Today we’re going to be talking about the main reward for the next event called Sword of Justice: meet the Indian Jaguar IS fighter-bomber!
Jaguar IS: An Event Vehicle Strike Aircraft for Great Britain at Rank VII
Features:
- Guided bombs.
- All-aspect R550 Magic 2 air-to-air missiles.
- Thermal targeting pod.
- RWR and countermeasures.
- Only 1 ADEN cannon.
- No radar.
The first order for the supply of fighter-bombers from the Jaguar family for the Indian Air Force was placed in 1981, while some of the ordered aircraft arrived assembled, and some were to be assembled in India from ready-made components and parts. Aircraft of the second batch, assembled at the facilities of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), were equipped with the DARIN sighting and navigation system. The Indian modification of the Jaguar was designated Jaguar IS, and was used during the Kagil War. Jaguar IS fighter-bombers have undergone several modernization programs and are still in service with the Indian Air Force.
Meet the Jaguar IS!
The Jaguar IS, the main reward for the Sword of Justice event, is not only capable of effectively supporting your team in ground battles from the air, but can also stand up well in air duels if required. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at this special Jaguar!
Despite the external similarity, the Indian Jaguar actually has many differences compared with the British Jaguar. Instead of the usual pair of 30 mm ADEN cannons, there’s only one available as the second has made way for the LITENING targeting pod, which features a thermal imager and gives the ability to drop Mk.13 guided bombs. In addition to this, the classic Sidewinder is replaced with the Matra Magic 2 all-aspect air-to-air missile which is installed on overwing pylons.
The targeting pod for guided bombs, plus the air-to-air missile rail will not take up space on any underwing hardpoints, meaning they can be completely filled with treats for ground vehicles! Thanks to this, the Jaguar IS is capable of taking up to 8 x 1000 lb bombs — regular or tail fin — and launch rails for smaller unguided rockets. To top it all off, a ballistic computer is at hand, which helps immensely to drop these bombs and fire rockets precisely at targets.
In terms of speed, the Jaguar IS is fitted with two Adour 811 engines which are licensed and built by Indian company HAL. Thanks to the addition of this new engine, the Jaguar IS has more thrust than the Jaguar GR.1A that’s found in the British tree, meaning its overall performance and top speed is better in general!
Interesting: Indian Jaguar IS jets were known as “Shamsher” (Sword of Justice) by the Indian Air Force!
Despite generally having a sufficient max speed for a strike aircraft, a great ADEN cannon and air-to-air missiles, it may be better to play the Jaguar IS in the role of a strike aircraft instead. This is due to its lightweight airframe, meaning any large payload carried will cause it to lose significant speed. Plus, just like British Jaguars, this one tends to quickly lose energy in a turn, where its climb rate is not as competitive as other jets. Although, aerial duels can still be done. It does have good defense against any potential in-coming missile attacks, thanks to a RWR and flares/chaff with 60 that can be launched, helping to make the Jaguar IS less susceptible to attacks from air-to-air missiles and anti-air SAMs.
With that, we’ve rounded up today’s event blog! As you can see, the Jaguar IS is still capable of surprising any enemy. You’ll be able to earn yourself this jet for your British lineups by taking part in the Sword of Justice event, which has just started. Good luck and have fun in your battles!