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Phoenix Aircraft Works F-17 (Air Combat Challenge 1940-1960)

13.1k Griffon1  3.0 years ago
Auto Credit Based on AntiAirNuri's Air-Combat Challenge (1940-1960) [Closed]

The F-17 is an early jet fighter designed by Phoenix industries, or as it was known at the time, Phoenix Aircraft Works. This is the third jet aircraft of the company, and the first to enter service with the Accilian Air Force. It possesses respectable firepower and speed for jets of the era.

Engines

The powerplants of this twin engine jet are two afterburning turbojets. and gives a top speed well into the 500 mph range.

Agility

Agility wise, the F-17 is quite mediocre, and, as required by Accilian aircraft doctrine, the maneuverability is most potent at high speeds.

Weaponry

This fighter is armed with six 13mm machine guns, giving a big punch against other fighters. It also comes armed with 8 HVAR rockets to give it limited ground attack capability.

Reliability

The aircraft has poor low speed handling and stalls easily at low speeds, so care must be taken on the stick. There are also no flaps or airbrakes.

Cost

The cost, adjusted for inflation, is around 500,000 US dollars.

Creator's Notes
- This is a big departure from the near-future dogfighting machines I normally do, so there might be some issues with low speed handling
- No missiles!
- Please do not pitch up the whole takeoff run, wait until you reach 250 mph before pulling up
- as much as I hate it, I left the plane unpainted for the sake of historical accuracy.
- XML mods were made, but I'd say they don't qualify as the "godmods" not allowed in the challenge
- Use "Boom and Zoom" Tactics whenever possible, as this plane bleeds speed in a turn.

This is the first challenge I have done in a long time, and I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I do!

Spotlights

General Characteristics

  • Predecessor Air-Combat Challenge (1940-1960) [Closed]
  • Created On Windows
  • Wingspan 38.2ft (11.6m)
  • Length 37.0ft (11.3m)
  • Height 13.1ft (4.0m)
  • Empty Weight 8,789lbs (3,987kg)
  • Loaded Weight 18,193lbs (8,252kg)

Performance

  • Power/Weight Ratio 1.605
  • Wing Loading 76.4lbs/ft2 (373.0kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 238.2ft2 (22.1m2)
  • Drag Points 3738

Parts

  • Number of Parts 88
  • Control Surfaces 6
  • Performance Cost 417
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  • Profile image
    13.1k Griffon1

    @Nexy12
    I like the NX class too! nice lines, and the sort of twin boom design also applies to this plane too lol
    The tech was limited on purpose, because I didn't want to make an OP plane as the first operational Accilian jet fighter.

    +1 3.0 years ago
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    135 Nexy12

    This is like the NX Class of all your designs. Good looking, but lacking due to to tech. Good job, tho!
    P.S. The NX Class is one of my faves so it's a compliment.

    +1 3.0 years ago
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    13.1k Griffon1

    @AntiAirNuri Acceptable evaluation. The tactics used by pilots were more energy fighting-oriented but I agree it does suffer in the maneuverability aspect.

    3.0 years ago
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    5,192 AntiAirNuri

    Review

    The aircraft is aesthetically pleasing and would look much better as a ground attack aircraft. Heavy, good diving speed, and potential for armaments. However, as a fighter, it is simply too sluggish and lumbering, especially against a light and nimble opponent like the MP1F

    3.0 years ago
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    13.1k Griffon1

    @SuperSuperTheSylph that may or may not be intentional

    +3 3.0 years ago
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    13.1k Griffon1

    @AtlasMilitaryIndustries Agreed

    3.0 years ago
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    Switch purple for yellow and this aircraft will become Belkan

    +1 3.0 years ago
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    @Griffon1 P-38 is probably my favorite aircraft from WWII.

    +1 3.0 years ago
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    13.1k Griffon1

    @AtlasMilitaryIndustries thanks a ton! Being a P-38 fan, the decision came naturally.

    3.0 years ago
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    Nice twin boom entry. This deserves upvote and spotlight.

    +1 3.0 years ago