Arthuristan Dynamics Kestrel

The Arthuristan Dynamics Kestrel, and the navalised Sea Kestrel, were subsonic combat aircraft of Arthuristan origin. They were among the first STOVL capable military aircraft in service. They once formed a significant part of Arthuristan air power, although they have largely been replaced by the Arthuristan Dynamics Whirlwind.

First Generation Kestrels

Arthuristan Dynamics Kestrel
Sea Kestrel
Role	Multi-role fighter bomber
Manufacturer	Arthuristan Dynamics
First flight	1968
Introduction	1972 (Ksetrel), 1978 (Sea Kestrel)
Retired	2005 (Sea Kestrel), 2007 (Kestrel)
Status	In service
Primary user	Fleet Air Arm, Commonwealth Air Force

Kestrel GR.2

Kestrel GR.2

The Kestrel project began in the 1950's, when Arthuristan planners envisaged that, in a world in which weapons of mass destruction, ballistic missiles and long range strike aircraft are prevalent, conventional military airfields would be rapidly put out o service. Accordingly, in order to maintain credible tactical air power, combat aircraft capable dispersing in an emergency, and of taking-off and landing vertically, and thus able to operate from stretches of motorway or even open fields, would a considerable operational advantage.

The Commonwealth Air Force Kestrel entered service in 1972. They were primarily intended for the close air support and interdiction, although they are capable of carrying the Sidewinder missile and has a degree of secondary air combat capabilty. The GR.2 was significantly more capable than the navy's Sea Kestrels in the ground attack role. This is due to its primary sensor - a nose-mounted laser rangefinder and marked target sensor, which is capable of determining range and angle for the deployment of contemporary 'dumb' munitions. The data thus collected are transferred to a fire control computer, which presents the relevant targeting information to the heads-up display. Later, the sensor would also enable the Kestrel to deploy guided missiles and precision-guided bombs.

Sea Kestrel

Sea Kestrel FA.2

The Sea Kestrel was designed to allow the navy's light carrier force, at the time Centaur-class vessels modified with ski-jump and primarily tasked with anti-submarine warfare and amphibious operations, to maintain a credible tactical air capability. As such, unlike the Air Force's ground attack Kestrels, the Sea Kestrel were primarily tasked as interceptors and equipped with an air combat radar. For the FRS.1, this was the Blue Fox, which enables it to deploy within-visual range Sidewinder missiles only. Later in the 1990's, it would be replaced by the advanced Blue Vixen in the FA.2, enabling it to employ beyond-visual range missiles such as the Sky Flash or AMRAAM. The FA.2 also incorporated an improved version of the Pegasus engine featuring greater reliability and slightly improved power output.

The Sea Kestrel also retain a degree of ground attack capability and, with the ACM-2 Renove, it was also able to perform naval strike missions.

The Sea Kestrel force has largely been retired, being replaced from 2005 onwards by the Arthuristan Dynamics Whirlwind.

Specifications (Sea Kestrel FA.2)

• Length: 14.2m
• Wingspan: 7.6m
• Height: 3.71m
• Crew: 1
• Empty weight: 6,374kg
• Powerplants: 1 x Rollers Pegasus turbofan, 96kn
• Top speed: 1,182 km/h
• Ferry range: 3,600km
• Combat radius: 1,000km with drop tanks (air interception)
• Armaments: 2x 30mm cannon pods (optional), 4x under-wing pylons, 1x centre-line fuselage pylon, 2x fuselage pylons for gun pods, 3,630kg of external stores

• Sensors: Blue Vixen radar

• Countermeasures: RWR, chaff/flare dispensers

Second Generation Kestrels

Kestrel II GR.6/8

Arthuristan Dynamics Kestrel II GR.6/8
Kestrel II Gr.8
Role	Multi-role fighter bomber
Manufacturer	Arthuristan Dynamics
First flight	1985
Introduction	1989
Status	In service
Primary user	Commonwealth Air Force

Whilst the Commonwealth Navy was satisfied with the performance of the Sea Kestrel, the Air Force was not so with the ground attack variant of the airraft. In particular, unlike the Sea Kestrel, which was mainly used as an interceptor, and thus operates at high altitudes with a small warload, the ground attack Kestrel's limited payload and endurance at low-levels were considered to be problematic. Accordingly, the CAF and Arthuristan Dynamics collaborated to design a comprehensive upgrade of the ground attack Kestrel, essentially by incorporating a new, larger wing with a greater number of weapons-carrying hardpoints. The new wing is built from composite materials in order to keep weight gain modest. The engine was also improved, enabling significantly improved reliability, as well as slightly greater power output. The cockpit was also raised, similar to the improvement implemented on the Sea Kestrel, in order to enhance the pilot's all-round visibility.

The Kestrel II was for all intents and purposes an entirely new aircraft. Its combat radius and payload are not only significantly enhanced, but the types of munitions it can carry are also significantly changed, as the aircraft is now capable of deploying a plethora of precision-guided munitions. These include laser- and satellite- guided bombs through the utilisation of a Litening targetng pod, the AGM-65 Maverick and Scorpion missile, even the ACM-2 Renove anti-ship missile, although the employment of the latter weapon requires the assistance of a radar-equipped aircraft for over-the-horizon targeting purposes. The Kestrel is also capable of carrying heat-seeking missiles for self-defence against air targets, against which it is a surprisingly capable combatant. The cockpit is fully night-vision compatible.

Specifications (Kestrel II GR.8)

• Length: 14.12m
• Wingspan: 9.25m
• Height: 3.56m
• Crew: 1
• Empty weight: 5,700kg
• Powerplants: 1 x Rollers Pegasus turbofan, 96kn
• Top speed: 1,065 km/h
• Ferry range: 3,256km
• Combat radius: 556km (low-altitude strike)
• Armaments: 2x 30mm cannon pods (optional), 8x hardpoints, 3,650kg of external stores

• Countermeasures: RWR, chaff/flare dispensers