AV-28 Wraith
Marine Corps AV-28 Wraiths in flight.
AV-28 'Wraith'
The AV-28 Wraith was designed by Phoenix Dynamix to replace the A-4X Skyhawk II and the AV-8B Harrier II in the Navy and Marines of The Phoenix Milita. It is a two seat, two engine combat aircraft capable of extremely short take off and vertical landing(ESTOVL). It features an ample weapons bay, with room for up to (6) Maverick missiles, (12) Rockeye cluster bombs, (4) 1,000lb JDAM Bombs, (2) MK84 2,000lb "dumb" bombs or (2) GBU-LGB 2,000lb laser-guided bombs. It also can carry additional weapons on its wings. The innermost four hardpoints can support Mavericks, Rockeyes, small bombs or hydra rocket packs. They can also carry packs of two AIM-92 Stinger or [AIM]SA-29 missiles (for the anti-helicopter role) or a single AIM-120 AMRAAM (for anti-fighter). The outer two wing pylons can hold two AIM-9X Sidewinders or AIM-132 ASRAAMs (for the general anti-aircraft role and self-defense). Despite its large weapons bay and numerous wing pylons, the centerpiece of the Wraith's armament is its specially designed, 30mm, three barreled, semi-retractable, combination rotary cannon. Once the cannon is extended, it can pivot downward a total 15 degrees, left or right 9 degrees and up 2 degrees. This allows for pinpoint targeting of both ground and air targets, even while the aircraft is moving and maneuvering quickly. When the cannon is extended, control is automatically given to the weapons system operator/gunner. If the crew so chooses it can be relinquished to the pilot but it is difficult to independently aim the cannon and fly the aircraft at the same time. This is not true however when the cannon retracts into the fuselage. Only one of the three barrels protrudes at this point and the weapon loses 98% of its pivoting ability. Retracting the cannon gives control to the pilot and reduces the thermal signature and radar cross section of the aircraft. It also make strafing and air-to-air engagements with the 30mm cannon easier for the pilot. A small fin retracts and extends with the cannon, making sure air vortices do not disrupt the thrust vectoring and handling of the aircraft
History
The F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter was not considered capable enough in the ground attack and close air support role that was needed and so The Phoenix Milita stretched its fleet of aging Harriers and Skyhawks to the limit, replacing worn engines and upgrading avionics. Once the AV-28 Wraith went into production the Harrier was immediately withdrawn from service, even though enough AV-28s had not yet been produced to replace all of them.
Specifications
- Power Plant: (2) PD J-222-P-102D afterburning turbofan engines with 4 vectoring exhaust ports.
- Service Ceiling: 52,000 feet
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.4+
- Cruising Speed: Mach 1.8 (fully loaded)
Weapons
- (1) 30mm Semi-Retractable 3 Barrel Gatling Gun
- (6) Maverick\Harpoon Missiles or (12) Rockeye Cluster bombs or (4)1,000lb JDAM or (2)MK84 2,000lb bomb or (2) GBU-LGB 2,000lb in bay
- (2) AIM-9X Sidewinder or AIM-132 ASRAAM on end of wings
- (4) AGM-65 Maverick or (8)FIM-92 Stinger (in quad launchers) or (4) 2.75 inch HYDRA rocket pods w/18 rckts each or (4) AIM-120 under wings
Counter Measures
- 32 RR-129A/AL Chaff Countermeasures
- 36 MJU-51/B Advanced Infrared Flare
- AN/AAQ-24 DIRCM pod
- AN/ALQ-178 ECM pod
- ALR-56C Radar Warning Receiver
|
Aircraft: |
