Black Kite

Gun Gear poses a fundamental problem for me. CatzK3 and Zamidge are very similar in how they operate narratively, and, as Zamidge knows, that creates a few issues when I get involved. I tend to do research, desperately. Before I even begin to think of an outline, I do research. With Unus Solum, I've spent hours, written pages of notes and bought books just so I can better understand period ships, tactics and so on.

So, with Gun Gear, I am now in the position where I don't have the time to really study Africa. A problem made worse by the fact that Africa has always been my weakest point as far as geography and history. My understanding is limited to: Egypt, that happened, then the Greeks got rid of that, Ethiopia is Christian and kicking around for some reason, slavery, scramble for Africa and then boom, modern Africa. As you can imagine, lots of gaps and sketchy on the details I do know. 

This all being said, I must apologize. My descriptions will be sparse with Gun Gear  

Nkosana Afolayan's was born in former Ethiopia. The son of a local school teacher, he was bright, creative, good with tools and a healthy bit geeky. He went to school in former Canada (because, from what I can tell, Star is just Canada ), getting the opportunity to meet, work with and learn from some of the most the most talented engineers alive. He returned home to work in the National Air and Space Bureau in Spear, working on several projects aimed at creating a homegrown aeronautical industry in the country. 

The NASB's first projects were expensive prototypes that were outdated even at the time of their creation. But, over the years, they began to find their footing. The Black Kite was the first project that Nkosana managed. His time in Star, researching old US Skunkworks projects can clearly be seen in the Black Kite. This atmospheric fighter is a twin cycle machine, using regular jet engines up until mach 3, where it switches over to scramjets, allowing it to skip into the planets atmosphere. This combination allows it to operate anywhere in the world within 15 hours.

The extreme cost of the jet makes it something even a resource rich country like Spear can barely afford to field, much less in numbers. At this moment in time, the Black Kite is used primarily for protecting Spear from nosy outsiders who want to disturb the countries progress. NASB is also looking into producing a more cost effective counterpart to help protect the nations convoys. 

High performance jets rule. Maneuverability is for the weak and commies.  

Seriously, atmospheric skipping is the raddist concept ever.