SL-18 Novi Avion
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SL-18 Novi Avion
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| Role | Multirole fighter (Air superiority/Ground attack) | ||||
| National Origin | {{{origin}}} | ||||
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| Used By | Kalban Air Defense and Air Force
Sanctum Air Force (Former) Behian Air Force Zokesian Air Force Regional Air Force (Delras) (Former) |
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The SL-18 (Svetlo Lovac, light fighter) Novi Avion (New plane) is a multirole fighter developed by MCA Def-Log's Soko branch as a replacement to the aging LF-15 Lynx light fighters. It has a cropped delta-canard wing configuration and is capable of supersonic speeds at low altitudes.
It was built to fit the requirement for a "Battlefield Fighter", a plane capable of directly supporting ground forces through air superiority and ground attack. Although initially built as an export fighter, the type has not achieved significant sales and has instead been extensively upgraded to serve with the KADAF.
Development
As the engine upgrades for the LF-15 drastically increased fuel consumption, the need was felt for a newer, lighter and less costly fighter to replace it in the light fighter role. Unlike the heavier L-25, the SL-18 is built for short-range combat, being able to take off and operate from airfields located 300 km or closer to the battlefield.
At the start of its development, a non-separate ground attack plane based off it was considered. This plane had to be convertible from the normal SL-18 using minimal resources. In effect, its ground attack variant, the JSL-18, differs structurally only from a dorsal radar bump and employs the same general structure.
Design
The SL-18 is of cropped delta and canard wing configuration. Relative to its size, it has a very large wingspan to ensure maximum maneuverability. It is equipped with a single nose landing gear and two large twin main landing gears to operate from rough airstrips.
The unusual fuel tank placement was to ensure minimal shift of center of gravity as fuel is depleted. Due to its relatively low (by Kalban standards) fuel loads, it is equipped with droptanks able to give it much longer ranges for further missions or transit flights.
The cockpit incorporates advanced technology such as speaker recognition coupled to the radio for automatic flight communication isolation. The pilot uses a helmet mounted display system to designate targets. This fighter is also the first Kalban one to use a fly-by-wire system.
Variants
L-19 Novi Avion
Pre-production prototype unveiled at KITE '49. Currently stored at the Balgred Museum of Military Technology.
SL-18
First production variant. Differed from the prototype with wing, canard and tail shape and new fuel tanks.
SL-18A2
Armament upgrade and internal gun changed to a 30mm weapon
SL-18A3 (DES)
Current in-service model with the KADAF with new FBW software. The DES suffix is added to designate planes with special desert camouflage.
JSL-18
Ground attack variant. Different ground search radar, and equipped with the MATAAM-120 missile.