[GBW] - Free Build - PDSRE - Second gen fighter

[Feuer Zug]

The PDSRE benefited from holding onto their first generation jet fighters. Mature second generation designs were available when the air force was ready to buy new aircraft. Caught by the speed bug that afflicted most nations at the time, they purchased a Mach 2 capable fighter from a politically aligned nation, Khorgogt. The Ostry Heavy Industry Salamander Mk II is a single engined, axial flow turbojet powered fighter. Pushing 10,000 lbs of thrust dry, and 13,500 with afterburning, the lightweight Salamander Mk II could reach a top speed of Mach 2.3.

Upon actual combat usage, the aircraft were found deficient. The lack of internal fuel and few external hardpoints (only the centreline plumbed for fuel) severely limited their capabilities. The delta wing design also meant they handled like a lorry down low where they often had to operate to survive against surface-to-air missile batteries West Steinovania relied on. Below, we see an early color picture of a PDSRE Salamander Mk II during maneuvers in the 1970s.

After a number of years, PDSRE looked to upgrade their aircraft. With a limited budget they could not afford new aircraft. Not finding any nation or company willing to undertake the project, they developed an internal organization to conduct the upgrades. New radar warning receivers in the vertical stabilizer, additional avionics in a dorsal hump, a Doppler radar retrofitted, the ability to carry a targeting pod, and wingtip rails for short-ranged IR missiles were all added to the basic Salamander Mk II. The air-to-ground capabilities were considerably enhanced. A select few have been rebuilt as photo reconnaissance models. Moreover, retired aircraft from other nations were purchased as spare-parts donors. The PDSRE expects to continue flying their Salamander Mk IIs for another decade. Still, they are planning their replacement already. Below is an upgraded Salamander Mk II as seen around 2020.

This aircraft is heavily influenced by the Dassault Mirage III series.

 

Edited December 18, 2023 by Feuer Zug

[Mirror1810]

Looks very nice, love the little cloud stand you put it on, very creative.

 

[Feuer Zug]

On 12/27/2023 at 11:42 AM, Mirror1810 said:

Looks very nice, love the little cloud stand you put it on, very creative.

 

Danke. I wanted some action poses and needed a way to hide the stand. Clouds seemed perfect for it.

[Yperio_Bricks]

I love the classic design of a 60s delta-wing jetfighter I also like how the air intakes lead into the body and the hud!

[Feuer Zug]

On 12/29/2023 at 5:47 PM, Yperio_Bricks said:

I love the classic design of a 60s delta-wing jetfighter I also like how the air intakes lead into the body and the hud!

Thank you. I'm a fan of many of the classic second generation fighters as well.