STF AX-95/A
Unit details
Name (None)
Unit Model Code STF AX-95/A
Designer Masato Shikimori
Manufacturer Shikimori Military Industries
Unit Type Military aerial superiority mecha
License Japanese Military
Height 18.3m
Weight 88.53 metric tons (bomb load not included)
Powerplant "SGAX-77/A" Electric Generators
Main Thrusters "SBAX-77/A" Rocket-fuel thrusters
Maximum cruising speed 660 kmph
Maximum boosting speed 1032 kmph
Maximum overboost speed 1032 kmph
Principal armament "SITAR-85" Semi-Automatic Rifle (x1) (hip stored)
"SIBS-54" Beamsaber (x1) (arm stored)
"KJ4376" Missile Launchers Model "AX95ASML" (x2) (shoulder mounted)
M61 Vulcan Turrets (x2) (Installed on core, beside shoulders)
Auxiliary armament Bombs: 9000kg standard loadout
"Kurata SBK072" Gatling gun (x2) (back mounted)

The S(hikimori) T(actical) F(ighter) AX-95/A is a mecha from Shikimori Military Industries' STF AX Series. It is an aerial variant of the land-based AX-95, with a different set of weapons, flight system and sporting a pair of wings on its back. It is a much heavier but more aerodynamic craft with better thrust for sustained flight.

History

In the year 2068, an instructor in the Japanese Military stationed at Oppama Proving Grounds realized that, although efficient, the AX-95/A is slightly lacking in mobility. Another instructor at Yokosuka Naval Base also said that their Air Support was running low. Masato Shikimori, president of Shikimori Military Industries intended to solve two problems at once, kill two birds with one stone by creating a mecha that would fill the two roles. Thus, he started a project to create an aerial variant of the AX-95. The new protoype was name the AX-95/A, "A" for "Aerial".

Shikimori's R&D department came up with various concepts, all focused on changing the outer frame and adding wings. As of November that year, two prototypes were at high competition. One of them resembled the current one, the other one was bulkier, more clumsy, but could switch between modes: a great asset. However, by early December, it was decided that the later was, although convenient, unsuited for the task of air superiority. Thus, the first model was adapted and completed by the end of the month. However, Masato Shikimori decided to hold the release until January of the following year since he wanted to implement an extra feature. While the AX-95/A is unable to switch modes, Masato wanted to give it at least mobility on land as well. Thus, a few additional weeks were devoted to the implementation and testing of a new capability: folding wings. This would allow the wings to fold upwards so that it doesn't get in the way, greatly increasing land mobility. The new AX-95/A was released by the dozens, it's great locomotion capabilities gains the liking of field officers and strategists in peculiar. By March 2069, the AX-95/A hits the mass-production lines.

Unit Specifications

The AX-95A is nearly identical to the AX-95. It's head is monocular, the eye shifting within a horizontal slot to provide unrestrained, long ranged response. Unlike it's all-round version, this aerial variant's eyes lack the broad vision of the former, replacing it with lenses that have higher focusing capabilities. As a result, the eye is far more pronounced and the glow in the slot is dimmer. Since the air has less obstacles to obstruct vision and air support was often done from great altitude levels, this feature adds to the craft's specialisation.

The core is removed of the large plate in its centre to allow the craft to be sleeker, more streamlined and lighter, better-aiding it for its air-superiority role. Because of this, it is far more susceptile to damage but Shikimori Military Industries presume that it will not be thrown into the heat of ground warfare and makes up for it with their mobility. The STF AX-95A also has a cage on the side of its core, not found on the AX-95, that serves as a frame for additional boosters, wings and the mechanism for the folding-wings system. The craft's wings are composed of magnalium alloy, with ailerons between boosters for great flight power. These are made with sufficient power to lift basic heavyweight crafts and brings middlewights, like the AX-95, flying across the skies. However, the overboost remains the same and, due to increased weight and diverted energy, functions less efficiently, one of the craft's weak points. Despite this, they are well capable of speeding the mecha to its destination which, according to Masato Shikimori, is already enough.

Because the AX-95A's target range is farther, the arms of the craft are semi-locked, allowing for more firing stability at the cost of mobility, which would be essential to it's urbain-combat counterpart, but not to the aerial variant. Ingeniously, as the wings fold, this lock is released to adjust to the situation. The shoulder pads have also been completely changed, facing the front rather than the side and having an aerial fin to be more aerodynamic in flight.

The legs of the 95A are unchanged from those of the AX-95, as testings in the proving grounds have asserted that they posses great shock absorbing qualities that make them excellent fall-breakers. While somewhat bulky, these allow the craft to drop from high altitudes, making them a great addition to airborne forces.

Weaponry

The STF AX-95A requires pinpoint accuracy to shoot

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