(1) + VTOL to activate VTOL systems. VTOL Down at 3/4 is for vertical flight. (5) to activate afterburners.

Overview

The F-45D Barracuda is a multirole Paternian stealth V/STOL-capable 5th generation fighter aircraft.

Development

Faults with the earlier Alpha design were not adequately addressed with the Bravo variant. Therefore, it was decided to completely redesign the aircraft, resulting in the Charlie/Delta design.

The Charlie variant was basically a new aircraft, but the designation was retained due to the retention of many of the internal components and electronics from the Bravo.

The Delta is an adaption of the F-45C into a V/STOL capable fighter. The ineptus for this was experience in the Arctic Ocean campaign with the AV-6B Kestrel attack jet. While it could hold its own against older machines thanks to its superior missiles, it was virtually hopeless against newer types.

Necessary Statistics

Cruising speed: 800mph at 20,000 feet
Top speed: 1400mph at 20,000 feet
Operational range: 700 miles on internal fuel stores at cruising speed, 1500 with external drop tanks, infinite with refuelling
Maximum altitude: 60,000 feet

Armament:

Internal 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon

Six internal (four missile-only), four external.
Air-Air:

AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-132 ASRAAM, MBDA Meteor

Air-Ground Missile (6+4, dependent on missile)

AGM-122 Sidearm
AGM-65 Maverick (4 external only)
MBDA Brimstone (4 external only)
AGM-290B HSLAM II (6, including 4 external)

Air-Ground Bomb (2+4):

Mk 80 series,
JDAM series
Paveway series,
CBU-100 Rockeye (WCMD-capable),
Small Diameter Bomb dispenser (4x GBU-39 per dispenser),
B61 series variable-yield nuclear bomb,
B92 series variable-yield antimatter bomb.