A traditional mid-size jet fighter designed to intercept and chase down high speed, high altitude bombers.

Credits:
The HELLKITE Interceptor is an original fantasy design, comparable to such real world fighters as the F-106 Delta Dart and the English Electric Lightning. Of course, all the modifications are the products of you wonderful folk here on SimplePlanes--I have neither the capacity nor the knowledge to do those myself. I would specifically like to thank Seme4ka for the wonderful micro-missiles that are the basis of my Fang and Talon missiles batteries, dfsjoe for the weightless mega-fuel tank that I have reinterpreted as the Umbra Reactor, FGW2014 for the Hail Storm shard laser that became the Meteor Storm shard laser system, and finally very special thanks to Spefyjerbf not just for the many amazing weapons systems but for the Holographic Cockpit Mk I which I've utilized in its entirety in the current version of this plane.

Background Story:
In the late third cycle of the XIX Dynasty, soon after the Archon Chancellery began production of it's strategic bomber, the COCKATRICE, the High Command realized that certain of their clients would now require a high speed interceptor to counter the threat of the heavy bombers now entering service. The Chancellery ultimately utilized a compact lifting-body design combined with the SERAPHIM multi-wing architecture. An abbreviated version of the bureau's successful CONSTELLATION integrated power system was installed, sans the UMBRA dark energy reactor, as longer range was not considered vital to the role envisioned for the HELLKITE. The resulting aircraft was a mid-sized aircraft capable of super-cruise speeds above Mach 2 with boosted performance of nearly Mach 6: well into the hypersonic range. The HELLKITE also featured several advanced weapons systems, including a dozen FANG anti-aircraft missiles contained within an internal weapon's bay; two STAR FIRE dual pulse-beam laser systems; two STAR BURST stern chaser laser cannons; two STAR LIGHT needle laser guns; and a single nose mounted METEOR SWARM laser shard anti-aircraft gun.

During the fifth cycle of the XIX Dynasty it was determined that the HELLKITE was in serious need of an upgrade. The plane underwent a major redesign, especially to the wings and tail surfaces, which resulted in less drag and an overall improvement in aerodynamics. Two STAR LIGHT needle beam lasers were added as a close support weapon system, enabling the more powerful STAR FIRE cannons to be reserved for specific attack runs. Finally, SPEcorp's excellent HOLOGRAPHIC COCKPIT was imported for use on the Mark II.

Activation Groups:
1 - Engages the CONSTELLATION integrated power system, which includes an enhanced gyro-stabilization unit (on whenever AG-1 is active), the advanced QUANTUM DRIVE pulse thrust/boost engine (VTOL bar up), and the anti-gravity GRAVITON VTOL motor (VTOL bar down).
2 - Activates the PLASMA JET afterburner.
3 - Activated the nose mounted METEOR SWARM anti-aircraft shard laser.
4 - Activates the FANG advanced AA missile system (Interceptor based).
5 - Activates the STAR FIRE heavy pulse-beam lasers.
6 - Activates the STAR BURST stern-chaser pulse cannons.
7 - Enables the HOLOGRAPHIC COCKPIT night vision system
8 - Deactivates all active sensors (shown by extinguishing the various engine and running lights) and disarms the plane's twin STAR LIGHT needle lasers.