Javelin B-16 Ironlance
 Javelin B-16 Ironlance supersonic stealth bomber | |
| Type | Supersonic stealth bomber |
|---|---|
| Place of origin |
 Nouvelle Alexandrie |
| Introduced | 1725 AN |
| Number built | 30 (all variants, as of 1752 AN) |
| Designed | 1718 AN-1723 AN |
| First flight | 12.VII.1723 AN |
| Manufacturer | Javelin Industries |
| Mission systems | |
| Primary users | |
| Unit cost | NAX€620 million (Block I); NAX€695 million (Block II) |
| Crew | 2 (pilot, weapon systems officer) |
| Length | 21.3 m |
| Wingspan | 16.8 m |
| Height | 5.4 m |
| Empty weight | 38,500 kg |
| Max. takeoff weight | 78,000 kg |
| Internal payload | 13,600 kg |
| Powerplant | 2 x Javelin JF-220 low-bypass turbofan with afterburner (98 kN dry, 156 kN with afterburner) |
| Maximum speed | Mach 2.1 (2,230 km/h) at altitude |
| Cruise speed | Mach 0.95 subsonic; Mach 1.6 supercruise |
| Combat radius | 4,800 km (subsonic); 3,200 km (supersonic profile) |
| Ferry range | 11,500 km (with aerial refueling) |
| Service ceiling | 18,300 m |
| Avionics | AN/APQ-191 multimode radar, Alexandrium-enhanced threat detection, integrated defensive suite |
| Armament | 2 internal weapons bays; precision-guided munitions, cruise missiles, standoff weapons (conventional only per Dorado Convention) |
| Stealth features | Radar-absorbent composite skin, serpentine engine inlets, shielded exhaust, reduced infrared signature |
| Maintenance | Modular line-replaceable units; 2.8 maintenance hours per flight hour |
The Javelin B-16 Ironlance (Alexandrian: B-16 Lance de Fer; Martino: B-16 Lanza de Hierro) is a supersonic stealth bomber developed by Javelin Industries for the Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Designed to penetrate advanced air defense networks at high speed while maintaining a minimal radar signature, the Ironlance represents the Federation's primary strategic strike platform for conventional precision attacks. As a signatory of the Dorado Convention, Nouvelle Alexandrie employs the aircraft exclusively in a conventional role. The B-16 entered service in 1725 AN and has since been exported to Natopia under a Raspur Pact technology-sharing agreement.
Development of the B-16 began in 1718 AN when the Department of Defense issued requirements for a next-generation penetrating bomber capable of supersonic dash through defended airspace. Javelin Industries was selected as prime contractor in 1719 AN, with ESB Susa providing avionics integration and Fountainpen Corporation developing the electronic warfare suite. The aircraft's design prioritizes a balance between stealth characteristics and sustained supersonic performance. It uses a blended wing-body configuration with canted tail surfaces and internal weapons carriage to minimize radar cross-section. Engine inlets incorporate serpentine ducts that shield compressor faces from radar illumination. The Alexandrium-enhanced composite skin provides radar absorption while maintaining structural integrity at high temperatures generated during supersonic flight. Notably, the aircraft was designed from inception with maintainability as a core requirement. Modular line-replaceable units allow ground crews to swap major components without specialized facilities, achieving a maintenance ratio of 2.8 hours per flight hour, significantly lower than comparable platforms. Stealth coatings use a durable ceramic-polymer matrix that requires reapplication only after 400 flight hours rather than after each mission. The Force 1752 initiative funded development of the Block II variant beginning in 1742 AN, incorporating Alexandrium-enhanced sensors, improved electronic countermeasures, and expanded weapons compatibility. Block II aircraft began delivery in 1746 AN.
Operators
| Country | Operator | Variant | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nouvelle Alexandrie |
Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie | Block I/II | 18 | 6 Block I (upgrading to Block II); 12 Block II on order; production at 2 per year (1742 AN-1748 AN) |
 Natopia |
Natopian Defense Force | Block II | 12 | Export variant; deliveries began 1747 AN; final delivery expected 1753 AN |
