+++ NAME +++
MANTICORE: A mythical and heraldic beast with the body and mane of a lion, the talons and (sometimes) wings of an eagle, the face of a man, shark's teeth, and the stinging tail of a scorpion.

+++ TYPE +++
The MANTICORE is a mid-sized multirole fighter-bomber. This aircraft was developed as a replacement for the less successful first generation GRIFFIN heavy fighter-bomber, which was subsequently removed from the market. The honorable GRIFFIN name-plate is slated for re-release later as a completely different type of warplane.

+++ ACTIVATION GROUPS +++
1 - BOOSTER ENGINES: Engages the CONSTELLATION integrated engine system, which includes an enhanced gyro-stabilization unit (on whenever AG-1 is active), four XENON after-burning engines (VTOL bar up), and the anti-gravity GRAVITON VTOL motor (VTOL bar down).
2 - MAIN LASER BATTERY: Activates the GRIFFIN's main heavy weaponry, a trio of QUASAR dual-beam Maser pulse cannons.
3 - MAIN PROJECTILE WEAPON: Activates the twin wing mounted SAGITTARIUS Rocket Pods (70 round capacity).
4 - AIR to AIR MISSILES: Activates the FANG advanced AA missile system (Interceptor based; total missile load: 24 units).
5 - AIR to GROUND MISSILES: Activates the CLAW armor-piercing AG missile system (Inferno based; total missile load 12) and the TALON advanced AG missile system (Cleaver based; total missile load: 12 units).
6 - ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNS: Activates a pair of STAR FIRE III fore and aft anti-aircraft laser pods, located along the wings.
7 - TAIL STINGER: a swivel mounted DARK STAR II dark matter projector tied to the MANTICORE's yaw controls.
8 - DEFAULT SYSTEMS: Deactivating this group disconnects the main UMBRA reactor, deactivating all active sensors, as shown by extinguishing the various engine, radar, and running lights.

First Published: May 22, 2020