OVERVIEW:
The BKR-425 is comparable to the Pummeler in many aspects, including the use of the T2000 powerplant as well as its durability. It combines high speeds, durability, and firepower in an economical package. There is plenty of room for upgrades as well, notably range. This aircraft outclasses the Pummeler in many aspects, and is an excellent machine in its own right. If it were not for the Pilotmario Air Force's large fleet of Pummelers, this would certainly have been adopted for service. The only truly negative aspect of the aircraft is the narrow track of the landing gear, making it far more difficult to land compared to the Pummeler. It is recommended to angle the landing gear outwards in order to widen its track.

Compared with its predecessors, it is a substantial improvement.

COMBAT PERFORMANCE:
The aircraft's range is decent, and is comparable to the Pummeler without drop tanks. The large internal volume allows for fuel capacity upgrades if so desired. Takeoff is very short, even with a full load, comparable to a Pummeler with flaps down. However, the narrow landing gear track makes landing the machine tricky.

The aircraft was very fast for its type, especially with the Mk 2 propeller (see LOGISTICS for details). Maneuverability was good, even at low speeds and with combat load. Pitch controls are very responsive. Controls are sharp but sensitive, especially at high speeds. The aircraft is quite distinctive, making it easy for friendly forces to recognize and therefore not shoot it down.

INTEGRAL FIREPOWER:
The twin Mk 2 machine guns with a synchronized Mk 6 rotary cannon are inferior to the firepower of the Pummeler, the latter having twice the firepower of the BKR-400. It has been determined this aircraft could carry much heavier armament.

EXTERNAL LOADS:
The external weapons load is comparable to the Pummeler, and is reasonably powerful. It is satisfactory for the role.

DURABILITY:
The aircraft is highly durable, comparable to the Pummeler in this aspect.

VISIBILITY:
Cockpit visibility is comparable to the Pummeler, and is inferior to the Boar. Visibility to the runway is bad, but given our experience with the Pummeler, which isn't much better in this regard, it is certainly manageable.

LOGISTICS:
The aircraft's angle of attack on the ground make it harder to arm, but not much more so than the Pummeler. The synchronizer mechanism has been referred to as a "Rube Goldberg device" and is suggested to either simplify it or eliminate the Mk 6 rotary machine gun in favor of more Mk 2 wing guns.

The fixed-pitch propeller provides for reasonable performance given its simplicity. However, it is not a standard component available in existing Pilotmario Air Force stocks, and therefore the decision was made to test it with the Mk 2 propeller from the Pummeler, as this propeller was available in Pilotmario Air Force arsenals. The Mk 2 is has four warbird-style blades, has a chord of 3x, a diameter of 110 inches, and an automatic pitch control unit. This propeller dramatically increased the performance of the aircraft, allowing it to reach 600mph at low altitudes.

OFF THE BOOKS:
Test pilots and ground crew often refer to this aircraft as the "Flying Barrel" due to its tubular shape. Many officers feel the type looks rather ugly, though it is noted that close air support is not a beauty contest in any way, shape or form. Many pilots feel that the uglier the airplane is, the better the ground-pounding abilities. And this plane is very ugly.