Y-43 MK. 10 "Thunderfox" stealth air superiority interceptor
Technical Specs:
Airframe: Y-43
Variant: MK. 10
Codename: Thunderfox
Engines: 3 (unique configuration as most fighters either have 1 or 2 engines, even in this Alternate Universe)
Thrust to weight: 2.2:1
- 2.5D thrust vectoring, allowing for tight turns at low speeds
Top speed: Mach 2.85
Cruise speed (without afterburners): Mach 1.5
Service ceiling: 77,000 feet
Stall speed: 150 mph
Climb rate: 68,990 feet per minute (rounded off to 69,000 feet per minute)
Affiliation: NSDF (Narukami Shrine Defense Force)
Home base: Narukami Shrine Base
Country of origin: Inazuma
Armament:
Guns: 2x 25mm gatling cannons (mounted on the wing roots)
Missiles: 6 mounting points on internal sliding rack, Can have more under the wings for non-stealth missions
* If Miko is piloting the aircraft, she is able to cast her skill to deal more damage*
Backstory:
The MK. 10 variant of the Y-43 air superiority fighter was initially an experimental venture for the Inazuma Aerospace Industries to incorporate a trijet design to fit the interceptor role, as The previous variants of the Y-43 prioritized Maneuverability over speed.
Initially, the prototype was called the Y-43 TSIC (Trijet Stealth Interceptor Concept) as it the prototype was built when the MK. 5 variant was being released. The newest variants achieved a mach 2.2 top speed with the MK. 9 in development promising a mach 2.5 speed with newer engines fitted, so there was little to no need for the trijet variant which only achieved a Mach 2.5 on the older engines.
The project though would be kept alive as the chief of the NSDF (Narukami Shrine Defense Force) Wanted to acquire a modernized variant of the trijet.
Development continued and the end result is a modern air superiority interceptor that is much faster than anything developed at the time. To the surprise of the Inazuma Aerospace Industries staff, the third engine only had minimal effect on the Y-43's stealth and maneuverability. The aircraft now boasts a 2.5D thrust vectoring allowing the thrust to be vectored to assist pitching and yawing at low speeds.
Due to the Variant now being in special production, the designers gave it the MK. 10 designation and codenamed it the "Thunderfox" due to the thundering noise the triple-engined fighter makes when at full thrust.
The Thunderfox incorporates internal sliding missile racks to keep its radar cross section low and supports twin 25mm gatling guns for dogfights and close encounters.
Initially the NSDF ordered 5 Thunderfoxes and 15 MK. 9's for the elite squadron. but the cost of production had them change to only 1 Thunderfox and 19 MK.9's.
The sole production Thunderfox (with the serial number 32-1123) ended up in the hands of the leader of the Shrine's elite squadron, the "Maidens".
The Thunderfox and its pilot "Vixen" strikes fear to those who are unlucky to face against it, and awe to allies and foes alike.
(The lore is still incomplete)
Additional Trivia:
- the Serial number 32-1123 is a reference to Yae Miko's "three, two, one... One, two, three" when she woke up the traveller
- "Vixen" (Miko's callsign) fits her since the word means "Female Fox" and in casual terms "Attractive Woman"
- The Designation and variant of the aircraft spells out Yae
- The nose and front half of the aircraft is heavily inspired by the F-22 Raptor
- The rear of the aircraft is inspired by the YF-23 Black Widow/Gray Ghost
- The 3 engine layout is inspired by the XFA-33 Fenrir from Ace Combat
Photos
