Development[]
IMF Program[]
The Intermediate Multirole Fighter program was launched a few months after the Osean, Advanced Strike Fighter program was halted in 1994. The Osean Navy required a stop gap fighter/interceptor that was more capable than their existing aircraft, without the expenses and time required to develop a true fifth generation airframe. General Resources Limited was one such company to submit a proposal, with the idea to further improve the navy's current F-14D Super Tomcats. After a list of less than stellar proposals were received by other manufacturers, and given GRL's substantial progress with their design, the Osean Navy accepted the proposal, later ordering an inital batch 54 airframes.
Result[]
After increasing program costs induced by unforeseen challenges in development, the IMF program quickly overshot their initial goals set for military production. This intern caused stress upon the Osean Navy, which caused OMDF to lose interest in the program, cancelling 38 airframes prior to their completion and instead opting to purchase more F-14D, F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft. The Osean Navy later informed GRL, after continued delay that they had decided to cancel all remaining orders, and that they were to pull all funding from the program. Effectively bringing an end the IMF program, and seemingly to the aircraft itself.
Revival[]
After the Belkan War had drawn to a close the need for a highly advanced fighter was met with a lot critacism by the population of Osea, which was confirmed with the cancellation of both the ASF and IMF programs. However GRL again proposed the idea of a reworked F-14D. The proposal given to the Osean military, showed further improved plans based upon the IMF program. These plans cited a lower cost aircraft that could would suppliment current aircraft and bridge the gap between generation 4 aircraft and generation 5. With the outbreak of the Continental War in 2005 and witnessing the advanced fighters being produced by Erusea, Osea began to fund development of the GRL proposal, however it was kept it under wraps from the general public. With the acquisition of the South Belka Munitions Factory, renamed North Osea Gründer Industries, following the 1995 Belkan War, Osea forced a collaborative effort between Gründer and GRL to implement technologies from multiple projects into a single design. In 2007 the first prototype aircraft, the YF-14E, took flight with test pilots giving it the nickname "Wildcat". In early 2010, Osea committed to an order of 48 aircraft, The first aircraft rolled out in May 2013, with the F/A-14E entering official service in mid 2014, Officially designated the F/A-14E Wildcat II.
Design[]
The basis of the F/A-14E retained the general layout of the F-14 design, however the airframe had been substatially reworked to allow for participation in the IMF program. Later improvements after the dissolution of the IMF program included the integration of the 2-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzles adapted from the F-15S/MTD, outward canted tail fins, forward canards, an internal weapons bay, conformal fuel tanks mounted to the side of each intake (similar to that of the F-15E), and a single person COFFIN equipped cockpit.
Specifications[]
Similar dimensions as the F-14D Super Tomcat. The aircraft is slightly shorter in length and height due to the shortened fusalage and its canted vertical stabilizers.
General Characteristics[]
- Crew: 1 (Pilot)
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-429
- Maximum Speed: Mach 2.34 (1795 mph, 2889 km/h) at 37,650 ft (11,480 m)