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Dravio AA.6C



The AA.6C (NATO reporting name Fondant-D) was the first variant of the second generation of the successful AA.6 Fondant ground-attack aircraft manufactured by Dravio, the national aviation company of the Socialist Republic of Krantica (a neutralist Communist nation in Terragrandia a la Titoist Yugoslavia).

Krantica was one of the first nations to truly recognize—and ultimately implement—the value of close air support in the jet age. Soviet (via Galdioslav) tactical air warfare doctrine during the early to mid-Cold War period, that Krantica used with considerable leeway, did away with the sturmovik concept in favor of air interdiction with fast-moving fighter-bombers and tactical bombers employing conventional or nuclear weapons, which hoped to obviate the need of close air support. However, the Vietnam and the Arab–Israeli wars on Earth and the Zelgora–Dashtyrine wars on Terragrandia have consistently illustrated the need for aircraft best suited for close air support. Prior to the notable advent of the Americans' Fairchild-Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II and the Soviets' Sukhoi Su-25 Frogfoot in the late 1970s, the Kranticans had stepped up to the challenge early on.

With a robust, self-sufficient national economy backing the flourishing national aviation industry that spanned from engine maintenance and spare parts production to successful development of locally designed aircraft, Dravio began the AA.6 program in the mid 1960s using experience from its experimental and research aircraft, materializing in the maiden flight of the first prototype on February 3, 1970. After a quite grueling development phase and funding competition with the more complex AB.5 Breacher tactical strike aircraft program, the serial-production AA.6A entered service with the Krantican Air Force in March 1972 as scheduled, earning the unassuming NATO reporting name of Fondant. The first generation AA.6s had Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21-style wings, with leading edge root extensions for better low-speed performance, and were equipped with locally designed radar rangefinders for more precise aiming of unguided weapons, and could utilize radio-guided Martelo air-to-ground missiles. Internal gun armament consisted of two Nudelman-Rikhter NR-30 cannons with 120 rounds of ammunition each—a hefty amount for such a weapon; apparently, aircraft designers foresaw the potentially long periods and multiple strafing runs over the battlefield that the AA.6 could face.

The AA.6 fit the bill nicely with Krantica's deterrent, non-nuclear military doctrine of "offensive defense," which sought to protect the country's neutrality by primarily attacking would-be aggressors from outside the land and maritime borders; tactical bombers would engage enemy forward installations deep behind hostile lines, the AA.6s providing the intended CAS duties on the battlefield, and supersonic fighter-bombers performing the middle ground.

Operational experience with the initial variant were applied on the improved AA.6B Fondant-C, which entered service in the fall of 1973, with the AA.6AL Fondant-B conversion trainer having finally made operational earlier that year. Such two variants were the ones that would definitely see mass production, and, ultimately, export sales.

Work on the second-generation Fondants began in 1974. It saw radical changes in the design, most notably the redesigned wing and pronounced humpback. It had improved fuel and ordnance capacity, armor protection, and a better pilot's forward view. A Soviet-built Fon laser rangefinder replaced the older radar rangefinder, and an integrated Delta-N radio-command fire control system enabled the usage of the Kh-23 (AS-7 Kerry) air-to-ground missiles; Martelo missiles were still compatible. The AA.6C Fondant-D entered service in 1977.

The AA.6D featured more efficient afterburning turbofan engines and more modern avionics, primarily the Lanco laser rangefinder; it debuted in 1981. A proposed maritime strike variant, with an attack radar and an anti-ship missile capability, was pitched, complete with a full-scale mockup. Although very promising especially for export, it was canceled to prioritize funding for the AL.14 multirole fighter program which entered service in 1987. A conversion trainer based off the AA.6D, the AA.6CL, was introduced in 1982, as was the ultimate main variant, the AA.6F, introduced in 1985. The AA.6F utilized, based on customer option, either a Krantican Lanco-M2 or a Soviet Klyon laser guidance system, and electro-optical fire controls, plus a fixed refueling probe. The older variants earned considerable mid-life upgrades for both domestic and export operators.

Between 1972 and 1989 778 AA.6s of all variants excluding prototypes were constructed (with the last of the unsold airframes in storage in Krantica being sold in as late as 2009), seeing service with 9 nations in Terragrandia at some point in time. No Earth-based countries ever used the type.





After Krantica transitioned generally peacefully towards a democratic, capitalist nation in 2003, the new government, in order to conserve public funds, opted to divest the already financially ailing Dravio and privatize it, which was finalized in late 2004. The move saved the company, albeit being split into two successor companies in 2007 which continued to prosper as of 2019 primarily working on rotary-winged and light fixed-wing aircraft, defense systems, and collaborations with larger multi-national programs. The Krantican Air Force retired the last of its Fondants, an AA-6F-equipped squadron, on October 11, 2018.

Specifications (AA.6C)
cheers – wb21

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Wodjarbarns Wo.20 Hapect I




Mero-Curgovina adopted the Wo.20 as the Jugdycrigywindsteigas Mac ie 1979 'Hapect', (tr: Hunting Fighting Aircraft, Make of 1979, 'Sparrowhawk') and it remains in service as of March 2020. The aircraft is also in service as the primary attacker of the Pojan Airforce and is operated in limited numbers by Lestykhol, which purchased several Hapects before the breakdown of diplomatic ties between Mero-Curgovina and Lestykhol. Designed too late for the Veikan Civil War, the Hapect has seen no combat service with its' native country. The threat of escalation in a divided Veikaia in the north and a scheming Austrasia to the west keeps the Mero-Curgov Hapects flying, as a warning that the central Artemian nation will put up a fight against both IMS and NSC continental powers.

The vehicle depicted is 'Black One' of stathil leader Audo Walz, shown carrying a theoretical strike loadout. Godalbruca was the northernmost airbase in Mero-Curgovina until 2005, making Walz's stathil the first line of defense against the collapse of South Veikaia. This is reflected in an ATGM-light layout due to the lack of heavy armour in the Veikaias at the time. The unconventional 'urban' camouflage scheme is known as Ready Block I. It was designed to camouflage the aircraft with the structures and general clutter of a working military installation to deter enemy reconnaissance from accurately reading an airbase's complement of attackers. The effectiveness of Ready Block I was never tested by a hot war.

General Characteristics -
Crew: 1
Length: 16.9m (55.4 ft)
Wingspan: 14.36m (47.1 ft)
Height: 4.1 m (13.4 ft)
Empty Weight: 11,400 kg (25,130 lb)
Fuel Capacity: 3,250 kg (7,160 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 21,650 kg (47,720 lb)
Ordnance Weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
Power Plant: 2x Cirau XA5700 turbofan engine
Dry Thrust: 11,350 lbf (50.48 kN) each

Performance-
Maximum Speed: 975 km/h
High Altitude: 900 km/h
Cruise: 850 km/h
Sea Level: 975 km/h
Range: 850km (530 mi)
Combat Radius: 600 km (375 mi)
Service Ceiling: 15,000 m (49,200 ft)
Rate of Climb: 65 m/s or (12,800 ft/min)
Maximum g-load: +6.5, -2

Armament -
Internal Cannon: 1x 23mm WMDau. 236 M/79 rotary cannon with 1,180 rounds
Hardpoints: 11 external hardpoints: 1 centerline rated at 300 kg (660 lb), 2 inner wing rated at 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) each, 4 middle wing rated at 750 kg (1,650 lb) each, 4 outer wing rated at 500 kg (1,100 lb) each

Avionics -
RO.10/P Pulse-Doppler Radar
Henrigsuns-Fiscja 370/3S Combined Jammer Suite (Hapect II only, not depicted)
ZFi.15 Exterior Mount Targeting Pod (not depicted)
8x SHSO-26/2
256x 26mm charges (64x chaff, 192x flare)
8x SHSO-50/4
96x 50mm charges (32x chaff, 64x flare)

Fujimoto AF-21




in the late 1950s by the army's request, the AF-21 was designed and took part in a competition to become their armies next ground attack aircraft and was also intended to replace many of the World War II vintage ground attack aircraft that the Army still had in service

the aircraft during testing proved itself to be vastly superior to the competition and in no short order was quickly adopted by the army and Later Navy land-based sources, the aircraft would serve throughout the rest of the 20th century, and will also take part in the South China Sea war in 1980, where it proved itself against Chinese armoured vehicles and other ground units, the aircraft will continue to serve into the 21st century finally being put out of service in 2020

In Service: 1962-2020
Length: 17.45 meters
Height: 3.89 meters
Wingspan: 10.52 meters
Weight: 16803 lb (empty)
Max takeoff weight 20355 lb
Powerplant: 2x AR-15 Fujimoto turbofans
Speed: 452 mph
Range: 400 mi with external fuel tanks
Armament: 1x 14mm Autocannon
Hardpoints: 4x wing
1x fuselage
Crew: 2

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Work list: 1. various pre-1900 Zipang ships 2. Some protected cruisers and other miscellaneous projects

Wiweko S56 Attack Aircraft

Wiweko S56 was born from Mataram Imperial Airforces requirements for a light yet can deliver heavy punching attack aircraft to replace most ground attack aircraft which were a WW2 and before techs era aircraft,which were deemed to be outdated in fast-paced aircraft developments of 50s.Imperial Airforces then in 1952,held the contest to several Mataram aircraft manufacturers,the requirements are a reliable and simple aircraft with STOL capabilities,must be reliable and can be operated from rough grass/dirt strips,can carried minimum 1000kg of loadouts,2 crew members and to be powered by brand new-state of the art Turboprop engines,which by then there is 2 of them were under development,the single Has-49 and new,more powerful double Soe-51.After several evaluation the Wiweko proposals were adopted in 1954 and the prototypes were further tested without much problem and the performance proved to be satisfactory,then in 1956 the Wiweko were adopted and were received the designation S56 (The S designation were a "Attack" designation or Serang and 56 were the official year of adoption which since the end of WW2,Mataram empire have started to adopt two different calendar,the old Javanese calendar which is still being in used and more modern Gregorian calendar for general purpose) hence the Wiweko S56 are among the first military equipment to adopt the gregorian calendar instead of older javanese calendar use before WW2.



Wiweko S56,were a turboprop-powered attack aircraft that were powered by Soedjiatmo Soe-51 engine,which bring it to maximum speed of 550kph and range of 2800km.Wiweko S56 also able to deliver wide range of weaponry including its own built in 2x 20mm guns and bombs and its variants,napalm,rockets,and gunpods etc which are really useful especially in COIN operation in Laos,Cambodia and Burma.

a prominent unique features of the S-56s are the cabins front were actually consisted from armoured glass which give the pilot the superior view of the surrounding,which are deemed to be great tactical advantage over its contemporaries.it also have 2 crew which consisted of pilot and navigator/radio controller.The navigator/radio controller job is to operate a radio and maintain close contact with ground troops that were operating in area via telephone system,which will increase the effectiveness in terms of cooperation with a ground troops,thus able to operate in much more closer coordination.



Wiweko S56 were a well liked by its pilot which praised its good handling characteristic and its good punching power,and also by Army ground troops operating in conjunction with S56s which thanks to combination of great range,good loitering time,and its capability to pack a lot of armament,which were used in great effect at doing low altitude attack against Communist insurgent in Laos,Cambodia,New Guiniea,Timor and Burma.The Laotian Communist Rebels were reportedly nicknamed the aircraft sad dia la san kem bin or Flying Beast.Which marked its effect on Laotian Rebels which were conducting guerilla warfare against Mataram Empire Allied Kingdoms.Meanwhile its also officially named "Kepik" for Bugs by Mataram Imperial Airforce.



Wiweko S.56 "Kepik"

Crew: 2
Empty weight: 5,300 kg
Gross weight: 8,200 kg
Fuel capacity: 1,500 l internal tanks
Powerplant : 1x Soedjiatmo Soe-51 "Duo Gancah"
Propellers : 8 bladed Nalama
Maximum speed : 550 kph
Range :2800 km
Armament : 2x KO-20/71 Autocannon
Various Bombs and payload up to 1800kg

Thats all

Großerdeutschland, Focke-Wulf Ta 311 "Wildkatze" Schlachtflugzeug

The Focke-Wulf Ta 311 "Wildkatze" was a further development of the famed Ta 211 "Gepard", a lightly armed fast attack bomber. Throughout the course of WW2 (namely after 1943/44), it was shown that the attack aircraft that were currently in the Luftwaffe's arsenal were quickly becoming obsolete. So, it was decided to take the existing Ta 211 design and update it in a role where it would be able to carry enough ordinance to support the ground troops, as well as fast enough to evade the later versions of Soviet fighters that were increasingly becoming seen in the red skies of the bloodied Eastern Front. Development on the Ta 311 was started in early 1944, with the original Ta 211 being lengthened, internal bomb bay being removed for replacement with 2cm MG 151/20 cannons (with customizable options for 3cm or even 5/5.5cm guns internally in the fuselage. The wings were given several places to where bomb racks or rockets could be installed. The armament here ranged from 21cm Werfergranate, 5.5cm R4M rockets, recoilless rifles, various gunpods, or external fuel tanks if need be. Engines were Jumo 220's, being rated at 1950hp (2250hp with MW50 boost), able to power the aircraft at 700km/h. The aircraft served in its role in several variants, with the Ta 311 A-x's being armed with a base 4*2cm MG 151/20s, Ta 311B's carrying and extra pair for 6*2cm MG 151/20 (or a combination up to 6*3cm MK 103B's), and the Ta 311C having 4*2cm or 3cm MK 213 rotary cannons, with options of using 5cm MK 214 or 5.5cm MK 114 cannons. The Ta 311 served faithfully throughout the war, and well into the early portions of the Cold War, with the last aircraft being retired in the early 1960's.

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List of Aircraft with Acquired Data (Updated)
http://www.shipbucket.com/forums/viewto ... 80#p123956

Entries for the Cold War Attack Aircraft challenge are now closed. The poll should be available in 30 minutes.

The poll for the Cold War Attack Aircraft challenge is now available and can be accessed through this link.
Responses will be accepted until the 7th of April, with the poll closing at 23:59:59 UTC.

Thanks! I was fooled with the GMT!

A rather small attack aircraft, well suited for CAS missions. Powered by twin J85 without reheat. It was a nimble plane at low level. The full view cockpit was roomy and with excellent all around and downwards vision. A powerful gun armament in form of a single Oerlikon KCA 30 mm gun was housed in the left side of the nose, with a huge magazine under the cockpit. 4 fuselage hardpoints and 4 (later 6) wing pylons were able to lift a warload up to 6000 pounds. Here is depicted with a typical load of 4 BL755 cluster bombs and 4 SNEB 68 mm rocket pods. Cheers, and once again, thanks.

The poll for the Cold War Attack Challenge has closed. 24 entries were submitted before the deadline, a respectable figure by any measure. 25 people submitted a response to the poll. I wish to thank all members of the community who voted, and the artists who made this challenge possible. I have noted excellent variety in earlier challenges, but I think it is truer now than it ever was before. We have diminutive light attack aircraft alongside twin-engine behemoths and a range of designs from across the Cold War period. Great work everyone!



Congratulations to TigerHunter1945, who achieved first place with the interesting Wiweko S-56 “Kepik”. I think the community likes the unconventional. Hood, with the excellent Hawker Siddeley HS.1179 Sparrowhawk, was a mere two points behind TigerHunter1945 and came second place. We cannot forget Yqueleden’s beautiful Spanish turboprop attacker, the Hispano Aviación HA-250 Lanza, which achieved third place.



The Post-Cold War Surface Combatant Challenge is now open.

As I usually find the comments on my challenge entries a lot more worth it then the score, I wanted to give my comments to the different entries, and I hope other people will give comments as well (as I am certainly no expert on aircraft or FD scale). I pass on any drawing that I have no specific comments on, so I will likely not have comments for everyone.

- Sp3ctra_star's Agent is not a bad drawing, the primary thing that is wrong with it is the fact that it is supposed to have 2 GAU-8's. I did some basic sketching, and the aircraft either has space for the magazines or for the engines, and the guns temselves would only fit in the hull if there was no cockpit.

- MitcheLL300's Waverider has only one major issue: the weight balance doesn't really work. With the engines and a lift fan forwards, most of the weight is in front of the wing. That works well with the thrust arrangement for VTOL (lift fan and engines being in the forward half of the aircraft) but the wing area is all distributed quite far to the back. I am thus not sure this would fly well....

- Hood's Sparrowhawk is likely my favorite from the challenge. It just looks so real! I only wonder if both this and the hawk would have been build, I mean couldn't a twin seater of this fulfill the hawk role as well and thus reduce unit costs?

- RaspingLeech's Ju 1287: When I first saw this design's sideview on the discord, I quite liked it. Seeing the front and top views later on and noticing the podded engines made my view of the design much worse though: this might have been an good or even excellent design with the engines closer to the wing or closer to the fuselage. I have to admit though, apart from the engine placement I quite liked the design as being something that I could see coming from a post WW2 Germany.

- APDAF's CH-18. I personally think slowly but surely you are improving APDAF! design wise, this aircraft could actually work. The only real issue I have with it is the airbrakes on the back of the engine pods. The wing shading going wider the further it is from the wing while the wing itself gets narrower is a bit strange, as is the lack of shading under the tailplane.

- JSB's short Seamew. First of all, the image isn't working anymore. Second, I quite liked this design! I suspect it might have scored quite high if it had a paintjob, details and weapons fit that really accentuated it's differences from the original aircraft.

- Thiel's Buzzard. Double delta's can never go wrong for me, and this jet is so cute! A tiny bit more shading to accentuate the shape of the hull would make her look even better though.

- The_Sprinklez's Ma. 233 is definitely an unique approach, which is a good thing! I do wonder if it is an light bomber or an heavy attacker, and I wonder about the wing load (those wings looks skinny compared to the hull)

- Charguizards's Speervis: The only real issue I have with this one is that I wonder what the added radar on the ASW version would do for the balance of the aircraft. I would also like to see that writeup, how this aircraft came to be in the AU

- Tigerhunter's Kepik I found amazing, except for that window getting REALLY close to the propeller hub in the nose. I couldn't think of any good purpose for that, as that viewing angle would mostly be blocked by the instrument panel and the nose itself anyways.

Lastly, I would like to add that I really enjoyed "thinking up" the A-7 Avenger II, finding out what to keep from the intruder and what would change with the smaller size and new engine. Looking back, I should probably not have used the Intruder wing (as that limited my payload on the inner pylons). I am quite happy with my score, although I do wonder about the originality score being significantly lower then my other scores (Have I gone too sensible this time? that is interesting haha)

Looking forward to seeing the results of the next challenge! and I hope these comments are appriciated

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Drawings are credited with J.Scholtens
I ask of you to prove me wrong. Not say I am wrong, but prove it, because then I will have learned something new.
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