Addressed to: Guywhobuildsstuff, MWBS commander

Sent by: Connor Mckenzie, MWBS engineer and procurement handler

Notes:
Hey, Guywhobuildsstuff. New plane. It's... something. Not the most incredible thing in the air, but it'll do. Attached here is a general assessment of its performance, with some remarks from pilots. I've been meaning to get to handling the actual production of the new planes, so I've handed this report off to a colleague to be sent by them. Hopefully it ends up safely in your inbox, or wherever you keep your unread messages. Hopefully not in the rubbish bin.

THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENT IS CLASSIFIED. DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU HAVE THE REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE. FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THIS ORDER MAY RESULT IN SEVERE REPERCUSSIONS.

Project Name: P1011 "Scowler"

Commencement Date: 3/2/24
Completion Date: 25/5/24 (PROTO)
Chief Designer: C. Mckenzie, MWBS design group.
Project Manager: C. Mckenzie, MWBS design group We need more staff! the workload was unbearable!

Assessment:

Authored by: T. Howard
Editor(s): C. Mckenzie

TF-1011-11A: 25/5/24
Test type: Flight stability
Parameters: Assorted maneuvers flown at low altitude under 1500m
Results: Stable flight achieved, acceptable turn speed, climb rate, and control response.
Remarks: Aircraft is considered flight worthy. As an unscheduled bonus, weapons were fired without structural damage or loss in stability, proving design combat capable.

TF-1011-14B: 26/5/24
Test type: Repositioning
Parameters: Prototype pitted against a WWII vintage Graingy GP-43A "Birch Bird" support fighter along a fixed path, pilots of roughly equal skill.
Results: Despite initial lead by P1011, the GP-43A finished just over a minute faster than the Prototype, at around 4:00, give or take a few seconds.
Remarks: Disappointing performance by the Scowler. Not unexpected, however, seeing as the GP-43A has a much more powerful engine. Lead at the start likely a result of the Scowler's lighter weight.

TF-1011-16B: 28/5/24
Test type: Dogfighting
Parameters: Prototype pitted against a WWII vintage Graingy GP-43A "Birch Bird" support fighter in a low-altitude airspace, pilots of different skill level.
Results: Mock fights consistently went to the more skilled pilot.
Remarks: Little was learned here. One of the test pilots was unwell so testing had to proceed using a trainee pilot. An actual fight between equal pilots would likely go to the GP-43A due to its superior speed and engine power, but that is only a prediction.

Overall remarks:

Aircraft proved acceptably maneuverable, stable, and potent in the arms department. Pilots did note greater crew comfort and rearward visibility in the Scowler than in the Birch Bird, though that was a common complaint with the early model GP-43s anyways.
Proceeding with production is recommended, as the performance is well within projected estimates.
High-altitude flight yet untested, however. Needs further study. Not within doctrine, as high altitude engagements are expected to be left to jets, but the need may arise regardless. Our pilots certainly would appreciate it.
Also needs further study into CAS capabilities. The hardpoint on the belly is promising, certainly being stronger than that tent we've been calling an attack aircraft. A replacement for the AE-LB-1 is strongly desired in the face of more recent sources of funding.

Conclusion:

Aircraft fit for further development and production. Further investigation recommended into high altitude and CAS capabilities.