HOME | DD

Description

Meg 12/17 Failsafe / Firesale:

The Meg 12 Failsafe is a second generation Mach 1 interceptor. Entering squadron service with the Strojian Airforce in 1956, the aircraft was particularly advanced for its time. The Failsafe used 12% titanium in the airframe to increase strength while lightening the air frame. It was the first Strojian aircraft to use a electronic HUD and the first to be designed to use air to air missiles. It also used the (at the time) the worlds most powerful power plant, the Uranus-K300 engine, which propelled the Meg 12 to Mach 1.5. However, the aircraft had its share of problems. Its engine was unreliable, its components were very temperamental when the aircraft was pushed to its limits. Breakdowns were common and as a result, early Failsafes rarely engaged their afterburners for any duration. It was assumed that the engine would need an overhaul when done so. This issue was solved when Strojian production techniques were refined.

For all its shortcomings, the Failsafe was a very maneuverable fighter at low to medium altitudes and once its engine issues were solved, the type was very reliable. This made it extremely popular among 2nd and 3rd world countries. Meg 12s can be seen operating under the most austere conditions. During the Raehill-Tanyang conflict during the 1960s, the Failsafe flew from makeshift airfields and under monsoon conditions with regularity. The poor weather either grounded or negated the superior radar of Raehill's more advanced aircraft allowing, Meg 12 pilots to ambush their enemies with hit and run attacks.

In 1970, the Meg 17 Firesale was introduced as an overall modernization of the type. Equipped with an improved engine, dorsal fuel tank, redesigned wing and improved armaments, the Firesale ironed out many of the deficiencies of the original Meg 12 design. Lighter alloys for construction reduced weight and increased G load tolerance, increasing the aircraft's agility and durability. While the increased fuel and all weather avionics has allowed the aircraft to become a multi-role fighter, rather than a point interceptor. Commonality of parts with the older Meg 12 design has ensured export success and as a result, can be seen in service with many air forces, world wide.

Dimensions

Length: 54 ft.
Span: 24 ft.
Height: 12 ft.

Weights

Empty: 5,846 kg (12,880 lb)
Gross: 8,825 kg (19,425 lb)

Performance

Max Speed: Mach 1.7
Range: 2,150 miles

Powerplant

1 x Uranus 5000M Wasp turbofans. 40.21 kN (9,040 lbf) thrust dry, 69.62 kN (15,650 lbf) with afterburner.

Armament

2 x 30mm cannon.
Up to 5 hard points, can carry up to 6,300 lb of stores.

--
*Edited description for continuity... couldn't decide on a name.*

Description

Meg 12/17 Failsafe / Firesale:

The Meg 12 Failsafe is a second generation Mach 1 interceptor. Entering squadron service with the Strojian Airforce in 1956, the aircraft was particularly advanced for its time. The Failsafe used 12% titanium in the airframe to increase strength while lightening the air frame. It was the first Strojian aircraft to use a electronic HUD and the first to be designed to use air to air missiles. It also used the (at the time) the worlds most powerful power plant, the Uranus-K300 engine, which propelled the Meg 12 to Mach 1.5. However, the aircraft had its share of problems. Its engine was unreliable, its components were very temperamental when the aircraft was pushed to its limits. Breakdowns were common and as a result, early Failsafes rarely engaged their afterburners for any duration. It was assumed that the engine would need an overhaul when done so. This issue was solved when Strojian production techniques were refined.

For all its shortcomings, the Failsafe was a very maneuverable fighter at low to medium altitudes and once its engine issues were solved, the type was very reliable. This made it extremely popular among 2nd and 3rd world countries. Meg 12s can be seen operating under the most austere conditions. During the Raehill-Tanyang conflict during the 1960s, the Failsafe flew from makeshift airfields and under monsoon conditions with regularity. The poor weather either grounded or negated the superior radar of Raehill's more advanced aircraft allowing, Meg 12 pilots to ambush their enemies with hit and run attacks.

In 1970, the Meg 17 Firesale was introduced as an overall modernization of the type. Equipped with an improved engine, dorsal fuel tank, redesigned wing and improved armaments, the Firesale ironed out many of the deficiencies of the original Meg 12 design. Lighter alloys for construction reduced weight and increased G load tolerance, increasing the aircraft's agility and durability. While the increased fuel and all weather avionics has allowed the aircraft to become a multi-role fighter, rather than a point interceptor. Commonality of parts with the older Meg 12 design has ensured export success and as a result, can be seen in service with many air forces, world wide.

Dimensions

Length: 54 ft.
Span: 24 ft.
Height: 12 ft.

Weights

Empty: 5,846 kg (12,880 lb)
Gross: 8,825 kg (19,425 lb)

Performance

Max Speed: Mach 1.7
Range: 2,150 miles

Powerplant

1 x Uranus 5000M Wasp turbofans. 40.21 kN (9,040 lbf) thrust dry, 69.62 kN (15,650 lbf) with afterburner.

Armament

2 x 30mm cannon.
Up to 5 hard points, can carry up to 6,300 lb of stores.

--
*Edited description for continuity... couldn't decide on a name.*