UH-90

UH-90
Role
Manufacturer	Imperium Aerospace
Introduction	1506
Retired	n/a
Status	operational
Produced	###

The UH-90 Pharetram (Quiver) is a medium size utility helicopter developed and manufactured by Imperium Aerospace. First flown in 1503, the helicopter is in service with all branches of the Armed Forces of the Imperial Republic of Drahen. The design has evolved from a single engine, two blade design into a modern four blade, twin engine utility helicopter capable of carrying out a variety of missions.

The UH-90 is the backbone of the utility helicopter fleet of the Imperial Republic and has been in service in all branches for over 60 years, with four main versions being released since its introduction into active service in 1506.

History

In 1498, Drahen High Command identified a requirement for a new helicopter to serve as medical evacuation, instrument trainer, and general utility aircraft. At the time each role was fulfilled by a different helicopter. Fifteen companies submitted bids, and in 1505, the UH-90 was selected as the winner, and started production of prototypes.

Prototype of the UH-90

After initial testing however, the High Command asked for a version of the UH-90 that could carry more troops and indicated that the helicopter was underpowered. Imperium Aerospace's solution was to stretch the fuselage by 41 inches and to change the engine from 960 shp (720 kW) to 1,100 shp (840 kW) along with a new rotor solution that increased speed and maneuverability. As a result of that, a new tail boom was designed and a larger fuel tank installed. The High Command accepted this helicopter in 1506 as the UH-90A. After the start of the Drah Indian War the UH-90 was seen as the prime candidate for the air cavalry concept, as it was light enough to be maneuverable and quick, small enough to land in most clearings, but big enough to carry a squad of soldiers and their equipment.

UH-90A in the Drah Indian War

In the conflict, primary missions included general support, air assault, cargo transport, aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue, electronic warfare and later, ground attack in the UH-90B. The gunship version of the helicopter

UH-90C in the Drah Indian War

was mounted with a variety of weapons ranging from miniguns, to 20mm cannons, to even ATGM launchers. However the increasing intensity of the conflict meant that the military eventually turned to a dedicated gunship.

By 1513, with the introduction of the AH-92, it was quickly realized that the new attack helicopter was faster than the helicopter it was to protect. In addition, many of the UH-90A's were modified by locally by the companies themselves, which increased the weight of the aircraft. As a result Imperium Aerospace uprated the engine to 1,400 shp (1,000 kW), which increased the speed and load capacity, creating the UH-40C.

The UH-90D originally started as an independent project, by Imperium Aerospace in the mid-1540s, after they won the contract to upgrade the AH-92.The major improvements besides the second engine included a new avionics suite and NVG compatible cockpit, infrared countermeasures, a terrain awareness warning system, and a vibration reduction system. In addition, a forward looking infrared system was installed, which allowed for all-weather operation. By the late 1540s, Imperium Aerospace presented the UH-90D to the military, where is was accepted into service in 1548.

The UH-90E and F variants were developed as a part of Operation Scorpius and share a high commonality with the AH-92D attack helicopter. Upgrades to the avionics and radios, among other things meant that the UH-90D was limited in utility. As a result, the newest models have a full glass cockpit, a modern FLIR system, a four blade main rotor, and a increase in engine power. The UH-90E can be manufactured from the UH-90D, though due to the age of the airframes, most are being manufactured as new aircraft.

Variants

UH-90A

Original variant of the UH-90

UH-90B

Subvariant of the UH-90A used in a gunship role as an interim solution until the introduction of the AH-92A.

UH-90C

Upgrade of the UH-90A, with improvements to the rotor and airframe and a more powerful engine.

UH-90D

Upgrade of the UH-90C, with a change in the airframe to allow for two engines. The UH-1C was also upgraded with improved avionics, defenses and a FLIR turret.

UH-1E

Upgrade of the UH-90D as part of Operation Scorpius in conjunction with AH-92D. It includes a new glass cockpit, further safety modifications and an increase in engine power. In addition the rotor design has been changed from a two bladed rotor system to a four bladed one.

UH-1F

Anti-submarine warfare and anti-shipping version subvariant of the UH-90E for the Drah Imperial Navy. The aircraft has been fitted with a radome above the cockpit. A winch on the left side can be uitilzed as for search-and-rescue, but it's primary purpose is for the dipping sonar. Other changes include structural reinforcement for a gross weight of 11,197 lbs (5,080 kg), ECM, shipboard deck tie-down attachments and corrosion protection. Armament is two torpedoes or depth charges in the ASW role and four air-to-surface wire-guided missiles for the anti-shipping role. The UH-1F is the standard helicopter in the Drah navy and is used on all ships larger than a frigate.

Specifications (UH-90E)

• Crew: 2-3: pilot, co-pilot, crew chief
• Capacity: 6,660 lb (3,020 kg)
• Length: 58 ft 4 in (17.78 m)
• Empty weight: 11,840 lb (5,370 kg)
• Max takeoff weight: 18,500 lb (8,390 kg)
• Powerplant: x2 turboshaft, 1,828 shp (1,360 kW) each
• Main rotor diameter: 48 ft 10 in (14.88 m)

• Cruising speed: 158 kt (182 mph, 293 km/h)
• Never exceed speed: 198 kn (227 mph, 366 km/h)
• Range: 390 nmi (448.8 mi, 722 km)
• Service ceiling: 20,000+ ft (6,000+ m)

• x2 external pylons
• x2 pintle mounts

Operators

• Template:Country data XCww8hG.png Drahen