AC-22M Mussurana
| AC-22M Mussurana | |
|---|---|
| |
| AC-22M in flight | |
| Role | Stealth Air Superiority Fighter |
| National origin |  Inyursta |
| Manufacturer | Navayelle Systems |
| First flight | N/A |
| Status | In service |
| Primary user | Inyurstan Air Force
|
| Produced | N/A |
| Number built | <70 |
| Developed from | F-22 Raptor |
The AC-22M Mussurana is a 5th-Generation stealth fighter derived from the F-22 Raptor in service with the Inyurstan Air Force. Exact origins of the aircraft, its technology, and when it was introduced remain a mystery and shrouded in controversy.
It is named for the Mussurana, a type of rear-fanged snake which specializes in eating other snakes.
Origin
Widely believed to be a reverse-engineered F-22, the AC-22M is virtually identical in all aspects to the aforementioned fighter except in avionics. How exactly the Inyurstans got a working fighter into production is still classified and disputed. Some claim Inyursta managed to purchase or receive a full trial model prior to the US export ban. For evidence, they point to the fact the physical design and radar-absorbent materials are that of the F-22 but the internal software is largely Inyurstan. Meanwhile, others suggest the foreign production was quietly allowed in secret, provided Inyursta equip its own software features. Purportedly, the fact that the Inyurstan Air Force is often hesitant to deploy AC-22Ms and extremely cautious about using them in high-risk situations is evidence of such an agreement; however, critics argue is just a difference in Inyurstan stealth fighter doctrine.
Other Aircraft
In terms of avionics, the AC-22M and AC-88 Taipan are almost identical. ESQ/AS-7 Yaraca radar and CAT-EYE IRST are used on both aircraft, as is the LIDACS-III counter-measures system. Because the Block II upgrade program for the AC-88 began in 2006, it is believed the Inyurstans had their hands on a working model of the original AN/APG-77 radar used on the original F-22 before then.
Some have claimed that the stealth technology used on the larger AC/A-92 Night Adder was derived from the same source as the AC-22M; alternatively, given that the program was a joint-development with the Merick Isles who already had an amicable, publicly-acquired stealth fighter in the form of the AP-25 Bulldog (which the AC/A-92 shares similar design features), it is possible the technology came from the Merick side of the deal. However, this does not inherently rule out that both radar and IR-signature reducing technology was not used in the design of the AC/A-92.
First Appearance
During the Battle of Kalput, video footage surfaced of two black "F-22s" firing off missiles at distant targets.