Multi-purpose combat aircraft Mwari (South Africa / USA)
Many states of the world, choosing new military equipment for their army, are forced to focus primarily on the cost of the proposed models. In addition, it does not always make sense to buy equipment with the highest characteristics, excessive to solve the tasks assigned to the army. Due to the existence of such needs and requirements in recent decades, many projects have been created, including aviation technicians. One of the latest attempts to create a cheap multipurpose aircraft capable of solving certain combat missions is the Mwari project.
The Mwari light multipurpose combat aircraft project (“Mvari” - the creator of the deity of the world in the mythology of the people of Shona) was recently developed by Paramount Group (South Africa) in collaboration with the firms Aerosud Group (South Africa) and Boeing (USA). The aim of the project was the processing of an already created aircraft, after which it could be used as a scout or attack aircraft. It was proposed to adapt the existing structure to the solution of new tasks by improving the complex of onboard equipment, expanding the range of ammunition, etc. Glider and power plant could remain the same.
Experienced mwari in flight
As a basis for the aircraft Mwari was taken glider, previously created in the framework of the project AHRLAC (Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft - "Improved high-performance light reconnaissance aircraft"). This project has been created by Paramount Group and Aerosud Group since the end of the last decade. In the summer of 2014, the first prototype was built and put to test. In August, he first took to the air. Characteristic features of the project AHRLAC was the use of the airframe of the original design, which can improve the basic flight characteristics and ensure the effective use of the target equipment. Already in the project AHRLAC envisaged the possibility of not only conducting intelligence, but also carrying weapons to attack various objects.
In September 2014, Paramount Group and Boeing signed an agreement whereby the further development of the existing project was to continue as part of international cooperation. According to reports, the American company had to take over some of the work to improve the on-board equipment and weapon systems. Teamwork gave some results. In addition, they were decided to continue in the future. In May 2016, the terms of cooperation were updated: now the two project participants intend to create an improved version of the on-board electronics complex with enhanced characteristics.
Also in May last year, the developers announced the existence of the project AHRLAC Mwari and announced some information about it. Soon the first prototype was built, which was later put to the test. To date, most of the tests have been completed, which allowed development companies to make plans for the future and begin work on the promotion of technology on the domestic and international market for military equipment.
22 February, it was announced that the company Paramount Group began assembling the first production aircraft of a new type. In the very near future, this technique can be transferred to customers. Reportedly, during serial production, the planned financial aspects of the project were preserved. The aircraft in the base configuration will cost the customer in 10 million US dollars. For equipment in the most complete set will have to pay twice as much. Despite this, the proposed multi-purpose aircraft can claim to be one of the cheapest military vehicles of its class in the world.
Perhaps the main factor that made it possible to reduce the cost of equipment was the correct approach to shaping the look of the aircraft. The company-developer at the stage of creating the basic project AHRLAC identified the needs and desires of potential customers, which should be taken into account when shaping the appearance of technology. Small and poor states of Africa, South America, etc., first of all, need light multipurpose aircraft capable of conducting reconnaissance in specified areas, as well as attack detected targets using guided and unguided aviation weapons. An important feature of such technology should be small size and take-off weight, as well as reduced requirements for landing sites.
Prototype reconnaissance aircraft AHRLAC
To obtain the required flight data, it was proposed to use a glider of unusual design. The reconnaissance aircraft AHRLAC and its combat modification Mwari are high-winged with a small reverse sweep wing and a two-gang fuselage. Between the beams is placed a pushing propeller. Another characteristic feature associated with the need to reduce the size and weight, is a relatively large cabin, which occupies the maximum possible volume of the forward fuselage.
One of the main units of the Mwari aircraft is the fuselage that accommodates the cockpit, powerplant and most of the special equipment. The fuselage received a recognizable shape, reminiscent of the design of some combat helicopters. The relatively narrow fuselage has rounded upper and lower parts when using vertical sides. The rounded nose fairing of the fuselage is equipped with a forward support for the opto-electronic equipment unit. Behind the fairing, the fuselage height is increased, giving the required volume to accommodate the crew. There is a large lantern, completely closing the double cabin. Behind the rear of the cabin, the height of the fuselage is slightly reduced. There are also mounting for mounting the wing and engine.
The aircraft received a wing with a small negative sweep of the leading and trailing edges. Such features of the wing can significantly improve its characteristics without the risk of the manifestation of the characteristic flaws of negative sweep. The width of the wing does not change along the entire length, but to increase the area and change the characteristics it is proposed to use flaps extending beyond the rear edge. Ailerons are located near the wingtips.
At some distance from the fuselage on the wing, two beams are attached, which are necessary for installing the tail unit. Beams have a reduced cross section. At the tail end of the beams horizontal tail is placed in the form of a large stabilizer with a rudder that occupies all the space between them. At the top of each beam, the keel is to be installed with a swept leading edge. A trapezoid-shaped comb is placed on the beam below.
The Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-66B hp 850 hp turbo-prop engine was placed in the rear fuselage, directly behind the cockpit. The engine is mounted in the upper part of the fuselage so that the upper part of the skin smoothly mates with the screw of the screw. The shaft of the screw is located slightly below the tail beams. The engine can be equipped with a pushing engine with four or five blades. The flow of atmospheric air to the engine is carried out using two intake devices. Air intakes are located on the sides of the fuselage under the wing; fence devices are covered with long fairings.
The aircraft has a three-point wheeled chassis. Racks are equipped with wheels of different diameters and have drives for cleaning. The nose rack is located at the front of the cabin, the main - in the tail of the fuselage. The front desk is retracted into the fuselage niche, whereas for the main ones it was necessary to provide for large drop-shaped fairings on the sides. The design of the racks and wheels allows the use of unprepared or partially prepared runways. It also provides for the replacement of standard wheels with similar devices of increased dimensions, performing the functions of floats.
Mwari must be managed by a two-man crew. Both pilots are placed in a tandem cabin and protected by a common lantern. Equipment jobs pilots are chosen in accordance with the concept of the so-called. glass cabin. There is a set of multifunctional liquid crystal displays and other equipment that meets modern requirements. In the basic configuration of the aircraft, pilots are invited to escape using parachutes, leaving the car on their own. At the request of the customer, the aircraft can be equipped with ejection seat type Martin Baker Mk16 or Mk17.
Before launching the project AHRLAC was proposed to equip the aircraft with suspended containers with equipment of the required types. This allowed for reconnaissance using radio engineering, optical-electronic or other means. The Mwari aircraft, as conceived by the authors of the project, was to receive some integrated onboard systems. The most noticeable element of the special equipment was the optoelectronic unit. A rotary device with a spherical fairing suspended under it was placed on the support of the nose fairing. In accordance with the requirements of time, the unit is equipped with a camera, thermal imager and laser range finder. This equipment can be used both for reconnaissance and for the use of weapons.
Despite the installation of its own surveillance facilities, the Mwari project still retains the ability to use outboard containers for one purpose or another. Such equipment can be used when it is necessary to conduct reconnaissance or to improve the potential of an aircraft to search for targets during strike operations.
The Mwari aircraft's own armament consists of one 20 mm automatic cannon, located inside the forward fuselage. At the customer's request, a 30 mm weapon can be used. All other weapons are proposed to be carried on six external suspension units located under the wing. The aircraft can carry up to 800 kg of various weapons. Blocks with unguided rockets, guided and free-fall bombs. The range of compatible munitions may include a variety of aviation weapons for various purposes, which allows selecting a combat load that most fully corresponds to the flight objectives.
The use of the finished airframe, which is being developed in accordance with the new objectives of the project, led to the fact that in terms of size and weight, the new Mwari aircraft looks like the base AHRLAC. The length of the vehicle is 10,5 m, the wingspan is 12 m. The maximum height (parked) is 4 m. The aircraft is notable for its high weight perfection. The maximum take-off weight is 3,8 t, of which 800 kg is in service.
One of the objectives of the project AHRLAC / Mwari was to increase flight data to simplify operation in various conditions. Due to the large backward-swept wing, the aircraft can fly from sites not exceeding 550 m in length. The maximum speed in horizontal flight is 500 km / h. The ceiling is defined in 9,45 km. The maximum flight range is set at 2130 km. In the future, this parameter is expected to reach 3700 km. The efficiency of the engine and long range allow the technology not only to reach the specified areas, but also to carry out patrols for a long time.
In the existing configuration, the Mwari multi-purpose aircraft can be used in various operations in order to perform certain actions. High take-off and landing characteristics seriously expand the scope of application of technology, increasing the number of aerodromes that can be used. The available flight data makes it possible to go relatively quickly to the area of combat work and remain there for some time. Such opportunities can be used both in the interests of intelligence and for a long presence in the area with the aim of fire support of ground units.
Mwari is a modern complex of optical-electronic equipment developed by the American company Boeing. This equipment can be used to monitor the terrain for reconnaissance purposes, as well as during the use of weapons. At the same time, an important feature of the new project is the preserved compatibility with outboard containers, which was present at the base reconnaissance aircraft. Thus, a new vehicle can become a scout with improved capabilities or use existing weapons more efficiently, even if at the cost of reducing ammunition.
The ability to carry a variety of guided and unguided weapons allows the operator to select the optimal ammunition in accordance with the goals. This fact, combined with the characteristic flight data, can make the Mwari aircraft a convenient means for participation in low-intensity conflicts, while the use of such technology in full-scale wars can be associated with a number of problems. In the case of counterguerrilla or other similar operations, search and destruction of representatives of armed formations, including those hiding with the use of any camouflage, is provided.
The low cost and certain potential in the context of counterguerrilla operations can make the new aircraft interesting for various developing countries. The need for such a technique exists in a number of South American and African states. In addition, due to financial constraints, other customers from other regions may also be interested in Mwari aircraft. The ability to adapt technology to customer requirements to a certain extent increases this potential development.
Last year, the Paramount Group and Boeing built and then put to test the first prototype of a promising multi-purpose combat aircraft. To date, all required tests have been completed, which allowed to proceed to the preparation of mass production. A few days ago, it was announced the start of assembly of serial machines. Due to this, potential customers can get new equipment in the near future. Information on signed contracts is not yet available, but news about the launch of mass production can say that such agreements already exist.
Relatively cheap multipurpose aircraft capable of solving reconnaissance missions and delivering strikes against ground targets are of great interest to many countries, which has already led to the emergence of a number of similar projects. Not so long ago, a new model of such an aircraft appeared on the international market, quite capable of regaining its place under the sun. The use of our own developments and the assistance of the American defense industry allowed South Africa to create a rather interesting sample of equipment that has all the chances to become the subject of new contracts. Whether the Mwari aircraft will be able to interest buyers, who exactly wants to buy such equipment, and what will be the volumes of its production - time will tell. Nevertheless, the project developers have every reason to look into the future with optimism.
On the materials of the sites:
http://paramountgroup.com/
http://airforce-technology.com/
http://militaryfactory.com/
http://warspot.ru/
The Mwari light multipurpose combat aircraft project (“Mvari” - the creator of the deity of the world in the mythology of the people of Shona) was recently developed by Paramount Group (South Africa) in collaboration with the firms Aerosud Group (South Africa) and Boeing (USA). The aim of the project was the processing of an already created aircraft, after which it could be used as a scout or attack aircraft. It was proposed to adapt the existing structure to the solution of new tasks by improving the complex of onboard equipment, expanding the range of ammunition, etc. Glider and power plant could remain the same.
Experienced mwari in flight
As a basis for the aircraft Mwari was taken glider, previously created in the framework of the project AHRLAC (Advanced High Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft - "Improved high-performance light reconnaissance aircraft"). This project has been created by Paramount Group and Aerosud Group since the end of the last decade. In the summer of 2014, the first prototype was built and put to test. In August, he first took to the air. Characteristic features of the project AHRLAC was the use of the airframe of the original design, which can improve the basic flight characteristics and ensure the effective use of the target equipment. Already in the project AHRLAC envisaged the possibility of not only conducting intelligence, but also carrying weapons to attack various objects.
In September 2014, Paramount Group and Boeing signed an agreement whereby the further development of the existing project was to continue as part of international cooperation. According to reports, the American company had to take over some of the work to improve the on-board equipment and weapon systems. Teamwork gave some results. In addition, they were decided to continue in the future. In May 2016, the terms of cooperation were updated: now the two project participants intend to create an improved version of the on-board electronics complex with enhanced characteristics.
Also in May last year, the developers announced the existence of the project AHRLAC Mwari and announced some information about it. Soon the first prototype was built, which was later put to the test. To date, most of the tests have been completed, which allowed development companies to make plans for the future and begin work on the promotion of technology on the domestic and international market for military equipment.
22 February, it was announced that the company Paramount Group began assembling the first production aircraft of a new type. In the very near future, this technique can be transferred to customers. Reportedly, during serial production, the planned financial aspects of the project were preserved. The aircraft in the base configuration will cost the customer in 10 million US dollars. For equipment in the most complete set will have to pay twice as much. Despite this, the proposed multi-purpose aircraft can claim to be one of the cheapest military vehicles of its class in the world.
Perhaps the main factor that made it possible to reduce the cost of equipment was the correct approach to shaping the look of the aircraft. The company-developer at the stage of creating the basic project AHRLAC identified the needs and desires of potential customers, which should be taken into account when shaping the appearance of technology. Small and poor states of Africa, South America, etc., first of all, need light multipurpose aircraft capable of conducting reconnaissance in specified areas, as well as attack detected targets using guided and unguided aviation weapons. An important feature of such technology should be small size and take-off weight, as well as reduced requirements for landing sites.
Prototype reconnaissance aircraft AHRLAC
To obtain the required flight data, it was proposed to use a glider of unusual design. The reconnaissance aircraft AHRLAC and its combat modification Mwari are high-winged with a small reverse sweep wing and a two-gang fuselage. Between the beams is placed a pushing propeller. Another characteristic feature associated with the need to reduce the size and weight, is a relatively large cabin, which occupies the maximum possible volume of the forward fuselage.
One of the main units of the Mwari aircraft is the fuselage that accommodates the cockpit, powerplant and most of the special equipment. The fuselage received a recognizable shape, reminiscent of the design of some combat helicopters. The relatively narrow fuselage has rounded upper and lower parts when using vertical sides. The rounded nose fairing of the fuselage is equipped with a forward support for the opto-electronic equipment unit. Behind the fairing, the fuselage height is increased, giving the required volume to accommodate the crew. There is a large lantern, completely closing the double cabin. Behind the rear of the cabin, the height of the fuselage is slightly reduced. There are also mounting for mounting the wing and engine.
The aircraft received a wing with a small negative sweep of the leading and trailing edges. Such features of the wing can significantly improve its characteristics without the risk of the manifestation of the characteristic flaws of negative sweep. The width of the wing does not change along the entire length, but to increase the area and change the characteristics it is proposed to use flaps extending beyond the rear edge. Ailerons are located near the wingtips.
At some distance from the fuselage on the wing, two beams are attached, which are necessary for installing the tail unit. Beams have a reduced cross section. At the tail end of the beams horizontal tail is placed in the form of a large stabilizer with a rudder that occupies all the space between them. At the top of each beam, the keel is to be installed with a swept leading edge. A trapezoid-shaped comb is placed on the beam below.
The Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6A-66B hp 850 hp turbo-prop engine was placed in the rear fuselage, directly behind the cockpit. The engine is mounted in the upper part of the fuselage so that the upper part of the skin smoothly mates with the screw of the screw. The shaft of the screw is located slightly below the tail beams. The engine can be equipped with a pushing engine with four or five blades. The flow of atmospheric air to the engine is carried out using two intake devices. Air intakes are located on the sides of the fuselage under the wing; fence devices are covered with long fairings.
The aircraft has a three-point wheeled chassis. Racks are equipped with wheels of different diameters and have drives for cleaning. The nose rack is located at the front of the cabin, the main - in the tail of the fuselage. The front desk is retracted into the fuselage niche, whereas for the main ones it was necessary to provide for large drop-shaped fairings on the sides. The design of the racks and wheels allows the use of unprepared or partially prepared runways. It also provides for the replacement of standard wheels with similar devices of increased dimensions, performing the functions of floats.
Mwari must be managed by a two-man crew. Both pilots are placed in a tandem cabin and protected by a common lantern. Equipment jobs pilots are chosen in accordance with the concept of the so-called. glass cabin. There is a set of multifunctional liquid crystal displays and other equipment that meets modern requirements. In the basic configuration of the aircraft, pilots are invited to escape using parachutes, leaving the car on their own. At the request of the customer, the aircraft can be equipped with ejection seat type Martin Baker Mk16 or Mk17.
Before launching the project AHRLAC was proposed to equip the aircraft with suspended containers with equipment of the required types. This allowed for reconnaissance using radio engineering, optical-electronic or other means. The Mwari aircraft, as conceived by the authors of the project, was to receive some integrated onboard systems. The most noticeable element of the special equipment was the optoelectronic unit. A rotary device with a spherical fairing suspended under it was placed on the support of the nose fairing. In accordance with the requirements of time, the unit is equipped with a camera, thermal imager and laser range finder. This equipment can be used both for reconnaissance and for the use of weapons.
Despite the installation of its own surveillance facilities, the Mwari project still retains the ability to use outboard containers for one purpose or another. Such equipment can be used when it is necessary to conduct reconnaissance or to improve the potential of an aircraft to search for targets during strike operations.
The Mwari aircraft's own armament consists of one 20 mm automatic cannon, located inside the forward fuselage. At the customer's request, a 30 mm weapon can be used. All other weapons are proposed to be carried on six external suspension units located under the wing. The aircraft can carry up to 800 kg of various weapons. Blocks with unguided rockets, guided and free-fall bombs. The range of compatible munitions may include a variety of aviation weapons for various purposes, which allows selecting a combat load that most fully corresponds to the flight objectives.
The use of the finished airframe, which is being developed in accordance with the new objectives of the project, led to the fact that in terms of size and weight, the new Mwari aircraft looks like the base AHRLAC. The length of the vehicle is 10,5 m, the wingspan is 12 m. The maximum height (parked) is 4 m. The aircraft is notable for its high weight perfection. The maximum take-off weight is 3,8 t, of which 800 kg is in service.
One of the objectives of the project AHRLAC / Mwari was to increase flight data to simplify operation in various conditions. Due to the large backward-swept wing, the aircraft can fly from sites not exceeding 550 m in length. The maximum speed in horizontal flight is 500 km / h. The ceiling is defined in 9,45 km. The maximum flight range is set at 2130 km. In the future, this parameter is expected to reach 3700 km. The efficiency of the engine and long range allow the technology not only to reach the specified areas, but also to carry out patrols for a long time.
In the existing configuration, the Mwari multi-purpose aircraft can be used in various operations in order to perform certain actions. High take-off and landing characteristics seriously expand the scope of application of technology, increasing the number of aerodromes that can be used. The available flight data makes it possible to go relatively quickly to the area of combat work and remain there for some time. Such opportunities can be used both in the interests of intelligence and for a long presence in the area with the aim of fire support of ground units.
Mwari is a modern complex of optical-electronic equipment developed by the American company Boeing. This equipment can be used to monitor the terrain for reconnaissance purposes, as well as during the use of weapons. At the same time, an important feature of the new project is the preserved compatibility with outboard containers, which was present at the base reconnaissance aircraft. Thus, a new vehicle can become a scout with improved capabilities or use existing weapons more efficiently, even if at the cost of reducing ammunition.
The ability to carry a variety of guided and unguided weapons allows the operator to select the optimal ammunition in accordance with the goals. This fact, combined with the characteristic flight data, can make the Mwari aircraft a convenient means for participation in low-intensity conflicts, while the use of such technology in full-scale wars can be associated with a number of problems. In the case of counterguerrilla or other similar operations, search and destruction of representatives of armed formations, including those hiding with the use of any camouflage, is provided.
The low cost and certain potential in the context of counterguerrilla operations can make the new aircraft interesting for various developing countries. The need for such a technique exists in a number of South American and African states. In addition, due to financial constraints, other customers from other regions may also be interested in Mwari aircraft. The ability to adapt technology to customer requirements to a certain extent increases this potential development.
Last year, the Paramount Group and Boeing built and then put to test the first prototype of a promising multi-purpose combat aircraft. To date, all required tests have been completed, which allowed to proceed to the preparation of mass production. A few days ago, it was announced the start of assembly of serial machines. Due to this, potential customers can get new equipment in the near future. Information on signed contracts is not yet available, but news about the launch of mass production can say that such agreements already exist.
Relatively cheap multipurpose aircraft capable of solving reconnaissance missions and delivering strikes against ground targets are of great interest to many countries, which has already led to the emergence of a number of similar projects. Not so long ago, a new model of such an aircraft appeared on the international market, quite capable of regaining its place under the sun. The use of our own developments and the assistance of the American defense industry allowed South Africa to create a rather interesting sample of equipment that has all the chances to become the subject of new contracts. Whether the Mwari aircraft will be able to interest buyers, who exactly wants to buy such equipment, and what will be the volumes of its production - time will tell. Nevertheless, the project developers have every reason to look into the future with optimism.
On the materials of the sites:
http://paramountgroup.com/
http://airforce-technology.com/
http://militaryfactory.com/
http://warspot.ru/
Information