Ares Trident

The Realm Armada had put the concept of a heavy carrier-capable interdictor out of industry in 1990 as a complement to the Ares Gryphon air superiority fighter and Ares Siren light fighter programs then in development. The Admiralty Board stated that it needed an aircraft oriented specifically for both heavy ground strike missions and electronic warfare. The previously mentioned fighters could carry out general strike missions, but not to the levels required. Neither could carry out electronic warfare missions without modifications. The Trident is much larger than either the Gryphon or the Siren and is able to carry over 10,000 kilograms more in payload than the Gryphon.

The Trident implemented a number of new features for Ares Aerospace, including carbon fiber and polymer construction (which had been implemented on its fighters) and new avionics produced by Kayan manufacturer KIA. The Trident's design makes use of variable swept wings to allow for both greater payload capacity and take-off and landing performance, as well as greater high-speed performance and reduced profile for storing on aircraft carriers. The Trident entered service in 2001 and is currently manufactured by Ares Aerospace.

Armament
The Trident is well suited to perform a variety of tasks, ranging from interdiction, to interception, to nuclear strike, to close air support. With a large, modular weapons bay and eleven external hardpoints capable of bearing weapons, the Trident is fully capable of fielding modern interceptor missiles, smaller air-to-ground missiles like the and, cruise missiles like the , a variety of free-fall munitions such as the venerable 900 kg GBU-31 JDAM and CBU-100 cluster bombs, nuclear ordnance, anti-radiation and anti-ship missiles, and electronic warfare equipment. With the Trident being fully carrier-capable, the Trident gives its commanders the unique advantage of deploying anywhere in the world to deliver nuclear munitions. It also provides a effective heavy anti-ship and anti-radar platform for fleet protection and for crippling enemy airspace defense systems.

The Trident features a weapons bay with two plumbed hardpoints rated to carry 2,500 kilograms of ordnance or fuel each and four smaller hardpoints rated to carry 500 kilograms each. Dimensions for the weapons bay are 4.8 meters in length by 2.9 meters in width allowing for the mounting of a wide range of munitions. In its standard configuration, the Trident can hold two 900 kg GBU-31 JDAM munitions and four AGM-65 Mavericks in a typical strike load out. The hardpoint attachments in the Trident's weapons bay are modular, able to be swapped out as the mission dictates. For instance, the two central hardpoints may be replaced with one larger hardpoint, allowing for the mounting of long-range cruise missiles, such as the. The standard hardpoint configuration can be replaced with four pylons rated to carry 1,200 kilograms, giving the Trident the ability to carry up to sixteen s, eight, or four s fitted with a 210 kT nuclear warhead. The Trident is also capable of carrying two B61 nuclear bombs, which can have a blast yield of up to 340 kT depending on the warhead used, in its standard configuration. With all other pylons removed and replaced with a larger central pylon, the Trident is capable of fielding one AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile fitted with a W80 variable yield warhead, which can have a blast yield from between 5 kT and 150 kT, or a conventional 350 kg warhead. The Trident was made to have a weapons bay larger than that of its peers in order to increase its flexibility and effectiveness in the field.

When the Trident is placed in an interceptor role, the four hardpoint configuration is standard, giving the Trident the ability to hold up to eight s, four s, or four s.

In addition to ordnance, auxiliary fuel tanks may also be carried in the weapons bay, with the two central hardpoints being plumbed for this scenario. In the event that a automatic cannon is mounted in the Trident's right wing root for close air support missions, two 600 round canisters may be mounted in the weapons bay. However, this set up is seldom used, as the Trident hardly ever fields a cannon in the Realm Armada. When the Trident is carrying out an electronic warfare mission, it can carry an AN/ALQ-184 Electronic Attack Pod or for detecting enemy radar. A module is built into the Trident's fuselage which allows it to transmit a radar and radio jamming signal.

The Trident also features eight wing-mounted hardpoints (four per wing) and one fuselage mounted hardpoint located between its engines. The inboard four wing mounted hardpoints and one fuselage hardpoint are rated for 3,000 kilograms and the outboard four are rated for 1,500 kilograms. Hardpoints 3 and 6 on the Trident's wings also feature rails for the mounting of one AIM-9 Sidewinder each. With modification, Hardpoints 4 and 5 may also feature rails for AIM-120 AMRAAMs and AIM-9 Sidewinders. In a standard strike configuration, the Trident can carry up to eight 900 kg GBU-31 JDAMs, two AGM-88 HARMs, eight GBU-39 SDBs, two AIM-120 AMRAAMs, one AGM-158 JASSM, and two drop tanks externally, although any ordnance which falls within the hardpoints' weight limitations may be mounted as well. The Trident can serve as a standalone nuclear platform, able to carry four cruise missiles fitted with nuclear warheads, three drop tanks, two conformal fuel tanks, two anti-radar missiles, and two interceptor missiles externally, plus the capability of carrying an additional nuclear cruise missile or ECM pod in its weapons day. When carrying out a suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) or electronic warfare mission, the Trident typically carries a payload consisting of AGM-88 HARMs and AGM-84 Harpoons to eliminate enemy radar installations and warships.

The fuselage hardpoint and two in-board wing mounted hardpoints are plumbed, allowing for the mounting of 3,000 kilogram drop tanks, extending the aircraft's range. In addition, there are two attachment points on the upper fuselage of the Trident on either side, allowing for the point of 3,000 kilogram. Conformal fuel tanks give the advantages of not imposing as much drag as conventional drop tanks and freeing up a hardpoint for weapons. However, once conformal fuel tanks run empty, they cannot be disposed of like wing- or fuselage-mounted drop tanks. Although during flight tests with CFTs mounted to the Trident, no significant loss in performance was noted when the aircraft were carrying empty CFTs.

Integrated Data Processing Unit
The Integrated Data Processing Unit, or IDPU, is a modern computing system, combining the abilities of all of the Trident's avionics equipment into a single system. By processing the data received from each component together rather than in independent processors, the efficiency and speed of the processing is increased. The IDPU is equipped with 64 GB of random access memory, 4 TB of storage, and has the capability of cycling through 20,000,000,000 processes per minute. The IDPU is modular, able to accept drivers and modules for a variety of avionics and ballistic hardware, allowing it to adapt to its mission. Linking the communications and information exchange capabilities of its 1 gibabit speed datalink, its 560 kilometer range active radar array, a plethora of electronic and conventional countermeasures, and an effective infra-red search and track system, the IDPU turns the Trident into a deadly tool of war with unprecedented awareness of the battlefield and an unmatched strike capability capacity.

IR targeting system
Produced by Kaya company KIA, the AN/AVQ-40 targeting system features a forward-looking infra-red camera and laser rangefinder to designate targets and provide information for its laser-guided munitions. Information from the AN/AVQ-40's infrared camera is relayed directly to the weapons system officer's LCD displays. The AN/AVQ-40 is optimized for high-speed low-level attack and is an integral part of target acquisition, weapon delivery, and damage assessment. The AN/AVQ-40 may controlled directly by the weapons system officer or slaved directly to the primary AN/APQ-100 attack radar, and thus searching for targets detected by the Trident's large and powerful active electronically scanned array. In addition, it may be slaved to the Trident's AN/ALR-06 Distributed Radar Array, meaning it can search for targets detected by the aircraft's side- and rear-facing radar antennae.

When the offensive weapons system officer acquires a target and releases his weapons, he fires the AN/AVQ-40's laser for ten to fifteen seconds before impact, giving the munitions a path to follow. More precise than inertial or radar directed munitions, the AN/AVQ-40 ensures a low of only 0.5 to 2 meters. By the time of the target's destruction, the Trident is already exiting the target area. This method of weapon delivery is far more effective than the delivery of unguided munitions, allowing the Trident to deliver less ordnance and achieve the same effect and to avoid collateral damage densely populated areas. The AN/AVQ-40's camera is continually focused on the target during this time, allowing the WSO to assess the damage done on target. The system is compatible with most guided munitions which the Trident is capable of carrying, with a fully modular programmable interface which a flight crew may modify in order to function with new weapons.

The AN/AVQ-40 works in tandem with the supplementary AN/AAQ-25 Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System. The AN/AAQ-25 is an infrared search and track array consisting of 8 infrared sensor apertures, providing 360° coverage. The AN/AAQ-25 is multi-function, able to detect incoming missiles and aircraft, spikes in heat, and provide the pilot with an all-around day or night infrared view of his surroundings. As an integrated part of the IDPU suite, the need for external pods is eliminated, allowing the Trident to carry more ordnance. The AN/AAQ-25 differs from the AN/AVQ-40 in that the AN/AAQ-25 is primarily focused on navigation, providing the pilot with surveillance data, and tracking targets, whereas the AN/AVQ-40 is focused on allowing the WSO to direct laser-guided munitions.

The Tridents EODAS system combines the AN/AVQ-40's FLIR and laser rangefinders with a global positioning system and 7 IR sensors to provide a high resolution all-weather feed to the pilot and command, allowing him or her to monitor, identify, and track targets. The Trident has a supplementary infrared camera position over the back of the cockpit. This allows the pilot to visually track targets outside of his direct line of sight. The EODAS's 30 secondary IR sensors are spread throughout the Trident's air frame, providing 360° infrared detection coverage. This system is responsible for the infrared component of the IDPUs missile lock warning system. This system is able to detect and track multiple suborbital ballistic threats at ranges of up to 1,400 km, including surface-to-air missiles, interceptor missiles, artillery, and shoulder-fired rockets. The EODAS system acts in conjunction with the Trident's countermeasure systems, providing the pilot with the best options for evading incoming missiles.

Electronic warfare suite
The Trident's AN/ASQ-1 is an electronic warfare and distributed radar array which provides the pilot with unprecedented situational awareness and countermeasures. The combination of a distributed aperture system and distributed radar array providing the crew a complete picture of what is around them past the 120° field view of their primary radar. The AN/ASQ-1 is also equipped with a full countermeasure system which includes flares and chafe, and can interface with the AN/ALQ-184 and AN/ALQ-99 radar jamming systems which the Trident can attach externally. The AN/ASQ-1 systems interface with the AN/AVQ-40 to provide surveillance and infrared tracking capabilities.

The AN/ALR-06 Omnidirectional Passive Radar is a radar array consisting of 40 arrays built into the Trident's air frame, consisting of hundreds of antennae. Providing a 360° view of its environment, the AN/ALR-06 provides such functions as geo-location and the detection of radar sources (such as missiles or other aircraft). With nominal estimated range of 470 km, its function aids the Trident and its crew by reducing its overall power output (allowing it to function with passive systems rather than active) and filling in the 240° blind spot of its forward facing AN/APQ-100. As the AN/ALR-06 detects potential targets while in this stealthier mode, the IDPU activates the AN/APQ-100 to provide more accurate and more effective tracking and identification.

The AN/ALR-06 incorporates several sub-systems, including the AN/AAR-56 Missile Launch Detector and AN/APG-04v3 AESA Radar, the former providing purpose built protection against radar homing missiles and the later acting as a supplement to the AN/APQ-100. The AN/APG-04v3 is built into the cheeks of the Trident. With approximately 700 transmitter/receiver modules in each array, it is functionally identical to the AN/APG-01, extending the Trident's field of view to 300°. Like the AN/APQ-100, it is a solid-state active electronically scanned array linked to the IDPU. As such, it is able to focus on specific targets, providing active detection and tracking.

By providing 360° coverage, the radar-homing weapon systems of the Trident do not have to have a view of the target, nor do they need to be facing that target when fired. During launch and the initial stages of flight, the Trident's tracking systems guide radar homing ordnance in the direction of the target, switching control over to the missile's own guidance system. As such, a missile that is fired at a target directly behind the Trident is still able to home in and eliminate its target.

The Trident is equipped with an advanced electronic countermeasure system, taking inputs processed by the Integrated Data Processing Unit, the parent component, the AN/ASQ-06 Electronic Warfare System, feed information to the pilot and automatically responds to potential threats. The AN/ASQ-06 combines the capabilities of multiple subsystems, including physical flare and chaff countermeasures, radar jamming, the AN/AAQ-25 EODAS, and the AN/ALR-06 passive radar array to provide the most thorough protection against hostile fighters and ground forces. The Trident's EWS has been proven effective in detecting, tracking, and evading radar and infrared guided munitions, and has the capability of jamming enemy radar arrays. By consolidating all the information presented to it and sending it to the IDPU for further processing, the pilot receives a full view of the battlespace.

The AN/ASQ-06 takes in information from the Trident's peripheral avionics, including the AN/AAQ-25 EODAS's 8 infrared sensors, the AN/ALR-06's 28 passive and 2 active radar arrays, and the primary front facing AN/APG-01 AESA radar, to identify threats and decide the best course of action. The passive radar arrays within the AN/ALR-06 system emit no energy, but provide the Trident with radar detection capabilities. When hostile radar signatures are detected, the AN/ASQ-06 cues the Trident's active radar systems (which provide a 300° field of view) to actively jam the incoming radar frequency. It does this by projecting a radio wave of identical wavelength and amplitude at an angle opposite to the incoming wave. Each pulse is out of phase, its wave crests lining up with the incoming wave's troughs and vice versa. This concept is called "destructive interference," and completely eliminates the incoming radar pulse. The pilot is notified of the hostile radar and of its source, but the AN/ASQ-06's independent processor handles the jamming process, as well as the triangulation and tracking of targets.

In addition to radar jamming, the AN/ALR-06 works in tandem with the AN/AAQ-25 EODAS to provide full coverage against incoming missiles and enemy aircraft. The AN/AAQ-25 works to identify infrared shifts in the Trident's surroundings, identifying missiles and enemy aircraft. The AN/ALR-06 provides the pilot with information regarding incoming radar waves, allowing him to determine if the missile uses an active radar, semi-active radar, or infrared guidance system. When a threat is detected, the AN/ASQ-06 cues the AN/ALE-52 Countermeasure System which may launch a variety of countermeasures, including flares, chaff, and dazzlers. The AN/ALE-52 is purposed built to carry ordnance to counter hostile missiles, able to rapidly deploy high energy ion flares and laser dazzlers (to redirect infrared homing missiles) and chaff (to confuse active/semi-active radar homing missiles). As the Trident is able to track supersonic projectiles with its multi-directional warning sensors and antennae, the AN/ALE-52 is capable of deploying directional ordnance, able to focus on the guidance unit of the missile. These systems are extremely crucial to the Trident's combat performance and survivability, as over 80% of all Tiperyn air losses have been the result of fighter- or man-launched passive infrared homing missiles.

In addition to systems dedicated to acquiring and evading enemy targets, the AN/ASQ-1 Suite incorporates the AN/APQ-09 terrain following radar to give the Trident the ability to maintain a constant altitude above-ground-level. This system has given the Trident to ability to hug the ground at 50 meters AGL, evade enemy air defenses with the aid of its ECM systems, and strike rapidly and effectively strike its targets. By maintaining a low altitude, the Trident can evade enemy radars tasked with directing ground anti-aircraft artillery and surface to air missiles. Often in rough terrain, if the a strike aircraft can stay low enough, enemy radar will not detect it until it is well within range for its munitions. It is for this reason that the Trident is optimized for a lo-hi-lo attack profile. The integration of a dedicated terrain following radar which is hooked directly into the IDPU takes a strain off of the pilot with the flight computer making the attitude adjustments automatically. The AN/APQ-09 consists of 10 antennae directed towards the Trident's velocity vector, sending out radar pulses 10° up and 35° down from this vector. The Trident's TFR can detect 20 meter obstacles at up to 2 kilometers away and has a lead into turn ability. The AN/APQ-09 can be configured to follow an number of altitude levels and to narrow its field of view when conditions are poor.

Communications network
The AN/PYQ-09 is the communications and data processing unit of the Integrated Data Processing Unit, giving the pilot and his command an unprecedented level of connection with other elements of an operation. The Trident is equipped with a WiFi access point and several secondary and tertiary satellite communication systems. The AN/PYQ-09 is able to monitor the movements and locations of friendly aircraft, hostile aircraft, and ground units within an area of operations. Able to receive at 1.4 gigabits per second and transmit at 800 megabits per second, the pilot is able to be in constant contact with his command and other aircraft and receive all relevant information regarding his mission. Even with this capability, the AN/PYQ-09 makes each Trident more independent than otherwise possible, allowing it to detect and track all units within its range and process all relevant environmental data without the aid of a command center's data collection and consolidation.

In order to lower the probability of intercept of the AN/PYQ-09's transmissions, the system hops frequency rapidly. It operates in the Ku band (12 GHz to 18 GHz), lowering the chance of interception. However, operating at the higher end of this frequency range may cause signal degradation in adverse weather conditions.

AESA radar
The AN/APQ-100 is an active electronically scanned array and acts as the Trident's primary front facing radar array. Equipped with 2,000 transmit/receive modules, the AN/APQ-100 can perform beam steering within 30 nanoseconds (3x 10−8 seconds) within a 120° field of view in azimuth and elevation. This articulation and steering speed is facilitated by the fact that the AN/APQ-100 is a completely electrical system with no moving parts, cutting hydraulics, friction, and other variables out of its function. This system can track multiple targets are once, the AN/APQ-100's thousands of transmit/receive modules focusing independently of each other. When prompted to track a specific target, either by the IDPU's readings from the AN/AAQ-25 or AN/ASQ-1, or by pilot input, each beam can focus to within 2°by 2° in azimuth and elevation. The maximum range of the AN/APG-100 when ranging a 10 m² target is estimated to be 700 km, while being able to detect targets with a .0001 m² radar cross section (the magnitude of the F-22A) at 35 km+. By frequency hopping over 1,000 times per second and using less energy per radar pulse than more antiquated systems, the AN/AAQ-25 has a low probability of intercept. The difference in these systems lies in the AN/AAQ-25's arrayed radar, rather than the traditional single antenna. With a single antenna, a high energy radar pulse must be released in order to achieve the equivalent range. By measuring the time of return and the Doppler shifts of the radar pulses, the AN/AAQ-25 may accurately produce a 3D image of the target. In conjunction with the AN/PYQ-09 datalink, the central processor of the Trident's avionics suite can compare this image to other known aircraft.

Cockpit
The Trident features a twin glass cockpit with the throttle for its two turbofans on the inboard side of pilot and co-pilot and the stick on the outboard side. It is a side-by-side configuration, meaning the pilot sits on the left and the co-pilot/electronic warfare officer on the right. Additionally, a defensive weapons systems officer and offensive weapons system officer sit behind the pilot and co-pilot in a side-by-side seating configuration. All four crew members are enclosed in a capsule that may detach and launch from the aircraft in the case of an emergency.

All analog instrumentation have been replaced by these screens. Data such as radar, infrared readings, fuel levels, speed, and altitude are all displayed, with the option to display a video feed from the EODAS arrays, a GPS map with customizable indicators, and a text message program meant to allow for the transfer of data from command to the pilot. The IDPU provides the pilot with vital information in combat scenarios, including missile warning and the signatures of hostile fighters which have been ranged, tracked, and identified by its three active radar arrays. The pilot has the capability of accessing a database and communications network, enabling him to always been connected with his allies and command. The pilot's may be equipped with an HMD (head mounted display) visor, which may display critical information such as the structural integrity of his aircraft, the status of his weapons, and a reticle for targeting hostile aircraft. As the Trident has almost full 360° infrared and radar coverage, even if an aircraft is directly behind it (at a distance), the pilot can deploy infrared homing or active radar interceptor missiles to dispatch the target. The weapon system officers also have a panoramic touch screen that can display images from the AN/AVQ-40 FLIR and EODAS, readings from the aircraft's multiple radar arrays, and other information to his preference. The AN/AVQ-40 can be slaved to the a side-stick to the right of the WSO, giving him the ability to track targets and survey an area manually.

The cockpit of the Trident is part of an escape crew capsule which ejects the entire cockpit segment in the event of an emergency. When one of the crew pulls an eject cord at the base of their seats, explosive bolts detach the cockpit from the rest of the fuselage and rocket motors propel the capsule away from the aircraft. A drogue chute is deployed and slows the capsule's descent. The minimum launch altitude for the capsule is 0 meters AGL - a requirement set forth by the Realm Armada to allow for quick ejections during carrier landings. The rocket motors' burn and deployment of the chute are based on flight data gathered by the IDPU immediately before ejection. An emergency kit (including a radio, food, water, and a first aid kit) is located at the base of the ejection seat. The capsule also includes the aircraft's life support system and is equipped with an oxygen supply system, designed to provide the crew with a limited oxygen supply after ejection at high altitude or over water.

Powerplant
The Trident is outfitted with two Earn Yndustry MTE-39 turbofans, providing the Trident with 202 kN of dry thrust and 280 kN of wet thrust. The Trident is fully capable of achieving supersonic flight without the use of an afterburner with a standard combat load, increasing its fuel efficiency and range. The maximum speed of the Trident at supercruise (with internal weapons, a pilot, and no afterburner) is rated at Mach 1.9. At altitude with afterburners engaged, the Trident can achieve Mach 2.7. With two turbofans, the possibility of flame out is not as disastrous as if the aircraft had only one. This is especially important for naval aircraft that have to operate for extended periods over water, and crucial given the Trident's weight. The function of the MTE-39 is controlled electronically by the Trident's automated systems, increasing efficiency and performance exponentially.

Ease of maintenance has been increased through a "one-deep" placement, meaning all vital components may be accessed through surface panels, eliminating the need for components to be removed from the powerplant to grant access to others. In addition, the components of the MTE-39 are interchangeable variably with other Earn Yndustry turbofans which are used on many of the Realm Armada and Realm Aero Service's aircraft.

Variants

 * Trident A - The primary variant of the Trident.
 * Trident EK (Eksportear) - Export version of the Trident A for nations outside of the North-South Concordant with downgraded avionics and engines.

Current

 *  Agrana y Griegro
 *  Austrasia
 *  Boaga
 *  Kaya
 *  Tiperyn
 * Realm Armada
 * Realm Aero Service