R-2 Krähenwürger
.png) Depiction of the R-2 Krähenwürger | |
| Type | Heavy Attack Rotorcraft |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | |
| Number built | ~ 508 (1752 AN) |
| Manufacturer | |
The R-2 Krähenwürger (Istvanistani: Crow Strangler) is a heavy assault compound helicopter developed jointly by Javelin Industries of Nouvelle Alexandrie and the Mishalan Arsenal of the Benacian Union. Designed to meet the "High-Speed Penetration" requirement of the Joint Military Council of the Raspur Pact, the R-2 utilises a coaxial main rotor system paired with a rear pusher propeller to achieve speeds significantly higher than conventional rotorcraft.
Development
The programme began in response to a requirement of the Raspur Pact for a "Deep Assault" platform capable of outpacing enemy reaction forces while carrying a squad of shock troops. The design philosophy is that of the "flying tank" concept, modernised with a compound propulsion system similar to that of the Whirdlebirb and Babkhan heavy attack rotorcraft types from which it could claim descent.
Design
Propulsion
The aircraft is powered by two 3,000 shp turboshaft engines driving a rigid counter-rotating coaxial rotor system. This eliminates the need for a tail rotor to counter torque. Forward thrust is augmented by a six-bladed pusher propeller mounted at the rear, allowing the aircraft to unload the main rotors at high speeds to delay retreating blade stall.
Fuselage and Protection
The airframe features an elongated, armored fuselage with a tandem cockpit for the pilot and gunner. The passenger cabin, located mid-fuselage, can accommodate 8 fully equipped infantry or 4 stretchers. The airframe is rated to withstand 23mm rounds in critical areas.
Undercarriage
Uniquely for a helicopter of this mass, the R-2 employs a quad-wheel configuration. The landing gear is non-retractable to maximize crashworthiness, designed to absorb high-impact landings on unprepared terrain.
Operational History
Specifications
| General Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Role | Heavy Assault / High-Speed Transport Compound Helicopter |
| Crew | 3 (Pilot, Gunner, Crew Chief) |
| Capacity | 8 Troops or 1,587 kg internal cargo |
| Length | 18.7 m |
| Rotor Diameter | 16.0 m (Coaxial system) |
| Height | 5.5 m |
| Empty Weight | 8,391 kg |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | 14,061 kg |
| Powerplant | 2 × Mishalan T-900X turboshafts; 3,000 shp (2,237 kW) each |
| Propulsion (Auxiliary) | 1 × Rear-mounted six-bladed variable-pitch pusher propeller |
| Performance | |
| Maximum Speed | 265 kn (490 km/h) |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kn (425 km/h) |
| Combat Range | 833 km |
| Service Ceiling | 5,486 m |
| Rate of Climb | 14.2 m/s |
| Armament & Avionics | |
| Guns | 1 × 30mm independently articulated rotary cannon in chin turret |
| Hardpoints | 4 × stub wing pylons for rockets or missiles |
| Standard Loadout | |
| Avionics | Integrated glass cockpit, FLIR/Night vision targeting, Terrain-following radar |
Operators
Aviation Forces of the Benacian Union
Constancia
Honourable Air Corporation
Hurmu Fyrð
Federal Forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie
