Overview

The T-48A "Sparrow" was developed in 1987 as a theorised replacement for the Navy's Goshawk trainer aircraft. The requirement was that it needed to be able to make unarrested carrier landings and takeoffs, be capable of high subsonic speeds and possess a high level of agility. By 1988, the first prototype had flown and was remarked upon as having exceptional qualities. The type notably serves with VT-2101 'Dawnriders' and VT-112 'Red Sharks', as well as no fewer than six additional squadrons.

Seen here in the colours of 'B' Flight, VT-112.

Flight characteristics

The aircraft is incredibly stable in flight and has a high roll rate, especially above 300mph. pitch authority is good, and can be assisted through use of the main flaps. In 'dirty' configuration (gear down, flaps full), stall speed is approximately 115 mph, depending on control inputs from the pilot. With full pitch-up attitude in a medium-alpha configuration, the aircraft will enter a full stall around 100mph.
Thrust-to-weight ratio is good, on account of the Blasto Aviation J15-A30 turbojet situated in the aft of the fuselage, developing 10,110lbf of thrust.

Combat capabilities

While designed solely as a trainer, provision of four hardpoints under the wings was made to enable use as an 'Aggressor' for ACM training. Other variants such as the F-48C are designed as purebred attack aircraft, with armor, avionics and payloads to boot.

Specifications

Top Speed: 510mph at 8,000 feet ASL
Takeoff weight: 7,000lbs normal flight loadout
Endurance: approximately 45 minutes with standard 291gal fuel load.
Payload:
- Four hardpoints, with provision for a combination of:
- Up to 4 250lb Bombs;
- Up to 4 AIM-95 'Guardian' MRAAMs
- Up to 4 AIM-130 'Interceptor' AMRAAMs