Bell QAH-1S Hokum-X.
In 1994 Bristol Aerospace, LTD modified a Bell AH-1S Cobra with facades and extensions to simulate the KA-50 Hokum helicopter. One Hokum X target development helicopter was made for the US Army for trials at the White Sands missile range in New Mexico.
The first Bristol Aerospace Hokum-X, a conversion of former Arizona Army National Guard/1-284th AVN AH-1S 70-16089, during test flying before formal hand-over to the US Army of February 15. This Hokum-X, the first in visual/infra-red target configuration, had made a 20 minute first flight on September 19 last year from Winnipeg International Airport. Particularly apparent is the extension to the boom and rear fuselage area, including splitting of the single exhaust to give two separate exhaust plumes, plus a 1.2m nose extension to more closely represent the external shape of the Kamov Ka-50 Hokum. Three examples are initially being produced to act as visual, infra-red and radar targets for Stinger Block II air-to-air missiles although up to 20 examples may eventually be procured.
Air International, 1998
TYPE: Manned and unmanned full-scale aerial target.
DEVELOPMENT: Programme approved in April 1994 to develop a realistic full-scale target representing the Kamov Ka-50 (NATO 'Hokum') attack helicopter. Bristol Aerospace was awarded a C$19.5 million (US$14 million), four-year US Army contract in July 1994 for prototype development and demonstration, based on modifying ex-US Army HueyCobras supplied by the US government.
AIRFRAME: Converted from surplus Bell AH-1S helicopters. Airframe modification kits include new nose and engine nacelle fairings, extended tailboom and bifurcated exhaust, to represent Ka-50 visual, IR and radar signatures. No change to AH-1S rotor system; instead a Boeing RF kit (which can be altered to match configuration changes or represent other helicopters) simulates Ka-50 twin main rotors and absence of tail rotor. AH-1S skid landing gear is retained.
MISSION PAYLOADS: Onboard universal drone control system (UDCS) with real-time signal processor interface, or next-generation target control system (NGTCS), to receive RF pulse and transmit active dynamic signature; passive RF equipment includes absorbers and reflectors.
GUIDANCE AND CONTROL: Microsystems Inc target tracking control system (TTCS) or NGTCS.
LAUNCH: Conventional helicopter take-off.
RECOVERY: Conventional helicopter landing.
OPERATIONAL STATUS: First flights were made in May 1997 (visual/IR configuration) and on 19 September that year (radar configuration). First Hokum-X for the US Army (former AH-1S|70-16089) was rolled out on 30 January and handed over to the service on 15 Febuary 1998.
CUSTOMERS: US Army (current requirement for two or three per year), mainly for use at White Sands Missile Range but designed for worldwide use. Two being completed in 2001.
SPECIFICATIONS:
POWER PLANT: One 962 kW (1,290 shp) (transmission limited) Textron Lycoming T53-L-703 turboshaft.DIMENSIONS: MAIN ROTOR DIAMETER: 13.41 m (44 ft 0 in); WEIGHTS: Max T-O weight: 4,082 kg (9,000 lb); PERFORMANCE: Max level speed: 135 kt (250 km/h; 155 mph); Min flight altitude: 9 m (30 ft) AGL; Pop-up to 7.5 m (25 ft): 3 s; Hovering ceiling IGE: at 15°C: 3,350 m (11,000 ft); at 40°C: 2,740 m (9,000 ft); Hovering ceiling OGE: at 15°C: 2,140 m (7,000 ft); at 40°C: 1,520 m (5,000 ft); Mission duration: 2 h; g limit: +2.
PRIME CONTRACTOR: Bristol Aerospace Ltd. Winnipeg, Manitoba.
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