F-80

This article deals with The F-80 as it relates to NationStates. For more general information, see the Wikipedia article on this subject.

The pride of Cravanian Aerospace engineering, combining all the key characteristics of a good fighter, it is the newest fighter in the Cravanian arsenal, coming into service last month.

Overview

The F-80 Phoenix is the latest in Cravanian technology (next to the F-798 Talon), and is capable of butting heads with even the most advanced of aircraft. It has multiple unique characteristics.

Technical Statistics

• Length: 64ft
• Wingspan: 13ft
• Height: 14ft
• Speed:
  • Max Speed: Mach 2.5
  • Cruising Speed: Mach 1.6
• Weight:
  • Empty: 17,606lb
  • Loaded: 37,033lb
• Range:
  • Without Tanks: 2,600mi
  • With Tanks: 4,200mi
• Rate of climb: 56,000ft/min
• Crew: 1 Pilot, 1 Navigational AI

Price: $120,456,000

Armament

• Four AAM-80 Spinner missiles
• Two AAM-78 Corkscrew Missiles
• Twin 20mm chain-guns with both HE and AP rounds

Unique Features

A unique feature new to Cravanian aircraft is an advanced navigational AI, which assists in plotting course and detecting obstacles. Pilots have also said it provides for a good conversation when on long missions. With the recent war on The Kraven Corporation, new measures have been put in place to keep the AI from being hacked. Chief among these is the isolation of it from key networked systems. It runs on its own isolated network, and cannot be reached unless directly plugged into while being serviced. After and before every mission, the AI is updated with the latest information, since during the mission it is cut off from such information.

Another feature of this craft is its stealth characteristics. It is incredibly difficult to track on radar thanks to its design and the compound of metals used to construct it. It also employs anti-missile spoofing systems such as jammers and flares in order to defend itself against missiles. One other key feature is its remarkably low heat signature, with the only major source of heat being the engines.

Reported Performance

The Phoenix has yet to participate in combat, but war games held with the craft have proven promising. It is supposed to be able to be on-par if not surpass other fighters of its generation, but this has yet to be seen.