This aircraft belongs to Royal Darudian Air Force (RDAF)

334 Tactical Strike Squadron “Hammers”, Strike Command, 3rd Wing

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1) CONTROLS

• AG1: Speedbrakes extension
• AG2: Refueling Probe extension
• AG3 + AG1: Landing Drag Chute (Throttle 0% + IAS<100 kts)
• AG4: Gyro-stabilized Autopilot System activation
• AG5: A/G Weapons Jettison
• AG6 + AG8 (DEACTIVATE): Ejection Sequence
• AG7: Arresting Hook extension
• AG8: Navigation & Taxi Lights & Radome Cover (on ground)
• VTOL DOWN: Flaps
• VTOL FULL UP: Open Canopy
• TRIM: Normal operation (Tab-Down for Pitch-Up) USE IT ALWAYS

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NOTE: Speedbrake [AG1] is automatically retracted when Gear Down, IAS < 200kts and 100% Throttle is applied – GO AROUND MODE

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GAME TIP: It is highly encouraged to use a gamepad or a joystick for flying it.

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2) T/O INSTRUCTION

• VTOL: 1 TAB DOWN – (HALF) for T/O Flaps (20°)
• TRIM: FULL DOWN for T/O SET-UP
• THROTTLE: 100%
NOTE: During T/O roll make small heading adjustments with yaw inputs. Above 60kts IAS/GS Nose Wheel Steering is automatically disengaged for safety reasons.
• Aircraft will rotate automatically at 125kts IAS and will take-off at 135kts IAS (fully loaded configuration)
• When airborne - GEAR UP
• TRIM: Adjust near MIDDLE to maintain climbing attitude 15-20° nose-up
• VTOL: MIDDLE for Flaps in UP position
• THROTTLE: Adjust for cruising flight at 450kts IAS
• Continue Flight – Proceed to Mission

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3) LANDING INSTRUCTIONS

• Reduce Airspeed at 250kts IAS and below
• AG1: Activate for Air-brakes extension
• AG3: Activate for Drag Chute deployment after touchdown
• GEAR DOWN for LDG extension
• THROTTLE: 15-25% (depends on weight & configuration)
--- (OPTIONAL) AG4: Activate for Gyro-stabilization ---
• VTOL: FULL DOWN for LDG Flaps (45°)
• TRIM: Adjust for 1°-5° Nose Up
• Establish Rate of Descent of 800-1000 FPM
• Maintain Airspeed 120-135kts IAS (depends on weight & configuration)
• Make corrections using small THROTTLE and TRIM movements (~1-3%)
NOTE: When turning with LDG in EXTENDED position use more THROTTLE to compensate for Drag and Lift loss
• Maintain Attitude 1°-5° Nose Up (Optimal AoA Approach yellow O symbol)
• 20ft before Touchdown apply Flare technique and use aerodynamic breaking (keep the nose high)
• At Touchdown: THROTTLE – 0%
• When all wheels on ground and airspeed below 120kts IAS - APPLY FULL BRAKES
• At speed below 25kts IAS use Nose Wheel Steering
• Maintain ground directional stability with slight yaw inputs

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4) WEAPONS

CAUTION POINTS for Air-to-Ground weapons:

• All weapons have realistic dimensions, specifications, and flight behavior
• Target always IN FRONT & SLIGHTLY BELOW AIRCRAFT’S LINE OF SIGHT
• IT’S NOT ADVISED TO JETTISON EXTERNAL STORES UNDER NEGATIVE HIGH-G LOADING & AT SUPERSONIC SPEEDS (>650kts TAS)

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<Weapons Firing Procedures>

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>AIR-TO-GROUND

ARM-144F

Anti-Radiation Missile

(Middle Wing hardpoints)
• Select Air-to-Ground target mode
• Select ARM-144F type weapon
• Recommended Alt: 1.500 - 30.000ft
• Recommended Speed: 200-550kts IAS
• Acquire target (steady red target box)
• Fire weapon

GBU-24

Laser-guided & GPS-guided bomb

(Inner Wing & Central fuselage hardpoints)
• Select Air-to-Ground target mode
• Select GBU-24 type weapon
• Recommended Alt: 5000 - 25.000ft
• Recommended Speed: 250-450kts IAS
• Acquire target (steady red target box)
• Fire weapon

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>AIR-TO-AIR

AAM-5

(IR Extended-Range All-Aspect A2A Missile)

(Outer Wing-pylons)
• Select Air-to-Air target mode
• Select AAM-5 type weapon
• Acquire target (steady red target box)
• Fire weapon

AAR-330

(EM Beyond-Visual-Range A2A Missile)

(Wingtip rails)
• Select Air-to-Air target mode
• Select AAR-330 type weapon
• Acquire target (steady red target box)
• Fire weapon

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5) AIRCRAFT OVERVIEW

The EA-2G Shadow Hawk is a highly advanced land-based, twin-seat, electronic attack and SEAD/DEAD fighter aircraft developed for the Royal Darudian Air Force (RDAF). Derived from the AF.2M Strike Hawk, the Shadow Hawk is specialized for electronic warfare and suppression of enemy air defenses. It was introduced to replace the aging F-116FM Delta Striker, which, despite being a capable air defense interceptor, had become inadequate for modern strike missions despite the extensive modernization program (Project Swift Arrow). The Shadow Hawk offers the RDAF improved electronic capabilities, extended range, and enhanced multi-role versatility, securing its place as the main key asset in the RDAF’s Strike Command.

Development History

The EA-2G Shadow Hawk began development amid growing instability in the Xarassian Archipelagos. With separatist forces, known as the Xarassian Freedom Council (XFC), establishing control over the Peralia Peninsula, tensions between the Darudian government and XFC escalated into armed conflict. The XFC, receiving vast amounts of third-party military aid, fortified the peninsula with an extensive air defense network, composed of advanced surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and radar installations, making air superiority difficult to achieve.
Facing this challenge, Darudia needed an aircraft capable of conducting long-range, low-level, deep strike missions to dismantle the XFC’s integrated air defense network, clearing the way for Darudia’s air superiority F-67C/D Razorblade aircraft, and lay the groundwork for a full-scale land invasion. As Darudia sought an immediate and quick replacement solution for its aging fleet of F-116FM Delta Striker, the Ministry of Defense required the new aircraft to be capable of penetrating sophisticated air defense networks while maintaining robust strike capabilities. The answer came from the AF.2M Strike Hawk, a carrier-based strike fighter through a new variant designated as EA-2G Shadow Hawk. The land-based Shadow Hawk incorporates numerous modifications to improve its electronic warfare systems, low-level penetration ability, and overall strike effectiveness.

HarpiaDS, the same defense contractor responsible for the AF.2M StrikeHawk, was commissioned to modify the airframe into an electronic attack platform. Drawing on its experience developing modern fighter jets, the company began working on 3 prototypes (all of them AF.2M Mk.I variants) for equipment integration and system testing. The third prototype configuration was ultimately selected for general production, hence the Mk.III designation. The Darudian Government signed a contract for 60 aircraft and RDAF decided to equip all 3 strike squadrons, flying with the F-116FM, with the new EA-2G aircraft. These Squadrons were 334 TTS “Hammers”, 349 TTS “Leopards” and 377 TTS “Scorpions”.
However, the land-based Shadow Hawk would need significant modifications to meet the unique demands of electronic warfare and low-level strike missions deep within hostile territory. Thus, the EA-2G Shadow Hawk was developed with numerous upgrades, making it the cornerstone of the RDAF's Strike Command.

The first EA-2G Shadow Hawk prototype (20-092288) taking off

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Key Features and Modifications

The EA-2G Shadow Hawk features significant advancements and changes from the AF.2M StrikeHawk to suit its specialized role:

• Wing Redesign: Removal of the folding wing mechanism and reinforcement of the wing structure to accommodate heavier underwing loads and a variety of SEAD/DEAD munitions.
• Upgraded Engines: The JTF-1500-Qi Super Tempest engines provide a 15% increase in thrust, improving the aircraft’s performance in high-speed, low-level flight and increasing fuel efficiency for extended operational ranges.
• Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT): A redesigned rear top-mounted conformal fuel tank with a capacity of 1,000 gallons, increasing the total internal fuel capacity up to 3,000 gallons, providing the Shadow Hawk with exceptional range.
• Redesigned Intake Ramps: The EA-2G’s air intake ramps, were redesigned to provide sufficient air feeding to the new larger engines and enhance aerodynamic performance, especially during low-level, high-speed dash maneuvers. These improvements allowed the Shadow Hawk to maintain optimal engine performance and stability while performing aggressive flight profiles at low altitudes, which were crucial during deep strike operations.
• Additional Pylons: Two new pylons (under the engine intakes) were added, dedicated to carrying the AN/ALQ-252(V)2 Spectral Fist ECM pod and AN/AAQ-42(V)3 Explorer navigation/targeting pod.
• Advanced Cockpit and Flight Control: The Shadow Hawk features a redesigned cockpit, optimizing it for electronic warfare missions. The new RS-4B Spearhead AESA radar provides superior situational awareness and target acquisition, while the upgraded MCC-5S Thunderstrike II mission management system allows for the rapid processing of complex electronic warfare data.
• Enhanced Crew Survivability: As part of the ACSEPT (Advanced Crew Survivability & Ejection Protection Technology), the EA-2G Shadow Hawk was fitted with advanced ejection seats designed to enhance crew safety during high-speed, low-altitude ejections. These new seats, designated ES-12B "Sentinel", feature a fully automatic deployment sequence, improved stabilization for high-G ejections, and an integrated life support system tailored for low-altitude and extreme environmental conditions scenarios.
• Electronic Countermeasures-ECM: Equipped with the EC-11X Sharp Shadow ECM system and the AN/ALQ-252(V)2 Spectral Fist ECM pod, which offers advanced electronic jamming, SIGINT, and ELINT capabilities, the Shadow Hawk is designed to detect and neutralize enemy radar and communication systems, rendering air defense networks ineffective.
• Precision Strike Capability: With an upgraded targeting system—the AN/AAQ-42(V)3 Explorer—and certified to carry the latest in guided munitions such as the GBU-24 guided bomb and ARM-144F Stormpiercer anti-radiation missile, the Shadow Hawk is a formidable tool in both electronic attack and strike missions.

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Operational Role

Serving with the 3rd Wing, 334th Tactical Strike Squadron "Hammers", the EA-2G Shadow Hawk is part of the RDAF's elite Strike Command units. It is designed to suppress and destroy enemy air defense installations (SEAD/DEAD), allowing allied forces to operate with air superiority in contested environments. Its mission profile ranges from jamming enemy radar and communications to precision strikes on surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites, making it indispensable in modern aerial warfare.

The Hammers squadron using the iconic “Dark Onyx” black camo pattern on its aircraft, is one of the most decorated units in the RDAF and has fully embraced the Shadow Hawk’s cutting-edge technology, being the first RDAF Squadron which successfully converted to the new fighter. The EA-2G is regularly deployed in strikes against XFC air defence assets and participates in joint exercises with allied nations, showcasing its ability to operate in complex, multi-threat environments. Its combination of high speed, extended range, advanced electronic warfare systems, and strike capability makes it a cornerstone of the RDAF’s doctrine for both defense and power projection.

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Future Prospects

The EA-2G Shadow Hawk is expected to remain in service for the foreseeable future, with continual upgrades planned. These include potential improvements to its mission systems, integration of next-generation weapons, and enhanced sensor fusion to ensure the Shadow Hawk remains at the forefront of electronic attack and SEAD/DEAD operations.

Tailfins of the EA-2G Squadrons of RDAF
HAMMERS – LEOPARDS - SCORPIONS

Many thanks to DeezDucks for the amazing pics

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