---

Presentation Sheet: YF-20 Thunderclaw

---

General Information

Type: Air superiority fighter focused on dogfighting (4th generation, 4.5 variants)
Designer: Alpha Project Industries (Erusea)
First Flight: March 7, 1986
Service Entry: December 21, 1989
Primary Role: Air superiority, close-range dogfighting, and rapid interception
Units Produced: 2,150 units (all versions combined)
Status: Retired from primary roles but still in secondary service in Erusea and partner nations

---

Dimensions and Structure

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

---

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

---

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

---

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

---

History and Development

Context:
In the early 1980s, Erusea developed the YF-20 as a response to modern Soviet fighters like the Su-27 and MiG-29, as well as Western aircraft such as the F-15 and Mirage 2000. The goal was to create an aircraft that excelled in close-range dogfights while maintaining long-range air superiority capabilities.

Key Phases:

1. 1982: Program launch with simulations focusing on dogfight performance and maneuverability

2. 1986: Successful first flight with dogfighting capabilities exceeding expectations

3. 1989: Entry into service with the Erusean Kriegermarine and Air Force; deployed for NATO patrols and exercises

Engagements:

1990–1995: The YF-20 proved superior in NATO joint exercises, often outperforming counterparts due to its exceptional maneuverability and flight endurance

2000–2010: Modernized variants were introduced to stay competitive against 5th-generation aircraft, such as the YF-25 Dragon

---

Notable Variants

YF-20A: Base model, optimized for dogfighting and interception

YF-20B: Two-seat variant for advanced training and tactical reconnaissance missions

YF-20C/D: Modernized versions with AESA radars, enhanced electronic warfare systems, and reduced radar signature

---

Critiques and Legacy

Strengths:

Exceptional maneuverability, ideal for dogfights

Robust and reliable design in hostile environments

Ability to maintain air superiority against formidable adversaries

---

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