User:Pixy/MI-1 Talon (Sandbox)

MV-27 Talon
Role	Multirole combat aircraft
National origin	Kayatman Security Association
Manufacturer	Mach Aerospace TBD TBD
First flight	29 March 2022
Introduction	2024 (planned)
Primary user	Daoan Air Force Kajeran Air Force Kainuinoan Air Force Lusoñan Air Force
Number built	TBD

The Mach MV-27 Talon is a family of lightweight, supersonic, multirole combat aircraft and advanced jet trainer developed as a joint venture by members of the Kayatman Security Association (KSA) and manufactured by defense contractors from Daobac, Kajera, Kainuinoa and Lusoña. The Talon was developed as a fourth-generation fighter to replace the ageing third generation aircraft used in the air forces of the KSA's member states, and was envisioned as an affordable and light multirole fighter. The development of the Talon began in 2018 and was spearheaded by the KSA as part of its Common Defense Framework (CDF) program. The Talon is designed Mach Aerospace, incorporating key lessons learned from its experience in developing the MV-26 and MV-25 fighter jets. Key components such as the fuselage, cockpit, ordnance and avionics are manufactured by Mach whereas smaller components such as aileron, vertical & horizontal stabilizers are manufactured by Kajeran, Kainuinoan and Lusonan subcontractors as part of the CDF's objective to improve its member states domestic military industrial complex. After completion these subcomponents are shipped to Mach Aerospace for final assembly. These subcontractors would gradually be given more complex components to manufacture until they are able to independently manufacture and assemble the Talon itself domestically by 2028. Its maiden flight occurred in 2022 and is expected to enter active service with the air forces of the KSA's member states on July 2024. The Talon comes in three primary variants, single seat (MV-27A), two seater (MV-27B) and an advanced jet trainer version (MV-27T) The primary goal of the CDF program was to increase its member states military industrial complex in order to reduce dependency on weapon imports. The Daoan Air Force is expected to receive up to XX Talons whereas the Kajeran, Kainuinoan and Lusonan air forces will receive XX, XX and XX respectively.

Development

The MV-27 was designed and developed to fulfill the KSA's member states requirement for an affordable and light multirole combat aircraft. KSA member states do not necessarily require the most high-end and sophisticated technologies such as those found in fifth generation fighters but it does require a combat aircraft that can be fielded en masse but also in a cost efficient manner. In 2015 the CDF committee commissioned a study to determine whether the aircraft should be developed domestically, or procured from a foreign nation. Opponents to domestic production of the fighter jet argued that it would be simpler and cheaper to purchase readily made fighter jets from friendly nations such as member states of the Kiso Pact. On the other hand supporters of domestic production argued that the initial extra cost to the program would be much better in the long run as being able to produce fighter jets domestically would is a key step in increasing the KSA's strategic autonomy, allowing the KSA to have its own voice and direction in the geopolitical stage of the world. Ultimately supporters of domestic production prevailed and a memorandum of understanding was signed between Daobac, Kajera, Kainuinoa & (after its accession) Lusona to jointly develop the fighter jet. Through an international tendering process Mach Aerospace, with its experience in developing the MV-25, MV-26 and Mach-100 series of transport airplanes won the tender process to lead and coordinate the design and manufacturing program of the KSA's first indigenous fighter jet designated as the MV-27. A transfer of technology agreement was also incorporated within the MoU to ensure that all components of the MV-27 such as its airframe and avionics would be equally shared with the program's participants. Computer-aided design software was used to help shorten the design phase of the MV-27, with avionics developed by Mach for both the MV-25 and MV-26 fighter jets either transposed directly or improved upon for the Talon to help further reduce development and production time. Model-based definition techniques are used in the production step to help reduce work load and lower manufacturing cost.

Design

Overview

The MV-27 resembles the Kai-07 Raiden and is roughly 80% of its size. The Talon's design features a mid-mounted delta wing configuration towards the rear of the fuselage, and a pair canard are mounted towards the front of the fuselage just underneath and behind the cockpit. This provides the Talon with high agility even at low speeds and reduces stall speed which allows a lower air speed during instrument approaches. The MV-27 is equipped with a twin tail design on top of the rear fuselage alongside small ventral fins underneath the fuselage to help provide additional stability. To ensure a lower weight but maintain high strength, the Talon's airframe is constructed from both metal alloys and composite materials. A large two-piece bubble canopy cockpit is mounted high in the forward section of the fuselage which provides the pilot with a 360° field of view. A diamond-shaped intake ramp is located underneath the fuselage that provides air to the engines. It is first and foremost a light weight multirole fighter and similar to the Raiden, is designed to be capable of performing a wide range of mission profiles such as but not limited to: air-to-air, air-to-ground interception and reconnaissance missions. The Talon is designed with longevity in mind and therefore critical components of its airframe and avionics are modular, allowing components to be improved and replaced with newer versions.

Avionics & Sensors

Cockpit of the MV-27A Talon with 3 LCD display units.