F-88 “Nightshade”

F-88 Nightshade

Role: Air Superiority / Air Domination Fighter
Design Fusion: F-22 Raptor + Su-57 Felon + Su-47 Berkut

General Characteristics
• Configuration: Forward-swept wings (FSW) with blended canards
• Stealth Profile: Low observable (LO) design, internal weapons bay, radar-absorbing materials
• Airframe: Heat-resistant composites; optimized for high-speed, high-agility combat
• Control: No thrust vectoring; manually piloted via fly-by-wire with aerodynamic stability systems
• Cockpit: Panoramic HUD, helmet-mounted display (HMD), tactile control interface

Performance
• Max Altitude: 25,000 meters (82,000 ft)
• Supercruise Speed: Mach 1.9
• Maximum Speed (Afterburner): Mach 3.25
• Combat Radius: 3,000 km (with full internal fuel and 3-missile stealth loadout)
• Ferry Range: 6,000+ km (with external fuel tanks, no payload)
• Rate of Climb: ~70,000 ft/min (estimated)
• Takeoff Distance: Short/medium runway with lift support from canards and FSW

Agility and Maneuverability
• Thrust Vectoring: None
• Flight System: Conventional fly-by-wire controlling a naturally unstable airframe
• Sustained Turn Rate: 59–60°/sec
• Instantaneous Turn Rate: Up to 116°/sec
• Post-Stall Maneuvering: Achieved through aerodynamic design and control surfaces

Avionics & Sensor Suite
• Radar: Advanced AESA radar with low probability of intercept (LPI) and multi-target capability
• IRST: Full-spectrum 360° Infrared Search and Track
• EW Suite: Electronic countermeasures (jamming, chaff/flare, radar spoofing)
• Targeting: HMD-cued targeting system for WVR and BVR combat
• Communications: Secure encrypted data and voice comms; tactical networking compatible

Weapons & Payload
• Internal Bay (Stealth Loadout):
• 3x Long-range missiles (BVRAAMs)
• External Hardpoints (Non-Stealth Loadout):
• 4x Missiles (BVRAAMs or WVR mix)
• Optional swap: 2x drop tanks + 2x missiles
• Directed Energy: Future integration capability (currently not equipped)

Operational Roles
• Primary: Air superiority in highly contested environments
• Secondary: Intercept, deep strike escort, patrol dominance
• Combat Strategy:
• Strike First: Engage BVR using stealth and range
• Outmaneuver: Extreme agility allows control in any WVR engagement
• Escape or Pursue: Mach 3.25 dash gives unmatched tactical mobility

Summary

The F-88 Nightshade is a highly lethal, stealth-oriented next-gen fighter designed for total air domination. Silent, swift, and deadly, it excels at striking undetected and outmaneuvering any adversary in both long-range and close-quarters combat. Its stealth-first approach, combined with high-speed performance and unparalleled agility, ensures that it controls the skies with unmatched precision and power.