IE-9 Extended Songbird

IE-9 Extended Songbird
File:IE-9 Extended Songbird.png
Type:	Light Attack Aircraft
Place of origin:	Shireroth
Date In service:	1703-onwards
Operators:	Shireroth
Number produced:	292
Number in Service:	- 288
Designed:	1701 AN
Manufacturer:	IrenEnt (IDB-10)
Length:	11.38 m
Width:
Wingspan:	11.14 m
Propulsion:	1 × FGT-8D turboprop, 1200 kW (1609 hp)
Range:	1478 km
Endurance:
Maximum Altitude:	10668 m
Speed:	590 km/h (320 kn)
Crew:	2
Armament:	Wing-Mounted: 2 × Polybolos 12.7mm HMG Hardpoints: 5 (two under each wing, one under fuselage) with a capacity of 1,500 kg (3,300 lb)
Sensors and Processing Systems:
Cost:

The IE-9 Extended Songbird is a low-wing, tandem-seat, single-turboprop, light attack aircraft developed by IrenEnt (IDB-10) with avionics provided by Drakorda Scientific Institute (IDB-17). A development of the IE-7 Songbird, the Extended Songbird entered demonstration trials in 1701 AN with four test-type aircraft delivered to the Flying Guards. While a leap ahead of its progenitor, this design continued to underperform the longstanding T-2/A-2 Saeqeh except when pushed to its absolute limit, with test pilots recommending further development before the design entered production.

In early 1703 AN, a revised design, the IE-9B entered demonstration trials. With a more powerful engine, the IE-9B exceeded the T-2/A-2 Saeqeh's cruising speed. Despite its lower operational range, its modernized avionics package and higher maneuverability led the Flying Guards to recommend the IE-9B for production.