HA-164A “Icarus”

High-Altitude Fighter/Interceptor

HISTORY

In 1942, in the heat of 35 Years War, the Imperium found itself confronted by a formidable challenge posed by high-altitude level bombers dispatched by the Confederation. Soaring at elevations exceeding 11,000 meters, these bombers presented a formidable threat, rendering traditional fighter aircraft ineffective in reaching such altitudes. Recognizing the need for a specialized solution, the Imperium of Obelia initiated the development of the HA-164A, colloquially known as "Icarus," a high-altitude interceptor.

The initial design phase, spanning from 1942 to early 1944, was entrusted to the skilled engineers of Luminarium Aeronautics, an independent aircraft company. The first prototype underwent rigorous testing, demonstrating outstanding performance. However, financial constraints compelled Luminarium Aeronautics to relinquish control of the project, leading to its acquisition by Kola Arm Industry (KAI) in 1944.

Under KAI's stewardship, the design underwent significant enhancements, incorporating the potent Luna-Morta V12 1756HP Liquid-Cooled Piston Engine, augmented by the LM-3/22 Booster. This formidable powerplant enabled the HA-164A, or Icarus, to achieve a remarkable maximum speed of 750 kmph. Notably, the aircraft's exceptional design and augmented engine facilitated a prodigious maximum ceiling of 13,000 meters, unequivocally establishing its role as a high-altitude interceptor.

The armament configuration of Icarus included 4x 13.8mm MGs and 3x Autocannons, rendering it one of the most lethal aircraft of its era. Renowned for its unparalleled success in downing enemy bombers, Icarus attained legendary status among pilots on both sides of the conflict. However, this prowess came at a considerable cost, with each unit being twice as expensive as the standard fighters employed by the Imperium.

Between late 1944 and late 1949, a total of 2,000 Icarus aircraft were meticulously manufactured, reflecting the Imperium's strategic decision to prioritize its production over jet fighters, a category it held reservations about during the turbulent year of 1945. This period saw Icarus standing as the Imperium's stalwart defense against Confederation jet threats until the year 1949.

DESCRIPTION

The HA-164A "Icarus" stands as a formidable high-altitude fighter/interceptor, designed and developed by Luminarium Aeronautics in the years 1942-1944, later transitioning to mass production under the aegis of Kola Arm Industry from late 1944 onward. Originating from the illustrious Imperium of Obelia, this aircraft emerges as a pinnacle of aviation engineering during the turbulent period of 35 Years War.

This single-seater marvel boasts a sleek profile with dimensions measuring 11.2 meters in length, 13.4 meters in wingspan, and a height of 2.9 meters. Propelled by the robust Luna-Morta V12 1756HP Liquid-Cooled Piston Engine, coupled with a 3-bladed Juno C1 Constant Speed Propeller, the Icarus achieves a maximum speed of 540kph, further augmented by the LM-3/22 Booster to reach outstanding 750kph. A versatile aerial platform, it demonstrates a cruise speed of 324KPH and an impressive operational range of 2,300 kilometers.

The HA-164A's prowess is epitomized by its exceptional performance at high altitudes, with a maximum service ceiling reaching an impressive 13,000 meters. At a maximum takeoff weight of 5,521 kilograms and a fuel capacity of 1,170 liters, the Icarus is equipped for extended missions with a comprehensive armament suite.

Armed to the teeth, the Icarus features 4 x 13.8mm nose and wing-mounted Leonardo M71 machine guns, each loaded with 470 rounds. Complementing these are 2 x 20mm L36 wing-mounted autocannons and a 37mm L43 propeller-hub autocannon. For added versatility, the aircraft can be optionally equipped with a 500lb bomb under the fuselage, expanding its role to ground attack missions.

In service from late 1944 onward, the HA-164A "Icarus" stands as a testament to the technological prowess of the Imperium, embodying a strategic fusion of design excellence, firepower, and adaptability in the theater of high-altitude aerial combat.

SPECIFICATION

HA-164A “Icarus”

High Altitude Fighter/Interceptor
Late 1944

Main role: High Altitude Interceptor
Sub-role: High Altitude Fighter, Ground Attack
Origin: Imperium of Obelia
Manufacturer: Luminarium Aeronautics, Kola Arm Industry (Mass Production)
Crew: 1
Designed: 1942-1944
In-service: Late 1944
Length: 11.2 m
Wingspan: 13.4 m
Height: 2.9 m
Powerplant: Luna-Morta V12 1756HP Liquid-Cooled Piston Engine
Propeller: 3-bladed Juno C1 Constant Speed Propeller
Max Speed: 750KPH with LM-3/22 Booster
Cruise Speed: 324kph
Range: 2.300km
Max Service Ceiling: 13.000m
Max Takeoff Weight: 5.521kg
Fuel Capacity: 1.170L
Armaments:
4 x 13.8mm nose and wing mounted Leonardo M71 machine guns with 470 rounds per gun
2 x 20mm L36 wing mounted autocannon
1 x 37mm L43 propeller-hub autocannon
1 x 500lb Bomb under fuselage (Optional for ground attack)

FLIGHT MANUAL

Fly like normal, no cool AGS features whatsoever
AG7 for opening canopy
Throttle above 90% to activate booster (will drain fuel faster)
Landing gear for landing gear, obviously

GALLERY

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