Unit model previews: Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles (UCAV)

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Now every unit in the release game is added to the unit database, with two exceptions: A US and a Russian Combat UAV.

Mikoyan have been creating the concept Skat, and the personnel and experience is apparently handed over to Sukhoi to create a UCAV. Obviously, we don't know its name and exact capabilities, but we definitely want UCAVs in the game, and we're making a small exception to our "real world" principle to make a best guess estimate for what the Sukhoi UCAV will be.


We simply couldn't pass off the chance to include this cool model!


Northrop Grumman has in the same way developed an X-47 Pegasus prototype (X-47B is the naval model). Like its Russian counterpart, it has undoubtedly kept UFO watchers busy for the last few years, with its futuristic stealth look. Both can carry around 2,000 kg of weapons in internal bays.



So what weapons do you expect to see in these aircraft?

I can see Maverick, JSOW, JDAM as obvious strike options for the Pegasus. Maybe also JSM, since this is a naval game.

The Sukhoi 'Skat' may be able to carry Kh-29 'Kedge', Kh-35 'Kayak' or similar.

Could they be fitted with powerful AA missiles like AMRAAM and R-73, or would they be purely for surface strike/land attack?

I would also like to know what you guys think they can fit in the sensors outfit. A good ASEA radar should be compulsory. Would there be room for something like a cut-down APG-81 Radar or Irbis-E in these 10-12 meter vehicles? Obviously they will want a good IR sensor as well.

 

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I almost thought you were including the Taranis for a second! That top model looks an awful lot like it at first glance.

 

[DrRansom]

Did you switch the pictures? The first one looks like the X-47B http://www.as.northropgrumman.com/products/nucasx47b/assets/UCAS_gear_up2.jpg

As for the payload, if I had to guess the payloads would take the following forms.

1) Pair of bombs / missiles
2) Use the bomb bay to carry a surface / air search radar. Perhaps the Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Platform_Radar_Technology_Insertion_Program
3) Passive video and ELINT package.

I suspect the basic sensor package will be fairly rudimentary, because of the power requirements. It will carry enough sensors to do a basic attack. Then, they can be loaded up with much more advanced sensors for specific recon missions. As for AAMs, that requires a large leap of the imagination, but if you want to go 20 years, technology-wise, into the future, you can have them use AAMs, perhaps under the control of a nearby fighter or as a pre-programmed hunter killer.

I have a question about UCAVs, will you add in the ability to track them if the user is issuing commands? That could give a fun way of replicating the problem of data-links and ELINT. And it would encourage the player to treat them as more autonomous aircraft instead of something which they can directly control. (Which helps differentiate between the UCAV and a fighter).

 

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DrRansom,

We didn't switch the pictures, but yes, they are very similar. See pics of the Skat e.g. here.

I have a question about UCAVs, will you add in the ability to track them if the user is issuing commands? That could give a fun way of replicating the problem of data-links and ELINT. And it would encourage the player to treat them as more autonomous aircraft instead of something which they can directly control. (Which helps differentiate between the UCAV and a fighter).

It's an interesting idea, but we don't currently track emissions related to communications, ie player orders. Hmm. We'll see.

 

[Robinsa]

Wouldnt it be cool if the player could decide if he wanted the platform to act as a strike drone or a UAV before depoying it? I.e. you pick the set up for the mission you want to accomplish. In 2030 its possible that these units will carry some sort of AA but I doubt their main use will be anything else than ground/naval strikes so not including it would be fine imo.

 

[imperialman]

I'm modding in a Taranis variant for the UK! The Russian UCAV looks remarkably like it.

 

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I'm modding in a Taranis variant for the UK! The Russian UCAV looks remarkably like it.

It does. So what would you have the Taranis UCAv carry?

Still getting a laugh from that name. I am a big fan of Asterix, and whenever the Gauls were upset they cried "By Toutatis!" and "By Taranis!"

 

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It does. So what would you have the Taranis UCAv carry?

Still getting a laugh from that name. I am a big fan of Asterix, and whenever the Gauls were upset they cried "By Toutatis!" and "By Taranis!"

The prototype has a maximum takeoff weight of about 8,000 kilograms or so I think. Which is similar to the BAE Hawk. Its got two internal weapon bays. Sidewinders? A couple of Sea Eagles?

 

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Honestly, I'm not familiar with UCAV's tactic and strategy. What ship will carry this. What it is going to be used for? How is it going to be different from usual planes on carriers?

 

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Honestly, I'm not familiar with UCAV's tactic and strategy. What ship will carry this. What it is going to be used for? How is it going to be different from usual planes on carriers?

Honestly, in a game it is not as crucial as in real life, as you're never risking real pilots' lives when you play a game anyway. Neither do we bother very much with things like humans needing rest and such.

However, an aircraft design that can drop the cockpit and other life support systems can achieve a much better combination of stealth/size/payload/range than a manned aircraft. Also, carriers will be able to carry more of them, since they are smaller.

Most importantly, however, they look awesome

 

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The prototype has a maximum takeoff weight of about 8,000 kilograms or so I think. Which is similar to the BAE Hawk. Its got two internal weapon bays. Sidewinders? A couple of Sea Eagles?

Sounds good. I may (may!) manage to add it to the database before launch, since we don't have to create a model for it.

 

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Yay.

 

[ikalugin]

SKAT program is canceled, but there are numerous and very secretive programs ongoing. Kh29 is a bad selection for this aircraft, optimum would be Kh38 and Kab 250.

 

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We'll look into the Kh-38. Sounds like a good plan.

 

[ikalugin]

We'll look into the Kh-38. Sounds like a good plan.

Unlike Kh29 it can be used internaly, has datalink and many fun warheads/seakers. Ofcause it is a good plan.

 

[DrRansom]

JanH,

What did you think about my idea of allowing either a Recon or a Weapon payload?

As for the comms giving away location, not to toot my own horn, but that should help distinguish more between UCAVs and fighters. It will help get the balance between the UCAV's presumed excellent stealth and its unwieldiness correct.

 

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DrRansom,

The game's data model doesn't support sensors as part of the payload. Yes, silly I know, but we're not going to fix that before later. So it's a good idea, but impractical right now

UAV comms increasing ESM: Sure, a good idea, too, but we have to postpone that idea for later, too. To be honest, the same applies to manned units, as sometimes orders come from somewhere else. Like, from you