T-7/A-6 Víbora

T-7/A-6 Víbora

Depiction of the T-7/A-6 Víbora
Type	Training and Light Attack Aircraft
Place of origin	Nouvelle Alexandrie
Introduced	1724 AN
Number built	439 (1730 AN)
Designed	1718 AN – 1723 AN
Manufacturer	ESB Susa
Crew	2
Length	13.8 m
Wingspan	13.38 m
Loaded weight	10,085 kg
Maximum speed	763 km
Combat range	550 km
Ferry range	2,060 km
Service ceiling	11,400 m
Rate of climb	18 m/s
Armaments	8x wing-mounted M1693 medium machine gun (8x80mm RP) 4x under-wing hardpoints, each with a capacity of 250 kg (total combat payload of 1,000 kg)

The T-7/A-6 Víbora, a training and light attack aircraft proposed for the air forces of Nouvelle Alexandrie and the Raspur Pact.

Development

Begun in 1718 AN as a private initiative by the aerospace arm of ESB Susa, the T-7/A-6 Víbora was envisaged as a prospective replacement for the rapidly aging T-4/A-4 Flecha, and the downright ancient T-2/A-2 Saeqeh, in the inventories of Raspur Pact air forces where the combination of a rugged air trainer and versatile light attack aircraft remained a mainstay of many air arms.

The T-6/A-6 Víbora's enhanced design and capabilities have positioned it as a potential benchmark in the realm of training and light attack aircraft. Promotional materials produced by ESB Susa have been quick to assert that the story of the aircraft's development is one of innovation, adaptability, and a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence in aviation technology. As it undergoes rigorous testing and evaluation, the aviation industry will be interested to see whether the Víbora is a worthy successor to the Flecha.

Design and Characteristics

Depiction of the T-6/A-6 Víbora

The T-6/A-6 Víbora boasts a plethora of design features and characteristics that set it apart as a versatile training and light attack aircraft. Its development, undertaken by the aerospace division of ESB Susa, has yielded an aircraft that is poised to redefine the standards of aerial versatility and performance.

Physical Attributes

The T-6/A-6 Víbora exhibits a robust yet sleek design, measuring approximately 13.8 metres in length and boasting a wingspan of 13.38 metres. Its loaded weight of 10,085 kilograms underscores its robust construction, making it well-suited for both training and combat missions. This combination of size and weight provides the aircraft with stability and agility, crucial attributes for its multifaceted role.

Impressive Performance

In the realm of aerial performance, the T-6/A-6 Víbora does not disappoint. With a maximum speed of 763 kilometres per hour, it can swiftly respond to evolving tactical scenarios. Its combat range extends to 550 kilometres, ensuring that it can operate effectively in various theater environments. Moreover, the aircraft boasts an impressive ferry range of 2,060 kilometres, making it suitable for long-distance deployments.

The T-6/A-6 Víbora's service ceiling reaches a remarkable altitude of 11,400 metres, enabling it to excel in both high-altitude reconnaissance and combat roles. Its rate of climb, at 18 metres per second, allows for swift ascents, a crucial capability in evasive maneuvers and close air support missions.

Armaments

One of the defining features of the T-6/A-6 Víbora is its formidable armament package. The aircraft is equipped with eight wing-mounted M1693 medium machine guns, each with an impressive calibre of 8 mm RP. This firepower ensures air superiority against helicopters, hostile light aircraft, and UAVs, and enhances its effectiveness in light attack missions.

In addition to its wing-mounted machine guns, the T-6/A-6 Víbora boasts four under-wing hardpoints, each with a capacity of 250 kilograms. This configuration provides the aircraft with a total combat payload capacity of 1,000 kilograms. These hardpoints enable the mounting of a diverse array of munitions, including air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and rocket pods, further expanding its versatility on the battlefield.

Timeline

• 12.III.1724 AN: 3x evaluation prototypes received by the Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie. Assigned to Federal Air Training Establishment at Parap.

Operators

•  ESB Susa:
  • 2x development prototypes;
  • 1x production prototype.
•  Nordhær
  • 72x ordered and delivered. 67x airworthy as of 1730 AN.
•  Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie:
  • 3x evaluation prototypes.
  • 600 ordered, 1727 AN.
•  Imperial Constancian Air Force:
  • 600 ordered, 1727 AN.
•  Benacian Union Defence Force
  • 600 ordered, I.1731 AN

Comparable aircraft

•  T-2/A-2 Saeqeh
•  T-4/A-4 Flecha
•  IE-7 Songbird / IE-9 Extended Songbird