F.9/42 Bantam
| Martin & Handasyde Bantam | |
|---|---|
| |
| Role | multirole fighter/naval fighter |
| National origin | Willink |
| Manufacturer | Martin & Handasyde |
| First flight | 14 March 1989 |
| Introduction | 1991 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | Willink Sumer Franberry Cazelia |
| Produced | 1991- |
| Number built | 50,000+ |
The Martin & Handasyde Bantam is a single engine multirole fighter aircraft and carrier-borne strike fighter designed by Willinkian defense contractor Martin & Handasyde for service with various Willinkian naval and air units. Conceived of as a replacement for the Questarian Shrike as the principal fighter aircraft carried by Willinkian aircraft carriers, and designed with the limitations in mind posed by Willink's Megaloprepís-class aircraft carriers, the Bantam was designed around manageable cost, multirole flexibility, and effective performance; the success of the airframe later led to its popular adoption by various air units in Willink, as well as export contracts to Sumer, Franberry, Cazelia, and other nations. The Bantam has maintained an important niche in Willinkian service, both as a flexible carrier fighter and lightweight, rugged, maneuverable multirole fighter aircraft, its most recent block upgrade occurring in 2018.