Melodus SuX-11 "Centurion"

Basic Information

The Melodus SuX-11, sometimes called the M-Hawk III, is a ninth-generation multirole twin engine stealth fighter currently in development and early testing for the Mundusian Air Force and the QW-Korps. It is estimated to replace QW-A-19s by the early 2100s. Joint research began in 2093 between the Melodus Aerospace Corporation and QW-Korps Flight Ballistics & Trajectory Teams and ended in 2095 with the start of development and test flights by the Melodus Aerospace Corporation. Due to the ongoing war, development was greatly stunted. As such, only three Melodus SuX-11 prototypes have been produced with two having confidential locations and one being situated in Korpal Senegal. (Update: As of late 2095/early 2096, the Melodus Sux-11 "Centurion" has finished its prototype phase and has begun mass production. Currently 100 exist as of today.)

It is capable of aerial combat and air-to-ground/air-to-water strikes and is heavily built around stealth, speed, supermaneuverability, and advanced integrated avionics. However, because of this, the SuX-11 is prone to running out of fuel quicker than most aircraft and can only carry 12,000 lbs. internally and externally. 

Upon first flight, the SuX-11 experienced minor technical difficulties that were fixed quickly afterwards. The SuX-11 had crashed into a forest. On the second flight, the SuX-11 performed perfectly. However, due to pilot error, the prototype crashed into the Pacific Ocean and had to be salvaged. Thankfully, the pilot was unharmed because of successful ejection. Another test was conducted and was successful.

Design

The SuX-11 emphasizes swiftness, maneuverability in all aircraft axes, and stealth. The aircraft uses advanced integrated sensor systems to achieve high levels of automation. There are some limitations, though. Complications for stall recovery if thrust vectoring fails and possibility for the inability to use thrust vectors to induce roll movements. However, the latter has not been proven, only speculated as a possibility by researchers.

The SuX-11s design is somewhat based off of the QW-A-19's and the Sukhoi Su-57's design, but incorporates air-to-ground/air-to-water and better supercruise capabilities allowing for supersonic speeds up to Mach 3.5. The highest speed ever reached with the aircraft, however, was 1994.89 mi/h(3210.48 km/h)(Mach 2.6). The structural materials are alloys with 42.5-44.9% aluminum alloys and 20% titanium alloys. Composites comprise 22-26% of the structural weight of the aircraft. Approx. 60% of the outer surface is also composites. 

The aircraft has a wide hybrid wing body with two widely spaced engines and has all-moving horizontal and vertical stabilizers. The vertical stabilizers are canted for stealth purposes. The trapezoid-like wings have leading edge flaps, ailerons, and flaperons. Incorporating thrust vectoring and leading edge root extensions that function similarly to the Su-57's and allow for the aerodynamic center to shift forward. This increases static instability and maneuverability. 

To perform an air-brake, the ailerons flap up while the flaperons veer down and vertical stabilizers toe inward which increases drag.

Operational History

The first time the SuX-11 was flown was in 2094 as an early prototype and was called the M-Hawk II. Back then, the SuX-11 had no baseline to start from, so it was easily noticed by the population. Originally it did not incorporate stealth or focus on maneuverability and minor technical issues misled the pilot's sense of direction. As such, the pilot could not fly accurately and crashed into a forest. The original prototype was salvaged soon after.

In 2095, the SuX-11's development came solely under Melodus Aerospace Corporation. Production started immediately after a designated baseline was chosen, which was the QW-A-19 and the Sukhoi Su-57. Due to the war, however, flight tests were temporarily halted. The SuX-11 was finally flown from Senegal to Oceania and back. During the flight test, Mach 2.6 was reached before the aircraft had to stop for a mid-air refuel. Upon arriving in Oceania, the pilot attempted to call his relatives. Not utilizing his hands for the aircraft, it started to lose altitude quickly. The aircraft refused to pull up and the pilot had to eject before the aircraft hit the ocean. 

After this test, another test was conducted a month later. The test had no difficulties.