The Node was the result of a hard push to find an aircraft capable of sweeping certain zones of conflict during the Legault wars. Resources were not an issue, but technology was. One of the very first operational jet aircraft fielded by any military, the Node was everything that the AAI hoped for and a lot of problems all in one basket.

For propulsion this plane had 3 'Tunitu' Turbojets. The goal was to make a cheaper less complex jet aircraft with a 1 to 1 thrust ratio. There was no engine at the time of the Node's design process to allow for this unless multiple were used. A compromise was made, and a very thirsty bird was born.

The Node was a rare aircraft due to its expense, its difficulty to maintain, and the lack of pilots skilled enough to take them on in high numbers. The plane could be learnt very quickly, but prop plane veterans would take the Node into combat in the wrong way. This was eventually sorted out but by that time there was a cease-fire.

Performance wise the Node was nothing to balk at. At altitude, speeds at or exceeding 600mph were possible. The craft came equipped with 8 rockets, 2 38mm cannons, and 2 50 caliber machine guns in the nose area. The craft was far from the most armed, but it was deadly all the same. With great flight characteristics for a subsonic aircraft, the jet age was heralded by a competent vehicle. As with most aircraft designed by the Arcanix firms the Node was carrier capable. This vehicle was the first jet to have a built-in reverse thrust function allowing for ease of transportation when taxiing; an appreciated feature.

Without flaps, the craft can be a tad bothersome to land, but level heading and a cautious hand will have this craft down without fuss. With the tanks installed, one must use trim to keep altitude and gain it. The Node does have a fairly low stall speed, so it is pretty forgiving when maneuvering.

(Creator note: This was supposed to be a slap job. 40 hours of work later and here we are. Wish I had more to show for it but this plane really grew on me. Hope you like it as much as I do.)

Lightly detailed cockpit

AG1 - canopy
AG2- Detacher for tanks
AG3- Emergency Chute
AG4-Steering unlock
AG5-Brake Flaps
AG6-Hook
AG7-Running lights
AG8 engine kill