"What do you get when you mix a Yak-38 and a Gripen? an absolute mess, that's what"

Nation of Origin: Andosnia
Role: VTOL Multirole
First Flight: July 14th 1977
Introduction: April 9th 1985
Status: Retired 2004
Number Built: 385

The Georgiy-Zakharovich GAZ-224 Tsaplya (Translation: Egret) (Codename: Sentinel) was Andosnia's first successfully operating VTOL strike fighter aircraft. The GAZ-224 is also known for being the only supersonic VTOL aircraft until the early 2010's.

Initially developed as a S/VTOL fighter to be deployed off of Alkinstov-class aircraft carriers but failed to perform efficently as a response fighter with it's low roll rate and weak afterburner, leading to a low top speed compared to it's aerodynamic shape. A proposed variant known as the GAZ-225 was in development until fundings were cut in favor of more capable naval fighters. Inital versions of the GAZ-224 included a rotary 20 mm cannon located under the nose of the aircraft, but in efforts to reduce the weight and increase efficency, the cannon was removed and two pylons were installed aside the frontal lift fan for extra munitions.

Despite the shortcomings of the aircraft; the GAZ-224 set records; one such being the highest altitude achieving a record height of 28,560 ft.

Performance

Maximum Speed: 851 MPH
Cruise Speed: 577 MPH
Never Exceed Speed: 1,058 MPH
Maximum Ceiling: 38,281ft
Maximum Range: 1,300 km (810 mi, 700 nmi)

Armament

2 × 37 mm Autocannons, 100 rounds
2 × R-60 Air-to-air infared missiles
2 × 1,000 lbs bombs

or

2 × R-60 Air-to-air infared missiles
4 × 1,000 lbs bombs

or

2 × R-60 Air-to-air infared missiles
12 × 500 lbs bombs

or

6 × R-60 Air-to-air infared missiles

Action Groups:
1 - Afterburner
2 - Drop Bombs
3 - Nav Lights
4 -
5 -
6 -
7 - VTOL controls (VTOL down only)/ Landing assist
8 -

VTOL notes: 50% throttle for minimum lift, and VTOL all the way down to kill main engine,

Inspired by the Yak-38 and the Saab Gripen
(that was a combo I never thought'd I'd have to do)

Special Thanks to:
CheeseTruffles - engine
Universal delay - edensk
BangRou - help with FTs