Javelin A-11 Trueno

Javelin A-11 Trueno

File:A-11 Trueno.png Javelin A-11 Trueno heavy attack aircraft
Type	Heavy attack aircraft
Place of origin	Nouvelle Alexandrie
Introduced	1751 AN
Number built	8 (as of 1752 AN)
Designed	1747 AN-1750 AN
First flight	22.VIII.1750 AN
Manufacturer	Javelin Industries
Systems partner	ESB Susa
Primary user	Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie
Unit cost	NAX€68 million
Crew	1
Length	16.8 m
Wingspan	17.5 m
Height	4.6 m
Empty weight	12,400 kg
Max. takeoff weight	23,800 kg
Powerplant	2 x Javelin JT-112 high-bypass turbofan (42 kN each)
Maximum speed	680 km/h
Cruise speed	560 km/h
Combat radius	460 km (full ordnance)
Ferry range	4,150 km
Loiter time	2.5 hours (on station with combat load)
Service ceiling	13,700 m
Primary armament	1 x GAU-12 Trueno 30mm seven-barrel rotary cannon (1,350 rounds)
Hardpoints	11 (8 underwing, 3 fuselage) with 7,260 kg capacity
Ordnance	Missiles, bombs, rockets, gun pods, targeting pods
Armor	Titanium-ceramic composite bathtub protecting cockpit and critical systems; self-sealing fuel tanks; redundant flight controls
Survivability	Designed to sustain hits from 23mm cannon fire and remain flyable; engines mounted high and separated to reduce simultaneous loss
Avionics	ESB Susa AN/AAQ-42 targeting pod; integrated helmet-mounted display; digital glass cockpit with EGuard integration
Status	Initial operational capability; full production commencing 1753 AN
Planned procurement	72 aircraft (1751 AN-1760 AN)

The Javelin A-11 Trueno (Alexandrian: A-11 Tonnerre; Martino: A-11 Trueno, meaning "Thunder") is a heavy attack aircraft developed by Javelin Industries and ESB Susa for the Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie. The aircraft was originally designated A-7 during development, but was renumbered to A-11 prior to service entry to avoid confusion with the A-7 Astil, an ESB Susa-designed ground attack aircraft produced for the Benacian Union and Constancia since 1730 AN. Designed specifically for close air support and anti-armor operations, the Trueno is built around its powerful 30mm rotary cannon and optimized for survivability in high-threat ground fire environments. The aircraft is a direct result of lessons learned during the Fourth Euran War and the subsequent Occupation of Oportia, where the lack of a dedicated heavy attack platform forced commanders to employ multirole fighters in close air support roles with suboptimal results. The A-11 entered service in 1751 AN, with full-rate production scheduled to commence in 1753 AN.

The Fourth Euran War (1745 AN-1747 AN) saw the A-5 Tejón de Miel used extensively by the Federal Air Force to provide sustained close air support to ground forces engaged in urban combat and counterinsurgency operations.

Limitations on the payload of the Tejón de Miel would see repeated sorties carried out by multirole strike fighters such as the F-9 Ashavan III, which were able unload a greater quantity and variety of munitions, albeit at the cost of vastly reduced loitering times and an exorbitant rate of fuel expenditure. After-action reviews conducted by the Department of Defense in 1747 AN noted that high-performance strike fighters, while effective against fixed targets, endured the aforementioned penalties that rendered them inefficient for the kind of low-altitude operations required during the Occupation of Oportia. Several aircraft were lost to ground fire that a purpose-built attack aircraft might have survived. In response, Javelin Industries initiated the Trueno program in late 1747 AN, partnering with ESB Susa for avionics integration and targeting systems. The design prioritizes survivability above all other considerations, incorporating a titanium-ceramic composite "bathtub" structure surrounding the cockpit and critical flight systems capable of withstanding direct hits from 23mm anti-aircraft cannon fire. The twin engines are mounted high on the rear fuselage and physically separated to prevent a single hit from disabling both powerplants. Flight control systems feature triple redundancy with manual reversion capability, allowing pilots to maintain control even after sustaining significant battle damage. The aircraft's signature weapon is the GAU-12 Trueno rotary cannon, a 30mm seven-barrel weapon capable of firing 3,900 rounds per minute, optimized for destroying armored vehicles, fortifications, and hardened targets. ESB Susa developed the integrated avionics suite, including the AN/AAQ-42 targeting pod and EGuard-compatible mission computer, enabling seamless coordination with ground forces and other aircraft. Initial deliveries to operational squadrons began in III.1751 AN, with eight aircraft delivered by the end of 1752 AN. The Department of Defense has authorized procurement of 72 aircraft through 1760 AN, with production rates increasing to 12 aircraft per year once full-rate production begins in 1753 AN.

Operators

Country	Operator	Number	Notes
Nouvelle Alexandrie	Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie	8	Initial deliveries III.1751 AN; 72 planned through 1760 AN; full-rate production (12/year) from 1753 AN

See also

• Federal Air Force of Nouvelle Alexandrie
• T-5/A-5 Tejón de Miel
• A-7 Astil
• Javelin A-9 Gavilán
• Fourth Euran War
• Occupation of Oportia
• ESB Susa