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"Goddamned Bats." -Extremi Bomber pilots' slang for the Schurke
The Schurke is a novel design of an aircraft, with an interesting story behind it that tells the tale of a plane that began in one role, but was re-purposed for another. When Damontians first caught wind of Extremidad PF-0 Banshee "Super Fighters," a contract was hastily thrown up due to fears should the Banshee be encountered en masse, which would have devastating consequences for Damontia's air force. The requirement of the contract was simple: devise a fast, efficient, maneuverable heavy fighter that could beat the Banshee at its own game. The Schurke was the first plane to be evaluated, its quick development due to its novel design: Take two Barakuda fighters, turn them upside down (To allow the engine to function inverted, they were completely re-tooled, especially the oil tank and carburetor), link them using reinforced wings and tailplanes, and install a crew cabin between them. The result was the Schurke's...unique shape, one that causes it to be referred to by its pilots as "the upside down fighter." The original designs for the Schurke called for it to be made of Blaksteel like the Banshee, but unfortunately, Damontia's Blaksteel manufacturing was much less efficient than Extremidad's, and so none could be spared from the airship industry. As a result, the first Schurke was made of traditional metals, which gave it a rather cumbersome weight compared to what its original design called for. Because of this, the Schurke's performance was...disappointing, though it was still surprisingly capable despite its novel shape. However, when the threat of entire squadrons of Banshees failed to materialize, it was decided to drop the program, and the Schurke was shelved.
Several years later, however, a new contract was put forth: A requirement for a heavy night fighter to combat the deadly "blackout" raids being conducted against Damontia by Extremidad. The Schurke's prototype was immediately re-evaluated, and with some additions of radar and a heavier armanent, it proved itself to be perfect for the role. In addition, it also filled a niche for a light bomber, attack plane for ground support, and spotting/reconnaissance missions, and soon enough, it became a very well-known plane, among both friends and enemies.
Features:
-Twin V-16 engines gives the Schurke an excellent speed for a plane of its size, and allows for carrying a heavy payload of bombs for strike missions. However, like the Barakuda it was based off of, it is very fuel inefficient, and the high torque of the over-powered engines makes maintenance a nightmare. As a result, the Schurke is only useful for short-range missions or operating from a carrier ship, unless a tanker plane is provided.
-tail-mounted 30mm "Flak" cannon. While a devestating gun, its usefulness is somewhat stunted by the limited field of view for the gunner. In night fighter versions, however, this gun can be linked to the radar to provide a more accurate, and deadly, sighting envelope.
-one thing it does not share with the Barakuda is the 'kuda's flimsy landing gear; sturdier struts with built in shock absorbers means it can operate from dirt airfields, helping mitigate its limited range by allowing deployment directly to the front lines.
-pilot's seat is almost completely surrounded by glass canopy on all sides, allowing for better visibility. However, this comes at the cost of vulnerability, though when operating at night this is less of a concern.
Specs:
Wingspan: 57'
Length: 43'
Height: 11'
Powerplant: 2 x Damonmaschinenfabrik Kaltenstein V-16 Engines
Top Speed: 400 mph
Range: 200 miles
Ceiling: 30,000 feet
Armament: 4 x 20mm cannon (night fighter/attacker version) 1 x 30mm "flak" gun in tail turret, Up to 5000 lbs ordinance on wing pylons (bomber/attacker version)
Crew: 3 (Pilot, Gunner, Copilot/Radar Operator (Night Fighter version)/Bombardier (bomber version)
The Schurke is a novel design of an aircraft, with an interesting story behind it that tells the tale of a plane that began in one role, but was re-purposed for another. When Damontians first caught wind of Extremidad PF-0 Banshee "Super Fighters," a contract was hastily thrown up due to fears should the Banshee be encountered en masse, which would have devastating consequences for Damontia's air force. The requirement of the contract was simple: devise a fast, efficient, maneuverable heavy fighter that could beat the Banshee at its own game. The Schurke was the first plane to be evaluated, its quick development due to its novel design: Take two Barakuda fighters, turn them upside down (To allow the engine to function inverted, they were completely re-tooled, especially the oil tank and carburetor), link them using reinforced wings and tailplanes, and install a crew cabin between them. The result was the Schurke's...unique shape, one that causes it to be referred to by its pilots as "the upside down fighter." The original designs for the Schurke called for it to be made of Blaksteel like the Banshee, but unfortunately, Damontia's Blaksteel manufacturing was much less efficient than Extremidad's, and so none could be spared from the airship industry. As a result, the first Schurke was made of traditional metals, which gave it a rather cumbersome weight compared to what its original design called for. Because of this, the Schurke's performance was...disappointing, though it was still surprisingly capable despite its novel shape. However, when the threat of entire squadrons of Banshees failed to materialize, it was decided to drop the program, and the Schurke was shelved.
Several years later, however, a new contract was put forth: A requirement for a heavy night fighter to combat the deadly "blackout" raids being conducted against Damontia by Extremidad. The Schurke's prototype was immediately re-evaluated, and with some additions of radar and a heavier armanent, it proved itself to be perfect for the role. In addition, it also filled a niche for a light bomber, attack plane for ground support, and spotting/reconnaissance missions, and soon enough, it became a very well-known plane, among both friends and enemies.
Features:
-Twin V-16 engines gives the Schurke an excellent speed for a plane of its size, and allows for carrying a heavy payload of bombs for strike missions. However, like the Barakuda it was based off of, it is very fuel inefficient, and the high torque of the over-powered engines makes maintenance a nightmare. As a result, the Schurke is only useful for short-range missions or operating from a carrier ship, unless a tanker plane is provided.
-tail-mounted 30mm "Flak" cannon. While a devestating gun, its usefulness is somewhat stunted by the limited field of view for the gunner. In night fighter versions, however, this gun can be linked to the radar to provide a more accurate, and deadly, sighting envelope.
-one thing it does not share with the Barakuda is the 'kuda's flimsy landing gear; sturdier struts with built in shock absorbers means it can operate from dirt airfields, helping mitigate its limited range by allowing deployment directly to the front lines.
-pilot's seat is almost completely surrounded by glass canopy on all sides, allowing for better visibility. However, this comes at the cost of vulnerability, though when operating at night this is less of a concern.
Specs:
Wingspan: 57'
Length: 43'
Height: 11'
Powerplant: 2 x Damonmaschinenfabrik Kaltenstein V-16 Engines
Top Speed: 400 mph
Range: 200 miles
Ceiling: 30,000 feet
Armament: 4 x 20mm cannon (night fighter/attacker version) 1 x 30mm "flak" gun in tail turret, Up to 5000 lbs ordinance on wing pylons (bomber/attacker version)
Crew: 3 (Pilot, Gunner, Copilot/Radar Operator (Night Fighter version)/Bombardier (bomber version)
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