"Hawk-A"

I know exactly what you're thinking of.

The HA-5 Hawk-A

is a very special fighter... because, it's not entirely a fighter. In reality, the Hawk is a attack/strike-fighter, so still a fighter, just not 100% fighter. It comes armed with five cannons, and "two" rocket pods (which are both comprised of three rocket pods each). Its cannons are useful against air and ground targets alike, but you'll find the rockets quite viable against any ground unit, but unfortunately null against air targets. The HA-5 also introduces the world of FSF to leading-edge slats.
In terms of actual performance, the HA-5 has fair armor, and decent turning, but you'll want to make the most out of your speed and cannons. It can't outturn most first-gen FSF aircraft, so outrun them, then hit 'em with a boom and zoom. Other second gen aircraft (whenever the release) will be dangerous thanks to their flares, but most of them have similar strategy. Some may even be out-turnable.

Trivia

-The Hawk-A was my first experiment with rapid-fire rocket pods. Turns out you can adjust their firerate and make them useful. Trust me, one of the upcoming planes utilizes this new power to the extreme.
-The only unique functional attribute (aside from the rocket pods) introduced by the Hawk-A is its leading edge slats; although it's the first posted FSF plane with stabilitors and countermeasures, two planes were built (albeit not posted) before the Hawk-A, one being the P-10C with an all-moving tail, and the other being the F9R Tango Model 13 with countermeasures.
-The Hawk-A's fuselage is inspired by the shape of a bullet, but I let some friends have early access and they said it looks like a pencil.
-Canonically speaking, the HA-5 is so successful that it gets a sequel: The Hawk-2A.