F-8F Vagabond [Redux]

The F-8F Vagabond is considered to be the pinnacle of air-and-space fighter design. It is rugged, surprisingly maneuverable, and capable of bringing heavy firepower to bear on any target. However, it also regarded with an air of caution. This 'bent-winged bastard' requires a light touch on landings, which has been the cause of many an accident when a Vagabond has to land on a planetary runway.

The Vagabond carries six multipurpose gunports, allowing it to wield a variety of weapons from rapid-fire lasers to powerful 40mm autocannons for use in ground attack, dogfighting, or in light anti-ship work. Additionally, spacious weapons bays on the underside allow the 'V-Bird' to carry a variety of missiles and bombs, further enhancing its destructive capability.

However, this massive weapons load is both a symptom and a cause of the problems that plagued it during development, and continue to do so in active service. One such sign is in the bent wings.

A year into the development cycle, the Republic's Congressional House put forward a requirement that the Vagabond also be able to carry the new Mk. 95AM heavy anti-ship torpedo. Attempting to redesign the Vagabond to carry the torpedo internally caused it to be too big for its intended purpose as a fighter first. Instead, designers compromised and gave the Vagabond a polyhedral wing, allowing it to carry two torpedoes with the bays open.

With war fast approaching and the deployment of new fighters like the As-129 "Butcher Bird", the F.95 "Fulmine", or the Avalonian Sunflare Mk. V, the Vagabond was rushed into service. Pilots hated the F-8A and its tendency to over-G when rolling due to the preponderance of RCS thrusters alongside thrust vectoring. The F-8B suffered landing gear collapses with frightening occurence. Doctrinal changes allowed pilots to adapt to the Vagabond and leverage its strengths however, and by the advent of the F-8D, it had gained a reputation for its high endurance, durability, and firepower.

The Vagabond also saw combat under different flags. It was much loved by the pilots of the Qianlong Defense Forces and the String of Pearls Action Force in their fight against the People's Harmonious Territory Administration. It also flew under the cherry blossom flag of Federal Sakurajima as the modified Kawanishi Aerospace Ka-8S "Ronin."