HAMEKA AZ-16A Yosuzume I
Advanced Attack Half-Frame (AF-class)
Rank: VI

+key visuals (pixiv)
+MechaFCS 2.1 original

--- BEGIN USER MANUAL ---

[ ! ] Read control notes and weapon notes before operation.

CONTROLS:
Pitch: Strafe forward/backward
Roll: Strafe sideways
Yaw: Yaw
VTOL: Strafe vertically
Trim: Weapon/Radar elevation
LandingGear: Ground detection mode
Activate1: Discard torpedoes (*does not launch them)
Activate6: Custom camera 1 zoom
Activate7: Extend EW array (*no effect in SP)
Activate8: Master switch

NOTES:
- The flight system is built on the MechaFCS Ver2.1 system. Controls and behavior are the same. Horizontal speed is 90, vertical speed is 70, and variable is IAS.
- The actual legs are not used for landing. A small, separate part on the main body is used. This is because of how MechaFCS 2.1 works.
- See the Armament section for weapon information, lore-wise. Weapon characteristics can be inferred.
- Cockpit rotates with Trim. Gun elevation is handled using cockpit pitch to account somewhat for pitch changes when strafing. Missile launcher pitch is handled more normally.

SUBASSEMBLY NOTES:
It is not recommended to use the ASATs directly from this machine. The ASATs are tuned specifically for this machine and are not representative of "realistic" uses. I originally based it on mass multiplier 0.25 (stable normally), it was changed to 0.01 (unstable without adjusting properties). It also has a CoM-adjusting part on it.

AIRCRAFT-SPECIFIC FUNKY TREES:
Legs only move when the machine is high enough above the ground, or is above water. You can find the approximate ground height using Altitude-AltitudeAgl, and hence check if you are flying above water. Tests show that AltitudeAgl does not use the cockpit (may use CoM?), and may change with aircraft attitude. These factors must be considered.

--- END USER MANUAL ---

The AZ-16 is an Attack Half-Frame. It combines advanced flight control and automation avionics with a powerful engine array to achieve the truest Attack Frame flight model. Additional partial-stealth and EW capabilities make the machine one of the best in its class.

Specifications (AZ-16A, unarmed)
Length: 3,440 mm
Width: 5,500 mm
Height: 5,230 mm
Empty Mass: 2,200 kg
Max. Safe Mass: 3,900 kg
Crew: 0
Unit Cost: Unknown
Units Built: About 1,100

With battles taking to space in the rollover to the 22nd Century, ASTIND CORPORATION and HAYASHI'S MACHINE LABORATORY (HAMEKA) needed a new "disposable" all-environment attacker to assist in securing space superiority. It had to be able to perform in all regions of the inner Solar System, including on the surfaces of celestial bodies. As such, the companies extended on existing Half-Frame technology.

The result was an agile weapon carrier, designated AZ-16-X1. The strengthened frame proved capable to equip many weapons. Arms were considered, but dropped in favor of agility to dodge enemy attacks. It was at this point that the standard loadouts were decided: specially-built plasma repeaters and lightweight missile launchers conforming to NUN-SM standards. An enhanced version of USSM pylons on the wingtips allows for legacy weapons to be equipped.

To further improve defensive properties, ASTIND/HAMEKA installed an electronic warfare unit. When active, it can provide low-level jamming and ECM/ESM. At very close ranges it may even disable an automated enemy machine. The AZ-16 is one of few non-EW-specialized machines to carry such a system.

ASTIND/HAMEKA also installed the proprietary AfOS 3.0 flight operation system, an upgrade on previous machines that provided increased intelligence and additional features. While designed for AAF-class machines, it has limited functionality for AF- and FF-class machines. Technical information about the flight operator was never released. AfOS 3.0 was only installed on "self-use" units, in fact only about 5% of units used by ASTIND/HAMEKA had them.

The AZ-16 would see various improvements before the End of Conflict. In total, over 1,000 units were built. They are only operated by ASTIND/HAMEKA and partner companies.

ARMAMENT

Type 97 space anti-ship torpedo

The AZ-16A has four light hardpoints with elevation control, and two large static pylons.

[Primary Armament] 2x AZ-16-W1 Plasma Repeater
Standard energy weapon affixed to all AZ-16's by default, running on the onboard generator connected to the main engine network. Potent on most light and medium enemies. 240 plasma bolts per second maximum. Elevation of +30/-22.5 degrees.

[Primary Armament] 2x AZ-16-W2: 3x 100mm Silver Knife IIE LWAM (Lightweight Air-to-Air Missile)
Very close range, maneuverable missiles for attacking similar machines. Earth version. Low speed. Low burn time limits its effective range, even in space. Range of 1600m at sea level. Launcher elevation of +22.5/-30 degrees.
Based on War Robots "Spiral".

[Long Range Armament] 2x 324mm Type 97E STRP (Space Torpedo)
A common beyond visual range, anti-radiation space torpedo with space-gliding attack characteristics. Earth version with low-altitude engine and nozzle, and higher fuel capacity. Although maneuverable, it has very low aerodynamic stability. Limited to slightly under Mach 1 in atmosphere. Pylons pitched at -7.5 degrees.
Based on Japanese Type 97 / Type 12 torpedo with roughly the same dimensions. Test for bell nozzle design, the concept here is interesting and I want to develop it further.

[Support Equipment] Integrated Electronic Warfare Array (*not in SP)
Provides weak short-range jamming and ECM, with the possibility of interfering with unshielded electronics of nearby light enemies.