The Carid 'Skyeye' is a twinjet high-altitude reconaissance aircraft in use since the Cold War. Designed in conjunction with other projects, its original role was to perform overflights over the Soviet Union and China, with recent missions for the anticipated thrater somewhere in Indochina. The aircraft has to yet recieve a project number.

Shown is the Mark I variant flying at 17,000 meters over Avalanche.

Development and Design

The Skyeye was conceived at 1952 when Allied officials wanted an advanced reconaissance aircraft flying too high from threats of Mikoyan-Gurevich and Lavochkin fighter carrying aerial photographs of enemy territory. The product aircraft should be capable of flying more than 15,000 meters at sea level, slightly beyond the ceiling of enemy fighters and was to be powered by three or four Allison J36s (de Havilland Goblin).

The aircraft is a high-wing tapered straight wing planform and swept vertical stabilizet. The original designed showed a 27 meter wingspan with engine nacelles placed on the side of the fuselage. However, was re-designed to take the more powerful J57 engine, and to fulfill its role the span was increased to 37 meters. The cockpit was pressurized for long-duration missions and a special bay for camera were located in the mid-fuselage. Its nose can be interchaned depending on the radar that will be used.

Flight testing

The prototype was delivered in 1955 with original engines, however was pushed back by two years to equip the new engines. Flight tests reveal that the aircraft, when at extreme height should fly slightly nose up and have its flaps extended. Aspects on maneuvrability, loiter time and range was favorable but its speed was slightly dismal.
The type entered operational service in 1958.

Its latest variant was a dedicated for the Ark Astral Corps (formerly Teyvat Self-defense Forces) with an AN-APS radar, straightened and lengthened vertical stabilizer and powered by turbofans.

Specifications

Powerplant: 2 General Electric J57 turbojet
Maximum speed: 835 km/h TAS at 17,000 meters
Cruise speed:
Stall speed:
Climb rate:
Range:
Service ceiling: 16,875 m preferred / 17,670 m absolute

Avionics
- Radar
- Provisons for four cameras