The Firebird is a rugged and adaptable Khandarian fighter. Many of its best traits stem less from its designers knowledge of the opponents it would face than their understanding of the territory it would defend. Early clashes with Tarkavian fighters saw many Firebirds destroyed and led many pilots to believe the Aggressor was the superior aircraft, though the Tarkavians had the added advantage of past combat experience. The Firebirds strengths grew more apparent as the harsh Verengean winter halted the Collectives advance. It was more easily maintained, could operate from rougher airstrips and offered its pilots better protection from crashes as well as enemy action. The latest models also benefit from a range of innovations not seen on earlier machines.

Design Features

- The Firebirds sturdy construction reduces its speed and agility, but helps it withstand enemy fire, hard manoeuvres and rough landings. Its flight controls use pushrods and bearings instead of lighter but less reliable cables; an armoured bulkhead behind the cockpit doubles as a shield and rollbar; and a wide-tracked retractable undercarriage makes ground handling easier. Though sealed airstrips are preferable, Firebirds can operate from less conspicuous dirt roads or fields.

- Two 23mm autocannons are mounted above the engine block. Aiming is intuitive, and the absence of wing armament allows larger fuel tanks to be carried. External drop tanks can be fitted to extend range even further, and a compartment behind the seat can hold a life raft and/or survival kit for pilots flying over sea or remote parts of Verengea.

- A V12 engine drives a three-bladed variable pitch propeller. Early Firebirds lacked superchargers, which gave Aggressors an advantage that increased at higher altitudes. Later models supercharged engines have greatly improved their performance, though Aggressors retain the edge in speed.

- The latest Firebirds are also equipped with Tarkavian-style ammo counters, gunsights and ejector seats, while Istarian allies have provided more effective radios that aid long-range communication. Such innovation works both ways; many Istarian fighters have been refitted with Khandarian cannons and some Aggressor variants carry drop tanks and survival kits.

- This Firebirds blue-grey camouflage blends well with low clouds and mist-shrouded landscapes. White letters identify the aircraft and the black ring around the Khandarian roundel denotes the unit it belongs to. Red drops beneath the canopy record kills and recall much older steppe traditions of marking oneself with an enemys blood.

https://www.deviantart.com/jflaxman/art/YN-86-Firebird-845836693