EXPLODOBOY'S

[BACK]

MDJPA-3 "PRELUDE" AIRCRAFT
TIMELINE: Abb-PlC

Basic Information

• Full Title: Mobile-Deployment Jet-Propelled Aircraft
• Generation: 3
• Candidate #: 240/2
• Role: Carrier-Based Strike
• National Origin: FoGM
• Manufacturer: Undetermined
• Introduction: 1977
• Produced: 1969 - 1990
• End of Service: 2007

Mounts [weight capacity: 9000 lb]

• 1x Frontal Turret (HMG)
• 6x Wing-Mount [1000 lb]
• 1x Bomb Bay [4000 lb]

Utilities

• Targeting Unit (Infared, Laser, Optical)
• Electronic Countermeasures
• Thermal Chaff
• Ejection System

Loadouts

• Configuration "Reflex" [8390 lb]
  • Description: General-purpose configuration viable in most situations.
  • Frontal Mounts
    • 1x C2-SPAW-S [300 lb]
      • Ammo [900 lb]
  • Wing Mounts
    • 4x Midrange Missiles [semi-active homing, 500 lb]
    • 2x 48ct Rocket Pod [unguided, 720 lb]
  • Bomb Bay
    • 2x Medium Bomb [unguided, 750 lb]
    • 1x Heavy Bomb [unguided, 2250 lb]
• Configuration "Joust" [8700 lb]
  • Description: Anti-air configuration, made to shatter targets from afar.
  • Frontal Mounts
    • 1x C2-SPAW-S [300 lb]
      • Ammo [900 lb]
  • Wing Mounts
    • 4x Midrange Missile [semi-active homing, 500 lb]
    • 2x Longrange Missile [semi-active homing, 1000 lb]
  • Bomb Bay
    • 7x Midrange Missile [semi-active homing, 500 lb]
• Configuration "Break" [8950 lb]
  • Description: Bomber-centric configuration; limited A2A combat.
  • Frontal Mounts
    • 1x C2-SPAW-S [300 lb]
      • Ammo [900 lb]
  • Wing Mounts
    • 2x Midrange Missiles [semi-active homing, 500 lb]
    • 4x Medium Bomb [unguided, 750 lb]
  • Bomb Bay
    • 2x Medium Bomb [unguided, 750 lb]
    • 1x Heavy Bomb [unguided, 2250 lb]

"The story of the stars started with but a small thing."

Background

The MDJPA-3 "Prelude" is a lightweight strikecraft made which features a VTOL launch and landing system which enables operation in areas with limited to no runway. It was developed in parallel with the Sequel, Saga, and Aegis. It shares several key components with them. Development had been a tricky process, however, resulting in several delays. While those delays had been ultimately beneficial, it had been concerning for the Martilan military. Its development was particularly controversial for adding another mainline aircraft the military has to keep track of.

While it is nowhere near the largest and most powerful aircraft of its time, aircraft carriers can hold a comfortable number of Preludes. Their robust pilot survival systems also ensures that, even when the worst happens, pilots can fly again.

The lesson: coordinating your efforts is important. A divided attention is often detrimental.