FFR-31MR D Super Sylph
The Super Sylph is a high speed tactical recon plane. The FFR-31MR D improved aerodynamics to reduce friction at high speeds and improved maneuverability. There are hardpoints for air-to-air missiles under the wing and the engine pod on the belly. It was originally developed as an unarmed recon plane but after lessons learned in the early stages of combat on planet Fairy, it was decided that this plane should have weapons for self defense. The D model has the same sensor and datalink performance as the original FFR-31MR. Like the B and C models, the D can be fitted with a sensor pod called the TARPS (Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance Pod System). Depending on the mission, a TARPS can be configured with cameras, infrared sensors, imaging radar, or multi-band ESM (Electronic Support Measures – used to detect, intercept, identify, locate, record, and/or analyze sources of radiated electromagnetic energy for the purposes of immediate threat recognition). The D model has a more compact TARPS than those used on the B and C models.
Originally, the D model was designed to be a tactical recon plane like the original FFR-31MR. However the ramjet booster on the D model was expected to improve speed so most of the produced D models are high speed strategic recon planes. However, there are some planes without the ramjet boosters. They were not fitted with ramjet boosters because of testing purposes and other reasons. It was suspected that the main reason why they were not fitted with boosters is because of financial restrictions.
It is well known that the FAF often changes their plans while the plane is in construction or being developed. The D model production had difficulties in funding. The reason why is that the serial number of the D model is dispersed among the ordinary FFR-31MR models. It is very difficult to determine how many D models are produced even though the serial numbers are not classified. However, most of the D models are stationed at the FAF Aeronautical Space Defence Agency Defense Reconnaissance Wing and conduct recon missions on planet Fairy and airspace under JAM control. Based on this information, only 5 to 7 D models are in service.
The Super Sylph flown by Rei for the first half of the story is named Yukikaze.
- Manufacturer:
- Fairy Air Force (FAF)
- Accommodation:
- pilot and co-pilot in separate cockpits
- Total Length:
- 22 meters
- Wingspan:
- 13.2 meters
- Total Height:
- 6.25 meters; with TARPS activated 9.75 meters
- Weight:
- empty 12,188 kg; standard mission 25,500 kg; maximum 37,890 kg
- Powerplant Type:
- FNX-5011-D Phoenix MK XI D turbofan x2; optional ramjet booster, output unknown
- Powerplant Output:
- 10,220 kg; afterburner 14,480 kg
- Speed:
- cruise Mach 1.7; max Mach 3.2; fuselage load limit 9 G+
- Maximum Altitude:
- 24,000 meters
- Armament:
- 20mm vulcan gun x1, 1,550 rounds, hardpoint x4
- Equipment:
- TARPS, real time digital data link, Yukikaze AI system
Illustrations
Production Drawings
Special thanks to freewebtown.com/yukikaze for information on this page.