A-15

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A-15.jpg

The A-15 Hurricane is an advanced carrier-borne attacker that has multiple mission capabilites. Its design is heavily influenced by the A-4 Skyhawk, but has been much improved upon.

The aircraft entered full service with the Asgarnian Naval Force in 2007.

History

The aircraft was concieved because of a need for an Asgarnian carrier-based attack craft, with the role being filled by more fighter-oriented aircraft like the F/A-103 and the CBF-113.

The aircraft's first blueprints were drawn up in 1998. The first aircraft produced, produced in 2000, was called the Y-15. It crashed during its maiden flight, causing heavy damage to the landing gear and nose. The pilot ejected safely, but it was a total loss.

Revisions were made, strengthening the wing and air intakes, leading to a successful 2nd flight and subsequent flights. Asgarnian Naval Force representatives looked the aircraft over, and suggested a few key revisions. Firstly, the main gun carried by the aircraft was an M61 20mm Vulcan cannon. Too small for standard attack duties, the ANF representatives requested a larger caliber, settling on a 30mm with 300 rounds of ammunition. Secondly, the aircraft lacked a centerline pylon, so the aircraft was fitted with one. The pylon was made to be oversized to carry external fuel tanks or nuclear weaponry. Finally, the aircraft needed to be more fuel efficient, so winglets were added to the main wings.

The ANF representatives believed that this aircraft was suitable for service, and they ordered two thousand units.

Construction

The aircraft is constructed with prefabricated parts, speeding up construction considerably.

Features

The aircraft comes standard with many expensive, yet useful features.

The A-15 comes standard with an ejection seat with a special electronic beacon on a frequency with its home ship. As the ejection handle is pulled, the beacon is activated, sending a distress signal.

The aircraft also comes standard with high-intensity infrared flares and several pounds of chaff for self-protection. There is also an integral jamming system that performs automatic wide-band jamming against missiles when an enemy missile locks onto the aircraft.

The aircraft also has integral spall lining and self-sealing fuel tanks as well as a fire suppression system.

Armament

The A-15's primary armament is one 30mm twin barrel revolving cannon with three hundred rounds. The rounds are made of depleted uranium and have the capability to destroy tanks with as few as ten hits.

The aircraft is capable of handling most air-to-air munitions and operates primarily with the AAM-37 (in Asgarnieu). It is capable of utilizing the AIM-7, AIM-9, AGM-45, AGM-65, AGM-62, AGM-12, Mk.82, and even tactical nuclear armaments.

The aircraft can also utilize rocket pods, gun pods, and external drop tanks.

Avionics and Electronics

The aircraft is outfitted with a A/AN-205S phased-array radar system that can lock onto ground targets at more than one hundred kilometers, a GPS system that provides improved navigation, and a A/AA-9P4 bombing computer. The aircraft can be fitted with camera equipment for reconniassance roles, and can be fitted with laser targeting systems to allow for the use of precision guided munitions.

All electronics are EMP hardened, as per Asgarnian law. The aircraft is also equipped with an autopilot system that enables the aircraft to be hands-free landed on aircraft carriers.

The instrumentation is contained in a "glass cockpit", and the aircraft features a HUD system. The aircraft is fly-by-wire and utilized automatic feedback to give the pilots more precision when flying. It uses the HOTAS (Hands on Throttle and Stick) system as well.

Variants

There are three main variants of the A-15 Hurricane.

  • A-15A: Standard model (carrier-based)
  • A-15B: Ground-based model
  • A-15E: Export model
    • A-15A/E: Carrier-based export model
    • A-15B/E: Ground-based export model

Primary Users

Specifications

  • Builder: AMIndustries
  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 44 Feet, 7 Inches
  • Wingspan: 28 Feet, 2 Inches
  • Height: 12 Feet, 8 Inches
  • Empty Weight: 11,440 Pounds
  • Loaded Weight: 20,805 Pounds
  • Max Takeoff Weight: 27,340 Pounds
  • Powerplant: 1 David & David TJ-12-15-E Turbojet, 12,890 LBF
  • Maximum Speed: 599 Knots
  • Range: 1,950 Nautical Miles
  • Service Ceiling: 45,550 Feet
  • Rate of Climb: 8,500 Feet/Minute
  • Armament:
    • 1 30mm Twin-barrel revolving cannon, 300 rounds
    • Most air-to-air missiles
    • Most air-to-ground missiles
    • Rockets
    • Drop tanks
    • Precisions guided munitions (with laser installed)
    • Gun pods