- A-2A “Bulldog” (1946)

- Developed by IMCI (Indonesia Military and Civilian Industry)

- Overview

The A-2A Bulldog is a high-performance multi-engine attack aircraft designed by IMCI in 1946. It features a distinctive twin-boom layout with three piston engines that provide excellent power, redundancy, and agility for ground attack missions. Built to support ground forces with a combination of speed, durability, and firepower, the Bulldog is a cornerstone of IMCI’s post-war tactical air fleet.

- Airframe and Design

The Bulldog’s twin-boom configuration maximizes structural strength and stability, allowing a spacious fuselage to house the pilot, weapons systems, and internal equipment. Its rugged tricycle landing gear allows for operations from short or rough runways. The aircraft’s aerodynamics focus on minimizing drag by optimizing the wing and engine design while maintaining enough lift and control authority for agile maneuvering.

- Performance

Maximum IAS Speed: 750 kph

Cruising Speed: ~600 kph

Takeoff Speed: ~180 kph

Landing Speed: 170-190 kph

Operational Altitude: Low to medium levels, optimized for ground support missions

Range: Extended to allow frontline deployment with sufficient loiter time

- Armament

The Bulldog is heavily armed for close air support and anti-armor missions:

1× 75mm APHE Cannon: Designed to penetrate enemy armor and destroy fortified targets with powerful explosive rounds.

2× .50 caliber machine guns: Mounted on each side of the fuselage for strafing infantry and light vehicles.

4× 500 lbs general-purpose bombs: Capable of engaging area targets, enemy concentrations, and supply points.

2× Rocket pods: Equipped with unguided rockets for saturation attacks and soft target suppression.

- Systems and Controls

The cockpit offers intuitive controls with dedicated Activation Groups (AG) for managing engines, weapons, and lighting:

AG1–AG3: Start and throttle control for the three piston engines

AG4: Arm and fire weapons systems

AG5: Front taxi lights for ground operations

AG6: Jettison system for bombs and rockets in emergencies

AG8: Navigation lights for night or poor visibility flying

- Tactical Role

The A-2A Bulldog is designed to deliver rapid, precise strikes in support of ground operations. Its triple engines ensure mission reliability, while the combination of heavy cannon fire, bombs, and rockets allows it to adapt to various battlefield conditions. The aircraft’s speed and maneuverability allow for effective hit-and-run tactics, minimizing exposure to enemy air defenses and fighters.

- Legacy

As one of IMCI’s foundational attack aircraft, the Bulldog sets the standard for combining power, reliability, and firepower in a versatile platform. It remains a vital asset in tactical air support and influences future IMCI designs focused on multi-role capabilities.

Screenshot:

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