Development History:

In 1953, the Cascadian Air Force launched a program to develop a modern fighter aircraft capable of performing multiple roles, featuring high payload capacity and easy maintenance. Merpati Aerospace Industries (MAI) was appointed as the main contractor for this program. After several years of research and development, the program produced a prototype aircraft named Alpha-1. The Alpha-1 made its first flight in 1956 and was officially tested in front of Air Force representatives in 1958.

Impressed by its performance, the Cascadian Air Force placed an order for 700 units, divided into 10 batches, two months later. The Alpha-1 officially entered production and export stages, with Merpati Aerospace Industries (MAI) renaming the prototype to Mer-3. Meanwhile, the Cascadian Air Force assigned it the codename "Pivot," making the aircraft widely known as the Mer-3 Pivot. It officially entered full operational service in 1959.

Summary:

The MAI Mer-3 Pivot is a third-generation all-weather fighter-bomber, single-engine, twin-seat, delta-winged, and T-tailed aircraft, which began development in 1953.

Specifications:

Length:60.1 feet (18.3 meters)
Wingspan:36.8 feet (11.2 meters)
Height:16.3 feet (4.9 meters)
Empty weight:26,378 lbs (11,964 kg)
Maximum weight:38,000 lbs (17,236 kg)

Performance:

Maximum speed:1,040 mph (1,673 km/h) at altitude (20,000 feet)
Cruising speed:790 mph (1,271 km/h) at altitude (20,000 feet)
Payload capacity: approximately 13,227 lbs (6,000 kg)
Internal fuel capacity: 1,129 gallons

Warning: It is not recommended to move the flaps while the aircraft is already in the air.