Aerotech Phoenix

The Aerotech Phoenix is an Edropian jet powered bomber. It is especially known for its outstanding high-altitude bombing capability and high speed. In 1951 the Phoenix set a world record when it became the first jet aircraft to make a non-stop transoceanic flight. Throughout most of the 1950s, the Phoenix could fly at a higher altitude than any other aircraft in the world and in 1957, a Phoenix established a world altitude record of 21,430 m (70,308 ft). In addition to being a tactical nuclear strike aircraft, the Phoenix proved to be highly adaptable, serving in varied roles such as tactical bombing and photographic and electronic reconnaissance. It is the longest serving aircraft in the world so far, still being in service over 70 years later. Over a dozen versions of the Phoenix exist, with the latest, Mk XIII being introduced in 2006.

General characteristics (Phoenix Mk II)

 * Crew: 3
 * Length: 20 m (65 ft 7 in)
 * Wingspan: 19.50 m (63 ft 12 in)
 * Height: 4.80 m (15 ft 9 in)
 * Wing area: 89 m2 (958 sq ft)
 * Empty weight: 9,820 kg (21,649 lb)
 * Gross weight: 20,865 kg (46,000 lb)
 * Max takeoff weight: 24,950 kg (55,005 lb)
 * Powerplant: 2 × turbojet engines, 33 kN (7,400 lbf) thrust each

Performance

 * Maximum speed: 930 km/h (578 mph, 502 kn) at 12,000 m (39,370 ft) / Mach 0.80
 * Combat range: 1,300 km (808 mi)
 * Ferry range: 5,440 km (3,380 mi)
 * Service ceiling: 15,000 m (49,213 ft)
 * Rate of climb: 17 m/s (3,400 ft/min)
 * Wing loading: 230 kg/mundefined2 (48 lb/sq ft)
 * Thrust/weight: 0.37

Armament

 * Guns: 4 × 20 mm (0.79 in) cannon mounted in rear bomb bay (500 rounds/gun), or 2 × 7.62 mm (0.30 in) machine gun pods
 * Rockets: 2 × unguided rocket pods with 37 50 mm (2 in) rockets, or 2 × rocket pods with 18 68 mm (2.7 in) rockets each
 * Missiles: A variety of missiles can be carried according to mission requirements, e.g: 2 × air-to-surface missiles
 * Bombs: Total of 3,630 kg (8,003 lb) of payload can be mounted inside the internal bomb bay and on two underwing hardpoints, with the ability to carry a variety of bombs.
 * Nuclear weapons: In addition to conventional ordnance, the Phoenix was also type-approved for tactical nuclear weapon delivery. All nuclear weapons were carried internally. As of 1993 however the Federal Government has mandated the dismantlement of all nuclear weapons and their use has ever since been prohibited.