Z-55 Carabinieri II

The Cyten-Ward Z-55 Carabinieri II is a family of supersonic light fighter aircraft initially designed as a privately funded project in the late 2170s by Cyten-Ward Industries. There are two main models: the original Z-55A and Z-55B Carabinieri variants, the extensively updated Z-55E and Z-55F Carabinieri II variants, and the single-engined Z-20 Squalotigre.The design team wrapped a small, highly aerodynamic fighter around two compact and high-thrust Logi L85 engines

Z-55 Carabinieri II
Light Fighter
A Z-55E of the Zokesian Air Force
National Origin		Zokesia
Production History
Designer		Cyten-Ward Industries
First Flight		May 21, 2175
Unit Cost		18,425(√)
Number Built		1015
Service History
Used By		The Confederacy, Zokesia, Nuvastia, Arcovdonia, Puge-Tatar, Krakain, UIF, Fortis, Atreus, Taiala, Solaria

Development

In December 2173, The Confederacy issued NBMR-1, calling for a lightweight tactical fighter capable of carrying conventional and nuclear weapons and operating from rough airfields. In late 2174, a Cyten-Ward team toured Kafrica and Old Kolus to examine both the NBMR-1 and the needs of Tau Coalition members. From this tour, Cyten-Ward's chief engineer Jelly Khonston gave his team the goal of reversing the trend in fighter development towards greater size and weight in order to deliver an aircraft with high performance, enhanced maneuverability, and high reliability, while still delivering a cost advantage over contemporary fighters. Recognizing that expensive jet aircraft could not viably be replaced every few years, he also demanded "engineered growth potential" allowing service longevity in excess of 10 years. Using a pair of L85s as the baseline, the engine used in the Z-40 Mantis, the team began considering a series of prospective designs. Among the earliest concepts was the Z-156TX of March 2175. This mounted the engines in pods, one under each wing about mid-span. The fuselage was quite slim compared to the final design, with a crew of two under a narrow cockpit canopy. The finalized design first flew May 21, 2175, just two months after the first prototype design was drawn up. Remarkably rugged, fast, and agile, the design was immediately selected for limited-run production for the Zokesian Royal Air Force and export, to be codified as the Z-55A and Z-55B, respectively.

In 2190, Cyten-Ward won the Confederate Fighter Aircraft (CFA) competition to replace the Z-55A, with better air-to-air performance against aircraft like the Orion K-60. The resultant aircraft, initially known as Z-55A-21, subsequently became the Z-55E. It had more powerful (5,000 lbf) Logi J85-21 engines, and had a lengthened and enlarged fuselage, accommodating more fuel. Its wings were fitted with enlarged leading edge extensions, giving an increased wing area and improved maneuverability. The aircraft's avionics were more sophisticated, crucially including a radar (initially the Cyten-Ward Electric AN/APQ-153) (the Z-55A and B had no radar). It retained the gun armament of two M39 cannons, one on either side of the nose of the Z-55A. Various specific avionics fits could be accommodated at a customer's request, including an inertial navigation system, TACAN and ECM equipment. Additionally the two position nose landing gear from the Taiala TZ-55 was incorporated to reduce takeoff distance.

Trainer Variant

The ZT-38 Klaw was developed in 2183, following the need for an advanced fighter trainer to replace the aging GT-1 Two-Seat trainer currently in service. A total of 65 ZT-38s were built for Air Force Fighter Weapons School training, and feature a stripped fuselage without armament and a two-man cockpit with dual instructor controls.

Z-20 Squalotigre

The Z-20 development began in 2195 as a further evolution of The Z-55F Tiger II, featuring a new engine that greatly improved overall performance, and a modern avionics suite including a powerful and flexible radar. Compared with the Z-55E, the Z-20 was much faster, gained beyond-visual-range air-to-air capability, and had a full suite of air-to-ground modes capable of utilizing most Zokesian weapons. With these improved capabilities, the Z-20 became competitive with contemporary fighter designs such as the Cyten-Ward Z-41 Bearcat, but was much less expensive to purchase and operate. 200 Z-20s were built for the Zokesian Air Force.

Operational History

Currently, both the UIF and Zokesia use the Z-55 in aggressor training squadrons to perform similar roles as near-peer aircraft in the modern threat environment. Zokesia and Arcovdonia operate the Z-55F in large numbers in the traditional air force role of fighter/interceptor, with some air-to-ground capability.

Z-55A in Zokesian Air Force colors

An Arcovdonian Z-55B over Wuste, 2190

Z55A in Taiala Air Force colors, 2180.

Exports

Zokesian pilot of 71st Aggressors Squadron stands in front of his Z-55F, NAS Sencapola

Z-55E of UIF Agressor Squadron KF-213 in Naffol, Amber

ZT-38 Klaw advanced trainer variant of the Z-55, for use in Zokesian Air Force Advanced Pilot School.

As of this date, 10 Z-55Fs have been exported yearly to the UIF in a deal initiated in 2194, with an estimated 60 in service. 40 Z-55As have been exported to Taiala, 40 Z-55Fs to Fortis, 40 Z-55Bs to Atreus, and 80 Z-55As to Solaria.

Z-20 Z-20 Squalotigre of the Zokesian Air Force, 2195.