STORMER SB9
The STORMER SB9 concept is a development of the SEEKER and will offer a cost-effective, fixed wing alternative to the militarized helicopter for operations in hostile environments. Typical mission profiles include border and coastal surveillance and interdiction, military reconnaissance and liaison.
Experience gained during the development of the SEEKER will be applied to the STORMER SB9, intended to be a larger aircraft with similar configuration and aerodynamic design as SEEKER with, in its military configuration, a ‘Cobra’ or ‘Apache’ helicopter-type forward fuselage.
As the STORMER will be some 40 to 50% larger in size than the SEEKER there is scope to develop a number of variants, including a 4 to 6 seat passenger aircraft. The design intent is to develop a common rear assembly comprising the tail assembly, boom, wing and engine but offer a range of fuselages forward of the firewall.
Our intention is to offer a cost-effective, fixed wing alternative to the helicopter for operations in hostile environments. Basic design parameters are:
* Turbine powered (750 hp) with constant-speed, reversing propeller.
* 4 hours endurance plus statutory reserve.
* Crew of two (Pilot and Observer/Systems Operator) in tandem configuration.
* Payload of up to 1,000 kg carried on inboard/outboard wing or stub-wing hard points.
* Increased wing area.
* Standard fuel carried in wing tanks. Long-range fuel option carried internally in fuselage.
* Increased volumetric capacity to install surveillance and photo reconnaissance equipment as desired.
The STORMER would be built aerodynamically and structurally similar to the SEEKER to take advantage of the experience, certification and established manufacturing process of the SEEKER.