A-7 Astil

The A-7 Astil, was a twin-engined, subsonic ground-attack and aerial reconnaissance aircraft under development by ESB Susa and the Mishalan Arsenal as of 1728 AN.

Development

Anticipating an era in which renewed great power conflict on the Benacian continent could result in devastating attritional losses amongst advanced combat airframes then in service, Benacia Command, at the instigation of its newly installed commander, Lors Bakker-Kalirion, inaugurated a development study in 1728 AN concerning the feasibility of an emergency fighter programme. This study was undertaken with a view to having a viable design and the requisite industrial capacity in place to commence production from 1730 AN onwards.

The study ultimately called for a lightweight aircraft that would feature a relatively simple and rugged structure, that would use reuse legacy equipment and avionics, be capable of operating from austere airstrips, as well as being reliable and easy to maintain.

The task of taking this requirement and transforming it into the specification for a viable prototype was awarded to ESB Susa of Nouvelle Alexandrie, with the understanding that manufacturing and assembly would be overseen by the Mishalan Arsenal in the Benacian Union.