Created as a submission to the WWII Jets Challenge

P-74A Lightning-Bolt
The P-74A is a first-generation fighter jet designed for close air support/ground attack and bomber escort. Powered by a single turbojet engine, the aircraft is able to reach an airspeed of 600 Km/Hr. Armaments include 2 50cal nose-mounted machine guns and 4 37mm cannons, with the additional capabilities to carry unguided small rockets and small diameter bombs. The Lightning-Bolt also has wing flaps and airbrakes, allowing the aircraft to have better maneuverability at higher speeds. The addition of wing-mounted drop tanks also allowed for a longer range, which was especially crucial for bomber escort missions.

History
The P-74A Lightning-Bolt was caught in a weird time in history. With the First production model airframe rolling off the factory floor 2 months before the war's end, the Lighting-Bolt served only three weeks before being sent back from the frontline, occupying mostly escort roles for medium & heavy bombers.

It was during this brief service period that the P-74 was able to get its one and only air-to-air victory of the war. On the second-ever escort mission by P-74s, CMDR William R. Newman, piloting Aircraft number 426015(the airframe depicted), and his escort group was intercepted by 3 enemy aircraft from behind. Reacting quickly, Newman pulled into an 80-degree vertical and proceeded to drop right behind the incoming enemy aircraft, shooting at them using the 50cals. Two of the 3 enemy aircraft were chased off by the rest of the P-74 squadron, but the last one stuck around attempting to catch up and harass the bomber formation. Newman then got behind the last enemy and shot at them with the 50cal again, but after a 1-second burst, it jammed. Seeing no other options, Newman switched to the 37mm cannon, meant for attacking ground targets and bombers, and shot a long burst at the remaining enemy plane. The enemy plane was then torn to shreds by the 37mm rounds, ripping both wings straight off the fuselage. This encounter became the first air-to-air kill of the P-74 and the only one of the war.

After the war, many of the Lightning-Bolts were sent back to the factory to receive upgrades updating them to the faster, more maneuverable P-74B variant(later redesignated the F-74B). But some, such as number 426015, were kept in their original A-variant specifications and continued to serve as close air support for later wars.

Controls
-AG1 - MG/Cannon Switch
-AG2 - Rocket Arm
-AG3 - N/A
-AG4 - N/A
-AG5 - N/A
-AG6 - N/A
-AG7 - Canopy
-AG8 - Navigation Lights(on by default)
-Landing Gear - Landing Gear(duh)
-Trim - Trim(also duh)
-VTOL - Flaps(0 to -100%)
-Throttle - Throttle(duh x3)

Unlabeled VR Controls
-Left Stick:
•In/Out Movement - Throttle
•Left/Right Pivot - Yaw
•Trigger - Brake
•Button 1 - Cycle Target Mode
•button 2 - Next target
-Middle Stick:
•forward/backward - pitch
•left/right - roll
•Trigger - Fire Gun
•button 1 - Fire Weapon

Flight Recommendations
-For takeoff, set throttle to 100%, trim to -100%, and VTOL(flaps) to -100% pitch up after the front gear lifts on its own. Set Flaps and trim back to 0% after takeoff
-When with full weapons load, set trim to 0% to -25%. When everything is jettisoned, set trim to 25% to 45%
-During landing, throttle is recommended at about 30-40% with about half trim and full downwards flaps, keep airspeed above 250 km/h, and brake slowly after contact.
-During a high load turn, deploying flaps will help you turn better.
-Aircraft will become less maneuverable if below 200 mph, and stalls at around 175 mph

Design Notes
- This aircraft is 100% fictional and original
- Mainly inspired by the F-86 Sabre, with hints of the F-80 Shooting Star thrown in.
- The 37mm cannon is based on the M4 cannons used on the P-39's and P-63's
- Hopefully, this is useable in VR

Gallery
Cockpit View
Firing Rockets
Dropping External Fuel Tanks
Taking Off