Aestrup EF-62

Aestrup EF-62
A preserved RAAF EF-62 during a demonstration flight in 1965
Role	Fighter
National origin	Acrea
Manufacturer	Aestrup Luftfahrtsselskab ASA
First flight	1939 (with piston engine)
Introduction	1942
Retired	1959
Status	Retired
Primary user	Royal Acrean Air Force
Produced	1942-1948

The Aestrup EF-62 is an Acrean Great War-era jet fighter. The first operational jet fighter in Tyran, the EF-62 first entered service in 1942. One of the most advanced aviation designs of its time, the EF-62 was not produced in as great numbers as its piston-engined counterparts, but still played an important operational and propaganda role during the war. Despite initial teething issues, the EF-62 quickly grew to be a favourite of Acrean pilots and was flown by some of the most notable RAAF pilots of the war. The EF-62 in its later variants remained the RAAF's primary frontline fighter until 1947, when it began to be replaced by the transonic, swept-wing EF-101. It was ultimately retired from Acrean service in 1959 following the introduction of the EF-105 Gripen in 1955.

The aircraft boasted excellent handling and performance, and incorporated key features from other Acrean fighters such as the use of a high, blown plexiglass bubble canopy with minimal framing for better visibility. Production of the aircraft was notable for its extremely high quality of manufacture. High quality standards did not hinder production as the primary manufacturing bottleneck was with the aircraft's engines due to temperature and material issues. The aircraft's original EJ-004 engines were only able to achieve a peak operational lifespan of 125 hours, with a mean 60-65 hours in between overhauls. Reliability, lifespan, and performance was improved with the introduction of EJ-006 engines on in 1944. Performance of the EF-62 was hampered by poor acceleration from the early jet engines, but pilots considered it to be more than made up for by the aircraft's excellent energy retention and top speed in flight. The aircraft had a typical cruising speed of approximately 750 kmh, and could reach a top speed of 900 kmh in level flight. Most variants were fitted with four nose-mounted 20mm cannons; some interceptor and strike variants were equipped instead with four lower velocity 30mm cannons or a single 50mm cannon. Due to the very limited engagement windows that Acrean pilots had to contend with due to the aircraft's speed, the 20mm was overwhelmingly preferred for aerial engagements.

Specifications (EF-62C-2)

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 10.6 m (34 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 12.6 m (41 ft 4 in)
• Height: 3.5 m (11 ft 6 in)
• Wing Area: 21.7 sq m (234 sq ft)
• Empty Weight: 3,795 kg (8,367 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 x Mattson-Dyrssen EJ-006 axial-flow turbojets

Performance

• Maximum Speed: 705 km/h (454 mph) at 6000 m
• Service Ceiling: 12,000 m

Armament

• Guns: 4 x 20mm cannons

See Also

Aircraft of Comparable Role, Configuration, and Era