This aircraft belongs to Royal Darudian Navy (RDN)

VFA 345 Attack Sqn “Storm Tridents”, North Fleet Command, 1st Wing (NF-1), aboard the RDS Horizon aircraft carrier (CVN-98)

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1) CONTROLS

• AG1: Speedbrakes extension
• AG2: Refueling Probe extension
• AG3: Wings Folding & Centerline Droptank Jettison >120KIAS
• AG4: Gyro-stabilized Autopilot System activation
• AG5: A/G Weapons Jettison
• AG6: Carrier-deck Nose Wheel system & Target Pod activation
• AG7: Arresting Hook extension
• AG8: Navigation & Taxi Lights
• VTOL DOWN: Flaps
• VTOL UP (upper tab): Open Canopy
• TRIM: Normal operation (Tab-Down for Pitch-Up) USE IT ALWAYS

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NOTE 1: Speedbrake [AG1] is automatically retracted when Gear Down, IAS < 200kts and 100% Throttle is applied – GO AROUND MODE

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NOTE 2: FLAPS are manually controlled but automatically limited for optimal efficiency depending on aircraft configuration, weight and airspeed.

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IMPORTANT NOTE: This plane has been built using a series of complicated and inter-structural Funky Trees™ codes for realistic handling behavior and has been thoroughly flight-tested using a Saitek P2600 Rumble Force Gamepad for detailed controlling and it is highly encouraged to use a gamepad, joystick or mouse-as-joystick mode for flying it.

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2) T/O INSTRUCTION

• VTOL: 1 TAB DOWN – (HALF) for T/O Flaps (20°)
• TRIM: 1 TAB DOWN – (HALF) for T/O SET (UP 25-30)
• 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 120kts IAS and will take-off at 160kts IAS (fully loaded configuration)
• When airborne - GEAR UP
• VTOL: MIDDLE for Flaps in UP position
• TRIM: Adjust to maintain climbing attitude 15-20° nose-up
• THROTTLE: Adjust for cruising flight at 400kts 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
• GEAR DOWN for LDG extension
• THROTTLE: 32-35% (depends on weight)
--- (OPTIONAL) AG4: Activate for Gyro-stabilization ---
• TRIM: Adjust for 1°-5° Nose Up
• Establish Rate of Descent of 800-1200 FPM
• Maintain Airspeed 130-145kts IAS (depends on weight)
• 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 ~11.5 units)
• 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

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ASM-2

Anti-Ship Missile

(Middle Wing hardpoints)
• Select Air-to-Ground target mode
• Select ASM-2 type weapon
• Recommended Alt: 500 - 30.000ft
• Recommended Speed: 250-350kts IAS
• Acquire target (steady red target box)
• Fire weapon

>AIR-TO-AIR

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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 HarpiaDS AF.2M Strikehawk is a supersonic twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft derived from the Mitsubishi T-2/F-1 series. The AF.2M tandem-seat variant is a larger and more advanced version of the F-1 strike aircraft.
The AF.2M Strikehawk is an upgraded variant of the AT-2J attack aircraft of the Japanese Air Self Defense Force, born from the innovative Mitsubishi TX-2 CCV fly-by-wire technology demonstrator. This twin-engine, twin-seat, supersonic, multirole fighter jet stands at the forefront of naval strike and reconnaissance capabilities, purposefully crafted to meet the demanding requirements of the Royal Darudian Navy and equip the cutting-edge Horizon-class aircraft carriers of the archipelagic nation. HarpiaDS acquired the designs of the TX-2 from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and developed a totally new aircraft in order to enter the Darudian contest for a new naval fighter aircraft, called NFX-1000.
The development of the AF.2M Strikehawk traces its roots to the Mitsubishi TX-2 CCV, a technology demonstrator which set many fly-by-wire advancements for the military aviation industry. Implementing the lessons learned from the TX-2 program, HarpiaDS engineers and designers integrated cutting-edge avionics and control systems into a dedicated naval attack aircraft. Furthermore, the legacy JASDF F-1 strike fighter played a pivotal role in shaping the Strikehawk's capabilities. The F-1's success in strike missions and adaptability influenced the design philosophy of the AF.2M, particularly in modifying and optimizing its airframe for naval operations and enhancing its strike and reconnaissance capabilities.

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Avionics: ES-11 SkyGuard™ Integrated Avionics Suite

At the heart of the AF.2M Strikehawk lies the SkyGuard Integrated Avionics Suite, a powerful computer that integrates navigation, communication, and aircraft mission systems. This next-generation avionics suite, featuring a highly intuitive glass cockpit, provides the pilot with unprecedented situational awareness, projecting vital information directly onto the pilot's field of view, ensuring quick decision-making in the heat of battle.

Radar: RS-3A PhoenixEye™ AESA Radar System

The Strikehawk is fitted with the PhoenixEye AESA Radar System, a state-of-the-art Active Electronically Scanned Array that provides superior target detection and tracking capabilities. With its multi-mode operation, the radar adapts effortlessly to various mission profiles, from high-speed ingress to low-level terrain-following, with precision, accuracy and long-range capabilities.

Weapons Integration: MCC-5R ThunderStrike™ Mission Management System

The AF.2M Strikehawk boasts the ThunderStrike Mission Management System, a cutting-edge platform that seamlessly integrates a diverse array of munitions. From precision-guided missiles to standoff weapons, ThunderStrike ensures the aircraft is ready to deliver a wide variety of ordnance against naval, airborne, and ground targets. The MCC-5R enhances Strikehawk’s versatility in adapting to dynamic and complex combat scenarios.

Electronic Warfare: EC-9ER ShadowShield™ ECM/EW Suite

Regarding the electronic warfare equipment, the Strikehawk relies on the ShadowGuard ECM/EW Suite to neutralize threats and safeguard its mission. EC-9ER includes advanced electronic countermeasures and unprecedented electronic warfare capabilities. The various sensors and the supreme battlefield connectivity ensure that the Strikehawk operates undetected and protected in hostile environments.

Target Pod: STP-200X ShadowSight™

The ShadowSight Target Pod is an advanced target pod designed for the Strikehawk and is equipped with high-resolution multispectral sensors and infrared imaging, providing precise target identification & acquisition, stabilized laser designation and advanced reconnaissance capabilities. It provides real-time data link communication with ground stations and offers unparallel terrain mapping capabilities and electronic countermeasure integration. The ShadowSight pod can efficiently scan and engage multiple targets simultaneously, providing a tactical advantage in complex air-to-ground and air-to-surface scenarios.

Powerplant: JTF-1500-K1X Tempest™ Turbofan Engines

The AF.2M Strikehawk is powered by the JTF-1500-K1X Tempest turbofan engines, delivering unparalleled thrust and fuel efficiency. The JTF-1500-K1X engines enable the aircraft to achieve supersonic speeds at all altitudes. With advanced AI technology incorporated to the FADEC system, the Tempest engines provide the Strikehawk with exceptional power, ensuring it maintains the necessary thrust in every environmental and operational condition. The designing and integration of the powerful Tempest turbofan engines gave the Strikehawk the ability of supersonic speed and exceptional agility due to impressive thrust-to-weight ratio.

Carrier Ops Adaptations

The AF.2M Strikehawk's major redesign is about the integration of the aircraft with the Horizon-class aircraft carriers of the RDN. Its robust landing gear and enhanced tailhook system facilitate precise takeoffs and landings, even in challenging sea conditions. The redesigned airframe incorporates use of advanced materials and constructional techniques, minimizing material fatigue, maritime corrosion and maintenance and enhancing survivability, ease of maintenance, durability, and robustness. The development program pushed the boundaries of technology, incorporating advancements in composite materials for enhanced strength and reduced weight. Employing cutting-edge materials, the Strikehawk's airframe is constructed with QuantumFlex, a composite 3D-printed titanium alloy material that combines strength and flexibility. This innovative material reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity, contributing to enhanced fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
In conclusion, the AF.2M Strikehawk stands as a combat-ready modern aircraft, embodying the synergy of advanced technology, precision weaponry, and adaptability and posing as an undisputed symbol of naval superiority for the Royal Darudian Naval Aviation.

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First Operational Deployment of the AF.2M Strikehawk

The first operational deployment of the AF.2M Strikehawk by the RDS Horizon aircraft carrier was made during the Xarassia Incident, where the Royal Darudian Navy intervened to neutralize an aggressive insurgent flotilla within Xarassian territorial waters.
The Xarassia Incident was the highlight of rising tensions and suspected insurgent activities by the separatist self-proclaimed Xarassian Free Council (XFC) against the legitimate Federal Government of Xarassia. Following a longstanding dispute in the Xarassian Archipelago between the Federal Republic of Xarassia and the XFC military forces, the guerillas attempted a landing on the 3rd largest federal island of Garmolia. The Federal Xarassian Government pleaded for international assistance to defend the island and suspend any hostile actions. This cry for help prompted the Darudian Supreme Royal Council of National Defence to dispatch the 1st Carrier Strike Group of the North Fleet of the Royal Darudian Navy in the area of interest with a clear and simple objective: «conduct maritime reconnaissance and, if necessary, neutralize any potential threats within the territorial waters of Xarassia».
After 18 hours from the official Xarassian request, the Royal Darudian Navy's fleet, including 2 squadrons of AF.2M Strikehawks (345 & 377 Attack Sqns), approached the Xarassian territorial waters amidst challenging weather conditions with heavy rain, low visibility, and turbulent sea conditions.
Operating under the cover of adverse weather, a pair of AF.2M Strikehawks ventured into Xarassian airspace to conduct armed reconnaissance. Using the advanced PhoenixEye radar system and the imaging capabilities of their ShadowSight target pods, the Strikehawk crews successfully identified a suspicious heavily armed insurgent flotilla hidden within the islet-congested archipelago.
While transmitting in real-time the surface picture via satellite datalink, it became evident that immediate action was necessary to neutralize the potential threat posed by the insurgent flotilla. The AF.2M Strikehawk pair, both equipped with two of the newly deployed ASM-2 Mod III anti-ship missiles, swiftly repositioned for a precision maritime strike.
The Strikehawk pilots, relying on data from their onboard sensors and intelligence from the reconnaissance phase, locked onto their targets and unleashed a salvo of four ASM-2 Mod III missiles against four different surface targets.
Despite the strenuous weather conditions, the ASM-2 missiles hit the insurgent flotilla with pinpoint accuracy. The ASM-2 missiles homed in on their targets, effectively neutralizing four vessels within the flotilla. At the same time, a hidden XFC coastal AA missile battery in a nearby rock island launched 2 ASAM-45 Swordfish missiles against the AF.2Ms. The ShadowShield defence system was automatically engaged and deployed countermeasures while jamming enemy radars, ensuring the safe egress of the Strikehawks from the mission area towards the carrier safe space. The precision and speed of the Strikehawk's attack showcased the aircraft's capability to operate in adverse maritime environments and respond decisively to emergent threats.

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The absolute success of the AF.2M Strikehawk during the Xarassia Incident garnered international attention. The Royal Darudian Navy's intervention was praised for its effectiveness in addressing maritime security concerns, and the AF.2M Strikehawk emerged as a symbol of cutting-edge naval aviation capabilities and highlighted the Darudian commitment to maritime security and protection of regional stability, safeguarding national and international interests.

Many thanks to ollielebanania for the amazing pics and to ALRX for providing the outstanding TX-2 as a basis for further development

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