Introduction: 1955
Manufacturer: Ivan Crackovovich
Country: USSR
Role: Subsonic Radar Interceptor
Credits:
NecoArcBubbles for the Soviet Rondel.
Credit to TheBababooey
for the gunsight.
ASBE for the radar (below).
Striderxxl for the radar (above)
Lore:
In 1953, the Soviet government required a radar interceptor to cover the Siberian lands. Given this, Crackovovich responded with the Cra-4 (NATO Code Name: Forest), a Subsonic twin jet fighter.
Armed with four 23mm cannons in the nose and four Vymple-13/R-3 missiles. When the Crackovovich was introduced, it was already behind, given its speed. Later variants were navalized or turned into subsonic export attackers and trainers. A later aircraft was near immediately started after, turning the Cra-4 into an interim solution and subpar one at that.
Notes: I was waiting for SP2, but given the delay, I might as well work on stuff here. I also couldn't find jet powered Soviet night fighters, so I did my best. Hope you enjoy.
Specifications
Spotlights
- This craft is curated
General Characteristics
- Predecessor !!CHALLENGE 50s JET DOGFIGHT - FINISHED
- Created On Android
- Wingspan 30.5ft (9.3m)
- Length 30.4ft (9.3m)
- Height 7.7ft (2.4m)
- Empty Weight 11,379lbs (5,161kg)
- Loaded Weight 12,180lbs (5,525kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 1.245
- Wing Loading 60.8lbs/ft2 (296.6kg/m2)
- Wing Area 200.5ft2 (18.6m2)
- Drag Points 1162
Parts
- Number of Parts 584
- Control Surfaces 1
- Performance Cost 2,946
https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/28pzB0/Crackovovich-Cra-4-Forest#@mikoyanster
I very much appreciate that you explained your evaluation, beyond just throwing numbers all about. I certainly agree with your critiques. This was around the time I was attempting to solidify my skills with more rounded and curved geometry, which is done on the nose and front and back bits of the canopy.
Crackovovich Cra-4 “Forest” – Evaluation
Realism (65/100): The concept fits well within 1950s Soviet jet design philosophy—twin-engine, subsonic interceptor. Flight profile and stats are believable, though the aircraft’s form and aerodynamic detailing are overly simple.
Weapons (30/30): Armament (four 23mm cannons + four missiles) fits both the era and the challenge rules. Properly integrated and balanced.
Appearance (14/30): Simplistic but coherent design. Lacks finesse in shaping—especially fuselage curvature, landing gear, and cockpit detailing.
Build Quality (17/30): Solid and functional with decent performance; structure could benefit from finer detailing and more defined control surfaces.
Fair Play (30/30): Fully compliant with challenge limits (part count, weight, and speed).
Description (28/30): Fun and creative lore written with a clear Cold War tone, complemented by proper credits and context.
Total: 184/250 points.
A straightforward, functional build with a clear 1950s Soviet aesthetic—technically compliant, but visually and structurally basic compared to top-tier entries.