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OVERVIEW
SIAI-Marchetti first began the development of what would become the S.211 in 1976 as a new basic trainer aircraft to be offered to existing customers of the SF.260, which then first flew in 1981. Two years later, the Singapore Air Force ordered the aircraft. Then in 1990, the Philippines ordered the type which were soon redesignated as the AS.211 to reflect its secondary offensive roles aside from being just a trainer aircraft. Soon, the F-5s of the PAF were also retired and so the task of Air Defense was also then pushed into the airframe.
AS.211 of the 5th Tactical Fighter Wing, 2006
To accommodate this change in roles, the Philippine Air Force began a series of upgrades on the airframe starting with “Project Falcon” & “Project Falcon Uniform” which transferred some of the retired F-5 avionics (particularly the Norsight Optical Sight) to be fitted onto the AS.211 along with a low visibility paint scheme. “Project Falcon Hear” fitted the AS.211 with communications equipment from the F-5s and the fitting of a domestic belly mounted .50 cal gunpod from Aerotech Industries. Additionally, “Project Falcon Push” supposedly tried to fit the F-5s 20mm gun pod system already in service with the PAF’s OV-10 aircraft.
AIM-9B Sidewinder Missile supposedly displayed with No.802 aircraft
Somewhere along these programs, provisions for the fitting of the AIM-9B Sidewinders that were from the retired F-5s and F-8 Crusader were also said to be installed (although I couldnt confirm any of these sources; pictures during demos sometimes include the AIM-9B as presented above as possible armament however I couldnt find any pictures of them actually fitted during flight).
Provisions for GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II Laser Guided Bombs were also fitted with the use of WiPak. Both of these provisions are both seen on aircraft no. 802 and both pictured in 2012.
S.211 in RSAF service
Meanwhile in the Republic of Singapore Air Force service, the S.211 was replaced in 2008 with the Pilatus PC-21 for its basic to advanced flight training purposes. In the PAF, the FA-50 began to replace the AS.211 for Air Defense and CAS duties, freeing the type to focus on training.
SPECIFICATIONS
While there were plenty of upgrades on the AS.211 over its lifetime, the overall airframe stayed roughly the same. SIAI-Marchetti also worked closely with the PAF even having a dedicated flight manual designating it as the S.211 PAF “Warrior”.
Spoiler
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Two-seat Light attack aircraft and basic trainer |
| Wing span | 8.43 m |
| Length, overall | 9.31 m |
| Height, overall | 3.80 m |
| Weight, empty | 1,850 kg |
| Maximum payload | 660 kg |
| Max speed | 667 kph (Max at Mach 0.80) |
| Propulsion | P&WC JT15D-4C non-afterburning turbofan rated 2,500 lbst (11.12 kN). |
| Armament | |
| * AIM-9 Sidewinder (*Unconfirmed) | |
| * GBU-49 Enhanced Paveway II | |
| * LAU-10-4x5inHE48p rockets | |
| * LAU-68FA-7x70mmHE10p rockets | |
| * 5" Zuni HVAR rockets | |
| * Matra 155-18x68mm rockets | |
| * MK81 250lb bombs | |
| * MK82 500lb Snakeye parachute retarded bombs | |
| * 12.7mm or 20mm gun pods |
IN-GAME
As the only operator of the type, the AS.211 should be reserved as part of a Philippine subtree and wherever it will be placed with the RSAF S.211 being either a premium or squadron vehicle without the GBU, Sidewinder, or 20mm gunpod.
If added under Japan’s tech tree with Thailand’s subtree, it can serve as a good sidegrade to the Dornier Alpha Jet that is with the RTAF (The Alpha Jet was actually offered to the PH as well but PAF went for the cheaper AS.211). The true contention for this proposal will lie whether or not it can equip the Sidewinder missiles because afaik, I cannot find any documentation supporting it but the pictures can be reasonably inferred, and I dont think it is that hard to integrate the Sidewinders in a jet like this - especially one that have cannibalized F-5 parts.
MORE PHOTOS
Spoiler
AS.211 Armament Loadout during a mall demonstration, 2013
SOURCES
Spoiler
SIAI-Marchetti AS-211 Warrior
Is it Time to Replace the Philippine Air Force's S-211 Aircraft? ~ MaxDefense Philippines
Trainer Aircraft Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force - Philippine Defense Resource
PAF Armed Aircraft (Fixed Wing)
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Fighter / Surface Attack Aircraft / LIFT Munitions Lot 1 - Short Range Air-to-Air Missile Acquisition Project of the Philippine Air Force - Philippine Defense Resource
SIAI Marchetti S-211 and M-311 / M-345 - Page 2 - Military Aircraft XP12 - X-Plane.Org Forum