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G’day lads. I want to suggest a modern, highly capable CAS, twin-boom prop plane from South Africa, which would be the Paramount Group “Mwari” :)
Description:
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The Mwari aircraft, also sometimes known as the AHRLAC, however the military version is called Mwari (after 2021), is a versatile reconnaissance and counter-insurgency (COIN) plane from South Africa’s Paramount Group. It features a twin boom, pusher propeller, and forward-swept high wing design, with a rugged undercarriage suitable for rough fields. The aircraft can reach a maximum cruise speed of 230 knots and has a stall speed of 70 knots. It can take off within 600 meters and has a maximum take-off weight of 4500 kg. The Mwari’s range is 1300 nautical miles with internal fuel and 2000 nautical miles with external fuel, and it can stay airborne for up to seven hours. It supports a variety of weaponry, including a 20mm cannon pod, 70mm guided rockets, smart bombs, and anti-tank guided missiles. The cockpit includes modern avionics, night vision compatibility, and ejection seats, among other features. The mission system and sensors are equipped for comprehensive surveillance and target acquisition, including a laser designator, long-range radar, and digital mapping. It also has advanced communication and self-protection systems.
History:
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The project began in 2009 when Paramount Group, a South African defense company, started working on a new light turboprop-powered counter-insurgency aircraft. The goal was to create a versatile and cost-effective alternative to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and modern light attack aircraft.
The design phase kicked off in 2011, focusing on making a low-cost, multi-role platform suitable for various missions, including peacekeeping and disaster relief.
The AHRLAC made its maiden flight on July 26, 2014, and its first public flight display took place on August 13, 2014 at Wonderboom Airport. The aircraft was designed to be fully indigenous, making it the first South African military aircraft developed since the Denel Rooivalk attack helicopter.
In 2021, the AHRLAC was rebranded as the Mwari, and it continues to be developed and produced by Paramount Aerospace Industries. It also got ordered by Congo in September 2023. Also recently 4 Mwari’s came back from Mozambique after being used for missions there!
Armaments:
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If you can find any other different weapons, then please do tell me in the replies!
6 underwing hardpoints, max 25
1 Gl-2 20mm cannon pod
Mokopa ATGM
Guided bomb kits on Mk.81 and Mk.82 bombs (possibly Griffin kit?)
Al-Tariq guided bomb kit
70mm guided rockets
Unnamed AAM against drones, 4km range
ARGOS II optics
LWR/RWR
MAWS
Chaff and Flares
HMS/HMD
Long Range Reconnaissance Radar
Also if anyone can identify what this is, then that would be nice! (the thing behind the gunpod)
Specifications:
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The Mwari has a length of 10.85m, a height of 3.5m and at last a wingspan of 12.1m. The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 4500 kg, a maximum load factor of +7.0 g and -2.5 g, and can take off within 600 meters. Its range is 1300 nautical miles with internal fuel and 2000 nautical miles with external fuel, with a maximum endurance of seven hours on internal fuel alone.It is powered by Pratt & Whitney engines, either the PT6A-66B with 950 HP or the PT6A-67F with 1700 HP, and uses an optimized Hartzell 5-blade propeller. Due to this, it has the speed of 230 knots (426km/h) and a stall speed of 70 knots (130km/h).
Sources:
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https://www.paramountgroup.com/media/2186/paramount-mwari-2023.pdf
AHRLAC Holdings Ahrlac - Wikipedia
WDS 2022: South African Mwari aircraft is now equipped with advanced anti-drone technologies
Multi-purpose combat aircraft Mwari (South Africa / USA)
Armed Mwari for launch customer | Times Aerospace
AHRLAC (South Africa) | Secret Projects Forum
Paramount Mwari delivers operational impact - EDR Magazine
https://www.flightlineweekly.com/post/mwari-delivers-operational-impact-in-north-of-mozambique
https://www.paramountgroup.com/media/1384/paramount-mwari-2016.pdf
Mwari's drone mission | Times Aerospace
Ahrlac reaches 300 hour testing milestone as full production nears - defenceWeb
https://www.nairaland.com/1386870/african-militaries-security-services-strictly/654
AL TARIQ debuts new PGM for UAVs, light aircraft - defenceWeb
Paramount delivers first Mwaris - Defence Network
Paramount Group integrates Hensoldt Argos-II Electro Optic Sensor on Mwari Multi-Mission Aircraft
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)