Javelin C-19 Ironhorse
| Javelin C-19 Ironhorse | |
| Type | VTOL transport |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |
 Nouvelle Alexandrie |
| Introduced | 1748 AN |
| Number built | 12 (initial production batch) |
| First flight | 1747 AN |
| Manufacturer | Javelin Industries |
| Unit cost | €48 million (1748 AN) |
| Length | 19.8 m |
| Wingspan | 22.4 m |
| Height | 6.7 m |
| Empty weight | 13,000 kg |
| Maximum takeoff weight | 31,500 kg |
| Powerplant | 2 x Javelin Industries J96 Turbofan engines |
| Maximum speed | 450 km/h |
| Cruise speed | 380 km/h |
| Range | 2,400 km (standard load) |
| Service ceiling | 7,600 m |
| Payload capacity | 15,000 kg or 40 troops |
| Crew | 3 (pilot, co-pilot, loadmaster) |
The Javelin C-19 Ironhorse is a twin-engine VTOL medium transport aircraft manufactured by Javelin Industries for the Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The aircraft entered initial operational capability with the Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie in 1748 AN as part of the comprehensive Force 1752 modernization initiative.
Design and development
Development of the C-19 Ironhorse began in 1740 AN as part of early planning for the Force 1752 initiative, which aimed to modernize the Federal Forces' capabilities by 1752 AN. The Fourth Euran War (1745 AN-1747 AN`) significantly influenced the aircraft's final specifications, with combat experience highlighting critical deficiencies in existing transport aircraft operating in contested environments. Field commanders repeatedly reported the need for transport aircraft capable of operating from damaged or improvised landing zones while maintaining high availability rates under austere maintenance conditions. The war also had demonstrated that conventional transport aircraft proved vulnerable when operating near the front lines. These experiences led Javelin Industries to prioritize survivability features, including redundant flight control systems, armor protection for critical components, and the ability to operate from dispersed locations without ground support equipment.
The aircraft features a high-wing configuration with a cargo hold measuring 8.2 meters by 2.8 meters by 2.4 meters, accessible through clamshell rear doors and a reinforced cargo ramp. The airframe uses corrosion-resistant aluminum-lithium alloys developed specifically for the Force 1752 program, with composite armor reinforcement protecting the cockpit and critical flight systems. The modular design philosophy, refined based on wartime maintenance challenges, enables two-person crews to replace major components in forward operating locations using only standard tools.
Technical characteristics
Power for the C-19 Ironhorse comes from two Javelin Industries J96 turbofan engines, each producing 7,500 pounds-force of thrust. These engines incorporate lessons learned from the Fourth Euran War, including enhanced sand and debris ingestion protection and improved performance in high-temperature environments encountered during desert operations. The engines feature single-point servicing for all fluids and operate on multiple fuel types including emergency diesel fuel.
The integrated avionics suite centers on the Javelin FlightCore 3000 digital flight management system, developed specifically for Force 1752 requirements. The system includes terrain-following radar, GPS/INS hybrid navigation hardened against electronic warfare threats encountered during the Fourth Euran War, and automated load management. The cockpit incorporates ballistic protection and is fully compatible with night vision equipment, featuring an all-weather navigation capability with enhanced ground proximity warning systems.
The C-19's VTOL capability utilizes advanced vectored thrust nozzles that enable rapid transitions between vertical and horizontal flight modes, a feature deemed essential after analysis of combat operations in urban environments during the war. An automated flight management system handles the complex transition phase while maintaining defensive maneuvering capability.
Procurement and production
The Federal Forces placed an initial order for 156 C-19 aircraft in mid 1748 AN, with deliveries beginning in late 1748 AN. Initial production focuses on establishing a core operational capability, with 12 aircraft delivered by late 1748 AN and full-rate production scheduled to commence in 1749 AN.
Variants
Javelin Industries has announced several planned variants based on Force 1752 requirements:
- The standard C-19A serves as the baseline military transport;
- The C-19B extended range variant with auxiliary fuel tanks is scheduled for 1749 AN;
- A maritime patrol variant, the C-19M, incorporating folding wings and enhanced corrosion protection is under development for 1750 AN delivery;
- An electronic warfare variant, designated EC-19, is in early design phase with prototype delivery expected in 1751 AN.
Future developments
The C-19 program includes provisions for continuous capability enhancement based on operational feedback. Planned upgrades for the 1750 AN Block II configuration include enhanced defensive systems derived from Fourth Euran War electronic warfare experiences, increased engine efficiency, and preliminary autonomous flight capabilities for high-risk resupply missions.
Operators
- Nouvelle Alexandrie - 12 delivered, 144 on order (Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie)
See also
- Javelin Industries
- Force 1752 initiative
- Fourth Euran War
- Javelin C-13 Albatross (Licenced production VTOL airlifter)
- Javelin C-14 Titan (Licenced production strategic airlifter)
