Javelin A-9 Gavilán

Javelin A-9 Gavilán

Javelin A-9 Gavilán light attack aircraft
Type	Light attack and counterinsurgency aircraft
Place of origin	Nouvelle Alexandrie
Introduced	1751 AN
Number built	18 (as of 1752 AN)
Designed	1747 AN-1750 AN
First flight	6.V.1750 AN
Manufacturer	Javelin Industries
Systems partner	ESB Susa
Primary user	Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Unit cost	NAX€14 million
Crew	2 (pilot and weapons systems officer; single-seat variant available)
Length	11.4 m
Wingspan	11.1 m
Height	3.9 m
Empty weight	3,200 kg
Max. takeoff weight	5,400 kg
Powerplant	1 x Javelin PT-9 turboprop (1,600 shp)
Maximum speed	590 km/h
Cruise speed	480 km/h
Combat radius	550 km
Ferry range	2,400 km (with external tanks)
Loiter time	3.5 hours (on station)
Service ceiling	10,700 m
Armament	2 x 12.7mm machine guns (fuselage-mounted, 250 rounds each)
Hardpoints	5 (4 underwing, 1 centerline) with 1,500 kg capacity
Ordnance	Bombs, rockets, gun pods, precision-guided munitions, reconnaissance pods
Avionics	ESB Susa glass cockpit; integrated mission computer; laser designator; forward-looking infrared
Features	Armored cockpit and engine; self-sealing fuel tanks; capable of operating from unimproved airstrips; low maintenance requirements
Operating cost	NAX€1,200 per flight hour
Status	Initial operational capability; production ongoing
Planned procurement	120 aircraft (1751 AN-1758 AN); export orders anticipated

The Javelin A-9 Gavilán (Alexandrian: A-9 Épervier; Martino: A-9 Gavilán, meaning "Sparrowhawk") is a light attack and counterinsurgency aircraft developed by Javelin Industries and ESB Susa. Designed as an affordable, rugged, and easy-to-maintain platform for light strike, armed reconnaissance, and counterinsurgency operations, the Gavilán emerged from lessons learned during the Fourth Euran War and Occupation of Oportia, where the high operating costs and infrastructure demands of jet-powered combat aircraft proved unsustainable for prolonged counterinsurgency campaigns. The aircraft entered service with the Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie in 1751 AN and is intended for both domestic service and export to Raspur Pact partner nations.

During the Occupation of Oportia (1745 AN-1747 AN), coalition forces found themselves employing expensive multirole fighters for routine armed overwatch, convoy escort, and light strike missions against dispersed insurgent positions. After-action analysis by the Department of Defense determined that a single sortie by a F-9 Ashavan III cost approximately NAX€42,000 in fuel, maintenance, and consumables, an expenditure difficult to justify against low-value targets. The requirement for austere field operations further complicated logistics, as jet aircraft demanded prepared runways and extensive ground support infrastructure. Traditionally, the doctrine of the Federal Forces, in common with Raspur Pact allies like Constancia, called for the use of two-seater training aircraft, adaptable to the light attack role, to take up the slack under circumstances such as during the Fourth Euran War and its aftermath, where the sheer scale of the continental theatre precluded top-line combat aviation from being on hand at all times to respond to every eventuality.

Instead, flights of light attack aircraft, such as the T-4/A-4 Flecha, T-5/A-5 Tejón de Miel, and T-7/A-6 Víbora would orbit the battlespace under the so-called "cab rank" system, waiting to be hailed by forward observation teams, attached to ground formations at the regimental level, to come down and unload their ordnance on whichever target had earned the ire of the requestor. It was not a glamorous mission profile, but it was a necessary one, and that necessity hinted at an enduring mission requirement.

Ahead of any formal initiative from the Department of Defense, Javelin Industries initiated the Gavilán program in 1747 AN to seize upon the identified opportunity, partnering with ESB Susa for avionics development. The resulting design emphasizes simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The single Javelin PT-9 turboprop engine provides excellent fuel efficiency with an operating cost of approximately NAX€1,200 per flight hour. The airframe is designed for durability, capable of operating from unimproved grass or dirt airstrips with minimal ground support equipment. Maintenance can be performed by technicians with general aviation training, requiring only 4.5 maintenance hours per flight hour. ESB Susa developed a simplified glass cockpit avionics suite that shares common components with other Federal Air Force platforms, reducing training burden and spare parts inventory requirements. The tandem two-seat configuration accommodates a pilot and weapons systems officer for complex missions, though a single-seat variant designated A-9A is available for customers preferring simplified operations. Armament options include fuselage-mounted 12.7mm machine guns, underwing rockets, bombs up to 250 kilograms, gun pods, and precision-guided munitions when paired with the integral laser designator. The cockpit and engine compartment feature armor protection against small arms fire, and self-sealing fuel tanks reduce vulnerability during low-altitude operations. Initial deliveries to operational squadrons began in II.1751 AN, with 18 aircraft in service by the end of 1752 AN. The Department of Defense has authorized procurement of 120 aircraft through 1758 AN. Javelin Industries has marketed the Gavilán to Raspur Pact partners as an affordable solution for border patrol, counterinsurgency, and pilot training, with several nations expressing preliminary interest.

Operators

Country	Operator	Number	Notes
Nouvelle Alexandrie	Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie	18	Initial deliveries II.1751 AN; 120 planned through 1758 AN; production at 18/year; export variant under development
Constancia	Imperial Constancian Air Force	18	Order placed for the 1759 AN production cycle.

See also

• Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie
• Javelin A-7 Trueno
• T-4/A-4 Flecha
• T-5/A-5 Tejón de Miel
• T-7/A-6 Víbora
• Fourth Euran War
• Occupation of Oportia
• ESB Susa