Summoning Japan: Flights of the Fancy

Chapter 5 - Operation Saiyuki In Effect

The 8th Air Wing/6th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Air Self-Defense Force arrived at the Rubile Airport in the New Kingdom of Altaras via the Goma Air Base in the Kingdom of Sios from their home base in Tsuiki.

When Lieutenant Colonel Misora who led the unit disembarked from his F-2B fighter, he confirmed the presence of his wingmen who had flown together. All planes had already completed taxiing, and each pilot was in the process of disembarking from their F-2As.

All F-2s were equipped with their maximum load, literally. Under the main wings, pylons carried four ASM-2s and two drop tanks of 600 gallons each, while one 300-gallon drop tank hung under the fuselage. Additionally, one AAM-3 missile was attached to each wingtip. With all three tanks filled to capacity, they were at the maximum takeoff weight with heavy armament. Large aircraft were conspicuous in the surroundings, with the E-767 AWACS particularly standing out. The unmistakable radome identified it. Besides the radar dome, there were two identical KC-767 aerial refueling aircraft. Moreover, numerous C-130 transport planes were present.

"They've flown quite a distance from Komaki," Captain Chikata, who had been standing nearby for some time, spoke.

"Nope, Heggie, you're wrong."

Misora pointed to the differently colored C-130, referring to Chikata's TAC name, "Heggie."

Members of the JASDF pilots have nicknames assigned when communicating via radio. These are known as TAC names. Personal equipment like helmets also bear the owner's TAC name. This is a tradition unique to the JASDF; the JMSDF's aviation units do not use TAC names. While the US military has a similar tradition, American pilots use callsigns for radio communication. The integration of callsigns and nicknames is unique to the JASDF. There are various theories about the roots of this tradition, and the true origin is unclear. The latest theory, picked up on the internet and turned into a joke within the squadron by Heggie, suggests that fighter pilots must have a touch of chuunibyou to qualify.

Heggie had heard this theory and shared it within the squadron, leading to self-deprecating laughter from everyone. Misora was no exception. The only reason he couldn't completely dismiss it was that he had a bit of self-awareness.

"Is that... the MSDF's C-130R!? Heggie exclaimed in a wild voice.

"Correct. The fact that the MSDF is participating means things are getting serious."

"Will sparks fly in Cartalpas?"

"In preparation for that, the MSDF has dispatched an escort fleet with a temporary formation. But it seems the escort fleet alone won't be enough to handle it."

"Even we won't be able to put them out once the mushroom cloud rises."

The possibility of the Gra Valkas Empire possessing nuclear weapons was known not only to the SDF but also to the general public.

"The politicians will make a decision by then. It's not something for us to worry about."

Misora patted Heggie on the shoulder. They joined other colleagues and headed towards the airport facilities. On the way, they witnessed their planes being towed into the hangar by the airport ground crew using a tow truck. The fully equipped F-2s looked quite heavy, entirely uncharacteristic of typical fighter jets.

. . .

The F-2 was initially referred to as a support fighter.

When the FS-X (the name for the F-2 at the time of development) project began, the requirements set by the ATLA at the time were to have the capability to carry four anti-ship missiles. At that time, there was no existing aircraft that met this specification. The ATLA aimed for domestic development, but due to the issues of the Japan-US trade imbalance at the time, it was eventually decided to jointly develop the aircraft based on the US Air Force's F-16C fighter.