AHRLAC South Africa’s deadly Ground attack plane
AHRLAC |
AHRLAC -the Future of Ground Attack
Say hello to AHRLAC – Advanced High-Performance Reconnaissance Light Aircraft; Made in South Africa. The aircraft was designed and then built in Pretoria South Africa by collaboration between two companies; Aerosud and Paramount Group. The idea was to come up with an aircraft capable of light attack role while also doubling as a reconnaissance plane. AHRLAC, is able to carry weapons, radar, surveillance equipment and electronic warfare systems. It is equipped with pods that are swappable for different roles the airplane will be used for. The swappable modules allow it to have reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, close air support, training, cargo and light attack capabilities.AHRLAC during flight |
AHRLAC showing weapons hardpoints |
AHRLAC SPECIFICATION
General characteristics
Crew: two (pilot, copilot/observer)
Length: 10 m (34 ft)
Wingspan: 12 m (39 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Empty weight: 2,000 kg (4,409 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 3,800 kg (8,378 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-66 turboprop, 710 kW (950 shp)
Performance
Maximum speed: 504 km/h; 313 mph (272 kn)
Range: 2,130 km; 1,323 mi (1,150 nmi)
Endurance: 7–10 hrs
Service ceiling: 9,450 m (31,004 ft)
Take-off distance: 550 metres (1,800 ft) with full payload
Armament
Guns: F2 20 mm cannon
Hardpoints: 6 with provisions to carry combinations of:
Missiles: Mokopa anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM),
Bombs: Mk 81 250 lb. or Mk 82 500 lb. general-purpose bombs