Description:

The Sh-49 is a large, twin engined, single seat stealth fighter, with forward swept wings and a single 2D thrust vectoring nozzle. Designed to complete a multitude of combat roles such as ground attack and air superiority, the Sh-49 is one of the most versatile aircraft in the Ruskovian Air Force. Equipped with a large internal weapons bay, the aircraft could carry a significant amount of ordinance for both air superiority and ground attack missions.

Development history:

The development of next generation aircraft from the Ishikawa and Shinesian Air Force during the early 1980s caused great concern within Ruskovia. While their currently existing fleet of various 4th generation fighters were highly capable, development of a next generation air superiority fighter became a top priority for the Air Force to ensure air superiority at home and overseas.

Development of a next gen stealth fighter began with prototypes such as the S-32 and later the Su-47, both of which were low visibility airframes designed with forward swept wings for enhanced maneuverability. While both airframes were later pushed into service in limited numbers, the final culmination would be the Sh-49.

The Sh-49 prototype first flew in the early 1990s as a top secret aircraft. By the mid 1990s the airframe would begin seeing limited production, and would quietly see service in various Ruskovian backed black ops operations around the world. The aircraft proved highly effective in this regard, its stealth characteristics and high maneuverability earning it a deadly reputation among its enemies.

In January of 1999, the Sh-49 would finally be unveiled to the public eye, with over 50 of the airframes flying over the Ruskovian capital. This also marked the beginning of the full scale mass production of the aircraft

The Sh-49 remained a highly capable fighter during the early years of the 21st century, but newer competitors from other nations slowly matching or even surpassing the Sh-49 in overall combat capability. Nevertheless, various modifications would keep the airframe in service, most importantly of all was a cutting edge data link, designed to support long range fire control for friendly aircraft.

During the various inner conflicts of 2014, the Sh-49 would play a vital role in both a vanguard and supporting role for the Ruskovian Air Force.

As more advanced 6th generation fighters such as the Alta-Sh entered service, the Sh-49 would often support such aircraft in a “spotter” role. Sh-49s would designate targets for Alta-Shs, greatly improving the Alta-Sh’s long range combat capabilities. In turn, the Alta-Sh’s would use their long range radars to spot potential targets, which Sh-49s would then intercept. This combo proved to be highly effective, resulting in high casualties among rebel forces, particularly during operations Skyfall and Red Star.

After the inner conflicts the Sh-49 would be exported to numerous Ruskovian allies to help pay for the expenses during said conflicts. The aircraft saw some success as an export, but newer indigenous designs would stifle sales.

Its service in the Continental War was initially quite impressive, with numerous aerial victories throughout the conflict. Some of the more notorious squadrons were the 13th Fighter Squadron and the 9th Guards Squadron, which proved to be highly devastating in numerous battles.

However, as the war progressed against Ruskovia, both airframes and pilots were in increasingly short supply. Near the end of the war, numerous Sh-49s were assigned to non-guard squadrons. The capabilities of the enemy fighters would match or negate any advantages the Sh-49 could bring to the battlefield, resulting in high losses.

Available Weapons

Air to Air

30mm autocannon - A rapid fire autocannon designed to destroy enemy aircraft and ground targets alike.

K-19 - Close Range air to air missile with All-Aspect capabilities.

R-99 - Medium range air to air missile with long range capabilities.

KS-172 - Long range air to air missile designed to eliminate high priority targets such as AWACS.

Air to Ground

KMGU Dispenser - Bomblet dispenser designed to deploy a large number of cluster bombs over a wide area, often used against runways or soft targets.

Kh-24 - Small anti-ship missile designed to destroy naval vessels up to 5000 tonnes.

Kh-29 - Powerful air to surface missile for destroying hardened targets and outdoor toilets.

Liveries:

7th Guards Squadron

Livery used by many Guard squadrons, most notoriously of all being the 7th. By the end of the Continental War it started to appear on numerous regular units.

Loadouts:

Air superiority configuration - 3 K-19, 7 R-99, 1 30mm autocannon

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/b9lbQ3/Fighter-Sh-49-7th-Guards-Air-Superiority-Configuration

Ground attack configuration - 1 K-19, 2 Kh-29, 1 30mm autocannon

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/JHV3oX/Fighter-Sh-49-7th-Guards-Ground-Attack-Configuration

13th Fighter Squadron

A matte black camo for night operations and black ops missions. During the late 20th century this camo pattern lacked Ruskovian rounders, instead replacing them with the various insignias of whatever allied Air Force was in the vicinity.

Air superiority configuration - 3 K-19, 7 R-99, 1 30mm autocannon

Already Equipped

Ground attack configuration - 3 K-19, 5 R-99, 2 KMGU Dispenser, 1 30mm autocannon

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/Hc73p6/Fighter-Sh-49-13th-Fighter-Squadron-Ground-Attack-Configuration

9th Guards Squadron

A tricolor livery frequently seen during military parades. The 9th guards made this their permanent livery during combat operations until near the end of the war, when the entire squadron was wiped out during Operation Snowbound.

Air superiority configuration - 3 K-19, 7 R-99, 1 30mm autocannon

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/cqGm52/Fighter-Sh-49-9th-Guards-Air-Superiority-Configuration

Ground attack configuration - 3 K-19, 2 Kh-24, 1 30mm autocannon

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/oGP1n2/Fighter-Sh-49-9th-Guards-Ground-Attack-Configuration

“Permanently Borrowed”

As rebel forces waged their war against the Ruskovian government, the rebels were able to temporarily secure a near complete Su-49 from a factory. With no time to even paint the airframe, the aircraft was hastily made airworthy and escaped from the frontlines. Later, the Shinesian government acquired the airframe for evaluation into its capabilities.

Air superiority configuration - 3 K-19, 7 R-99, 1 30mm autocannon

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/gQK554/Fighter-Sh-49-Permenantly-Borrowed-Air-Superiority-Configuration

Activation Groups:

AG1 - Canopy
AG2 - Refueling Probe
AG3 - Tail Hook
AG4 - Lights
AG5 - PSM controls
AG6 - N/A
AG7 - N/A
AG8 - N/A

Credits

KS-172

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/b6zQ66/Ziks-Weapon-Pack-No-1

Kh-29

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/0yh9zB/Kh-29Air-To-Ground-Missile#google_vignette

Ruskovian Roundel

https://www.simpleplanes.com/a/32nb3n/ALTA-Sh-Foxstall