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E5A1 Medusa

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Description

The E5A1 Medusa is actually the reason I created the Zephyr Airliner --- it's a rule of thumb that Airliner airframes make good platforms from which to construct utility aircraft;
[link]


The Medusa is a 1970s-styled Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft, largely styled after the Boeing E-3 Sentry.
For those not "in-the-know", these function as combined C3 Centers and Radar Stations, observing air activity over a vast area and providing intelligence to numerous allied forces in real time. They can be used as command posts in major battles, listening posts to spy on the enemy, and observation platforms to gather data.
In short, they're pretty versatile, and VERY useful.

However, AEW&C aircraft are also highly vulnerable, and tend to be a popular target for enemy fighters and SAMS --- because of this, they are positioned cautiously, and almost always have their own dedicated escorts for each flight.

There's not much more to say, so here's the data;


============ E5A1 Medusa Data ============
©2007 Blacktail
Role: AEW&C
Unit Price: US$200 Million
Crew: 22
Size(LxWxH): 175x160x40ft
Wing Area: 3250ft2
Empty Weight:160000lbs
Internal Fuel: 150000lbs
Payload: N/A
Max. T/O Weight: 350000lbs
Wing Loading: 49lb/ft2
T/W Ratio: 0.5
Fuel Fraction: .93
Range: 5000nm
Ceiling: 50000ft
Cruise Speed: 350mph
Top Speed: 600mph
Climb Rate: 2000ft/min
Initial Turn Rate: 8degrees/sec
Continuous Turn Rate: 3degrees/sec
Max. G-Load: +3/-1
Sensors: SRM7E AESA (rotates @10rpm)
Scan Range: 400nm@180x180degrees
Look Down: Yes
Shoot Down: No
Propulsion: 4x Zephyr Turbofans w/ 80000lbs of Military Thrust
Thrust Vectoring: No
Weapon Stations: 2x Underwing hardpoint w/8000lb capacity (fuel only)
ECMs: Chaff+Flares (100/100rds), Tactical Jammer, Strategic
Jammer, Intrusion Datalink (aftermarket)
FBW: Yes
RCS: 600ft3
Stealth: No
Tailhook: No
Catapult Hitch: No
Drag Chute: Yes
AAR: Yes
Other: SSR, Datalink, Satelite Uplink, GPS, Digital Databus
Image size
2400x3000px 937.47 KB
© 2009 - 2024 BlacktailFA
Comments2
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Passin's avatar
Indeed. If I recall correctly, the E3 Sentry was created from the airframe of the Boeing 707. Very nice bird.