Jackal

The Jackal is a cutting-edge fighter jet designed for combat in both atmospheric and space environments. It combines the capabilities of an attack craft and a reconnaissance scout, making it the preferred aerospacecraft for capturing and maintaining air and space superiority on the battlefield. Originally developed as part of the Indian Republic's space program in collaboration with the multinational United Federation of Nations (UFN), the Jackal was classified as a tri-positional-wing multi-role combat aerospacecraft. However, it is more commonly referred to as simply the Jackal. Manufactured on Ganymede, within facilities owned by the Arabian Union, the Jackal has evolved into the primary aerospace-interdiction fighter of Special Combat Air Recon (SCAR). Due to its unparalleled versatility, speed, and adaptability, the Jackal is exclusively reserved for SCAR personnel, ensuring that only the most elite pilots operate this formidable aerospacecraft.
The Jackal represents the pinnacle of aerospace combat technology, providing SCAR operatives with an unparalleled combination of speed, agility, firepower, and adaptability. Its ability to function seamlessly across various environments, from the depths of planetary atmospheres to the vastness of interstellar battlefields, cements its status as the premier aerospace fighter of the UFN. As warfare continues to evolve, the Jackal remains at the forefront, ensuring that SCAR maintains absolute control over both air and space superiority.

Propulsion

Thrust System: Equipped with hybrid engines capable of operating in both atmospheric and vacuum conditions
Reaction Control System (RCS): Enables omnidirectional maneuvering in zero-gravity environments
VTOL and Flight Control:
The Jackal is capable of VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing), allowing it to launch from a variety of terrains and space stations without the need for runways.
Variable-Geometry Wings & Tail Control Surfaces: The wings and tail structures can extend, retract, and reposition based on flight mode:
ATMO Mode (Atmospheric Flight): Extended wing configuration for lift and maneuverability.
LAUNCH Mode (Achieving Orbit): Retracted wings for streamlined aerodynamics and reduced drag.
SPACE Mode (Zero-Gravity Combat): Wingless configuration with full RCS thruster control for unrestricted movement.

Weapons & Armament

Primary Weapons:
Two 50mm autocannons (mounted on the fuselage)
Two 30mm rapid-fire cannons (mounted on articulated hardpoints)
Modular Articulating Ballistic System (MABS):
The cannon mounts feature limited articulation, allowing them to pivot and adjust for precision targeting.
Retinal Tracking System: The cannons automatically adjust aim according to the pilot’s line-of-sight, significantly enhancing accuracy in fast-paced dogfights.
Missile Armament:
Air-to-Ground Missiles (AGM): For engaging surface-based targets.
Air-to-Air Missiles (AAM): Designed for superior aerial combat.

Armor and defense

Environmental Endurance:
The Jackal is designed for extreme operational conditions, capable of enduring the atmospheric pressure of Venus and the gravitational intensity of Jupiter.
Engineered with reinforced thermal shielding, it withstands extreme temperature fluctuations in deep space and high-speed atmospheric reentry.
Countermeasures:
Flare-based missile countermeasures to evade heat-seeking projectiles.
Omnidirectional Infrared Countermeasure System (OICS):
Capable of jamming enemy targeting systems using advanced thermal interference technology.

Additional & auxiliary systems

Autopilot System:
Advanced AI-assisted autopilot for long-duration missions.
Can autonomously maintain orbit, perform evasive maneuvers, and navigate back to designated UFN bases.
Control Interface:
Pilots utilize a neural-linked helmet to interact with the Jackal’s targeting systems.
Retinal Tracking System enhances precision aiming for modular articulating cannons.

Manufacturer

Arabian Union

Owning Organization

Air Force of the United Federation of Nations

Military Formation Usage

• Special Combat Air Recon

Length

62 ft. (19 metres)

Height

10 ft. (3 metres)

Speed

Top Speed (Atmosphere): 3,231.13 mph (5,200 km/h) Escape Velocity (Space Flight): 49,709.70 mph (80,000 km/h) with activated rocket boosters

Complement / Crew

Tandem-seat cockpit accommodating one pilot and one copilot.