IB-64 Kestrel
| IB-64 Kestrel | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| IB-64 Kestrel at takeoff. | ||
| Type | Naval Strategic Bomber/Light Bomber | |
| Service History | ||
| Place of Origin |  North Shurkan Union
| |
| Year Designed | 2112 | |
| Manufacturer | Soviar Industries | |
| Number Built | ||
| Variants | ||
| Service Dates | 2114 | |
| Used By | North Shurkan Union Norya
| |
| Wars | ||
| Specifications | ||
| Crew | 3 | |
| Length | 23.27 m | 76 ft 4 in |
| Wingspan | 22.1 m | 72 ft 6 in |
| Height | 6.95 m | 22 ft 9.5 in |
| Weight | 17,900 kg | 39,400 lb |
| Max. Takeoff | 37,200 kg | 82,000 lb |
| Performance | ||
| Power Plant | 2× Ivformiva IK-21MV turbojets 10,500 lbf (46.7 kN) each | |
| Speed | 980 km/h | 610 mph |
| Rate of Climb | ||
| Ceiling | 12,500 m | 41,000 ft |
| Range | 2,130 km | 1,325 mi |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 2× IR-28 20 mm cannon in tail turret | |
| Missiles | IK-23 long-range anti-ship missile | |
| Bombs | 5,400 kg | 12,000 lb |
The IB-64 Kestrel are naval strategic bombers operated by the N.S.U. Navy capable off launching of aircraft carriers of the Leviathan-class and the Geractir-class to deliver its payload. Currently it is the largest aircraft to have taken off on an aircraft carrier giving it the nickname "The Whale". Its purpose was to give the N.S.U. Navy a mobile strategic capability. It is part of the North Shurkan Strategic Air Service.
Development
With the plans laid down for the Leviathan-class command aircraft carrier, the Strategic Air Service put forth an available contract for any North Shurkan company to compete for. The two main competitors of the contract were InshFumosh and Soviar Industries. By the end, Soviar Industries received the contract for their bomber design which in its final form is the IB-64.
Service
The IB-64 Kestrel is mainly used on board the heavier carriers of the N.S.U. Navy such as the Leviathan-class and the Geractir-class carriers. The Kestrel, because of its large size, can carry large payloads up to 5,400 kg and deliver the payload to the surrounding area around its assigned carrier. The Kestrel uses the mobility of carriers to project the SAS's power projection and plays a major role in the SAS's strategies.
Variants
IB-64A: Standard bomber variant.
IB-64T: Aerial refueling variant.
IB-64R: Tactical air reconnaissance platform.
IB-64P: Training variant.
