The first generation of Rhydinian subfighter, the Dasbacd (Tempest) is typical of fighters developed during the late 1990s with a lightweight, inexpensive hull comprised of titanium alloys. While this gives the fighter excellent performance in flight, it was designed before the development of more purpose-built anti-fighter weapons that proved to be highly effective in countering the craft. (Most notably, the INRX S/GA-14/A Loki-class gattling cannon.) Despite a high rate of attrition, the fighter's low cost has kept it in production through to present date. No efforts have been made to rebuild the fighters with stronger materials, due to a commonly held belief that it's cheaper and more efficient to focus on construction of newer class fighters.
The venerable and respected SA-3 Dasbacd is a fighter that has both earned its laurels and aged well beyond what should be expected of a fighter born of the earliest days of subfighter design. While the Dasbacd is far from having earnt the title of the 'first' subfighter (indeed, it was preceded by at least half a dozen prototype fighters of various classes) it most certainly stands as the best example of how Rhydin began to rigorously pursue subfighter development.
In 1998, the HQLT Research & Design Complex commissioned a design contract to create a high-speed, high-mobility attack craft, resulting in the SA-1 Velve, which led to further developments including the Dasbacd. The Dasbacd (Tempest) proved to be the single most lethal fighter beneath the world's oceans. Capable of speeds up to 58 knots and with incredible maneuverability and firepower, the SA-3 would remain a benchmark for nearly 10 years. By as early as 2003, the Dasbacd (Tempest) outnumbered the INRX Mako by a ratio of four to one, and by 2006 had peaked at a practically unimaginable six to one, giving the Rhydinian fighter an unsurpassable advantage for the near future.
The Dasbacd (Tempest) has seen several refits and improvements in its fifteen year lifespan. The original SA-3/A was a modestly equipped fighter, bolstering only twin Hellfire cannon armaments with a small payload of anti-fighter torpedoes. The SA-3/B was introduced in 2003 as the Rhydinian Navy began to deploy in conjunction with the United Front Alliance. This effectively doubled the Dasbacd's presence as UFA nations also began to field this craft, and new engines offered by RVC-HQLT kept the fighter's impressive power-to-weight ratio untouched. Ultimately, the fighter would not be improved again until 2007 with the SA-3/C, also known as Dasbacd-II. Fitted with the latest in HQLT aquanautics, improved power management systems and retooled sonars.
Variants
SA-3/A: Original model, carries twin Hellfire cannons.
SA-3/B: Upgraded to carry two torpedos alongst with cannons.
SA-3/C: Upgraded version of the A and B model series.
SA-3/D: Trainer
General Specifications
Class: SA-3 Dasbacd (Tempest)
Contractor/Builder: HQLT
Production Date: 02/12/1996
Completion Date?: Current
Hull Composition: Single-layer titanium hull plating over a composite titanium-aluminium frame
Crew compliment: 1 Pilot
Trainer compliment: 2 Pilots
Dimensions & Weight
Length: 19m
Beam: 3.0m
Wingspan: 15.3m
Height: 2.3m
Weight: 19,090 Kilograms
Inlet Diameter: .95m (37.4in.)
Maximum Diameter 1.10m (43.3 in.)
Performance
Operational Depth & NED (Never Exceed Depth) Based on Model:
SA-3/A: 543 m (1,781 ft)- NED: 575 m (1,886 ft)
SA-3/B: 625 m (2,050 ft) - NED: 682 m (2,237 ft)
SA-3/C: 685 m (2,247 ft) - NED: 721 m (2,365 ft)
Propulsion: Twin RVC SR-23D Turbine Generators
Maximum Thrust: 56,500 pounds (530 kN)
Acceleration: 0-100kph/0.93 seconds, 0-81kts/5.67 seconds, 3.05G
Power source: Primary - 2 HQLT A7(F) fusion reactor cores (integrated with the engines)
Secondary - Two RVC SX-44L Hydrojet Turbines
Fuel: Primary - Tritium, Deuterium (Required for Fusion Reactor)
Secondary - Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Range: 480 Nautical mile combat radius at a cruising speed of 58 knots
Top Speed: 66 knots (VNE - Velocity Never Exceed)
Armament
Weapons systems (Dependant on configuration):
a. 4 Mk4/D Electro-Plasma Torpedoes (external wing pylons)
b. Dual "Hellfire" Supercavitating Gattling Cannons
Power source: HQLT A7(F) Fusion Reactor
Barrels: 3
Caliber: 18mm
Feed: Hydraulic, link-fed belt ammunition
Firing Mechanism:
2 megawatt pre-fire particle laser (primary stage)
3x200cm tungsten magnetic rails (second stage)
Maximum Rate of Fire: 3,300 Rounds per Minute (Maximum – Depends on barrel RPM acceleration and muzzle velocity)
Effective Range : 490 meters
Muzzle Velocity: Variable depending on power and ammunition type: From 1,930 feet/second (588.6 meters/second) to 4,780 feet/second (1,125 meters/second)
Cannon weight: 122 kilograms
Barrel length: 1.7 meters
Ammunition weight: 198 grams/round (Average) (1000 rounds; 198 kilograms)
Defence systems
Sonar jamming system
Intercept package: chaff, noisemakers
Computer system: HQLT F20 Multi-Engagement Combat System
Sensors
Enhanced Tactical Hypersonar, effective range 4km
Active and Passive sensor suite, effective range 3km
Countermeasure Sensors, Effective Range 1km
Model VII Hypersonar/Laser-based Sensor array, Effective Range ; 6km
Utilitarian systems
1 tempered steel grapple (range: 100m)
If interested in purchasing, please visit here to fill out the proper paperwork: Harl L' Qu'mados Technologies
