The IF-12 "Spear-Head" is a short-range defensive interceptor designed and produced by the Septan Empire and was first spotted during the early days of the 1st SeptTerran War. Though the exact date of its inception is unknown to the Loose Chain, this fighter design is believed to be significantly older than its other siblings, the Goshawk and the Black Hawk.

During the Terran invasion of the planet Chimbalah, attack fighters tasked with attacking Septan defensive structures came under harassment by multiple unidentified fighter jets who were able to fend off the Terran fighters and push them away. After this encounter, the Terrans designated the unidentified fighter as the "Spear-Head" because of its unusual nose and thin body.

Shortly after, the Terran armed forces managed to capture multiple Spear-Heads in an attack on a Septan airfield and were able to perform an autopsy on the machines to see what it was that made them work. Throughout this process, the Terrans noted the fighter's electronics as well as some machinery were outdated compared to the other Septan fighters they had faced up to that point. Unlike the Blackhawk, which was equipped with four high-capacity missile pods, the Spear-Head utilized primitive missile hardpoint technology like those found on the Red-10 and SkyHawk fighters. Additionally, the radar and targeting systems were comprised of bulky and aged computer components which decreased its effectiveness compared to other more modern fighter radar designs.

After the end of the campaign on Chimbalah which resulted in the planet's near total destruction. The Spear-Head would be seen in limited numbers across Septan-controlled planets within the Loose Chain throughout the entirety of the 1st SeptTerran War. It would not make another appearance in the 2nd SeptTerran War as the Septans would not be able to hold to the captured planets long enough to move the fighters into the defensive garrison.

A surprising number of these would remain within the Loose Chain after the Imperials left the systems and the design of the fighter would be drafted onto blueprints, allowing companies to produce more for the private military sector. The Loose Chain redesign would be modernized and see use by mercenary groups, independent armies, pirates, and private collectors.

Hello, here with a new fighter plane design, felt like building something with a Cold War vibe. Have fun flying! :D

Radar screen borrowed from here:
https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/yDqakw/Simple-Mirage-2000-Update-V1-1