F-38 Shrike Air Superiority Fighter

The F-38 Shrike Air Superiority Fighter, formerly known as the ARAF-38 and A-38, is a family of single-seat, supersonic, twin-engine, all-weather combat aircraft developed by the Arkanian Republic Air Force and currently operated by its successor, the Arkanian Imperial Air Force and also operated by the Arkanian Imperial Marine Corps and Arkanian Imperial Navy, as well as the Emerdonian ESMS. Designed for air superiority combat missions, the first variant, the F-38A was also the first aircraft produced by Arkania after the fall of Terran. 
== Development ==
The F-38A was originally designated the ARAF-38 Air Superiority Fighter, with the "ARAF" standing for Arkanian Republic Air Force. Upon the foundation of the Imperial Arkanian Empire in 2036, the prefix "ARAF" became outdated and thus a replacement had to be found. Re-designated, albeit temporarily, as the A-38 Air Superiority Fighter, it made up the backbone of the Arkanian Imperial Air Force at its founding. Later, however, the more conventional "F" for 'fighter' would be chosen as the prefix, re-classifying it as the F-38A Air Superiority Fighter.
After shortcomings of the F-38A were noticed, a replacement, the F-38B, was designed and began production. F-38A production was halted as a result in favor of the improved F-38B
A VTOL variant developed from the F-38B, the F-38C, was developed and would enter production to serve on aircraft carriers.
== Service History ==
=== Second Arkanian Republic ===
Under the SAR, the F-38A saw relatively low use due to peacetime and mainly saw action in military parades and air shows around Arkanian territory. As the first aircraft produced by the SAR, it would replace the aging M7V1 Fighter/Bombers still in service.
=== Imperial Arkanian Empire ===
When the SAR reformed into the Imperial Arkanian Empire, the F-38A was still the backbone of the Air Force and saw more action than with the preceding military. They would serve alongside the F-38Bs until they were completely phased out.
==== Arkanian Expansion ====
Transported by modified Monolith-class Carriers used for cargo, F-38A Fighters flew across the habitable 
planets of neighboring systems captured by the Navy to search for signs of sentient life and civilizations, and also map out the planets in the process. On planets deemed to harbor no sentient beings, the F-38As landed on newly-constructed military bases, which would further search for signs of civilization to make sure the planets would be safe for Arkanian settlers. F-38Bs and F-38Cs were also transported to the planets to help establish the air bases.
== Variants ==
=== F-38B Shrike Air Superiority Fighter ===
The F-38B is an upgrade of the standard F-38A Air Superiority Fighter, with new cameras on the aircraft, and a thermal targeting sight. The F-38B would gradually replace the F-38A models over a period of years. 20 fighters were ordered and sold to the Emerdonian ESMS.
=== F-38C (VTOL) Shrike Air Superiority Fighter ===
The F-38C is a VTOL variant of the F-38B primarily used by the Arkanian Imperial Navy, with some units also operated by the Arkanian Imperial Air Force. Category:Arkania
Category:Vehicles
Category:Fighter Jet
Category:Aircraft