A-13 Stinger

The A-13 was developed due to the need for a dedicated attack/anti-tank aircraft. The A-13’s purpose is low-level attack against structures, infantry, tanks, or vehicles.

Development

The A-13 is actually the chassis and fuselage of an F-4, but that is where all commonalities end. The A-13 was given new, more powerful engines capable of allowing the aircraft to operate in all weather conditions, and operate with heavier payloads.

Due to the lack of the F-4’s existing external weapons stores, another weapons station was added between the existing pylon and the wingtip.

The A-13 received a water-injection system in the engine to allow the aircraft to outrun opposing aircraft without having to engage them. The water-injection system coupled with the new engines can, under the correct conditions, produce speeds of around Mach 3.

Armament

The A-13, as stated above, received two additional weapons stations, allowing the aircraft to carry more anti-tank weapons.

The original F-4 had no cannons, and cannons had to be installed in pods. This was fixed in later versions of the F-4, but the 20mm cannon lacked the punch necessary to eliminate tanks or structures. Thusly, a 30mm cannon with 275 rounds was added to fix this problem.

The aircraft is capable of carrying most guided anti-tank missiles, rocket pods, gun pods, and some air-to-air munitions, such as the ATAS-Stinger. The aircraft is also capable of carrying the Hellfire.

Electronics

The A-13 received a brand-new electronics suite, including GPS uplinks to allow multiple A-13’s to link up and operate as one.

The aircraft received a new high-power RADAR system that can detect targets at 246 miles. The RADAR system is complimented by a high-powered infrared system that can detect enemy tanks at many miles.

The old cockpit system was replaced with a state-of-the-art “Glass Cockpit” and a new H.U.D., allowing for more efficient combat operations.

Specifications

• Type: All-weather attacker
• Power Plant: 2 David & David SPE-7K-5L
• Speed (Maximum): Mach 2.9+
• Range (Un-assisted): 1,587 mi.
• Service Ceiling: 48,000 ft.

• Wingspan: 38 ft. 5 in.
• Length: 58 ft. 3 ¾ in.
• Height: 16 ft. 3 in.
• Armament: Most anti-tank munitions, guided bombs, gun pods, rocket pods, some air-to-air munitions, drop tanks, unguided bombs

• Crew: Pilot and WSO

• Cost per Unit: $2,400,580.00 USD