F-140 Slamcat

The F-140 Slamcat is a heavy naval aerospace fighter optimized for interception and reconnaissance/targeting roles. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney TF60 afterburning nuclear turbines.

Description
Manufactured by Grumman Aerotech, the Slamcat replaced early-model F-110B and F-110J Spectre interceptors in UCSA Navy service. It is fully all-weather and dual-environment capable. Primary identification features are twin vertical stabilizers, variable-geometry 'swing-wings', and a large nose radome housing its AN/AWG-19 fire control/general surveillance radar.

Operational History
Entering service too late for the Great War, the Slamcat's operational usage has primarily been limited to routine patrol duty and the occasional anti-NSA/anti-piracy operation. F-140s have been employed in several exercises alongside and in competition with Commonwealth, Texan, and CIS naval and aerospace forces. Results have been generally positive, with Lightning interceptors easily falling. However, advanced Texan variants of the F-110 and some newer CIS fighters such as the Su-77 Skat have managed roughly even scores.

Variants
YF-140A- Development version, 18 built

F-140A- Initial USN production version, 144 built

F-140B- Upgraded USN version with improved precision-attack capability and P&W TF60A2; 84 converted

F-140C- Cancelled version for USAF planetary-defense squadrons; procurement cancelled in favor of F-110 upgrades

F-140D- New-build USN variant with AIM-240 capability, AN/AWG-82 phased-array radar, and TF60B3. 72 built.

Operators (List in Progress)
UCSA Navy

Carrier Squadrons

VF-11 'Red Rippers', Fort Wayne (F-140B)

VF-31 'Tomcatters', Albany (F-140D)

VF-32 'Swordsmen', Cheyenne (F-140B)

VF-33 'Starfighters', Dixie (F-140B)

VF-51 'Screaming Eagles', Trenton (F-140D)

Surface Combatant Detachments

VF-102 'Diamondbacks', Dixie (F-140B)

VF-103 'Jolly Rogers', Lexington (F-140B)

VF-142 'Ghostriders', Albany (F-140D)

VF-143 'Pukin' Dogs, Fort Wayne (F-140D)

VF-154 'Black Knights', Cheyenne (F-140D)

VF-191 'Satan's Kittens', Trenton (F-140A)

VF-211 'Fighting Checkmates', Ozark (F-140A)

VF-114 'Aardvarks', Fargo (F-140D)

Navy Reserve

VF-301 'Devil's Disciples', Cheyenne (F-140A)

VF-302 'Stallions', Albany (F-140A)

Republic of Texas Navy

VF-201 'Hunters', Houston (F-140B)

VF-202 'Superheats', Amarillo (F-140B)