"As much as we hate the handling, having one of these on your side is like having bulletproof skin. Except the bullets are missiles."

--Intro--
Second in the redesign series where I improve in small ways each time. Relatively simple design but I tried to get it as right as I could. I'm really pleased with it overall, especially the canards. It flies a lot better than the base "A" variant.

--Description--
Winolia is aware that against many nations, symmetric warfare is synonymous to certain death, given the empire's current state. Engineer, Kars Mikelos, designer of the Stratos, believes that networked combat system should also be able to operate independently. His company, charged with designing the Stratos, also follows the same design ideal. In every aircraft they have ever built, the utility of the unit has always been just as important as the versatility of networked combat. The Stratos excels at both. As part of a network, it forms both a core command unit and a versatile strike platform with stealth capabilities. Alone it is a viable strike platform and a capable, though not dedicated, air-superiority platform able to defend itself and evade even the most complex radar networks.

It uses the Winolian ZX-23 AESA radar, designed based on the radar used in the Nations older Russian aircraft and technology gained from their allies. The radar is able to track multiple targets simultaneously, well beyond visual range, and provide firing solutions independently or as partial guidance for ordinance carried onboard.

A built-in system, Taktix, is the most complex piece of Winolian engineering aboard the fighter. It's cost raised some controversy as a sizeable sum was poured into the project without much apparent development in the public eye, calling it into question. It encompasses the "lone wolf" operational capability of the Stratos while also helping it perform networked missions. Taktix-1, the first generation, collects, sorts and displays information from the multitude of detection devices on the craft and discerns a number of things: The aircraft being faced (based on data it continually gathers and learns from), whether the aircraft has detected the pilot, the maximum safe distance from said aircraft, engagement solutions and other bits on information that help the pilot make an informed decision. The Taktix system is so well guarded that the Stratos is not exported with it but instead with a watered down system [Kombat-2] which is based on older technology.

It uses a main electro-optical sensor for more advanced information gathering at close ranges and comes equipped with a myriad of 4.5 gen technology. Its main feature is its 'low observable' design. A low-cost solution to Winolia's lack of stealth aircraft. Stealthy enough to get the job done while being low-maintenance--the tradeoff being its slightly larger than desireable RCS. Plans are being made to bring up the level of stealth in further models. Each unit costs approximately $52,000,000.

As for weapons, it can mount six external pylons [4 underwing, 2 wingtip] and comes with side bays as opposed to underside bays. Each bay is capable of carrying two air to air missiles. However larger bays can be installed for larger mission loads at the expense of fuel. It is also equipped with a 30mm cannon.

--Action Group Guide--
AG1 = Drag Chute
AG2 = Stage 2 engine start/afterburner [Important at takeoff. Aircraft is most agile between 600-800 mph]
AG8 = Missile bays

--Notes--
Yeah, so this one's quite good. I'll upload some more pictures later. Once I figure out how.
It's a little squirmy on some turns but that's because the COL and CAM are so far behind the nose. Makes it great for retaining energy.
No stalling issues in design. Be gentle when taking off.