KDF80 Vuurhaag Interceptor

The KF80 ‘Vuurhaag’ Interceptor is an interceptor aircraft in the service of the Luchtmacht of the Knootian Defence Force, designed specifically to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft, particularly bombers, in the North Sea theatre.

The aircraft sacrifices 'dogfighting' performance in the air superiority fighter role for its ability to defend a large area of territory from attack. The design emphasis is on range, missile carrying capacity and radar quality rather than on acceleration and climb rate. The Vuurhaag carries long-range and medium-range air-to-air missiles, and has no bomb carrying capability.

Development and Deployment

The KF80 ‘Vuurhaag’ Interceptor entered emergency development directly after the Shadow War when the Knootian ability to prevent enemy airforce penetration over its home territory had proven to be insufficient. Specifically, the unopposed landings around The Hague represented a solid tactical defeat as modified versions of the Eurofighter Air Superiority Fighters had proven ineffective in holding back the huge numbers of aircraft involved at sufficient range.

The Ministry of Defence called for an aircraft that could fly at extreme altitudes at a speed of Mach 2 with a range of at least 1,000 km. It was to have a two-man crew, at least two engines, and powerful radar. The 'Vuurhaag' or "Hague of Fire" related directly to this role. The resulting design went through considerable evolution, both owing to its cutting-edge technology and continual redefinition of the Luchtmacht requirements. Owing to this, development was finished 15 years after the Shadow War, and it has since entered service in the defence of Knootoss proper and the protectorate of Ale-Yarok. It has since been produced in considerable numbers and a refit is scheduled in the next decade.