|
Other SAE Magazines Sites
|
|
Technology update
Mako makes progress
-
EADS Mako.
Single- (foreground) and two-seat versions of EADS Mako
|
Further details on the progress of the EADS (European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.) Mako light combat aircraft emerged at the Farnborough Air Show this year. EADS comprises Aerospatiale Matra (France), CASA (Spain), and DaimlerChrysler Aerospace and was officially established in July. EADS believes there will be potential for 2500 light fighter/advanced trainer aircraft between 2005 and 2025. Mako would fit this need and fill the gap between long-established designs such as the F-16, Mirage 2000, and MiG-29, as well as new designs including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
Three possible engines for Mako are being studied — the Eurojet EJ200, Snecma M88, and GE F404/414. Plans are to give Mako a Eurofighter-like integrated digital flight and engine control system.
EADS says that early wind tunnel tests have been very encouraging. The airframe will use a mix of metal alloys and composite materials.
There will be two versions: a tandem two-seat trainer with a de-rated engine and no weapon delivery capability; and a single-seat light combat version with an advanced airborne radar, ECM suite, full avionics and mission equipment, advanced digital avionics, and glass cockpit. It will be fitted with an internally mounted 27-mm gun and have the capability of carrying a wide variety of stores on seven external stations. There will be only "limited alterations" between the airframes of the two variants, according to EADS. Common features of both will be a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), onboard oxygen generating system (OBOGS), and an auxiliary power unit (APU). Low procurement and low cost of ownership will be central elements of the project.
Stuart Birch
Aerospace Engineering October 2000
|
|
|
