protector frames, and electrically grounded high-tensile alloy steel cutting blades mounted above and below the cockpit and in front of the landing gear legs, tailwheel and traversable cannon mount. A carbon fibre wrapped aluminium alloy tail skid is located under the Fenestron to prevent catastrophic ground strikes during high-flare and emergency autorotation landings.

Landing gear

The undercarriage is a crashworthy non-retractable tailwheel-type landing gear consisting of trailing-arm main gear units mounted either side of the fuselage and a tailwheel unit at the base of a ventral fin. The main gear units have high energy-absorbing two-stage oleo-pneumatic (air–oil hydraulic shock absorber) legs, a single wheel main unit with a low-pressure Goodyear run-flat 8.50-10 tyre, twin rotating hydraulic disc brakes and sprag brakes (wheel locks) to prevent rotation on landing or inadvertent deck roll. The locks disengage hydraulically and actuate automatically on loss of hydraulic power. The tail landing gear unit is fully castoring, self-centring and lockable with a two-stage oleo shock strut, fork stem yoke and wheel assembly that is 360° free swiveling for taxiing and ground handling, a tailwheel lock system and single low-pressure Goodyear run-flat 5.00-4.5 tyre. The landing gear are primarily of lightweight and robust non-ferrous near-beta titanium alloy (Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al) construction. The main gear is designed to handle landing sink rates of 8-12 m/s and the tail gear descent rates of 4-6 m/s.

Cockpit

The AH-79 has a staggered/stepped-tandem two-seat pressurised cockpit with the co-pilot/gunner seated above and behind the pilot/aircraft commander. These stations are in a 'gunship' layout positioned slightly offset from one another to offer excellent visibility, with an external crew field-of-view that exceeds MIL-STD-850B aircrew vision standards. Each crewmember is seated on a MIL-S-58095A qualified impact-absorbing/crashworthy Martin-Baker Multi-Platform Armoured Crew Seat (MPACS certified to MIL-STD-1472H human factors/ergonomic standards to accommodate the 3rd-97th percentile of estimated aircrew sizes (male, female and transgender). They are bucket seats featuring laminate boron carbide ballistic protection and dual energy-absorbing vertical stroke impact attenuators, with a fixed covered headrest, form-fitted sitting cushion, height-adjustable moulded backrest and lumbar cushion, and five-point webbing harness with MA-16 acceleration sensing self-retracting inertia reels. The front and rear seat instrument panels are equipped with a Cockpit Airbag Restraint System (CARS) that automatically inflates in high g accelerations/decelerations to prevent blunt impact injuries to the head, neck and chest.
The crew compartment has all-around ballistic, blast and fragmentation protection consisting of silicon carbide (SiC) integral ceramic armour floor panels and sliding side panels at the outboard side of each seat, and a transverse blast shield of transparent polycarbonate (PC) inbetween crew stations. The canopy consists of flat-plate windscreens with slightly curved non-glint glazing using ballistic-resistant and UV and laser-protected Zone 1 optical quality fusion-bonded polycarbonate (Lexan) transparencies coated by indium-tin-oxide (ITO) conductive film to minimise radar reflectivity. They also include transparent pulse electro-thermal deicers (PETD), electrically operated windscreen wipers and a windscreen washing system. The impact-absorbing/crashworthy cockpit can survive 30 g (294.3 m/s²) declerations, with the canopy frame and blast shield acting as a roll-over protection structure (ROPS). Crew access is via upward hinged canopy door panels, with blow-out escape hatches on the port side of the forward fuselage that are separated using explosive bolts. A dual-redundant closed-cycle integrated pneumatic system provides ventilation and air conditioning to all crew stations, with a separate air filtration and positive pressure nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) collective protection system. The environmental control system incorporates dual-speed air compressors, digital databus controllers, multiple heat exchangers, electric fans and pneumatic control valves. Full-face chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) protective masks are also stowed for use in event of contamination of the cockpit air supply.

Avionics

All main functions of the rotorcraft are handled by a fully integrated open architecture digital avionics system that controls and monitors communications, navigation, flight director, autopilot, fly-by-wire, transmission, engine condition, fuel/hydraulic/electrical systems, aircraft performance, caution and warning systems, sensors and fire control. The avionics suite includes a VHF omnidirectional range/instrument landing system (VOR/ILS), non-directional (radio) beacon-distance measuring equipment (NDB-DME), automatic direction finder (ADF), tactical air navigation (TACAN) receiver, a strapdown attitude heading reference system (AHRS) with low-airspeed air data system, two omnidirectional airspeed and direction sensors (AADS) and three-axis micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) rate sensors, embedded global positioning system/inertial navigation unit (GPS/INU) (EGI), Doppler navigation system (DNS) with Doppler radar velocity sensor, a Health Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) with enhanced fault detection and data transfer capability, a solid-state digital cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and flight data recorder (FDR), identification friend/foe (IFF) subsystem, voice-activated intercom, encrypted voice/data communications, and tactical datalink with data modem for inter-aircraft and air-to-ground communications equipment. The aircraft is also equipped with a battery-operated automatic-activating Emergency Locator Transmitter (ELT) to assist search and rescues, and Underwater Acoustic Beacon (UAB) in case of a sea ditching.
Dual flight management computers (FMC) are located in twin rear fuselage avionics bays and dual mission computers in side bays for the front and rear cockpit stations. They are based on MIL-STD-810G rugged air-cooled 3U VXS (Vita-41) single-slot mezzanine single-board computers (SBC) powered by 32-bit PowerPC-based microcode-programmable QUICC Engine dual-core Freescale PowerQUICC III system-on-a-chip (SoC) processors. Avionics cooling is provided by an independent compressor-driven closed-cycle vapour-cycle cooling system (VCCS) using environmentally friendly tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) liquid refrigerant. Aircraft subsystems including the engine control unit (ECU) component of the FADEC, and the pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and fuel system digital controllers are managed by three-core 32-bit e500 PowerPC microcontroller unit (MCU) boards. Processor cores run instances of LynxOS-178C, a POSIX-compliant, DO-178C certified safety-critical, time and space partitioned Unix-like multicore hard real-time operating system (RTOS), with avionics softare written in Ada 2012, a structured, statically typed, imperative, fully-concurrent and object-oriented high-level computer programming language. The avionics network is based on the MIL-STD-1553B multiplex (MUX) data bus protocol mapped over MIL-1394 Fibre Channel interconnects. They consist of a dual-redundant input/output multiplexed fibre-optic data bus using pairs of 75 ohm coax cables routed separately within the aircraft. Radar and TV/FLIR video imagery is transported across an independent high bandwidth Fibre Channel Audio Video (FC-AV)-based ARINC 818-2 Avionics Digital Video Bus (ADVB).

Instrumentation

Full "flight and fight" capability is available from the front and back seats using dual Hands On Collective And Stick (HOCAS) flight controls comprising two twist grip controllers - a sidestick cyclic/gunner grip and collective pitch/throttle lever - and left/right anti-torque pedals for yaw control. The grip controllers use high sensitivity magnetic sensors and provide vibration (force feedback) cues, and have eight switches for control of core aircraft and armament system functions. The aircraft is equipped with a MIL-STD-3009 Type 1 Class B/Class C NVIS (night vision) compatible integrated flight data system (IFDS) or "glass cockpit" based on the Thales (formerly Sextant Avionique) TopDeck integrated modular avionics suite with duplicate 'manprint' (manpower integration) instrumentation and controls at both crew stations. Each station has a centre column containing a central control/display unit (CDU) with 10-row by 24-character dot matrix LED display and alphanumeric keyboard for display and management of the helicopter's radio, navigation, flight control and mission plan; and dual side-by-side 16 cm (6.3 in) diagonal full-colour high-brightness LED-backlit active matrix LCD (AMLCD) Multi-Function Displays (MFD) that can be used as a primary flight display with electronic attitude/director indicators (EADI), a navigation display with electronic horizontal situation indicators (EHSI), a radar display with plan position indicator (PPI) or B-scope display modes, an engine indications and crew alerting system (EICAS) display, a digital moving map that displays routing, threats and terrain elevation data, or can display FLIR/TV video imagery from the sensor suite. Four independently lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery-powered 6.1 cm (2.4 in) diagonal LCD electronic standby instruments (ESI) - a standby altimeter, standby attitude indicator, standby airspeed indicator and standby magnetic compass - provide continuity of operation in the event of a main electrical system failure.
The pilots are equipped with a Thales (formerly Sextant Avionique) TopOwl binocular helmet-mounted sight/display (HMSD) that superimposes synoptic navigational, threat and weapons information into their field-of-regard through a 100% overlapped "eyes out" binocular image projection with unlimited peripheral vision. This is fitted to an individually tailored lightweight aircrew helmet with polycarbonate ballistic and impact resistant shell and visor, and is ergonomically designed for high comfort/low fatigue with a well-balanced centre-of-gravity. The TopOwl helmet supports day/night all-weather synthetic video (protected FLIR or image intensified TV) to provide obstacle awareness for low-level nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flying and in degraded visual conditions such as brownouts when making landing approaches in dusty environments. The helmet incorporates magnetic head tracking technology for high pointing accuracy for head-slaved sensor and weapon cueing, including high off-boresight aiming of all-aspect air-to-air missiles. Two clip-on image intensifier tubes (I²T) can also be mounted onto the helmet to provide independent night vision with a more limited 40° binocular field-of-view inside the visor, offering level 5 visibility equivalent to a cloudy night with no moon, peripheral light source and starlight. For ease of use TopOwl provides easy switching between daytime, light intensified and infrared vision modes, and a seamless transition between head-up piloting and head-down instrument monitoring for enhanced situational awareness and reduced pilot/gunner workload.

Engines

The drive train comprises twin Safran (formerly Rolls-Royce/Turboméca) RTM322 01/9 reverse-flow turboshaft engines mounted in side-by-side nacelle pods at the upper centre-fuselage and widely spaced apart for redundancy and survivability from ground fire. The engines have two spool cores with a three-stage axial and single-stage centrifugal compressor, reverse flow annular combustion chamber, a two-stage axial flow gas generator turbine and two-stage axial flow power turbine, connected to a forward-mounted output drive by a transmission shaft. A full authority digital engine control (FADEC) with primary and backup channels provides automatic engine governing and variable rotor speed governing for optimum engine efficiency. The turboshafts are derated for improved cold, humid and 'hot and high' performance, with a low-noise power output and 10% reserve power margin for combat emergencies. They each develop 1,642 kW (2,201 shp) at take-off and 1,483 kW (1,988 shp) in maximum continuous power when both engines are running, and 1,789 kw (2,400 shp) for two minutes in single-engine emergencies. The main transmission is a modular compound planetary gearbox with a minimum 65-minute run-dry capability without oil lubrication and 30-minute operation capability after taking ballistic damage. It has three-stage primary reduction gearing coupled to engine input drive shafts for driving the static mast that carries torque loads to drive the main rotor system. The tail rotor drive shaft is coupled to its own intermediate gearbox for driving the tail rotor gearbox and fantail rotor system. In event of loss of power to main or tail rotor systems, or to recover from loss of lift caused by a vortex ring state, a sprag clutch can disengage the main transmission drive to allow the rotors to freewheel for performing an emergency autorotation landing.
The engine intakes are flush low-drag scoop-type NACA inlet ducts protected from salt water, salt air, snow, dust, particulates and foreign objects by wire mesh inlet diffusers/radar blockers and fully anti-iced centrifugal engine air particle separators (EAPS). The exhaust ducts are fitted with the Black Hole Ocarina (BHO) infrared suppression system (IRSS) that achieves a significant reduction in overall rotorcraft IR signature by masking of the visible exhaust duct through convective cooling of the engine exhaust plume by routing bypass air across the exhaust manifolds. The aircraft has a dual redundant fuel system consisting of two crashworthy bladder-type centre-fuselage fuel tanks with Kevlar-lined interconnected fuel cells filled with explosive suppressant low density (98% porous) polyurethane reticulated foam, with non-return valves to minimise leakage in event of a crash. A digital fuel feed controller manages two electric motor-driven transfer pumps that supply fuel to the engines through MIL-PRF-7061C compliant self-sealing fuel lines. A single-point pressure i.e. gravity refuelling/defuelling receptacle is provided on the port fuselage side, with provision for auxiliary fuel tanks on all four underwing pylon stations for range extension and self-ferry.
The electrical power system is based on two 45 kVA oil-cooled brushless AC alternator/generators that are directly coupled to an engine remote accessory gearbox (RAGB). They generate 115 V three-phase AC power at 400 Hz for all flight systems, with DC power generation for avionics and mission systems provided by two 300 A 28 V DC transformer/rectifier units (TRU) and two 24 V, 31 Ah NiCad secondary (rechargeable) batteries. There are two primary AC busbars and two essential DC busbars for dual redundancy, with a backup DC battery bus containing the main aircraft battery used for ground power/self-starting and emergency power. Electrical power and compressed air for engine starting and for backup electricity generation is provided by a Safran (formerly Microturbo) Saphir 100 auxiliary power unit (APU) located in a fairing forward of the rotor mast. It consists of a compact 100 kW (134 bhp) single spool two-stage axial flow gas turbine. It offers continuous run capability, providing bleed air for cockpit air conditioning and mechanical power to drive a 25 kVA electrical starter/generator. The hydraulic system is triple redundant with three main circuits that operate electro-hydraulic twin-cylinder servo-control units in the flight control system, stability augmentation system, main rotor system, tail rotor system and wheel brake system. The main transmission drives a primary (operating) and standby (failsafe) circuit, and the tail rotor intermediate gearbox a third independent circuit.

Rotor systems

Lift and thrust is generated by a five-blade hingeless, bearingless flexbeam, ballistic-tolerant all-composite main rotor system, with the rotor hub a single forged non-ferrous near-beta titanium alloy centrepiece containing the static mast that mounts on the drive shaft. The rotor blades are constructed for maximum ballistic damage tolerance with a filament-wound carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) spar, glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) upper and lower skin, lightweight Nomex honeycomb core, titanium/nickel leading edge anti-erosion strip, and Kevlar tip cap. They have a broad chord geometry and 13° rotor twist that minimises vibratory loads at high speed, with swept, tapered and curved high-speed anhedral blade tips that produce greater lift, with lower vibration/oscillations, reducing drag at high speed on the advancing blade, with increased operating efficiency at high angles of attack without stalling. The main rotors operate at a low revolutions per minute (rpm) to reduce rotor noise and provide higher control responsiveness with greatly reduced lag. The blades are flexibly mounted by CFRP starplates forming a multiple blade retention ring allowing multiple load paths for greater safety and damage tolerance. A swashplate is connected to each rotor blade by pitch change links (PCL), with control demands (torque for cylic or collective blade pitch control) transmitted through a torsionally soft GFRP flexbeam spar between the rotor hub and blade roots, and by torsionally stiff torque tubes laminate-bonded to the upper and lower skins of the rotor blades connected by elastomeric snubber‐vibration dampers. The elasticity of the rotor blades allows flap bending, lead-lag bending and torsional moments that produces high dynamic and aeroelastic stability in forward and hover flight. For transport, the main rotor blades are removable without disconnecting the control system. A shrouded Fenestron or ducted fan-in-fin tail rotor counteracts the torque effect of the main rotor while providing highly responsive yaw control and directional static stability. It contains eleven asymmetrically angled CFRP/Kevlar 'scissor'-type bearingless fan blades that are unevenly spaced to reduce vibration and noise signature. The Fenestron rotors are ballistic resistant to 14.5 mm (.57 cal) machine gun fire and can operate for 30 minutes with one blade missing, while the main rotor blades can resist 23 mm (0.9 inch) cannon fire. All blades are protected by an anti-icing system using electro-thermo graphite leading-edge mats.

Flight control system

The rotorcraft has a highly responsive dual triplex-redundant full-authority, manoeuvre-demand, hydromechanical flight control system electrically signalled by a quadruplex-redundant fly-by-wire (FBW) control system. Cyclic, collective and pedal command inputs are electronically controlled through an automatic flight control system (AFCS) using dual-redundant flight management computers (FMC) receiving data from inertial and navigational sensors. The computers generate dynamic non-linear closed-loop flight control laws that operate within an operational performance envelope (OPE) including airspeed, altitude, rate of climb/descent, sideslip, turn rate and load factor. They are coupled to the engine FADEC computers for flight envelope protection that includes automatic one engine inoperative (OEI) control, high rate of descent protection, autorotation entry assistance, and control axis decoupling. A digital autopilot/yaw damper and flight director can maintain rotorcraft attitude for full-time hands-off flying to reduce pilot workload, and provides four-axis stability augmentation (independent pitch, roll, yaw and collective axis stabilisation) for use in hands-on flying. These encompass a range of basic flight modes including heading/acquire/hold, altitude capture/hold, airspeed hold, ground speed hold, bank angle hold, transition up/down and turn coordination; and advanced flight modes including line-of-sight acquisition/hold, and auto-hover, auto-land, terrain mask, pop-up, navigation and approach, back course, go-around and hover trim modes.

Mission systems

Electro-optic

The Emerson Optronics ADAMANTS (Airborne Day/Night Navigation And Targeting System) is an electro-optic/infrared/ultraviolet (EO/IR/UV) multi-sensor system that provides long-range, all-weather, day/night and adverse weather navigation, situational awareness with high-speed wide-area sector search, air/ground/sea target identification and classification, and laser rangefinding and designation. A single shared multi-sensor payload is housed in a hermetically-sealed temperature-controlled 762 mm (30 inch) rotating ball turret on a motorized three-axis gyrostabilized gimbal platform with ±120° azimuth and ±30/-60° elevation limits. The turret is constructed from a V50 ballistic resistant polycarbonate shell and contains dual independent forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors that can be used singularly or interleaved for clutter rejection and penetrating adverse weather and battlefield obscurants. These consist of a large-format third-generation 8-12 μm longwave infrared (LWIR) and 3-5 μm medium wave infrared (MWIR) staring array thermal imager with wide, medium, narrow and zoom fields-of-view; a 2-megapixel high definition 3-CCD continuous zoom colour daylight TV camera with wide, narrow and zoom fields-of-view; a 1-megapixel back-illuminated electron-multiplying CCD (EMCCD) low light TV camera operating in solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) and near-infrared (NIR) spectral wavelengths; a 20 km+/-5 m range diode-pumped, solid-state, Q-switched, eye safe 1.05 μm infrared laser designator/range finder (LD/RF) digitally encoded to STANAG 3733 laser pulse repetition frequency (PRF) codes for cueing semi-active laser (SAL) homing seekers, boresighted to a wide-angle silicon avalanche photodiode (APD) laser spot tracker and goniometer; and solid-state inertial measurement unit (IMU) and and navigation processor for geolocating/geotagging targets. Both the FLIR and TV channels have image processing pipelines with automatic target recognition (ATR), adaptive multi-target video autotracking against high manoeuvring air and ground targets, and target handover capability.

Radio frequency

The Longbow (Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman joint venture), and formerly Westinghouse, AN/APG-78(V) "Longbow" is a low probability of intercept, millimetric-wavelength, pulse-Doppler, multimode surveillance and fire-control radar (FCR) that is part of a mast-mounted assembly (MMA) including a Lockheed Martin AN/APR-48B Modernised Radar Frequency Interferometer (MRFI). Both sensors are mounted on a baseplate on top of a de-rotation unit above the static mast and cooled by ambient air. The raised position offers an unobstructed 360° field-of-regard to allow detection from behind cover and obstacles (e.g. terrain, trees or buildings) without unmasking the whole aircraft to minimise crew exposure.
The mast-mounted radar weighs 116.5 kg (257 lb) complete, consisting of a mechanically scanned high-gain antenna that is steerable ±180° in azimuth and ±90° in elevation, using parallel plate waveguides to transmit extremely narrow pencil beam mainlobes to avoid counterdetection. It is covered by a low-drag bandpass resonant radome constructed from impact-resistant pre-impregnated (pre-preg) carbon fibre graphite/epoxy with a honeycomb sandwich core. The radio frequency (RF) source is a very low peak power transmitter fed by solid-state 35 GHz (IEE Ka-band) power amplifiers via co-ax cables in a wiring harness passing through a torque tube attached to the static mast. The radar gathers target azimuth, elevation, range and velocity data using extremely high frequencies and pulse-Doppler waveforms of minimal atmospheric attenuation, probability of detection and high jamming resistance. The back-end processing system is a Radar Electronic Unit (REU) with dual Freescale MPC565 32-bit PowerPC microprocessors handling digital signal processing and data processing tasks. The system has a 512 target track-while-scan capacity with a maximum instrumented range of 37 km for an effective surveillance area of 804.2 km². The latest Version 6 (V6) software updates are installed offering four operating modes:

  • Air-targeting mode (ATM), with 360° continuous search capability to detect, classify and prioritise hovering and flying helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, using low false alarm rate clutter rejection algorithms;

  • Ground-targeting mode (GTM), scanning over 270° in 90° sectors for precise angular resolution and high range resolution to detect, locate and classify up to 256 simultaneous moving and stationary non-cooperative ground and low flying air targets, with automatic decision aids that prioritise the 16 highest threat fixed or moving targets for evaluation or engagement, and lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) and lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) acquisition modes for cueing radar-guided air-to-surface munitions;

  • Maritime-targeting mode (MTM), with broadly the same capabilities optimised for littoral targets with the addition of wave clutter rejection algorithms;

  • Terrain-profiling mode (TPM), mapping terrain topology at very low altitude (<30 m), providing terrain elevation and obstacle warning pilotage information at ranges of 100-2,500 m.

The radio frequency interferometer (RFI) is a signal intercept system tightly integrated with the radar system that provides passive long-range detection and unambiguous identification of radiating targets, and performs target acquisition and cueing of sensors and weapons including warning, tracking and engagement of radar directed anti-aircraft threats. It weighs 17.69 kg (39 lb) complete, consisting of two four-element direction finder (DF) arrays offering an instantaneous 360° field-of-regard - a four-element coarse DF array for initial signal acquisition and a four-element long-baseline interferometer for high accuracy DF measurement - that feed a four-channel amplitude and three-channel phase measuring digital channelized instantaneous frequency measurement (IFM) receiver covering the 0.5 to 40 GHz (NATO C- through K-band) frequency range. Signals are processed by a reprogrammable MIL-STD-1750A 16-bit RISC microprocessor that calculates the azimuth angle, elevational angle and Doppler shift of any threat emitter and uses a parametric radar emitter library to characterize, identify and prioritize threats, including warning of threat radars in acquisition mode or that are tracking the fire-control radar.

Defensive electronics

The aircraft is equipped with a Saab Avitronics (Saab Group and Grintek joint venture) Compact Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (CIDAS), an electronic self-protection system that combines multiple lightweight conformal sensors, jammers and processors of optimal size, weight and power (SWaP), and expendable countermeasure decoys, for detection and defeat of ground and air-based attacks. This includes a digital radar warning receiver/electronic support measures (RWR/ESM) system using quadrant spiral antennas and an electronic countermeasure (ECM) deception jammer with digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) techniques generator, used to detect, identify and degrade continuous-wave (CW), pulse and pulse-Doppler (PD) radar in the 1 to 40 GHz (NATO D- through K-band) radio bands; a passive laser warning system (LWS) and all-laser directed IR countermeasures (DIRCM) system with quadrant detectors and fibre laser jammer heads to provide detection, classification, warning and jamming of multiple laser threats in Band I (0.5 µm to 1.1 µm), Band II (1.1 µm to 1.65 µm), Band III (0.8 µm to 1.1 µm) and Band IV (8-12 µm) wavelengths covering laser rangefinder (LRF), laser target designator (LTD), laser beam rider (LBR) and imaging infrared (IIR) missile guidance systems; a passive missile approach warning system (MAWS) with quadrant focal plane array (FPA) imaging sensor heads that detect and track ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by missile plumes during their launch, boost and sustain flight phases, using algorithms to evaluate potential false alarms, declare validity of threats, and select appropriate countermeasures; and a fully integrated chaff and flare decoy dispensing system with manual, semi‐automatic and automatic modes of operation. Each sensor, jammer and dispenser is controlled by a processor card with a digital signal processor (DSP), and are centrally managed by a Saab Avitronics EWC100 Electronic Warfare Controller that uses algorithms and a parametric threat library to analyse threats and select the suitable tactic to counter it.

Armament Systems

Multi-Mission Weapons Loadouts

Primary mission

Starboard wingtip

Starboard wing

Cannon

Port wing

Port wingtip

Mission duration

Multi-role

2 × AIM-192A

4 × AGM-114R
19 × Hydra-70

500 rounds

4 × AGM-114R
19 × Hydra-70

2 × AIM-192A

2½ hours

Anti-armour

-

8 × AGM-114L

500 rounds

8 × AGM-114L

-

2¾ hours

Anti-radiation

1 × AGM-122A

-

-

-

1 × AGM-122A

3 hours

Armed escort

1 × AIM-9X-2

4 × AGM-114R
7 × AGR-20A

500 rounds

4 × AGM-114R
7 × AGR-20A

1 × AIM-9X-2

2½ hours

Convoy escort/
ground suppression

-

38 × Hydra-70

500 rounds

38 × Hydra-70

-

2¾ hours

Armed/visual
reconnaissance

2 × AIM-192A

2 × SPIKE-ER
2 × SPIKE-NLOS

500 rounds

2 × SPIKE-ER
2 × SPIKE-NLOS

2 × AIM-192A

2½ hours

Anti-ship

-

1 × AGM-84N

-

1 × AGM-84N

-

2½ hours

Anti-landing craft/boat

-

8 × MK 71 Zuni

500 rounds

8 × MK 71 Zuni

-

2¾ hours

Anti-helicopter

1 × AIM-9X-2

-

500 rounds

-

1 × AIM-9X-2

2¾ hours

Anti-drone

2 × AIM-192A

-

500 rounds

-

2 × AIM-192A

2¾ hours

Cannon

The area suppression weapon is a Rheinmetall RMK 30/2 (Rückstoßfreie Maschinenkanone Kaliber 30) lightweight front-loading three-chamber revolver recoilless (RCL) single-barrel automatic cannon with electrical firing mechanism. It fires 30 × 250 mm combustible-cased telescoped ammunition with inductive primers consisting of a 44 mm diameter rigid tube of cast solid propellent telescoping an armour-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) kinetic energy penetrator, or low drag projectile with point detonating high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) warhead or programmable, radio frequency (RF) proximity fused, high-explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) warhead. An electric motor-driven linear linkless ammunition handling and autoloading system feed the cannon from a 500-round helical drum magazine located in an armour-protected centre-fuselage ammunition bay. Rounds can be uploaded or downloaded directly into the feeding system using a loading adapter on the flight line.
The cannon weighs 95 kg complete and is 2200 mm long including a 1700 mm (66.9 in) barrel, and is externally powered by an electric motor at a cyclic rate of 300 rounds per minute. It can fire in short bursts of 0.5 to 1 second or in fully automatic mode without producing recoil, which is attenuated by a high effect muzzle brake and venturi cone compensator that vents a portion of the propellant gasses to the rear. Rounds are fired at a muzzle velocity of 1,050 m/s to a maximum slant range of 4,000 m, a performance equivalent to ADEN/DEFA 30 mm (1⅒-inch) ammunition but at increased muzzle energies, greater accuracy with a 50% reduced dispersion pattern, and lower ammunition weight. The cannon is mounted offset between the mainwheel legs on a fully stabilised hydraulically actuated trainable mounting that is designed to collapse into the fuselage in the event of a crash landing. The mounting has a maximum range of movement of 120° in azimuth, 15° in elevation and 7° in depression limited by backblast, and can be tracked at a maximum slew rate of 90°/sec. Either pilot can fire the cannon, which is slaved to the optronics turret and helmet-mounted sight/aiming devices.

Rockets and missiles

The point target weapon system comprises precision-guided air-to-surface missiles, air-to-air missiles and aerial rockets that are carried on six external hardpoints - four underwing pylon stations stressed for loads of up to 300 kg (661 Ib) and two wingtip attachment points stressed for loads of up to 113.4 kg (250 lb). The pylon stations have hydraulic and electrical quick-disconnects for mounting munition and launcher suspension equipment and can be articulated +2° to -10° in elevation/depression for an increased weapon launch envelope. The wingtip stations can mount a twin-tube launcher assembly or single rail missile launcher. A MIL-STD-1760C Aircraft/Store Electrical Interconnection System (AEIS) interface transmits weapon control signals to munitions and launchers, supporting stores recognition, stores selection, target acquisition and tracking, arming/fusing, launch/release sequencing and stores jettison. Loadout can vary between tactical missions, but must be evenly balanced between both sides of the aircraft. A maximum of eight AGM-114 Hellfire, Brimstone, LA-419 Arcus or SPIKE anti-armour missiles, thirty-eight 2¾ in (70 mm) diameter fin-stabilized air-to-ground rockets, or two AIM-9 Sidewinder or Python, or four AIM-92 Stinger, AIM-192 Scorpion or LA-430 Attero air-to-air missiles can be carried.

Variants


AH-79A Anaconda

Original production version focused on armed reconnaissance and anti-tank mission. Powered by twin Rolls-Royce/Turboméca RTM322-02/8 turboshafts driving low-noise and low-vibration 4-blade hingeless/bearingless main rotor and 8-blade anti-torque Fenestron ducted-fan, with fly-by-wire controls, digital autostabiliser and integrated GPS/Doppler/INS/air data/laser/radar altimeter navigation system. Sextant Avionique integrated digital avionics suite with 'manprint' (manpower integration) instrumentation and controls based around dual-redundant MIL-STD-1553B and ARINC 429 databuses and dual MIL-STD-1750A 16-bit RISC microprocessors in each of the two flight control computers and two mission computers. TopNight helmet-mounted sighting system slaved to nose-mounted and roof-mounted optronic sights with TV, FLIR, laser rangefinder/designator and direct view optics for observation and engaging targets from behind cover. Armed with General Dynamics 20 mm (0.87 in) M197 three-barrel electrically-fired Gatling-type rotary cannon in a GIAT (later Nexter) fully traversable chin-mounted turret. Armament system support for laser-guided Hellfire missiles, fire-and-forget and fibre-optic guided Spike missiles, free-flight and laser-guided Zuni, SNEB and Hydra-70 air-to-ground fire support rockets, AGM-122A Sidearm (re-manufactured AIM-9C Sidewinder) anti-radiation missile, AIM-9M Sidewinder, AIM-92 ATAS (Air To Air Stinger), Mistral and Python-3 air-to-air missiles. Integrated suite of self-defence electronics including radar warning receiver, laser warning system, chaff/flare dispensers and radio frequency jammers controlled by a Saab Avitronics centralised electronic warfare management system.

AH-79C Anaconda

Comprehensive engine, airframe, avionics and weapon systems upgrade, including: new 30 mm caseless recoilless (RCL) single barrel revolver machine cannon, avionics architecture updated to Freescale PowerPC AltiVec-based 32-bit multiprocessors and avionics bus to 1-gigabit Fibre Channel high-speed data bus standard, new cockpit displays based on Thales TopDeck suite using modern energy-efficient/low heat producing full-colour AMLCD technology, Thales TopOwl LCD-based binocular helmet-mounted sight and display (HMSD) with Gen IV image intensifiers slaved to nose-mounted optronics turret, Class A helicopter terrain awareness and warning system (HTAWS) with improved flight envelope protection for nap-of-the-earth (NOE) flying, new adverse weather weapon control system with mast-mounted Longbow fire-control radar (FCR) and radar frequency interferometer (RFI) to provide air-to-ground mapping, ground/air moving target indication to cue RF-guided Longbow Hellfire and Brimstone II missiles, maritime radar modes and AGM-84 Harpoon integration, and software and hardware integration of Scimitar missiles, R57/89 WAFAR and AGR-128A Angon rockets, and off-boresight aiming all-aspect IR-guided and thrust-vectoring air-to-air missiles for enhanced air defence. Updated defensive aids suite with all-laser directed IR countermeasures (DIRCM) system added. Engine upgrade to marinized Safran RTM322 01/9 turboshafts to correct salt-air corrosion issues with earlier models and provide improved performance in cold and hot and dry conditions, along with uprated transmissions, alternator-generators. New rotor system with 5-blade main rotor and 11-blade anti-torque Fenestron for higher performance and reduced acoustic signature. Airframe revisions including T-tail on vertical fin and tailplanes with endplate fins for improved vertical, longitudinal, and lateral stability, and modifications to the fixed tricycle undercarriage for better operation from ship flight decks.

Operators


Etoile Arcture

  • Etoile Arcture Ground Forces

  • Etoile Arcture Maritime Forces

Imbrinium

  • Royal Imbrinium Army

  • Royal Imbrinium Marine Corps

Zinaire

  • Zinairian Army

Antigr

  • Antigrian Army

Akimondad

  • Akimondian Army

Mephras

  • Imperial Mephrasian Army

Salzland

  • Salzlander Army

Anemos major

  • Crown Army of Anemos Major

Parilisa

  • Parilisan Revolutionary Army

Minnysota

  • Minnysotan Army

Arcturia

  • Armée de Terre

  • Corps des Marines

Madurastan

  • Madurastan Army

Korrodos

  • Imperial Army

  • Imperial Marine Corps

  • Imperial Aeromarines

MesoAmerican cultures

  • Confederacy Army

Goram

  • Royal Army Air Corps

Rocky canada

  • Rocky Canadian Army

Cyrassinia

  • Cyrassinian Ground Forces

Altmelia

  • Altmelian Army

Slacaria

  • Slacarian Army

Norway-sweden-finland

  • Imperial Army

  • Imperial Marine Corps

Aquilara

  • Aquilaran Army

The Great state of Joseon

  • Royal Joseon Army

Rapaldegia Bagazis

  • Armed Military

Awesome Imperium

  • Imperial Army

New Chinese Federation

  • New Chinese Federation Air Force

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Specifications (AH-79C Block III)


AH-79C Anaconda in multi-role mission configuration

Data from Aerodyne specifications.

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 pilot (rear seat) + 1 co-pilot/gunner (front seat)

  • Fuselage length: 15.16 m

  • Fuselage width: 1.7 m

  • Fuselage height: 3.5 m

  • Height:

    • To top of rotor hub: 3.9 m

    • To top of radar mast: 4.4 m

  • Wing span: 4.5 m

  • Operating empty weight (OEW): 4,763 kg

  • Maximum take-off weight (MTOW): 8,447 kg

  • Powerplant: 2 × Safran (ex-Rolls-Royce/Turboméca) RTM322-01/9A turboshaft engines

  • Installed power rating (standard day sea level):

    • All Engines Operating/Takeoff Power (AEO/TOP) (60 minutes): 1,897 kW (2,554 shp)

    • Intermediate Rated Power (IRP) (30 minutes): 2,019 kW (2,708 shp)

    • Maximum Continuous Power (MCP): 1,805 kW (2,421 shp)

    • One Engine Inoperative/Contingency Rated Power (OEI/CRP):

      • (2 minute contingency): 2,223 kW (2,775 shp)

      • (30 second super contingency) (100%): 2,200 kW (2,997 shp)

    • One Engine Inoperative/Maximum Continuous Power (OEI/MCP): 1,781 kW (2,388 shp)

  • Transmission rating:

    • All Engines Operating (AEO): 2,925 kW (3,922 shp)

  • Rotor systems: 5-blade main rotor, 11-blade Fenestron tail rotor

    • Main rotor diameter: 12.8 m

    • Main rotor disc: 128.7 m²

    • Rotor tip speed: ? m/s

    • Fenestron diameter: 1.12 m

    • Fenestron disc: 0.97 m²

  • Fuel capacity: 1,398.7 L (369½ US gal) JP-8 (MIL–DTL–83133)/Jet A kerosene-type aviation turbine fuel

Performance
(Under International Standard Atmospheric (ISA) conditions)

  • Never-exceed speed (VNE): 208 knots

  • Maximum level speed at sea level (VH): 189 knots

  • Maximum cruise speed at altitude (VNO): 167 knots

  • Maximum sideways speed: 66 knots

  • Maximum Rate of Climb (ROC) (VY): 13.46 m/s

  • Emergency climb rate (VYSE): 5.58 m/s

  • Combat radius (full weapon load, internal fuel): 584 km (315 nmi)

  • Ferry range (maximum internal and external fuel): 1,481 km (800 nmi)

  • Endurance (10% fuel reserve): 2½ hours

  • Hover Ceiling In Ground Effect (IGE) (hot day ISA +20°C MTOW): 4,921 m (16,145 ft)

  • Hover Ceiling Out of Ground Effect (HOGE) (hot day ISA +20°C MTOW): 3,280 m (10,761 ft)

  • Service ceiling: 6,005 m (19,701 ft)

  • Operating temperature: +45° C to –54° C (–23° C oil temperature for engine starting)

  • Maximum design g-load: +2.5 g to -0.5 g

Armament:

  • Guns: 1 × Rheinmetall (ex-Mauser) RMK 30/2, 30×250 mm recoilless revolver machine cannon in trainable underfuselage mount (500 rounds total, APFSDS, HEDP or HE-FRAG)

  • Hardpoints: 4 × pylon stations on stub-winglets + 2 × wingtip stations

    • 2 × wet inboard wing pylons rated @ 630 kg (1,389 lb)

    • 2 × wet outboard wing pylons rated @ 454 kg (1,000 lb)

    • 2 × wingtip stations rated @ 113.4 kg (250 lb)

  • Stores: maximum weapon load of 2,200 kg (4,850 lb)

  • Rockets:

    • Matra SNEB 68 mm or SYROCOT rockets - mounted in up to four TELSON (8-tube, 12-tube or 22-tube) launchers (up to 88 unguided or guided rockets total)

    • 2¾ in (70 mm) FFAR (Folding Fin Aerial Rocket) e.g., Hydra-70, CRV7 (Canadian Rocket Vehicle 7) or AGR-20A APKWS II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System), TALON Laser Guided Rocket, GATR (Guided Advanced Tactical Rocket), FZ275 LGR (Laser Guided Rocket) or LOGIR (Low-Cost Guided Imaging Rocket) - mounted in up to four M260 (7-tube) or M261 (19-tube) lightweight launchers (up to 76 unguided or 28 guided rockets total)

    • 3½ in (88.9 mm) R57/89 WAFAR (Wrap-Around Fin Aerial Rocket) or AGR-128A Angon - mounted in up to four 16-tube digital launchers (up to 64 unguided or guided rockets total)

    • 5 in (127 mm) MK 71 Mod 1 Zuni FFAR (Folding Fin Aerial Rocket) or Laser Guided Zuni - mounted in up to four LAU-10C/A (4-tube) launchers (up to 16 rockets total)

  • Missiles:

    • SPIKE-ER (NT-Dandy) or SPIKE-NLOS (Tamuz) (fibre-optic guided) - up to 16 missiles mounted on four 4-rail Heli-Launchers, two on each wing

    • AGM-114L Longbow Hellfire or Brimstone II (RF guided) - up to 16 missiles mounted on four 4-rail M299 launchers, two on each wing

    • AGM-114R Hellfire II or LA-419 Arcus (semi-active laser homing) - up to 16 missiles mounted on four 4-rail M272 launchers, two on each wing

    • AGM-84N Harpoon Block II+ - up to 2 missiles, one on each wing

    • AGM-189B Scimitar "Kilij" - up to 16 missiles mounted on four 4-rail digital launchers, two on each wing

    • AGM-189C Scimitar "Talwar" - up to 8 missiles mounted on four 2-rail digital launchers, two on each wing

    • AIM-92A Air-to-Air Stinger (ATAS) Block II or Mistral ATAM (Air-to-Missile) or AIM-192A ATAS (Air-to-Air Scorpion) or LA-430 Attero - up to four missiles mounted on two 2-round launchers, one on each wing tip station

    • AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder or AGM-122A Sidearm or Python-4 or Python-5 - up to 2 missiles mounted on two LAU-128 launchers, one on each wing tip station

  • Fuel tanks: 870 L (230 US gal) auxiliary fuel tank, two per wing

Avionics

  • Mission systems:

    • Longbow (Lockheed Martin & Northrop Grumman) (ex-Westinghouse) AN/APG-78(V) "Longbow" Fire Control Radar (FCR)

    • Lockheed Martin AN/APR-48B Modernized Radar Frequency Interferometer (MRFI)

    • Emerson Optronics Airborne Day/Night Navigation And Targeting System (ADAMANTS)

  • Defensive aids:

    • Saab Avitronics Compact Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (CIDAS)

      • Synergy Electrodynamics E/ALQ-03 Deception ECM Jammer

      • Saab (ex-Bofors)BOP-L-39 countermeasure dispenser

      • Hensoldt Advanced Laser Threat Alerting System - 2 Quadrants with Beamrider Detector (ALTAS-2Q(B)

      • Hensoldt (ex-ITT Exelis) AN/AAR-60(V)2 Missile Launch Detection System (MILDS F)

      • Elop/Electronica Multi Spectral Infrared Countermeasure (mini-MUSIC)

  • Navigation aids:

    • Northrop Grumman (ex-Litton) LN-100G Embedded GPS/Inertial Navigation System (EGI)

    • Honeywell Air Data Attitude Heading and Reference System (ADAHRS)

    • Honeywell MK XXII Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS)

    • BAE Systems Low Probability of Intercept Altimeter (LPIA-209R)

  • Communications:

    • Raytheon AN/ARC-231(V)9(C) RT-1808A Skyfire Airborne Communications System (VHF/UHF-AM/FM voice/data LOS & DAMA/Non-DAMA voice/data BLOS SATCOM)

    • ViaSat KOR-24A Small Tactical Terminal (STT) (VHF/UHF, LOS & BLOS Link 16 TADIL-J)

    • Elisra (ex-Tadiran Spectralink) AN/ACQ-9 Tactical Video & Data Link (TVDL) (L-, S- or C-band)

    • Leonardo (ex-DRS Technologies) Concord Intelligence Broadcast Receiver-2 (IBR-2) (R-2650A(C)/U) (near real-time threat, survivor & Blue Force Tracker)

    • BAE Systems AN/APX-123(V)5 Common Transponder (CXP) (Mark XIIA IFF (Mode 4/5, Mode S, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), ADS-B)

Military aircraft of Etoile Arcture

Fighters

F/A-38A/B Sentinel - F-40A Whirlwind - F-60A Cyclone

Strike/ground attack

AV-48A Gryphon

Bombers

B-90A Condor

Airborne early warning

E-20A Pontus - EP-21A Coandă - E-33B Watchtower

Command and control

E-99C Mystic

Electronic warfare

E-24A Marauder - EV-46A Valkyrie

Maritime patrol/sea control

P-21A Coriolis - SV-22A Osprey

Trainers

TF-39B Fearless - AT-47A Vandal - F-49A/B Révolution II

Transport

KC-16A Cargoship - MV-28A Peregrine - MV-44A Pegasus - C-75A Albatross - C-75B Super Albatross - KC-99B Majestic

Helicopters

AH-79C Anaconda - MH-80A Barracuda - MCH-120A Pelican - CH-151A Titan Skyscrane

Unmanned

RQ-13A Vulture - AQ-20B Renegade - RAQ-39B Clarion - MQ-45A Privateer - AQ-46A Storm Petrel - BQ-50A Dominator - MQ-59A Mosquito

Read dispatch

EA, Count me in! I'll take some. Looks like you crossed an apache and a comanche helicopter for the win.

I've been working on a minuature rocket you can shoot out of a 40mm ubgl if your intrested to see what I have.

Post self-deleted by Etoile Arcture.

Korrodos wrote:EA, Count me in! I'll take some.

Consider yourself the proud owner of a brand new attack helicopter weapon system. Use 'em wisely. :D

Korrodos wrote:I've been working on a minuature rocket you can shoot out of a 40mm ubgl if your intrested to see what I have.

This is relevant to my interests. TG me with all you've got!

I was looking through a number of your technology dispatches and I noticed you have designed a number of firearms. I'm wondering if you have any interest in designing a high-accuracy handgun that uses subsonic caseless ammunition. The principal users of such a weapon would be special operations and intelligence personnel who need to shoot quietly without leaving behind any casings. I do not know if such a combination of features and specifications is technically feasible, but if anyone around here can design such a thing I think you're the best place to start.

The State of Monavia wrote:I was looking through a number of your technology dispatches and I noticed you have designed a number of firearms. I'm wondering if you have any interest in designing a high-accuracy handgun that uses subsonic caseless ammunition. The principal users of such a weapon would be special operations and intelligence personnel who need to shoot quietly without leaving behind any casings. I do not know if such a combination of features and specifications is technically feasible, but if anyone around here can design such a thing I think you're the best place to start.

Challenge accepted. This could be something like a modern take on the Welrod.

<snip> There was a whole bunch of stuff here while I was designing, but since I've finished it...

Etoile Arcture wrote:Consider yourself the proud owner of a brand new attack helicopter weapon system. Use 'em wisely. :D

This is relevant to my interests. TG me with all you've got!

What I have is sent to you, its based off a real world design. Let me know what you think, I don't do much designing. More than open to making it a joint EA/Kor Development project. :)

The State of Monavia wrote:I was looking through a number of your technology dispatches and I noticed you have designed a number of firearms. I'm wondering if you have any interest in designing a high-accuracy handgun that uses subsonic caseless ammunition. The principal users of such a weapon would be special operations and intelligence personnel who need to shoot quietly without leaving behind any casings.

I turned this around faster than I expected. Now christened the XP95A1 Spectre.

This page is a work in progress by its author and should not be considered final.

XP95A1 Spectre


Type

Semi-automatic pistol

Place of origin

Etoile Arcture

Service history

In service

2020 - present

Used by

See Users

Production history

Designer

Sequoia Weaponworks

Designed

2008-2019

Manufacturer

Sequoia Weaponworks
LAIX Arms (under license)

Unit cost

US$5,000

Number built

Classified

Specifications

Weight

1.3 kg loaded

Length

381 mm

Barrel length

178 mm


Cartridge

4.6×36 mm CL

Action

Gas operated,
sliding chamber,
electronic pulse
action

Power source

1 × 11.1 V 1600
mAh lithium
polymer battery

Battery life

24 hours@ 50%
duty cycle

Operating temperature

-10 °C~+50 °C

Rate of fire

2,200 rounds/min

Muzzle velocity

350 m/s

Effective firing range

25-50 m

Feed system

21-round detachable
box magazine

Sights

Guttersnipe

The XP95A1 "Spectre" is an electronic pulse action, integrally suppressed, semi-automatic magazine fed handgun chambered in a electrically initiated fully combustible 4.6×36 mm (.177 calibre) caseless cartridge. This class of ammunition is designed so as not to leave behind any physical evidence (e.g., spent brass, fragments, powder residue, etc) that can be used to identify the weapon, individual shooter or nation of origin. The combustible cartridge is fully consumed upon firing with no case to eject. Even if the gun itself is recovered it has been "sanatised" i.e., lacks markings on the exterior or interior surfaces to frustrate any identification. The principal users are intended to be special operations and intelligence personnel engaged in sensitive missions abroad where it is politically necessary to maintain plausible deniability of their presence or actions.

History


Background and development

Bullets and casings recovered at a scene of a shooting can be forensically analysed for individually identifying characteristics, such as tool markings, case stampings and striation patterns. A weapon and ammunition system that cannot be traced back to its user or manufacturer is therefore highly desirous, especially by criminals, intelligence officers and special operators alike. The clandestine services of The Unitary Technocracy of Etoile Arcture and The Imperial Federation of the Monavian Empire both recognised the potential in a caseless firearm that might silently neutralize opponents without leaving behind any forensic evidence. The two agencies would go on to jointly issue a request for proposal to industry calling for a high-accuracy suppressed handgun that could fire subsonic caseless ammunition effective in close quarters and confined spaces. Development of the weapon was conducted under the codename "Mousetrap" (as in the idiom "to build a better mousetrap"), in an allusion to the huge technological challenge in developing a successful caseless weapon. Sequoia Weaponworks would be the prime contractor, developing the handgun under the internal project name "Spectre" (in a less than subtle nod to its intended use by "spooks"), while Sequoia Cartridgeworks, under the internal project name "Ephemera", would develop the suite of 100% combustible small-calibre caseless ammunition that would be key to defeating the ends of forensic science.

Design


General description

The internal parts of the pistol are 3D-printed from powdered Inconel, an austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloy that resists very high pressures and temperatures without deforming. Fabrication is by a direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) process to extremely tight ISO metric tolerances of ±5 g for ensuring gas-tight sealing, combined with laser cladding in a high-temperature self-lubricating wear-resistant titanium-carbide powder coating to enhance durability. A monolithic outer shell or wrap fully shrouds the action and integral dry suppressor, except for an extraction port protected by a spring-loaded dust shutter. This self-reinforcing grip, frame and receiver is 3D-printed from high temperature resistant carbon fibre reinforced filament (semi-aromatic polyamide copolymer reinforced with high-modulus carbon fibre). The carbon fibre material dissipates high combustion temperatures in the chamber and barrel and can safely contain a premature or "slam fire" detonation of a caseless ammunition round. The external appearance of the gun most closely resembles a Match target pistol, with a very high grip profile that holds the barrel axis close to the shooter's hand helping to reduce muzzle climb for faster aim recovery in rapid shooting.

Sights

A low profile "Guttersnipe"-type open sight is mounted on the upper rear receiver. This is an injected-moulded polymer block with V-notch sight channel having three equally-proportioned fluorescent yellow interior walls angled inwards so when properly aligned the sight picture appears on a single focal plane. This provides for both-eyes-open aiming with fast responsive target acquisition that is conducive to instinctive shooting (i.e. without aiming). A non-reciprocating T-shaped charging/cocking handle is located on the rear receiver sliding on internal rails and does not interfere with the sights.

Ammunition

The caseless or "Hülsenlose" ammunition consists of a solid moulded cuboid-shaped block of nitramine double-base propellant (a moderated high explosive compound insensitive to shock and temperature) coated in an oil and water-resistant lacquer sealant that hardens the block without making it brittle. It has an ignition temperature profile double that of conventional nitrocellulose propellant that better resists cook-off, and burns more cleanly producing no detectable muzzle flash, smoke and residue. The propellant fully telescopes a high ballistic coefficient spoon tip or "Löffelspitz" bullet. This has an axisymmetric chiselled tip that has no effect on terminal ballistics, with high stability in flight with an increased tendency after penetration of clothing and body armour to 'keyhole' i.e., to yaw and tumble in soft tissue producing a large permanent wound cavity that quickly incapacitates the target. The bullet makes a small entry wound akin to a tiny puncture even at close range and quickly looses energy and slows without over-penetrating leaving no exit wound. The bullet design resembles conventional ball ammunition with a steel jacket and high density tungsten-carbide core that produces no fragmentation on impact and can perforate the soft armour panels used in LinkNIJ HG1 (formerly NIJ 0101.06 Level II) compliant bulletproof vests. The round is effective at typical combat ranges of ~25-50 m beyond which the external ballistics of the suppressed bullet suffers detrimentally from rapid velocity decay.

Action

To solve the heat-related issues that plague caseless weapon designs (chamber sealing without a case, ammunition cook-off in a hot chamber, throat erosion and barrel wear reducing operational life) the weapon uses a mechanically simple sliding chamber action that quickly dissipates heat. This comprises a reciprocating sleeve with an axial space that forms the firing chamber. This slides in-line with the axis of the barrel, supported at the aft end by a fixed breechblock that is pushed by gas pressure when a round is fired to dynamically seal the chamber. The weapon is loaded by the action of the sleeve/chamber sliding between the rear breech and forward barrel positions, stripping a round vertically from a single-stack magazine where it is gathered into the chamber and forced into the leade of the barrel. The square cross-section chamber is precisely aligned with the polygonal bore of the barrel for accepting the cylindrical profiled bullet. The magazine contains a rectangular type braided wire spring and self-levelling follower to ensure a reliable feed. The rear charging handle can be used to chamber a round, or to clear the chamber of a dud or unfired round by sliding the sleeve forward to push the round until it meets a swinging ejector that pushes it out of an extraction port. For semi-automatic loading a short-stroke gas piston driven by gas tapped from the barrel operates the sliding sleeve/chamber via an operating rod.

Firing system

A non-pyrotechnic digital electrical ignition system sends a short high voltage DC pulse (~18 joules) over a spark gap in the chamber to prime the ammunition. A combustible electrically conductive microcrystalline antimony and potassium picrate primer is embedded in the sidewalls of the caseless cartridges that is sensitive to only a specific voltage and amperage to avoid accidental detonation. The firing cycle operates in the following way:

  1. A voltage storing capacitor charged by a battery quick discharges into a flash circuit connected to a 12 V electrode and electrically grounded breach plug to output the high-voltage signal to deliver the electric current to initiate the primer;

  2. A denatured hexogen explosive booster charge detonates at the base of the bullet pushing it out of an axial hole in the cuboid cartridge into the through-bore barrel extension where it is momentarily halted by frictional forces. This creates a gas-tight seal (obturation) that stops hot propellant gases blowing back (expanding behind the projectile) to ensure consistent chamber pressures and predictable interior ballistics;

  3. The destructive deflagration of the main propellant charge in the chamber increases the combustion gas pressure to the point that it overcomes the static friction of the seated bullet and accelerates it through the barrel. The propellant, booster and primer are fully burned, leaving no powder residue to foul the action.

The electronic trigger comprises an adjustable spring and seers that press the push button of an electric switch for actuating the electric charge. The system operates silently so as not to alert a nearby enemy and has a very low latency (~2 ms) with minimal "lock time" (i.e. lag between pulling the trigger and firing the round). This ensures very high first-round hit probabilities through the elimination of off-barrel movements, harmonic vibrations and muzzle climb of a conventional mechanical system with sear, striker and firing pin. The trigger movement is very short and sharp with no break point that aids accuracy. The electronic firing system is energized by a high-voltage (11.1 V) PEQ box sized lithium polymer (LiPo) three cell rechargeable battery with 1600 mAh of capacity and a 25C/50C discharge rating. The battery is a replaceable unit loaded into a compartment in the magazine floor plate and connected by wiring embedded in the grip. The voltage, amperage and timing control of the electronic ignition system is managed by an AVR architecture low-power 8-bit RISC microcontroller for reliable and predictable ignition of the ammunition. There are three safety switches - an arming switch that safes the weapon by preventing charging of the capacitor by the battery, a safety switch that protects against accidental discharge by disconnecting the flash circuit from the charged capacitor, and a firing switch actuated only by the trigger. With the system armed and safety disconnected the trigger functions like a single-action trigger allowing the gun to be carried in a equivalent to Condition One i.e. "cocked and locked" or ready for instant use.

Operational considerations

The specialised nature and unique design features of the XP95A1 imposes certain limitations on its use in the field. The weapon is designed purely for offensive purposes and lacks the concealability expected of a defensive handgun. The fully sealed gun housing renders the internal mechanism non-user-serviceable, and it must be dissembled in the factory for maintenance and repair. To ensure reliable function of the firing system magazines must be factory loaded to ensure high quality assurance that none of the caseless rounds are fractured or deformed to maintain proper headspace between the case and bullet, a major cause of misfires and malfunctions involving caseless ammunition. The weapon is prone to overheating on semi-auto fire and can literally become too hot to handle when running more than a dozen rounds at once through the mechanism. The barrel is also prone to excessive fouling and requires cleaning or replacement after firing around fifty rounds. Operation is contingent on a fully charged battery, with a limited number of recharge/discharge cycles limiting battery life, and battery performance will be significantly degraded by extreme hot and cold and humid environmental conditions.

Users


The XP95A1 has never been officially acknowledged to exist or adopted into service by any nation and there is no open-source confirmation of its existence. It is most probable that the export of the weapon (if it does exist) has been highly restricted. The following list is purely speculative and may be inaccurate.

  • Etoile Arcture - purportedly used by the Special Action Teams (SAT) of the Intelligence Directorate of Etoile Arcture (IDEA).

  • Monavian Empire - purportedly used by the Directorate of External Operations (DEO) of the Federal Intelligence Department (FID).

  • Korrodos - purportedly used by the Special Services Division (SSD) of the Korrodosian Joint Intelligence Service (JIS).

  • Lamoni - purportedly used by the Special Action Division (SAD) of the LinkLamonian Intelligence Agency (LIA).

  • Animarnia - purportedly used by the Special Tactics And Reconnaissance (SPECTRE) unit of the Central Intelligence Service (CIS).

  • Sulaymaan - purportedly used by units of the Special Service Command.

Telegram for purchasing options or place an order through Consortia.ea. Exports are restricted to Delian League members only. Please consider approving this dispatch to increase its visibility.

Specifications (XP95A1)


  • Cartridge: 4.6×36 mm CL

  • Action: Gas operated, sliding chamber, electronic pulse action

  • Weight: 1.3 kg loaded

  • Overall length: 381 mm

  • Barrel length: 178 mm

  • Feed type: 21-round, detachable box magazine, single column

  • Sights: Guttersnipe open sights

  • Muzzle velocity: 350 m/s

  • Effective range: ~25-50 m

  • Fire control: electronic trigger

  • Rate of fire: 2,200 rpm cyclic

  • Trigger pull: adjustable, 4.4-13.4 N

  • Unit replacement cost: US$5,000

Read dispatch

Korrodos wrote:What I have is sent to you, its based off a real world design. Let me know what you think, I don't do much designing. More than open to making it a joint EA/Kor Development project. :)

Thanks for the info. I'd be interested in a joint project. I'll TG you as I start to work this up.

I'll just leave this here (PS, this looked terrible on preview, cos apparently emojis are fine, but include an accented character, oh jeez...)

This page is a work in progress by its author and should not be considered final.

FGR-196A Fénix


FGR-196A guided rocket loaded into a M320A1 grenade launcher

Type

Miniature missile

Place of origin

Etoile Arcture
Korrodos

Service history

In service

2020 - present

Used by

See Users

Production history

Designer(s)

Quantum Aerospace
and Armaments

Sequoia Dynamics

Designed

2015-2020

Manufacturer(s)

Sequoia Cartridgeworks
Korrodos Military
Dynamics

Armeccanica Armaments
(under license)

Unit cost

US$1,000

Number built

indefinite delivery/
indefinite quantity

Developed from

IGM-1 Grungir

Specifications

Weight

0.9 kg

Length

480 mm

Diameter

40 mm

Warhead

blast fragmentation

Warhead weight

0.27 kg

Detonation mechanism

smart electronic
proximity fuse


Propellant

solid-fuel rocket motor

Speed

177 m/s

Effective firing range

300 m - 2.5 km

Guidance system

semi-active laser, inertial

Platform(s)

40×46mm grenade launcher
e.g. M320A1 GLM, MK 13
Mod 0 EGLM, etc

The FGR-196A Fénix ("Pheonix") (export designation: Kleinflugkörper Phönix or Fusée guidée à très courte portée Phénix ("very short range guided rocket Pheonix") or Miniature guided rocket complex "Feniks"), is a 40 mm (1.57-inch) calibre self-propelled lightweight precision-guided munition that can be handled, loaded and fired from the barrel of an unmodified third-generation 40 mm grenade launcher. It can engage and destroy static and slow-moving mid-range (~2 km) targets using semi-active laser homing for very high single-shot kill probability. During an engagement, a spotter illuminates the target using a STANAG 3733 compliant eye-safe laser designator digitally encoded with the specific PRF modulated 4-digit code programmed into the seeker electronics. Terminal effects are produced by an air bursting pre-fragmented blast warhead that can neutralise enemy infantry in open and defilade positions, such as snipers, crew-served weapons (machine gun, antitank missile, mortar, recoilless rifle teams, etc), destroy bunkers or emplacements, and damage or disable soft-skinned vehicles.
The munition is intended as a lower cost but higher precision alternative to disposable shoulder-fired free-flight rockets like the Frelon and Orvani for prosecuting low-value targets. The subcompact form factor, easy handling and minimum setup time allows a grenadier to carry rockets alongside conventional grenade cartridges for responsive engagement of point targets by indirect or direct line-of-sight firing. In this way, it transforms existing grenade launchers into a lightweight precision weapon for increasing the overmatch both in range and lethality of small infantry teams.

Development


The Fénix precision-guided munition was developed by Sequoia Dynamics of Etoile Arcture on the basis of the earlier IGM-1 Grungir ("Odin's Spear") or Individually Guided Missile, that had originated as a private venture of Quantum Aerospace and Armaments of Korrodos and eventually developed in collaboration with the Korrodosian Weapons Research Lab. The goal of the IGM-1 program had been to replace the K-5 series of rifle grenades that suffered from heavy recoil and low accuracy, with a munition that could be interchangeably fired from any handheld breech loading 40 mm grenade launcher system. The design was inspired by similar small-calibre precision-guided rockets currently under development by Raytheon (United States), MBDA (Europe) and LIG Nex1 (South Korea). The IGM-1 would attract the interest of Sequoia Dynamics who would go on to licence and adapt its technology into a subcompact mini-missile that could be launched from a multitude of platforms, not only an individual weapon/grenade launcher but also canister launchers that can be mounted on the manned and unmanned ground, sea and air vehicles.

Description


The Fénix weapon round has a slender low drag aerodynamic configuration that resembles an elongated grenade cartridge with a constant cylindrical aluminium body with a rotating band that engages with barrel rifling for spin-stabilisation, and a transparent polycrystalline alumina ogive nose dome enclosing the semi-active laser (SAL) seeker head. The munition is three times the length of a low velocity 40×46mm grenade cartridge and therefore can only be chambered in a third-generation single-shot grenade launcher with a side-pivoting barrel or swing-out breech-loading mechanism e.g. Heckler & Koch M320A1 GLM and LinkAG-C/EGLM, or FN Herstal MK 13 Mod 0 EGLM, with the nose of the rocket protruding over the muzzle when loaded. Both underbarrel and stand-alone configurations can be used, but the latter with a pistol grip and attached buttstock provides a more stable firing platform and better pointing accuracy.
The rocket is divided as following: a guidance section with a strap-down optical seeker head with quadrant photodetector, solid-state guidance electronics and primary battery; a control section with cruciform canard steering fins and electric actuators folded behind slots; a warhead section with blast fragmentation warhead, smart electronic proximity fuse and electronic safe and arming device; a propulsion section containing a single-pulse solid-fuel flight rocket motor using low smoke double-base propellant; and tail section with wrap-around folding stabilisation fins. The munition has a fire-from-enclosure (FFE) capability, being soft-launched by a pyrotechnically-initiated propelling charge attached to the nozzle of the rocket motor. This burns fully inside the barrel or canister-launcher minimising backblast, recoil and launch signature.
Once clear of the muzzle the tail fins and canard control surfaces spring out into position and the munition coasts a safe distance of 3 metres (~1 sec) before automatic ignition of the solid-rocket sustainer motor. This powers the rocket to a maximum stand-off range of 2.5 km (~15 secs), with the sensitive solid-state electronics and miniaturised components subjected to only low constant acceleration forces. When firing the grenadier uses a leaf or quadrant sight to lay the superelevation angle of the barrel to either a high angle (long-range indirect fire) or low angle (short-range direct attack) subsonic ballistic trajectory. Aiming along the line-of-fire (LOF) ensures that at the apogee of the flight trajectory the seeker, with a ±60° forward field-of-view (FOV), is correctly orientated to acquire the illuminated target.
The seeker operates in a lock-on after launch (LOAL) mode that activates at a distance of 300 m (~5 secs) beyond the muzzle. The guidance system processes inputs from a single-chip inertial sensor to maintain its post-launch attitude, and in the terminal phase tracks the lateral position of the designated target with four active photodiode areas in its quadrant detector to generate the control surface steering commands for shaping the ballistic trajectory to impact the target. A single-chip radio frequency height-of-burst (HOB) sensor is incorporated into the smart electronic proximity fuse for air burst activation of the warhead.

Variants



  • FGR-196A Fénix: The 40 mm (1.57-inch) calibre precision-guided rocket is handled like a fixed round of ammunition and percussion fired from the barrel of a stand-alone or underbarrel 40 mm grenade launcher. A yellow band at the nose and at the mid-body indicates the high-explosive warhead. It can be self-designated by the grenadier or use off-set designation by a spotter or friendly asset e.g. a loitering drone.

  • MGR-196A Fénix: Compact 'wooden' round of ammunition preloaded in a ready-to-fire lightweight canister-launcher consisting of a disposable filament wound fibre reinforced plastic launch tube sealed at the muzzle end by a frangible fly-through cover with percussion firing system at the breech end. Can be mounted on a trainable remote weapon station (RWS) for multiple stored kills, or integrated on to unmanned aerial systems (Class I micro air vehicle <150 kg, Class II tactical unmanned aerial vehicle >150 kg), unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned surface vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and watercraft.

Users


Etoile Arcture

  • Etoile Arcture Ground Forces

  • Etoile Arcture Special Forces

Korrodos

  • Imperial Army

  • Imperial Navy

  • Imperial Marine Korps

  • Imperial Aeromarines

Arcturia

  • Armée de Terre

  • Corps des Marines

MesoAmerican cultures

  • Confederacy Army

Awesome Imperium

  • Imperial Army

Telegram for purchasing options or place an order through Consortia.ea. Please consider approving this dispatch to increase its visibility.

Specifications (FGR-196A)


  • Diameter: 40 mm

  • Length: 480 mm

  • Weight: 0.9 kg

  • Maximum range: 2.5 km

  • Speed: 177 m/s

  • Guidance: semi-active laser

  • Accuracy: 1 m ±0.5 m

  • Platform: 40 mm grenade launcher

Read dispatch

Looks awesome EA! I can't belive I helped with a design! Yay! #NSLifeGoal !

I will try to stick around on here, but I work at a Level 1 Trauma center and one of my region's largest hospitals... so with things going on I may get busy. Hope you all stay safe and well.

-K

Korrodos wrote:Looks awesome EA! I can't belive I helped with a design! Yay! #NSLifeGoal !

I will try to stick around on here, but I work at a Level 1 Trauma center and one of my region's largest hospitals... so with things going on I may get busy. Hope you all stay safe and well.

Wow. And you stay safe too, Kor. And the same to everyone else in these challenging times.

I found this helpful dispatch to share with others on public education and countermeasures to the SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 outbreak.

Link

COVID-19 — also referred to as Coronavirus disease in the media — is a strain of the virus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and is currently present in over 180 countries and territories.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which can infect both humans and animals. They can range from the common flu to more serious illnesses and in recent years have been the cause of major outbreaks like the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).

Compared to SARS, COVID-19 appears to be highly transmissible as most cases are mild and resemble a cold. The symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, fever and shortness of breath (more details are provided in the FAQ below).

If you would like to learn more, you can view an informational YouTube video from John Hopkins Medicine Linkhere, or visit the websites listed below.

The LinkWorld Health Organisation recommends the following:

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.


Source: World Health Organisation (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public.


Source: Maragakis, L. L. (2020). Coronavirus at a Glance: Infographic. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/coronavirus-facts-infographic.

In an uncertain period which may of us find ourselves in, it is understandable that we should seek out more information. It is important to note, however, that not everything we read online, hear from our friends, or gather from the grapevine will be true.

You should exercise responsible research habits and ensure that:
(1) the information is from a reputable organisation (such as a regional or national newspaper or your country's health authorities);
(2) the author is an authoritative source (i.e. they hold an advanced degree in public health, epidemiology, or a related field);
(3) or, in the case that they lack the proper credentials, you should do more research to verify their claims from more reliable sources before accepting their advice.

The following information is from the LinkWorld Health Organisation Myth buster webpage and has been reproduced here for your convenience. This selection of myths and facts are limited and it is recommended that you visit their Linksite for the full version.

Myth — COVID-19 virus cannot be transmitted in areas with hot and humid climates

Fact — From the evidence so far, the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in ALL AREAS, including areas with hot and humid weather. Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Myth — Cold weather and snow can kill the new coronavirus.

Fact — There is no reason to believe that cold weather can kill the new coronavirus or other diseases. The normal human body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the external temperature or weather. The most effective way to protect yourself against the new coronavirus is by frequently cleaning your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or washing them with soap and water.

Myth — Taking a hot bath will prevent the new coronavirus disease

Fact — Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. Your normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you. The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands. By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that coud occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose.

Myth — The new coronavirus can be transmitted through mosquito bites.

Fact — To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.

Myth — Hand dryers are effective in killing the new coronavirus.

Fact — No. Hand dryers are not effective in killing the 2019-nCoV. To protect yourself against the new coronavirus, you should frequently clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Once your hands are cleaned, you should dry them thoroughly by using paper towels or a warm air dryer.


Source: World Health Organisation (2020). Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters.

The following information is from the LinkWorld Health Organisation Q&A and has been reproduced here for your convenience. For a more exhaustive F&Q, please visit their Linkwebsite

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, dry cough, and tiredness. Other symptoms that are less common and may affect some patients include aches and pains, nasal congestion, headache, conjunctivitis, sore throat, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell or a rash on skin or discoloration of fingers or toes. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but only have very mild symptoms.

Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing hospital treatment. Around 1 out of every 5 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart and lung problems, diabetes, or cancer, are at higher risk of developing serious illness. However, anyone can catch COVID-19 and become seriously ill. People of all ages who experience fever and/or cough associated with difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure, or loss of speech or movement should seek medical attention immediately. If possible, it is recommended to call the health care provider or facility first, so the patient can be directed to the right clinic.

What should I do if I have COVID-19 symptoms and when should I seek medical care?

If you have minor symptoms, such as a slight cough or a mild fever, there is generally no need to seek medical care. Stay at home, self-isolate and monitor your symptoms. Follow national guidance on self-isolation.

However, if you live in an area with malaria or dengue fever it is important that you do not ignore symptoms of fever. Seek medical help. When you attend the health facility wear a mask if possible, keep at least 1 metre distance from other people and do not touch surfaces with your hands. If it is a child who is sick help the child stick to this advice.

Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing or pain/pressure in the chest. If possible, call your health care provider in advance, so he/she can direct you to the right health facility.

Should I wear a mask to protect myself?

Masks should be used as part of a comprehensive strategy of measures to suppress transmission and save lives; the use of a mask alone is not sufficient to provide an adequate level of protection against COVID-19. You should also maintain a minimum physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, frequently clean your hands and avoid touching your face and mask.

Medical masks can protect people wearing the mask from getting infected, as well as can prevent those who have symptoms from spreading them. WHO recommends the following groups use medical masks.

Health workers
Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, including people with mild symptoms
People caring for suspect or confirmed cases of COVID-19 outside of health facilities

Medical masks are also recommended for these at-risk people, when they are in areas of widespread transmission and they cannot guarantee a distance of at least 1 metre from others:

People aged 60 or over
People of any age with underlying health conditions

Non-medical, fabric masks are being used by many people in public areas, but there has been limited evidence on their effectiveness and WHO does not recommend their widespread use among the public for control of COVID-19. However, for areas of widespread transmission, with limited capacity for implementing control measures and especially in settings where physical distancing of at least 1 metre is not possible – such as on public transport, in shops or in other confined or crowded environments – WHO advises governments to encourage the general public to use non-medical fabric masks.

How can we protect others and ourselves if we don't know who is infected?

Practicing hand and respiratory hygiene is important at ALL times and is the best way to protect others and yourself.

When possible maintain at least a 1 meter distance between yourself and others. This is especially important if you are standing by someone who is coughing or sneezing. Since some infected persons may not yet be exhibiting symptoms or their symptoms may be mild, maintaining a physical distance with everyone is a good idea if you are in an area where COVID-19 is circulating.


Link

There are a number of country/region-specific websites listed below. This list is not exhaustive and if your country or region is not provided below, it is highly recommended that you independently search for it as it will contain useful information and guidance.

Australia LinkDepartment of Health
Austria LinkFederal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection
Canada LinkPublic Health Agency of Canada
Czech Republic LinkMinistry of Health
Denmark LinkMinistry of Health
European Union LinkEuropean Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Finland LinkMinistry of Social Affairs and Health
France LinkMinistry of Health
Germany LinkFederal Centre for Health Education | LinkRobert Koch Institute (federal government agency responsible for disease control and prevention) | LinkInformation index
Indonesia LinkMinistry of Health
Japan LinkMinistry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Malaysia LinkMinistry of Health
Singapore LinkMinistry of Health
South Korea LinkMinistry of Health and Welfare
Switzerland LinkFederal Office of Public Health
United Kingdom LinkNational Health Service
United States LinkCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

Additionally, there are numerous resources which are a good starting point if you wish to understand this pandemic better:

Academic Institutions & Medical Journals:
Elsevier LinkNovel Coronavirus Information Center
John Hopkins University LinkCenter for Systems Science and Engineering (COVID-19 tracking)
The Lancet LinkCOVID-19 Resource Centre
The New England Journal of Medicine LinkCOVID-19 webpage

International Organisations:
World Health Organisation ( LinkAdvisory Information | LinkOverview | LinkQuestion & Answer )

News Sources:
Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) (Australia) LinkCoverage on Coronavirus outbreak
BBC (United Kingdom) LinkCoronavirus pandemic explainers
Channel News Asia (Singapore) LinkLatest news on COVID-19
DW (Germany) LinkCOVID-19 news coverage
Foreign Affairs (United States) LinkCoverage of Coronavirus
France 24 (France) LinkCOVID-19 news coverage
Guardian (United Kingdom) LinkCOVID-19 news coverage
New York Times (United States) LinkCOVID-19 news coverage
South China Morning Post (Hong Kong) LinkCoverage on Coronavirus outbreak

Other [Note: Read with Caution as author(s) are not authoritative sources]:
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell LinkYouTube video 'The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do'
Tomas Pueyo LinkMedium opinion piece

If there are any resources you think should be added, please do feel free to telegram Amerion and it may be included in this dispatch.

--
An Informational Dispatch on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
--
Read dispatch

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