AEF-88 Elanus

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ÆF-88 Elanus
Saab JAS 39 Gripen at Kaivopuisto Air Show, June 2017 (altered) copy.jpg
A Royal Lindian Air Force Elanus in flight
Role Fighter, attack, and reconnaissance aircraft
National origin Ventismar Union
Manufacturer Aerobus
First flight 9 December 1988
Introduction 9 June 1996
Status In service
Primary users Royal Lindian Air Force
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Produced 1988–present
Unit cost
US$ 30–60 million for B variant
Developed from AEF-77 Monoceros
Variants ÆF-88B
ÆF-88REX (near future)

The ÆF-88 Elanus (sometimes AEF-88 Elanus), usually shortened to Elanus, is a multirole aircraft developed by the Ventismarien Aerobus consortium. The aircraft is often classified as being a so-called light fighter, and is sometimes characterised as a jack of all trades, master of none.

The Elanus is designed to take on air-to-air, air-to-ground and air reconnaissance combat roles. It is equipped with an advanced sensor suite and extensive battlefield awareness and communication hardware to aid in the execution of the latter role. In 2001 Aerobus came out with a new B-variant which added the capability for aerial refuelling and provided the aircraft with some overall updates. Currently, a mid life upgrade programme called "Elanus REX" is in the works. Aerobus plans to deliver the first upgraded aircraft in 2020.

In relation to the Europa carrier project commissioned by several Ventismar Union member states, the Aerobus consortium proposed a carrier capable variant, the Elanus C. Despite the overall success of the Elanus, no government has thus far shown interest in the C-variant, with many opting to adopt the Allentyr-Aznazian developed F-30 Griffon fifth generation stealth fighter jet's carrier capable versions.

Development and operational history

Operators

  • Lindenholt Royal Lindian Air Force, 72 in service
    • 7 Air reconnaissance squadron (24x)
    • 19 Air support squadron (24x)
    • 3 Air defence squadron (24x)

Specifications

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General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics
Radar: PS-05 / A Pulse-Doppler