The AH21/B, codename "Seth", is the latest version of the ATH21/A "Khamsin". Both designs are based on two grand designs. The very first concept model is from the mechanical designer Shōji Kawamori, a Japanese anime creator, screenwriter and mechanical designer. His helicopter is known as the "AFH-02B Hellhound", which have his own role in the "Patlabor 2" movie. Second design is made by the digital artist Talros (Daniel Graffenberger), who gives the Hellhound a more modern look in his Patlabor tribute painting.
I have to thank these two artist again. They inspire me and push me forward to do this rework project.
Both helicopter models have its own assets and drawbacks. The original design have a very advantageous feature. It can fold the wings and rotorblades. That enables a transport in a special cargo container. The clearly viewable armament speaks for itself.
The Hellhound is a great looking design, but it have a few disadvantages and want to correct them and add improvements and upgrades. The obvious changes are the switch from a NOTAR-System to a Koaxial-Rotor. Why? Because you cannot autorotate with NOTAR Systems. Military Helicopter need this ability. Other changes: more hardpoints for armament, counter-measures, revolver-cannon, Low-Air-Speed-Data-Sensor, the engines, fuel-probe, real working landing gear, Cockpit etc...
I rebuild over 90% of the old model. That was necessary to give the whole model a more realistic look and a good clue to work with the right dimensions. More details in the discription.
Discription
The AH21/B, codename "SETH", is the latest version of the ATH21/A "Khamsin". The typename was changed, in consequence of the grown task profile, from a Anti Tank Helicopter, to a Attack Helicopter, which also fits his role for CP (Close Protection), CCA (Close Combat Attack) and LTPS (Long Term Patrol or Standby).
ASDS modified the frame to reduce the weight and improve the resistance through centrifugal forces during flight. Critical spots, like the new modular cockpit section, fuel tanks, main gear and engines, were reinforced with armor plates and special ballistic plastics. The MCS (Modular Cockpit Section) have a new armored frame. The windshields itself, resists projectiles up to 20mm and is vacuum-metalized with a nano-regulated amorphous alloy, that protects the pilot and weapon operator from a variety of laser beams and dazzle effects.
ANTARES equipped the SETH with a huge band width of counter measures and sensor phalanx. Active jammers, stealth hull protective-coating to reduce a successful radar lock on, CFES (Chaff/Flare-Ejector System) and six RALB-Detector Prism (Radar and Laser Beam). Two EEU (Electronic Eye Units) gives Pilot and Weapon Operator a 360° view around the helicopter. The ARRG (Active Radar Recon Gear) can be used to identify targets control non-autonomous guided Air to Air/Air to Ground-Missiles. ASDS added a new HSDM (Heat-Signature-Distortion-Module) at the engine exhaust.
ASDS also give the Bravo version new increased-power rated engines. This step was necessary to compensate deficits while using the CDFU (Cyclone Dust Filter Unit) or during high altitude missions. Nevertheless, the engines have enough power to transmit into the main gear, that drives the Coaxial-Rotor with all six SSP-Blades (Sub- and Supersonic Profile). Using a HiRCoR (High Rotation Speed Coaxial Rotor) was a courageous step, because of the high maintenance effort, but it also gives the SETH a unreached maneuverability for this helicopter class, very high takeoff weight and speed in each direction.
All high power-reserves have a price. To prevent the SETH getting out of fuel during longer operations or ferry flights, the helicopter is equipped with a fuel probe to dock on tankers. In addition to that, the ground crew can optionally mount one or two tanks instead of a effector pack at the inner hard points.
The AH21/B can carry and manage (without the main cannon) six, independent from each other, effector packs.
Available effector packs are MAAS-Dragonfly (2x per mounting bracket), 75mm MPR (38x per mounting bracket), MP-AA/AG-Swarmer (16x per mounting bracket), AG/AT-Missile (5x per mounting bracket).
Softwaremods at the MFCU (Main-Fire-control-Unit) allowing to use other effector packs
ASDS and ANTARES replaced the old 30mm rotary cannon through a new select-fire, dual-feed, 30mm Revolver Cannon (AtGRC30). That allows the Weapon-Operator to use two different ammunition types. Overall, the cannon is technically caused, lighter, service reduced and more accurate.
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