A-36B Mustang
| A-36B Mustang | |
|---|---|
| |
| A-36B during the Hesperidesian Revolutions | |
| Role | Attack aircraft |
| National origin |  Empire of Exponent
|
| Manufacturer | Orangeblossom Aviation |
| Designer | Angelbridge |
| First flight | 1957 |
| Introduction | 1960 |
| Status | Active |
| Primary user |  Blackhelm Confederacy
|
| Produced | 1960 - present |
The A-36B Mustang, based on the venerable AN-8 of the Second Fascist War, is a Blackhelm confederate aircraft designed solely for close air support.
Development
During the early 1950's Imperial Exponential designers were tasked with developing a ground attack aircraft that could support ground operations in the dense Hesperidesian jungles, utilizing short runways and difficult terrain. With this in mind, designers began tinkering with the existing AN-8 airframe to develop a dedicated ground support aircraft.
Early models of the A36 did not have any form of air-to-air defense, but as the threat from opposing helicopters arose, designers began looking to the A36 as an alternative to the use of attack helicopters, citing the aircrafts ability to outmaneuver and carry a greater payload than contemporary helicopters on the battlefield. Advances in technology have also led to enhancements to the body of the aircraft - for example, modern A36 aircraft feature all new semi-monocoque titanium frames, with Kevlar bonded to boron-carbide plates to provide additional armor around the crew and engine compartments. Newer aircraft also feature upgraded avionics, targeting systems, radar, laser guidance systems and counter measures.
Specifications
Crew: 2
Length: 32 feet
Wing Span: 37 feet
Range: 950 miles 2,500 with drop tanks
Power Plant: (1) 1,800 hp Orangeblossom 511 five-bladed variable-pitch Turboprop
Service Ceiling: 41,000 feet
Maximum Speed: 460mph (on a dive)
Weapons
(1) 23 x 115mm GSh-6-23 cannons
(2) AGM-65 Maverick on under-wing hardpoints
(2) 2.75 inch HYDRA rocket pods with 18 rockets each
(16) Mokopa air to ground missiles on and under wings
(2) AA-11 Archer air to air missiles on wing tips
(2) External Fuel Tanks or (2) Free Flight bombs/cluster bombs /JDAMS up to 1,000lbs
Also can carry (6) 100 pound bombs or (2) more stingers on centerline of fuselage.
Counter Measures
26 RR-129A/AL Chaff Countermeasures
30 MJU-51/B Advanced Infrared Flare
ALR-56C Radar Warning Receiver