F-6A VIPER Hypersonic Interceptor Fighter Jet

"When you get to hell, tell 'em VIPER sent you"

Credit goes to Alpha Space Technologies for developing the airframe and the missiles provided, as well as FCS, RokuGou Systems for the RWR implemented in the FCS, and Triton Aerospace for missile guidance code featured in the missiles themselves.

The jet itself is vanilla, all except for heat tolerance tinker which had to be used so that the jet would not explode. There are no performance affecting tinkers active, so yeah, this thing can literally hit Mach 8 clean all on its own.

Description!

The F-6A VIPER Hypersonic Interceptor is Alpha Space Technologies first hypersonic fighter jet ever developed. Featuring a maximum top speed of Mach 8, this jet, to say the least, is absolutely revolutionary. It is one of the fastest vanilla jet fighters in the entire game, and one of the most versatile. With the entirety of Alpha Space Technologies' air weapons arsenal, as well as its cutting edge efficiency, heat management, affordability, and lethality, the VIPER is one of our most ambitious and successful projects ever built!

Quick note on how to fly

The VIPER is a hypersonic interceptor with average maneuverability, which can handle like a brick sometimes. This means youll want to pay especially close attention to your distance from the ground, as you may not always be able to maneuver proficiently. Same goes for when approaching armed enemy targets. This is where the VIPER's outstanding speed and energy storage will best serve you. By flying at extremely high speeds, you can greatly increase the distance of which you engage targets, on the order of tens to hundreds of kilometers. Your fast speed, along with some evasive action, will also ensure that virtually no missile can intercept you. You outrun every fighter jet you face, and missiles too.

You should generally avoid getting into dogfights, because although your maneuverability is acceptable, it isnt superior, and its a huge waste of potential since this jet is capable of being virtually untouchable. Also, if you are flying this jet correctly, youll be going very fast and it will be hard to get into a dogfight in the first place.

If you are ever forced into a defensive position, like for example, takeoff, you have excellent acceleration at even max fuel, and it is absolutely ridiculous at low load, so be sure to take advantage of it. This jet can accelerate from zero to hypersonic speeds in about 2 minutes, so the enemy has a very small window to intercept you.

Another beautiful quality of this jet is that it also features great supercruise capability, allowing you to still go VERY fast while staying fuel efficient. So for those who enjoy a more conventional BVR fighting doctrine, or enjoy maneuvering at all, this jet is still capable of fulfilling that typical BVR combat role that modern jets fill.

Specifications!

Max speed: 2750 m/s (Mach 8😳)
with payload: 1715 m/s (Mach 5)

Max supercruise: Mach 4, but with payload, its "only" Mach 3.

Max altitude: 20,000m, although you may fly higher AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Max recommended altitude: 15,000m and lower

Max turn rate @ max fuel: 33°/sec, 22°/sec with max payload.

Roll rate: peaks out at around 330 degrees, but has gone higher before.

Take-off speed (VLOF): 80-100m/s

Stall speed: 70 m/s

Attachment Points: 13 pylons, 10 under wing, and 3 under the fuselage.

Max payload: 20,000Ibs, we highly recommend not exceeding this. Additionally, the payload should be aerodynamic.

Radar range: 400km, customizable. set to user input to filter out distant crafts.

Features!

• NEW, greatly improved airframe built to pierce the so called "Hypersonic Barrier", being among the fastest virtually vanilla fighter jets on the entire platform!
• GEN 2 Fire Control System, built to stow and launch Alpha Space Technologies' weapons and air equipment.
• Airspeed Autopilot, to manage airspeed and greatly improve fuel efficiency automatically!
• 1x BK-27 Mauser revolver cannon
• NEW bomber CCIP Program, Bombardier Mode (Activation Group 11), allows for accurate bomb drops, even at hypersonic speeds! For best results, use Alpha Space Technologies' AGP guided bombs.
• Automatic landing gear extension and retraction system.

Known Bugs/Issues⚠️

• tends to flop its nose about its Flight Path vector (direction of travel) due to high AOA and seemingly deficient lift, meaning it can be janky to control. It becomes especially harder to control and much less responsive at high speeds and altitudes.

• Flying at hypersonic speeds requires great care! The plane wont pull more than a few degrees per second, and the entire jet WILL heat rapidly when turning at hypersonic speeds, where it can EASILY surpass 2000°C. Try to limit maneuvering and pay attention when flying.

• Due to its extremely fast speed regimes, some payloads, including some Alpha Space Technology weapons, do not have their heat tolerance property tinkered high enough to survive prolonged exposure to the airstream at speeds above mach 4.5. Always be sure parts have their heat tolerance tinkered to at least 3000 Kelvin.