HASI-3 "OBLIVION GUARD" AIRCRAFT
Basic Information
- Full Title: High-Altitude Swift Interceptor
- Generation: 3
- Candidate #: 242/46
- Role: Interceptor
- National Origin: FoGM
- Manufacturer: UNDETERMINED
- Introduction: 1992
- Produced: 1988 - 2010
- End of Service: 2022
Statistics
- Engines: 3
- Maximum Altitude: 80k feet
Mounts (weight capacity: 14,000 lb)
- 3x Fuselage-Mount [2000 lb]
- 8x Wing-Mount [1500 lb]
Utilities
- Targeting Unit (Radar, Infared, Laser, Optical)
- Counter-ECM Unit
- Ejection System
Loadouts
- Configuration "Reflex" [14,000 lb]
- Description: General-purpose interception configuration. Fuselage mounts are fitted with "Skyviper" double mounts.
- Fuselage Mounts
- 3x Longrange Duo-Missiles [semi-active homing, 2000 lb]
- Wing Mounts
- 8x Longrange Missiles [semi-active homing, 1000 lb]
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Background
The HASI-3 "Oblivion Guard" is a purpose-built interceptor designed with an extremely high altitude limit. Its purpose is to attack other high-altitude aircraft from long range via heavy missiles. Unlike its previous-generation interceptors, the Oblivion Guard has no configurations for close-in interception. Also unlike previous generations, the Oblivion Guard can reach the same altitudes which contemporary recon aircraft can; deliberate future-proofing for the entirety of its expected lifespan. The extra altitude does not end up ever being particularly useful due to the effectiveness of long-range missiles.
A secondary function of the Oblivion Guard is, following the introduction of Starshield, is to assist in shooting down nuclear warheads during decent. For that, they are moderately effective and a useful extra tool in limiting the effectiveness of nuclear strikes.
Although developed in parallel with the Unitary, the Oblivion Guard shares few common components.
The lesson: sometimes planning ahead doesn't work out. Sometimes new opportunities can provide unplanned benefits.