3344. Stormcrow: Considerations of Weight and Structure in the Design of an Advanced Tactical Tanker/Transport

Paper

Abstract

In response to Boeing?s request for proposal (RFP) for a tactical tanker/transport aircraft, Ninja Aerospace presents Stormcrow. This aircraft is capable of fulfilling the dual mission requirements set forth in the RFP and takes into account the call for increased survivability. The cargo bay of Stormcrow can accommodate all interim combat brigade vehicles as well as other oversized cargo loadings, with a 70,000 lb cargo capacity. A dual probe/drogue refueling boom, and the ability to fly from 100 knots to above 0.8 Mach allows Stormcrow to refuel any aircraft in the U.S. inventory. Through use of externally blown flaps and robust landing gear, Stormcrow can land at austere airfields with less than 2,000 feet of runway. By employing cascade style thrust reversers, Stormcrow boasts ground maneuverability exceeding that of the C-17 Globemaster III. With a wingspan comparable to that of a C-130, Stormcrow can deliver more payload to smaller airfields for greatly increased throughput. The cargo bay is can be configured for vehicles, personnel or aero-medical uses, to make this a truly versatile aircraft. Through creative shaping and configuration choices, the Stormcrow tactical transport has an average radar return of currently operational non low-observable fighters, greatly reducing the amount of electronic countermeasures needed to mask its presence when in harm?s way. Use of a saw-edged wing, canted H-tail, and fuselage chine, contribute to lower radar cross-section (RCS). Radar absorbing materials (RAM) have been used sparingly to reduce cost, weight, and avoid the high maintenance of such material. Cost and maintenance were foremost throughout the design process. The end result is Stormcrow, a highly versatile aircraft that can be developed and deployed at a reasonable cost to fulfill the military needs for advanced tanker/transports.