TPGF-18 "Claws" – Medium-Altitude Turboprop Attack Aircraft

Close Air Support (CAS) / Ground Attack / Interdiction

Armed version here

Key Specifications

• Role: Precision strike, close air support, battlefield interdiction.
• Powerplant: Turboprop engine (1,750 HP base, often throttled to 905 HP for endurance).
• Performance:
  
  
  
  • Max Speed: 649 km/h (sea level)
  
  
  • Stall Speed (Vstall): 110 km/h
  
  
  • Landing Speed (Vldg): 145 km/h
  
  
  • Best Glide Ratio: 6:1 at 215 km/h
  
  
• Maneuverability:
  
  
  
  • Climb Rate: 8 m/s at 290 km/h (5° pitch, 1.3° AoA).
  
  
  • Structural Limits:
  
  
  • Airframe: 730 km/h IAS
  
  
  • Flaps (100%/50%/25%): 425/575/700 km/h
  
  
  • Gear Extension: 375 km/h
  
  

Weight & Configurations

• Empty Weight: 2,308 kg
• Fuel Capacity: 750 L (603 kg) ? Adjustable for mission range.
• Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 7,500 kg
• Typical Payload: 4,760 kg (balanced combat load).

Armament

• Fixed (non-removable):
  
  
  
  • 2 × 20mm cannons (4 rounds/sec each, 488 rounds total).
  
  
• Modular Hardpoints (e.g., standard loadout):
  
  
  
  • 6 × 227 kg bombs
  
  
  • 2 × 7-rocket pods
  
  
  • 2 × short-range missiles (85 kg each)
  
  

Aerodynamics & Design

• Wingspan: 11.8 m | Length: 13 m | Wing Area: 30.5 m²
• Drag Coefficient (Cx): 0.045 ? Optimized for speed and lift.
• Aspect Ratio: 4.57 (stable low-speed handling).

Operational Advantages

? Versatility: Heavy payload + fixed gun armament.
? Endurance: Large fuel capacity for a turboprop attacker.
? Agility: High climb rate and low stall speed.
? Durability: Robust airframe for high-stress missions.

Note: The "Claws" excels in contested environments, blending the persistence of a turboprop with the firepower of a dedicated attack platform. Its balanced design ensures effectiveness in prolonged engagements.

Technical data subject to refinement during development.