The NJ-10F/A

Background:

The NJ-10, nicknamed the "Bird of Destruction", is a cutting-edge experimental fighter aircraft developed by the Noble Aerospace Agency (NAA) in the wake of the NJ-8FX’s legendary success during the War of 2015. Unlike its battle-proven predecessor, the NJ-10 was not created in response to war, but as a visionary project aimed at exploring the next frontier of fighter technology.

Launched in 2022, the NJ-10 program sought to break new ground in aerial warfare with an aircraft that prioritized adaptability, and advanced avionics.

Early NJ-10 prototype (taken late 2022)
The program’s early stages were marked by both ambition and tragedy. During its first test flight in late 2022, an early prototype suffered a catastrophic systems failure and crashed, killing Commander Steve McDonald, a decorated NJ-8 veteran and one of NAA’s most experienced test pilots. The incident temporarily halted the program and led to a complete overhaul of the NJ-10’s flight control systems and safety protocols.

After resuming in 2023, the NJ-10 completed a series of successful tests and gradually emerged as a technology demonstrator, showcasing capabilities far beyond current operational aircraft. While it has not entered mass production or seen serious combat deployment, it has influenced numerous design philosophies and remains a cornerstone of NAA's aerospace research.

The "Bird of Destruction" now serves as a symbol of both the cost of innovation and the relentless pursuit of progress, embodying NAA’s belief that: "the future of air superiority lies not just in power—but in possibility."
Credit: OpenAI's ChatGPT

NJ-10 Info:

Wingspan: 35.1 feet — Compact yet efficient wing design.
Length: 48.1 feet
Height: 14.1 feet
Weight:
Empty Weight: 27,455 pounds — Light enough for exceptional manoeuvrability when unarmed or lightly equipped.
Loaded Weight: 42,560 pounds — Fully loaded with weapons, fuel, and avionics, optimized for multi-role combat operations.

Power-to-Weight Ratio: 0.633 (Full Load)
Wing Loading: 55 lbs/ft
Wing Area: 780 ft²

Part Count: 458
Control Surfaces: 10 — Ensures optimal control and flight stability under various conditions, supplemented by TVC.
Thrust Vectoring Control (TVC): This advanced feature allows the jet to redirect engine thrust, enabling extraordinary agility, tight turns, and superior performance in both dogfighting scenarios and precision manoeuvres.

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