SJPA-3 "SERPENT" AIRCRAFT
Basic Information
- Full Title: Superiority Jet-Propelled Aircraft
- Generation: 3
- Candidate #: 239/23
- Role: Strike
- National Origin: FoGM
- Manufacturer: Undetermined
- Introduction: 1968
- Produced: 1966 - 1986
- End of Service: 2008
Mounts [weight capacity: 7000 lb]
- 1x Frontal Turret (HMG)
- 4x Fuselage-Mount [1500 lb]
- 2x Wing-Mount [1000 lb]
Utilities
- Radar (plus targeting unit)
- Ejection System
Loadouts
- Configuration "Reflex" [5740 lb]
- Description: General-purpose configuration viable in most situations. Fitted with two "Skyviper" double mounts.
- Frontal Mounts
- 2x R2-SPAW [100 lb]
- Ammo [300 lb]
- 2x R2-SPAW [100 lb]
- Fuselage Mounts
- 2x 48ct Rocket Pods [unguided, 720 lb]
- 2x Medium Bombs [unguided, 750 lb]
- Wing Mounts
- 2x Midrange Duo-Missiles [semi-active homing, 1000 lb]
- Configuration "Joust" [6800 lb]
- Description: Anti-air configuration. Fitted with full "Skyviper" double mounts.
- Frontal Mounts
- 2x R2-SPAW [100 lb]
- Ammo [300 lb]
- 2x R2-SPAW [100 lb]
- Fuselage Mounts
- 4x Midrange Duo-Missiles [semi-active homing, 1000 lb]
- Wing Mounts
- 2x Midrange Duo-Missiles [semi-active homing, 1000 lb]
- Configuration "Break" [6680 lb]
- Description: Bomber-centric configuration; limited A2A combat. Fitted with two "Skyviper" double mounts.
- Frontal Mounts
- 2x R2-SPAW [100 lb]
- Ammo [300 lb]
- 2x R2-SPAW [100 lb]
- Fuselage Mounts
- 2x 48ct Rocket Pods [unguided, 720 lb]
- 2x Medium Duo-Bombs [unguided, 1500 lb]
- Wing Mounts
- 2x 48ct Rocket Pods [unguided, 720 lb]
"The wise one coils, bearing their fangs 'fore the strike."
Background
The SJPA-3 "Serpent" is a high-mobility strike fighter made in the aftermath of the highly-successful Redeemer project. It was developed alongside the Skipper, and shares a few components with it.
Compared to some other superpower fighters it has a limited payload, though this was a deliberate design choice to extend the aircraft as much maneuverability as possible in the face of opponents wielding superior technologies; its actual weight capacity is much higher than listed. Featuring variable-sweep wings and variable inlets, the Serpent can also maintain strong performance at several different speeds without sacrifising fuel efficiency.
Its service was originally planned to end in 1998, but it was extended during 90s global tensions to maintain military readiness.
The lesson: aggressive pursuit of new technologies is worthwhile, especially when it works out.