User:Oriflamme/Sandbox2

A6
Derivative of 3MD strategic bomber
Role	Strategic bomber
National origin	Velikoslavia / Itayana
First flight	1956 (M-6/3M) / 2009 (A6)
Introduction	1958 (M-6/3M) / 2012 (A6)
Status	In service
Primary users	Itayana Solar Air Fleet Itayana Navy
Produced	2012-current
Number built	11-16 (estimated)
Developed from	M-4

The A6 (NATA reporting name: Bison-T) is a type of strategic bomber in service of the Itayana Solar Air Fleet (ISAF) and Itayana Naval Aviation Division (INAD). It was derived from the Velikoslavian 3M strategic bomber design (ISAF designation: A4) procured during 2000s to provide the nascent Solar Air Fleet with long-range capabilities. The aircraft was developed with technical assistance of Oxidentale Jet Works consortium and incorporates several improvements over the baseline design, including using composite materials and new avionics.

First flown in 2009 an entering service in 2012, it is one of the largest aircraft in service of the Solar Air Fleet and the largest aircraft domestically assembled by Itayana yet. Existing reports indicate the production is underway on the Aircraft Plant No.98 at a slow rate. Estimates vary as to how many aircraft are in service, though no more than 20 are assumed to be operational at present.

Operation and intended role

A6 bombers serve in the 9th Air Wing of the ISAF. It is reported that the Solar Air Fleet maintains its strategic bomber force for stand-off missile capabilities, but available footage of various exercises suggest several other roles, including control of ground-launched cruise missiles and penetration operations. If proven correct, A6 bombers mark a major improvement of the ISAF capabilities compared to the older A4 bombers due to their advanced avionics and operational employment. However, penetration operations put expensive airframes at risk and it is deemed unlikely that they will be conducted.

The most prominent appearance of the 9th Air Wing so far was an air parade during the state visit of Indóre II of Orun Redisus in 2020, on which eight A6 were observed among other planes of the formation.

The 105th Air Wing of the INAD employs a naval derivative of the A6 bomber, designated K6 and distinguished by additional data links to integrate it with ships of the Itayana Navy, and possibly having extended combat range. One plane was observed on joint naval exercises with Zacapican in 2019 and three were present at the similar exercises with Sante Reze in 2020. This suggests a very low number of aircraft in service and that the Solar Air Fleet has a priority in receiving A6 airframes.

Observed Variants

Two variants of the aircraft were observed so far:

• A6. The baseline version, serving as a strategic bomber and missile carrier.
• K6. The naval aviation derivative with additional data links and sensors.

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 5-6
• Length: 49.2 m (161 ft 5 in)
• Wingspan: 53.14 m (174 ft 4 in)
• Height: 11.5 m (37 ft 9 in)
• Wing area: 359.82 m² (3,873.1 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 61,200 kg (134,923 lb)
• Gross weight: 122,575 kg (270,232 lb)
• Max takeoff weight: 181,575 kg (400,304 lb)
• Powerplant: 4 × KAE-90 turbofan , 90.3 kN (20,300 lbf) thrust each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 960 km/h (597 mph; 518 kn)
• Range: 16,800 km (10,439 mi; 9,071 nmi)
• Ferry range: 22,500 km (13,981 mi; 12,149 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 14,500 m (47,600 ft)
• Wing loading: 520 kg/m² (110 lb/sq ft)
• Thrust/weight: 0.2

Armament

• Missiles:
  
  • Up to 8 cruise missiles carried externally.
  • Up to 12 cruise missiles in internal stores.
• Bombs:
  
  • Up to 24000 kg conventional bombs in internal stores.