Background

The Greyhound Systems F-53 Aurora II is a of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather, stealth, fifth-generation, multirole aircraft, designed for both ground-attack and air-superiority. The F-53 has three main models: the conventional takeoff and landing F-53A (CTOL), the short take-off and vertical-landing F-53B (STOVL), and the catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery, carrier-based F-53C (CATOBAR).

The aircraft main sensor is the Federation AN/APG-85 active electronically scanned array-radar and assisted by an Electro-Optical Targeting System. The AN/ASQ-245 is an electronic warfare system that provides sensor fusion of radio frequency and infrared tracking functions, including geolocation targeting of threats, advanced radar warning receiver, multispectral image countermeasures for self-defense against missiles, situational awareness and electronic surveillance. The system uses 12 radio frequency antennae in the edges of the wings and tail. Multiple passive infrared sensors (Distributed Aperture System) are distributed across the aircraft acts as a missile warning system, identification of missile launch location, detection and tracking of approaching aircraft around the aircraft. Able to function with the Electro-Optical Targeting system to detect missile launches from 1240 miles away, revealing the enemy aircraft location despite a low RCS. The F-53 Aurora fuses radio frequency and IR tracking for all-round target detection and identification shared by MADL to various platforms without losing its low observability.

The communications, navigation and identification (CNI) suite includes the Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL), as one of a half dozen different physical links. The F-53 is the first fighter with sensor fusion that combines radio frequency and IR tracking for continuous all-direction target detection and identification which is shared via MADL to other platforms without compromising low observability. Link 16 is also included for communication with legacy systems. The F-53 has been designed with synergy between sensors as a specific requirement, the aircraft's "senses" being expected to provide a more cohesive picture of the battlespace around it and be available for use in any possible way and combination with one another; for example, the multi-mode radar also acts as a part of the electronic warfare system. The F-53 has high levels of coordination from data sharing with ground forces, ground based systems, AWACs, command and control elements, as well as other fighter aircraft. Maintenance costs are reduced through a self-diagnostic system that reduces the need for regular and unnecessary part changes.

The Aurora II was designed for ease of maintenance, with 95% of all field replaceable parts being "one deep" where nothing else has to be removed to get to a specific part. Ejection seats can be replaced without removing the canopy, use of low-maintenance electro-hydrostatic actuators instead of hydraulic systems, an all-composite skin without the fragile coatings found on earlier stealth aircraft, etc. The stealth coatings are much easier to work with than those used on previous designs. Cure times for coating repairs are shorter and many of the fasteners and access panels do not require coatings, greatly reducing the workload for maintenance crews. Some of the F-53's radar-absorbent materials are baked into the jet's composite skin, which means its stealthy signature is not easily degraded.

The aircraft carries a 25mm 4 Barrel Gatling Gun firing off 3,300 Rounds Per Minute. Its internal weapons bay can carry multiple load outs of missiles and bombs depending on the situation. The F-53 is capable of carrying over 16,000lbs of munitions across 6 detachable external hard points and 6,000lbs in internal bays. Missiles that can be carried are the AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM (BVR), AIM-132 ASRAAM, AIM-190 (Optimist), AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-88F HCSM, AIM-54X, ADM-160 MALD, etc.

Controls

VTOL

-VTOL Down
-AG5 Activates Gyroscope
-AG6 Activates Lift Fan
-Throttle set to 1-4%
-Adjust VTOL to give forward momentum before disabling AG6

Weapons

-FireWeapons drops bombs and launches missiles
-FireGuns fires 25mm

Movement

-Normal Plane Controls
-Throttle Accelerates