the Skystriker XP-14F Combat Jet The Skystriker XP-14F Combat Jet is the first attack aircraft that the G.I. Joe team rolled out in their battle against terrorist forces and rogue states (such as Cobra, which has qualified as both in its day). This incredibly powerful (and incredibly expensive) fighter jet has these vehicular capabilities: Armor Plating (s): the Skystriker is a rather tough vehicle, designed to take considerable G-forces, much less enemy fire. It has an effective material strength of 12, and offers the pilot +3 protection from whatever attacks may strike the aircraft. Communications System (i): the Skystriker is equipped with a powerful communications system; since the plane has an ultimate range of 2,200 miles, it needs that kind of power to talk to the aircraft carriers that usually act as a base for the plane. This system works at intensity 7 (1,000 mile range). E-41a Port-side Vulcan 50mm Cannon (a): the primary short-range weapon of the Skystriker, this 50mm cannon can cause considerable damage to aircraft. It can fire a short burst of rounds to inflict damage per a +6 weapon, or a continuous stream of lead for +7 damage. E-81 Aero Vulcan Gatling Cannon (a): mounted on the bottom of the Skystriker, this cannon is a back-up for the aircraft's main gun. Like the primary cannon, it can fire a short burst of rounds to inflict damage per a +6 weapon, or a continuous stream of lead for +7 damage. Electronic Counter-Measures (i): in addition to its threat detection radar system, the Skystriker is also armed with a powerful ECM system. This includes rear-drop flares to confuse heat-seeking missiles, chaff sprays to mislead radar systems, and more. These measures work with intensity 9 effectiveness. Flight (a): the principal feature of this vehicle, the Skystriker can soar above (or among) the enemy in order to put him or her down. It has a normal crusing speed of Mach .72, or 467 miles per hour (intensity 8 flight), but has a rather elegant feature available to it. Thanks to a unique wing sweep function, the Skystriker can modify it's aerial profile in order to gain a considerable speed boost when such is necessary. When so configured, the Skystriker can attain Mach 2.38, or 1,544 miles per hour in the air (which translates into intensity 12 flight). Phoenix Missiles (i): these two AIM-54A long-range, air to air, radar-seeking missiles are the primary 'smart' weapons the Skystriker's pilot can use to tag other, hostile aircraft. With a maximum speed of 3,000 miles per hour (almost Mach 5!), these can strike anything in the air, and inflict intensity 11 damage on impact.* Radar Unit (w): this pulse doppler radar system, mounted on the Skystriker's nose cone, is a powerful threat detection system. Not only can it detect any aircraft within a 250 mile (intensity 5) range, but it can screen out commercial aircraft and other common items to show true threats to the airplane. Sidewinder Missiles (i): using a solid-state infrared homing system to guide them, these two air to air missiles are the Skystriker's secondary weapons in airborne combat. Not quite as fast, and lacking the Phoenix's range, these missiles are still good for close combat, and inflict intensity 10 damage on impact.* Sparrow Missiles (i): these two AIM-7 air to surface, radar-guided missiles are primarily intended for use against ground-based targets, but can be wielded against airborne hostiles if necessary. The Sparrow is a mid-range attack system, and inflicts intensity 10 damage in impact with its target.* * It should be noted that all of the Skystriker's missile assault systems have a splash effect; in other words, they will inflict damage to whatever they hit, in addition to everything else within striking (near missile) distance of their impact site, as this is a rather explosive form of damage. Night Boomer: About six years after the Skystrikers were originally deployed, a small number of the aircraft were reconfigured for use with the G.I. Joe team's so-called 'Night Force'. These modified Skystrikers, the so-called Night Boomers, are otherwise the same as their ancestors, save for a stealthy paint job.