HOME | DD

Description
The TFA-4C is based on the TF-3 Raptor II, and is the manifestation of the Republican's maturation of their transforming aircraft technology. The Thunderbird is a medium-heavy 2nd generation CF, prized by colonies for its robustness, ease of maintenance, and surplus internal space.
The Thunderbird's performance is decent for a 2nd gen fighter, but it comes up short compared to the CF-123. However, its a bit more widespread (in the sense of being used by different organizations, not in total numbers) due to being prized by colonies.

Armaments:
- 1x anti-air beam turret (lower chest in Combatoid)
- 8x micro-missile launchers (4x dorsal surface/forearms, 4x wing roots)
- 4x heavy machine-guns (engine intake sides/upper legs)
- 2x internal weapon pallets (engine nacelles)
- 4x hardpoints

Design notes:
This started from "what would a modernized TF-3 look like?" when I was considering what fighter aircraft the Republicans would field with the TA-103 Haida. Initially I was angling for a special forces fighter, with an additional pair of engines on the wing roots. But with further refinements, the additional engines were dropped, and the special forces fighter concept gave birth to the TF-5.
The variable wings are inspired by those on the Su-17 Fitter, and are a leftover from the 4-engine configuration. Those wings, the shortened LERX, and cone head all give the TFA-4 a great visual contrast to the TF-3 and TF-5.
I personally think the cone head looks goofy, and the lack of head laser definitely breaks with tradition. On the other hand, I don't mind it, as it gives the TFA-4 character as an enemy mecha, and as it's the original design I had for the TF-3, there's kind of a sense of tradition to it.
As the TFA-4 was being designed concurrently to the TF-5 and TA-103, I didn't produce any other pieces of finished art other than the two in this picture. Nevertheless, the back and underside are very similar to the TF-3.

Description
The TFA-4C is based on the TF-3 Raptor II, and is the manifestation of the Republican's maturation of their transforming aircraft technology. The Thunderbird is a medium-heavy 2nd generation CF, prized by colonies for its robustness, ease of maintenance, and surplus internal space.
The Thunderbird's performance is decent for a 2nd gen fighter, but it comes up short compared to the CF-123. However, its a bit more widespread (in the sense of being used by different organizations, not in total numbers) due to being prized by colonies.

Armaments:
- 1x anti-air beam turret (lower chest in Combatoid)
- 8x micro-missile launchers (4x dorsal surface/forearms, 4x wing roots)
- 4x heavy machine-guns (engine intake sides/upper legs)
- 2x internal weapon pallets (engine nacelles)
- 4x hardpoints

Design notes:
This started from "what would a modernized TF-3 look like?" when I was considering what fighter aircraft the Republicans would field with the TA-103 Haida. Initially I was angling for a special forces fighter, with an additional pair of engines on the wing roots. But with further refinements, the additional engines were dropped, and the special forces fighter concept gave birth to the TF-5.
The variable wings are inspired by those on the Su-17 Fitter, and are a leftover from the 4-engine configuration. Those wings, the shortened LERX, and cone head all give the TFA-4 a great visual contrast to the TF-3 and TF-5.
I personally think the cone head looks goofy, and the lack of head laser definitely breaks with tradition. On the other hand, I don't mind it, as it gives the TFA-4 character as an enemy mecha, and as it's the original design I had for the TF-3, there's kind of a sense of tradition to it.
As the TFA-4 was being designed concurrently to the TF-5 and TA-103, I didn't produce any other pieces of finished art other than the two in this picture. Nevertheless, the back and underside are very similar to the TF-3.