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Presentation Sheet: YF-20A B2 Thunderclaw

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General Information

Type: Twin-seat air superiority fighter focused on dogfighting (4th generation, 4.5 variants)
Designer: Alpha Project Industries (Erusea)
First Flight: August 15, 1987
Service Entry: February 12, 1990
Primary Role: Air superiority, close-range dogfighting, rapid interception, and advanced tactical missions
Units Produced: 650 units
Status: Retired from primary roles but still in secondary service in Erusea and partner nations

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Dimensions and Structure

Length: 26.8 meters
Wingspan: 19 meters
Height: 6.2 meters
Empty Weight: 15 tons
Max Takeoff Weight: 30 tons

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Performance and Propulsion

Engines:
2 HPM-TF3000 turbofan engines, optimized for high thrust and aggressive maneuvers
Thrust with afterburners: 13,000 kgf per engine

Top Speed: Mach 2.4 (at high altitude)
Operational Ceiling: 20,000 meters
Range: 5,220 km (cruise mode at 16% thrust)
Combat Radius: 2,500 km
Maximum Flight Time: 8 hours 30 minutes (without refueling)

Exceptional Maneuverability:

High thrust-to-weight ratio for sharp turns and high angles of attack

Advanced aerodynamic controls for close-range combat

Additional canards for enhanced agility

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Twin-Seat Configuration

The YF-20A B2 variant includes an additional rear seat for an operator/navigator who handles:

Advanced radio communications

Mission coordination

Tactical systems support, such as radar management and electronic warfare

This addition increases mission versatility, particularly for complex air operations and tactical reconnaissance missions.

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Armament and Capabilities

Internal Cannon:

One 20mm rotary cannon optimized for close-range dogfights with a high rate of fire

Hardpoints:

12 hardpoints (4 under the fuselage, 8 under the wings)

Capable of carrying short-range air-to-air missiles (e.g., SSH-120 or local equivalents) and medium-range missiles (e.g., SSE-60 GN)

Payload Capacity: Up to 8,500 kg of armament, additional fuel tanks, or electronic systems

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Technology and Avionics

Radar:

4th-generation Doppler radar optimized for long-range detection and multiple target locking

Electronic Warfare Systems:

Integrated jammers to counter enemy radars and improve combat survivability

Advanced Avionics:

Partially digital cockpit with a heads-up display (HUD) and helmet-mounted sighting system compatibility

Fly-by-wire controls for optimal maneuverability

Twin-Seat Avionics Enhancements:

Additional interfaces for the navigator/operator to independently manage mission-critical systems

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History and Development

Context:
The YF-20A B2 was developed to address the increasing need for twin-seat aircraft in advanced tactical missions and training operations. It retained the performance and maneuverability of the single-seat YF-20A while adding flexibility for specialized missions.

Key Phases:

1. 1985: Design modifications begin for a twin-seat variant of the YF-20A

2. 1987: First flight of the YF-20A B2 prototype, demonstrating no significant loss in performance despite the additional crew

3. 1990: Entry into service as a versatile twin-seat platform for both combat and support missions

Engagements:

Used primarily for tactical reconnaissance, mission coordination, and advanced training exercises

Provided an edge in complex operations requiring real-time communication and mission adaptability

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Variants

YF-20A B2: Base twin-seat model with no change in performance or armament but equipped with additional systems for the operator/navigator

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Critiques and Legacy

Strengths:

Maintains all the strengths of the single-seat YF-20A, including exceptional maneuverability and robust design

Twin-seat configuration increases operational flexibility for advanced missions

Legacy:
The YF-20A B2 served as an important stepping stone in Erusea's air force modernization, offering a reliable platform for multi-role missions and tactical operations.

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Control Features

AG-1: Cockpit functions
AG-2: Additional controls
AG-3: Ejection system
AG-4: Auxiliary features
AG-5: External fuel tank jettison
AG-6: Parachute deployment
AG-7: Arrestor hook deployment
AG-8: Miscellaneous systems

VTOL: Aerodynamic braking
TRIM: Manual stabilization