So to begin, I started building this around the same time I started the A-14. In fact, if you check my posts you’ll find an A-16 that looks radically different from this one and that’s because I had a change in design style across the period. While the A-14 was easy to adapt, the A-16 proved difficult even after the redesign. Additionally, some things just couldn’t be changed as nicely as I would have liked (namely the bulge on the underside that calls itself a weapons bay. Regardless of the difficulties, the design faced I decided to complete it and upload it with a nice story to boot. So, here it is. The loved A-16 Hawker Shadow.

The A-16 was part of the advanced heavy fighter project run by the Winolian MOD to select the next aircraft to meet the command component in its fighter component system. Two companies, Dejen Aviation Engineering and Zewa Aerospace, longtime rivals, both submitted designs. The A-14, PA-14 As it was known then, and the A-16 (PA-16) stealth fighters. Both designs met the specifications with the A-16 being the larger (Although lighter) design and carrying a larger payload.

While the A-14 was a cheaper and more well-rounded fighter, the A-16 was designed to have maximum combat capability in small units. Both fighters were pitted against each other. In the end, the A-14 was selected to be the main series for the current generation while the A-16 was shelved. The A-16 project was assumed dead till a government directive rejuvenated it with a small order of A-16’s to act as tactical command units for non-stealth aircraft (such as the Goshawk or its upcoming replacement project-17). This represented the first time in all Winolian jet history where two heavy class fighters were in to be operated at the same time.

The A-16 is a large, all-weather supersonic jet multirole fighter with an added air superiority focus inherent to its design. It’s designed to carry a large payload in its internal bay which results in it having a funny bulge underneath the fuselage. It is capable of supersonic speeds exceeding Mach 2 and can supercruise at Mach speeds.

The aircraft is the first to use the prototype Taktix-2 combat management and awareness system on some units in order to test its effectiveness. It can be fitted with external pylons to extend its mission load, has a high loiter time due to its large internal fuel bays and is designed with greater stealth capabilities than all other Winolian aircraft.

Controls:
Normal aircraft controls

Action groups:
AG1 - Drag Chute
AG7 - Open missile bays
[Hopefully, I haven’t missed anything out]

When turning, prioritize “over the shoulder” turns as opposed to back flop turns. It has some stomach weight to it that bleeds speed otherwise. It’s quite manoeuvrable otherwise. Weapon bays are a little funny, as mentioned. Also be careful. It a missile gets stuck just pitch up to dislodge it. Or it’ll, you know, blow you up.

Also note that while it might be pretty there are some texture glitches I forgot to fix. Whoops.