LSK
The LSK (Luftstreitkräfte) is the aerial warfare branch of the Laywenranian armed forces.
The Air Force is responsible for the surveillance and protection of the Laywenranian Airspace, the support of the ground forces and the navy.
The air force is lead and organised by the Kommando LSK/LV (HQ Airforce/Airdefence - Air Force Staff and Air Force Command), providing Command, Control and Communications. Besides the Air Divisions, multiple other formations are under direct control of the Kommando LSK/LV. This includes officer schools, schools for engineers and pilots, the transport group for the government, research groups and signal units.
Kdo LSK/LV
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1. Luftverteidigungsdivision
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 1 (JG-1)
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 3 (JG-3)
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 6 (JG-6)
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 9 (JG-9)
- 41. Fla-Raketenbrigade (41. FRBr)
- 51. Fla-Raketenbrigade (51. FRBr)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 31 (FuTB 31)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 41 (FuTB 41)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 51 (FuTB 51)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 61 (FuTB 61)
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2. Luftverteidigungsdivision
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 2 (JG-2)
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 10 (JG-10)
- Jagdfliegergeschwader 7 (JG-7)
- 42. Fla-Raketenbrigade (42. FRBr)
- 52. Fla-Raketenbrigade (52. FRBr)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 32 (FuTB 32)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 42 (FuTB 42)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 52 (FuTB 52)
- Funktechnisches Bataillon 62 (FuTB 62)
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FO FMTFK (Führungsorgan der Front- und Militärtransportfliegerkräfte, roughly translates into: "Lead unit of the Frontal and Military air units")
- Jagdbombenfliegergeschwader 37 (JGB-27)
- Jagdbombenfliegergeschwader 77 (JGB-47)
- Marinefliegergeschwader 28 (MFG-28)
- Marinefliegergeschwader 38 (MFG-48)
- Taktische Aufklärungsfliegerstaffel 27 (TAFS-37)
- Taktische Aufklärungsfliegerstaffel 47 (TAFS-57)
- Transportfliegerstaffel 24 (TFS-24)
- Transporthubschraubergeschwader 34 (THG-34)
Combat Planes
| Name | Picture | Description |
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| IAF-891 Lena |
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The IAF-891 served as replacement for the IAF-807 Hana jet fighter. It featured a nose-mounted ranging radar, providing automatic ranging for aiming the internally mounted 25 mm cannons. Other equipment included pylon-mounted underwing external fuel tanks, a forward-facing gun camera, and large streamlined pods for collecting expended shell cases beneath the gun pack. Several variants were fitted with tail-mounted brake parachutes.
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| IAF-805 Mona |
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Flying boat fighter aircraft. Design phase started already during the Third Cataclysm, the first prototype made its maiden flight on 27. June 1948. It was introduced to service in 1950 and was produced in limited numbers. It was kept operational in high-readiness units diverted along the Laywenranian coasts and rivers until the early 60s when it was deemed as obsolete compared to land-based fighters and no successor was developed. |
| IAF-809 Ika |
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The IAF-809 was a second-generation, single-seat, twin jet-engined fighter aircraft, each engine producing 25 kN of thrust. It was the first laywenranian production aircraft capable of supersonic speeds in level flight. The armament consisted of four internally mounted 25 mm cannons (200 RPG) and four external hardpoints (total capacity 3,5 t), which could mount IR-AAMs, unguided rockets or iron bombs. The inner two hardpoints can carry fuel tanks to extend the range or loitering time. The first variant was accepted into service in 1955. It was equipped with a variable, very effective airbrake and the turnaround time was shortened thanks to improved ground accessibility. Further features were an ejection seat, the FuMo 985 ranging radar and the vortex generators.
Variants:
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| IAF-824 Alisa |
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The IAF-824 was developed as a successor to the venerable IAF-823. Due to the limitations in the radar technology of the time, the single-seat IAF-809 could only be provided with a ranging radar and possessed limited ground-attack capability. 'Alisa' was intended to live up to the versatility of its predecessor, serving in multiple variants as an all-weather interceptor, armed with missiles, as low altitude bomber against land and sea targets, as high altitude bomber against strategic targets and a reconnaissance plane. Due to the extensive electronics of the aircraft, it was capable of all-weather flight and attack, greatly assisting the crew in low-level missions. The EW suite consisted of RWR and later on chaff/flare dispensers. Although the fighter variant was replaced by the IAF-813 only a few years later, it continued to serve in the other roles until the seventies.
Variants:
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| IAF-813 Sofia |
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Based on earlier prototypes, this was the first swing-wing fighter aircraft to be introduced into service in the world. Through the increasing weight, speed and payload of modern fighters the takeoff and landing capabilities were seriously hampered. The solution was sought in variable-geometry aeroplanes, which formed the image of the Laywenranian Airforce for centuries to come. Compared to later planes, the wing-sweep mechanism was more complicated but worked flawlessly. The wings could manually set to three positions (13°, 39° and 62°).
Variants:
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| IAF-828 Lena |
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This was the second variable-geometry aircraft to be introduced in the armed forces. It proved to be a major upgrade over earlier planes, featuring look-down/shoot-down radar, BVR missiles and a tremendous acceleration. The wing-sweep was automatically controlled, although the pilot also could alter it manually. Although not as manoeuvrable as some other aircraft, it had a very small frontal profile and RCS, good energy capabilities and a comprehensive radar suite.
Variants:
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| IAF-829 Lana |
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The IAF-829 Lana built on the Laywenranian tradition for variable-sweep wing planes, having seen again an increase in maximum take-off weight over the IAF-828 Lena. This was necessitated due to the increased weight of the more powerful radar, the addition of a second engine, more space allocated to fuel and increased weapons payload. Due to this, the plane saw a rather substantial improvement in capabilities. Two dedicated versions were envisaged: The strike version optimised for low-level penetration of enemy airspace and an air superiority version with aerodynamic adjustments to increase manoeuvrability and alterations to the engines to improve performance at higher altitudes. The plane has been praised for its excellent low- and high-speed handling. Fitted with a digital data bus, exchange of sensor information is possible with other friendly platforms.
Variants:
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| IAF-831 Natascha |
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To supplement the rather heavy and costly IAF-829 a new design was drafted, revolving around a small, light and cheap two-engined fighter. While not being way cheaper in the end, it served as a more agile dogfighter supplement to the heavier interceptor type IAF-829. It is very agile, with excellent instantaneous and sustained turn performance, high-alpha capability, and a general resistance to spins.
Variants:
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Attack Planes
| Name | Picture | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IAF-211 Jenny |
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The IAF-211 was a subsonic attack aircraft, equipped with a digital weapons computer allowing it to accurately deliver bombs from a stand-off distance. It was designed to be a small, light and cheap aircraft, supplementing the heavier IAF-824 bomber aircraft. It also served as the primary initial trainer aircraft for new Laywenranian pilots, replacing the IAF-907 in that role.
Variants:
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| IAF-212 Aya |
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In 1971 design work started on a replacement for the IAF-211 Jenny. The resulting plane was of conventional construction with a swept wing and featuring two non-afterburning turbojets. Initial requirements called for a light subsonic aircraft for ground attack and tactical reconnaissance which was easy to maintain. Avionics included a Doppler navigation radar, RWR, ground search radar, a digital ballistics computer and chaff/flare launchers. It can carry a wide range of dumb ammunition as well as reconnaissance and ECM pods.
Variants:
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| IAF-218 Anna |
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The IAF-218 was developed as dedicated entry-level trainer aircraft for the airforce, replacing the ageing IAF-211 in that role. It showed excellent aerodynamic and handling qualities and was later adapted to also serve in a secondary ground-attack role as well as a target tug. The cockpit is equipped with HOTAS control, MFDs and electronic equipment similar to the combat planes of IAF, including the standard bus, avionics suite and comms, navigation and IFF systems. Later variants include an RWR and ECM system plus chaff and flare dispensers. In the trainer version, the trainer can trigger various threats on the students RWR. Also included is a virtual training system which allows simulated combat between multiple aircraft.
Variants:
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Utility planes
| Name | Picture | Description |
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| IAF-907 Spatz |
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Immediately after the Third Cataclysm a replacement for the venerable IAF-905 was required after all the plane's design was having its roots in 1930. The resulting IAF-907 was well liked by mentors and pupils and served for two decades as the entry-level flight trainer before being replaced by the IAF-211.
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| STA-506 |
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The STA-506 was developed as a replacement for the wartime STA-503. It had similar STOL performance and minor improvements in in-flight performance but had more fuel-efficient and less noisy engines. Like its predecessor, it was well liked by its crew. It could carry up to 8 fully equipped soldiers.
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| STA-507 |
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While the STA-505 was a rather popular plane with its crews, it had a few shortcomings, notably the need to load cargo via the side door, the rather old and thirsty engines as well as the need for long and prepared runways. To improve these shortcomings, the STA-507 was developed, notable for its rear-loading ramp and good STOL capabilities. It could carry either 45 soldiers, 36 paratroopers, 18 patients with medics, or 9 t of cargo.
Variants:
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| STA-510 |
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Development of the STA-510 began shortly after the Third Cataclysm to provide the air force with a heavy transocean lifting capability. It was a joint civilian-military project, providing airlines with a comfortable plane with 55 seats while the military acquired it in two variants either with room for 80 paratroopers or 18 t of cargo loaded through a rear ramp.
Variants:
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STA-512 |
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The STA-512 continues the line of light short-range transport aircraft, replacing the STA-506 in this role. It can operate from rugged unpaved runways under extreme temperature conditions (-50° to + 50°C). With the maximum payload of 2 t of cargo or 12 parachutists or 6 stretchers and one medic, it has a takeoff distance of fewer than 500 m at sea level.
Variants:
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| STA-526 |
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The STA-526 replaced the STA-507 in the medium lifting role, further improving the STOL capabilities and having a more modern avionics set. Further improvements were made in the cargo room including a ramp which can either be lowered conventionally or be placed under the fuselage to aid loading from trucks, a transport band in the floor and an overhead travelling hoist.
Variants:
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| STA-513 |
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While the STA-510 provided a valuable asset for airlines and long-range hauls it lacked the capability to operate from rugged airstrips and required a rather considerable takeoff distance - at least for laywenranian standards. Therefore the STA-513 soon entered development and showed excellent STOL capabilities for an aircraft of that size. It could carry 93 troops, 88 paratroopers, 62 stretchers or 16 t of cargo in its 17,2x3,12x3m (LxWxH) cargo bay.
Variants:
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| STA-516 |
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The STA-516 was developed as a strategic airlifter to fulfil requirements for transportation of troops to allied countries or aiding in disaster relief roles. It was and is the biggest aeroplane to be built by Laywenrania. The first version had a payload of 42 t, the QL. 6 increased this to 60 t. It served in both military and civilian roles.
Variants:
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| IAF-113 Katharina |
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The IAF-113 was specially developed for the search and rescue role, replacing the old war designs in this role and improving the performance mainly in open sea conditions. It was known as a rugged and seaworthy aircraft and a welcome sight to downed aviators. It also served in civil aviation to reach remote islands.
Variants:
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IAF-115 Haruka |
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Large STOL Flying boat. Apart from the boundary layer control system (powered by an independent gas turbine carried in the fuselage), the aircraft had a number of other innovative features, including a system to suppress spray during water handling, and directing the propwash from the aircraft's four turboprop engines over its wings to create yet more lift. It could carry a variety of weapons and sensorics, depending on the specific type of mission.
Variants:
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Helicopters
| Name | Picture | Description |
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IAF-401 Bunita |
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The IAF-401 was the first helicopter to enter service in Laywenrania. Its career started rather troublesome with engine and reliability problems due to the new technologies, but the armed forces were keen on keeping production of the only laywenranian helicopter running. Early models were quickly superceded by more reliable variants with stronger engines. It was the teacher for the first of laywenranian helicopter pilots and enabled the air staff to develop the necessary tactics to employ the new weapon.
Variants:
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IAF-404 Chloe |
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Development of the IAF-404 began in the early 1960s as a replacement for the IAF-401. It is a multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter which serves a multitude of roles including but not limited to transport, SAR, reconnaissance and anti-tank warfare. The IAF-404 is a very agile and fast helicopter, setting and holding multiple speed records. During its extensive service life, it has seen many upgrades which include additions to defensive systems, FLIR turrets and radar. It can be equipped with a variety of weapons according to its mission, ranging from door-mounted machine guns to anti-tank missiles, ASW-torpedoes or anti-ship missiles.
Variants:
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| IAF-412 Julia |
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The IAF-412 is a medium-size, twin-engine, four-bladed utility helicopter which is used as a transport helicopter, airborne command post, gunship, reconnaissance platform. It can be equipped with a variety of systems and weapons depending on the mission at hand, including but not limited to machine guns, unguided rockets, ATGMs, AAMs, mines, torpedoes and fuel tanks. The self-defence suite encompasses flares, IRCM, exhaust suppressors and RWR.
Variants:
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| IAF-431 Lilith |
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Serving as the muscle of Laywenranias helicopter force, the IAF-431 was developed to meet demands by the Armed Forces for an armoured and heavily-armed helicopter to assist ground forces and attack enemy landing forces and tank forces in close support in a high-threat environment. Early on the system incorporated advanced fire-control and countermeasure systems. It is armed with a chin-mounted 30 mm cannon and can field various weapon systems, including ATGMs and unguided rockets. Avionics include stabilised electro-optical sensors, laser range finder, laser target designator, moving map display and GLONASS.
Variants:
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| IAF-425 | Heavy lift helicopter prototype, status unclear |
4. History
outdated!
Interceptors/Fighters:
The first JF-50s reached the LV in 1950, which was replacing the older interceptors in service. While it, as the first swept-wing fighter in service, proved satisfactory, it's service time was rather limited. To keep up with the rapid developments in modern aeroplane technologies, the JF-55 was developed as a replacement. While retaining multiple design elements like the wings, engine intakes and the fin, it achieved a considerable gain in performance, partially through the twin engines with 30,19 kN of thrust each in afterburner regime. It was the first production aeroplane to achieve supersonic speed on the level flight and the first to be equipped with Air-to-Air missiles in 1956. Therefore the JF-50 was quickly phased out and replaced in the most roles by the JF-55.
While a considerable improvement over the JF-50 the development of fast high-altitude bombers forced the need for a jet fighter that could intercept bombers at high altitude and also successfully engage fighters. Other demanding requirements were the capability to operate from reinforced public roads used as part of wartime airbases, and for refuelling/rearming to be carried out in no more than ten minutes. The requirements led to a completely reworked aeroplane, which is considered as the first third-generation aeroplane of the LV of the PRL. It was the first plane to achieve Mach 2 in level flight and proofed to have favourable short take-off and landing characteristics. The JF-60 was equipped with twin engines with 36,3 kN of thrust each in afterburner regime, the JF-60B introduced stronger engines (developing each 41,5 kN of thrust in afterburner regime), more sophisticated radar and for the JF-60BA a prototype IRST. With the advent of the MiG-23 (JF-70) they were used in training and reconnaissance role but soon were also replaced in these roles by the corresponding MiG-23/MiG-27 versions. The first introduced MiG-23 version was the MiG-23M, followed by the MiG-23ML in 1976. Until 1983 all MiG-23 were upgraded to MiG-23 MLD standard. The corresponding trainer versions were introduced in the most cases in the same year. During the 1990s all existing MiG-23 underwent a major modernisation program (MiG-23 V), which introduced a new radar (derived from the MiG-29 radar), new, more powerful engines, upgrade of the ECM suite, refurbishment of the cockpit and the ability to fire the most modern air-to-air missiles and some air-to-ground missiles.
Ground Attack
Previous to the introduction of the JBF-76 and the JBF-70 BN, the JBF-58 "Gina" was the primary asset of the LV in the ground support role. Built as a license version of the G.91, it was equipped with two turbines, providing 55% more power than the standard single engine Ginas, four 25 mm cannons and four wing-mounted hardpoints (500 kg each) (a later upgrade introduced two hardpoints to the wingtips to equip IR missiles for self-defence). As a replacement, the JBF-73 was developed in the late sixties. The requirements called for a light subsonic aircraft for ground attack and tactical reconnaissance missions and with low-level air combat as a secondary capability. It was to be built on a simple structure, using locally produced equipment and avionics, tough (able to operate on grass or damaged runways), easy to maintain and reliable. The aircraft was of conventional twin-engine, the high mounted wing monoplane configuration with all flying surfaces swept. It was also used in a two-seated version as a basic trainer. The history of the MiG-27 in the Laywenranian Air Force begins with the MiG-27 itself, which was introduced in 1973 but was quickly replaced with the MiG-27 BM and BK, and soon the MiG-27K (including radar for anti-ship missions). In 1995 the existing MiG-27 fleet was vastly modernised to the MiG-27 V standard with new avionics, which provides a better level of performance, but with much-reduced size and weight. A new radar is fitted, which gives anti-ship and some air-to-air capability. The capabilities of the aircraft are being enhanced by the incorporation of modern avionics systems consisting primarily of two Multi-Function Displays (MFDs) Mission and Display Processor (MDP), Sextant Ring Laser Gyros (RLG INSI), combined GPS/GLONASS navigation, HUD with UFCP, Digital Map Generator (DMG), jam-resistant Secured Communication, stand-by UHF communication, data link and a comprehensive Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite. A mission planning and retrieval facility, VTR and HUD Camera also were fitted. The aircraft retains stand-by (conventional) instrumentation, including artificial horizon, altimeter and airspeed indicator, to cater for the failure of HUD and the MFDs. In 1979 two-seated trainer versions were used as a base for the introduction of a two-seated ground attack version to relieve the pilot.
JF-50
The JF-50 was the first swept-wing aeroplane in use with the Laywenranian Armed Forces. The JF-50 featured a nose-mounted ranging radar, providing automatic ranging for aiming various armaments. Other equipment included pylon-mounted underwing external fuel tanks, a forward-facing gun camera, and large streamlined pods for collecting expended shell cases beneath the gun pack. Several variants were fitted with tail-mounted brake parachutes.
The JF-50 is a conventional swept wing all-metal monoplane. The fuselage is of monocoque construction, with a removable rear section for engine maintenance. The engine is fed through triangular air intakes in the wing roots and has a single jet pipe in the rear of the fuselage. The mid-mounted wings have a leading edge sweep of 35° and slight anhedral, the tailplanes and fin are also swept.
The airframe of the JF-50 consists of six interchangeable major sections: the forward fuselage (housing the cockpit and armament pack), centre fuselage (including the integral wing roots and air duct intakes), rear fuselage, tail unit assembly, and two individually-produced wings. Production was divided up as so to allow major sections to be completed individually and to allow manufacturing of the type to be dispersed to reduce vulnerability to attack.
General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 12,07 m
- Wingspan: 9,60 m
- Height: 3,20 m
- Wing area: 23,97 m²
- Empty weight: 4'286 kg
- Loaded weight: 7'118 kg
- Powerplant: 2 × turbojets, 16,2 kN each
Performance
- Maximum speed: at sea level 1'160 km/h
- Service ceiling: 14'870 m
- Rate of climb: to 10'640 m 89,6 m/s
Armament
- Guns: 4× 30 mm cannons in a removable gun pack with 150 RPG
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Hardpoints: 4 underwings with a capacity of 3,400 kg and provisions to carry combinations of:
- Rockets: 4× rocket pods
- Bombs: a variety of unguided iron bombs
- Other: 2× 870 l drop tanks for extended range/loitering time
Avionics
- Ekco ARI 5820 ranging radar
ABM-Defense
The ABM Defense of the PRL consists out of two layers, early warning radar stations and the ABM-systems themselves.
The early warning radars are scattered over the Laywenranian Islands and provide 360° coverage. The first system used was similar to the Dnestr-radar, during the 1980s it was replaced with a Daryal Type radar. Newest generation radar was installed in 2008.
The first generation of ABM-systems used is the A-35 ABMS, replaced in 1985 with the A-135 ABMS.
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