Technology Update
Embraer builds Brazilian trainer
Following the purchase contract signed with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) last year, Embraer has begun production of the Super Tucano, a new military trainer aircraft. The contract entails the production of 76 aircraft, with an option for another 23 units.
Super Tucano is powered by a 1600 shp FADEC-controlled turboprop. The aircraft also features a fourth-generation human-machine interface designed to minimize pilot workload through the optimization of all tasks (tracking, interception, surveillance, support, etc.). Featuring a state-of-the-art avionics system structured around a MIL-STD-1533 Databus Architecture, the following systems have been incorporated in the trainer:
- Full hands-on throttle and stick
- Laser INS with GPS navigation system
- Computerized attack modes (CCIP, CCRP, CCIL, etc.)
- HUD (head-up display) with UFCP (up-front control panel)
- Two 6 x 8-in. multifunction displays per pilot station (two-seater)
- Tactical V/UHF with provisions for datalinks
- Integrated radio communication and navigation
- Automatic pilot with embedded mission planning capability
- Forward-looking infrared.
For training purposes, Embraer has incorporated an innovative in-flight virtual simulation technology. This feature allows student pilots to improve their mission effectiveness, information management, and situational awareness skills, enabling them to prepare for the new operational scenarios ahead.
Because the Super Tucano's role may not be limited to training alone, Embraer has fitted the aircraft with systems designed to keep pace with the trend evolution taking place in its potential operations theaters. It incorporates features such as an environmental control system designed to ensure crew comfort, and an onboard oxygen-generating system. The aircraft also features Martin-Baker MK-10LCX Ejection Seats equipped with a three-mode ejection sequential device. Cockpit armoring was also provided to ensure crew safety during operational missions.
Embraer also designed the Super Tucano to handle a multitude of weapons— either smart or conventional. The aircraft can carry 3300 lb of external weapons positioned at five underwing and fuselage stations. Each underwing station features a SIU (Stores Interface Unit) that recognizes loaded armament and its status. The SIU is capable of performing several tasks such as armament selection and release control (bombs, rockets, machine guns, missiles) in addition to providing fuse status for remaining bombs and missiles.
In Brazil, the Super Tucano will operate in basic/early advance training missions, including weapons familiarization. The aircraft may also be used to fly (daytime or nighttime) border surveillance missions, pursuing and intercepting aerial targets and/or illegal activities. It is capable of receiving and transmitting data through its embedded, state-of-the-art datalink systems. Sensor images, including target data, are readily received or relayed to command and control stations on the ground or in the air, and to other combat aircraft in the operational theater.
- Frank Bokulich
UAV programs progress at Northrop Grumman
 The prototype Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical UAV was shipped to the Naval Air Warfare Center test range at China Lake, CA, where it will undergo preparations for first flight. |
Northrop Grumman Corp. is making significant progress in two of its UAV programs—the Pegasus and Fire Scout UAVs. The X-47A Pegasus team recently completed autonomous start and shutdown of its Pratt & Whitney JT15D engine in preparation for first flight, which is expected later in the year. Also making headway toward first flight is the company's Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing UAV, which has been recently transported from the company's El Segundo, CA, engineering facility to the Naval Air Warfare Center test range at China Lake, CA.
During recent tests of the X-47A's propulsion system, the air-vehicle's operator executed commands from inside the test control center at Northrop Grumman's facility in El Segundo that allowed the aircraft to autonomously sequence through the engine start series and come to idle. Test team engineers then confirmed subsystems and engine performance. Once satisfied that all systems were working as planned, the operator initiated an autonomous shutdown of the engine.
Funding the development program, Northrop Grumman is building the Pegasus UAV to demonstrate aerodynamic qualities suitable for autonomous operation from an aircraft carrier. The results will be used by the company's naval Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV-N) program for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Navy. The goal of the joint DARPA/Navy UCAV-N project is to demonstrate the technical feasibility for an unmanned system to effectively and affordably conduct sea-based surveillance, strike, and suppression of enemy air defenses missions within the emerging global command and control architecture.
Also under development for the U.S. Navy is the RQ-8A Fire Scout vertical takeoff and landing tactical UAV. The Fire Scout will fly at an altitude of up to 20,000 ft and use an advanced payload with an electro-optical/infrared sensor and a laser designator to survey littoral regions with pinpoint accuracy, giving military decision-makers the latest information about enemy resources and personnel on the ground. Equipped with a fully autonomous targeting and surveillance system, the Fire Scout will be able to fly quietly above deployed Marines to watch for hidden enemies within 100 nmi. The system will then direct Navy and Marine weapons accurately to the target using a laser designator.
The first Fire Scout system was designed to respond to the U.S. Marine Corps requirements and will include three unmanned air vehicles, two ground control stations, a datalink suite, and modular mission payloads. The system has also entered low-rate initial production for the U.S. Navy.
- Frank Bokulich
