A deathtrap. Or at least that's what it was classed when pilots first had to test their mettle in it during the 50s legault conflicts. A zenith of the jet age at that time, the Tantalus was a fearsome foe and ally.

The plane held numerous airspeed and altitude records for quite along time due to its impossibly light construction. Fielded with many technologies such as advanced actuated wings, gyroscopic support, advanced telemetry, guided munitions, an experimental magnetic defense weapon, top of the line avionics and targeting, and incredible propulsion tech alongside many more little bits this plane truly defined bleeding edge. With care the plane will reach 1600+ miles an hour and altitudes in excess of 60k.

Brought into service in 53 the Tantalus replaced a few older jet models and surplanted nearly all competitors for a while. It is a short to medium range fighter depending on altitude. The plane was tricky and scary to fly but that never stopped it from being stunningly effective.

Even today this plane is still used in scientific endeavours. Its raw power and speed make it capable of satellite destruction and retrieval, observation, and spacebound escort duties. Landing is a chore mitigated by steady hands and smart use of the tools available to its pilots. This is naval capable but not meant to be a naval fighter from the get-go. Other flyers like the Cetus and Dynast take up that role.

AG1 landing equipment (flaps, lights)
AG2 experimental ballistic defense (do not have active when you launch rocket/missile munitions)
AG3 drop pods (~20% extra fuel lost when dropped)
AG4 actuators for rear wings
AG5 afterburner (used to exceed mach 2)
AG6 rods/actuators for front canards. (VTOL up to extend front canards)
AG7 gyro (needed to make 8 work properly. Needed to maintain level/stable flight at top speeds)
AG8 HOOK and maintenance and special ground mode (rods extend down the front and rear gears with vtol. used to raise plane on ground and extend gear further for some landings)