Dragon BAC 167 Strikemaster
by Susan McMenamin
Title
Dragon BAC 167 Strikemaster
Artist
Susan McMenamin
Medium
Photograph
Description
The Strikemaster is a very capable attack fighter with a distinguished combat history, most notably during the Dhofar Rebellion and the Battle of Mirbat in the Middle East. The airframe was strengthened with armour put in place, an up-rated Rolls Royce Viper 535 engine capable of 3410 lbs. of thrust was fitted, and eight stores hard-points were installed beneath the wings, enabling the Strikemaster to carry light armament and drop tanks. The fuel system layout was also revised and the landing gear was shortened to be more suitable for rough field operations, conditions that potential export customers were likely to encounter. Inside the cockpit there were several changes; comprehensive communications and navigational equipment was installed, as well as two up-rated Martin Baker ejection seats fitted. The type was also given a new official classification � the BAC.167. In a combat configuration the Strikemaster could be fitted with two .303 machine-guns, each with 525 rounds of ammunition. The eight hard-points enabled external loads such as 3,000 lbs. of bombs, rockets or Napalm to be carried underneath the wings.
Uploaded
May 16th, 2015
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