TIA-XCVIII

The TIA-XCVIII (TIA-98) is a low-winged monoplane, fighter, and ground-attack aircraft from Quel'thalas. It saw use from the start to the end of the Chinggid Conflict. The Royal Thalassian Air Service is looking to replace the now clearly-outdated fighter.

Development
The aircraft was developed by the Thalassian Institute of Aeronautics (TIA) in Dawnsky City, formerly Zul'aman. Although it was peace-time, a demand for new aircraft was made by Silvermoon City. Improving aircraft such as the gyrocopter from both Alliance and Horde, they advanced in technology.

Design
The initial production model was equipped with six 7.92 mm machine guns. The machine guns proved to be too underpowered against Iron Horde jet fighters. Two 13.2 mm machine guns were installed to replace two of the 7.92 mm, and by close to end of the war, upgraded to 20 mm cannons.
 * Description: Low-wing monoplane fighter with conventional control surface layout.
 * Fuselage: The fuselage was circular in cross-section, turning to egg-shaped behind the cockpit where it incorporated a ridge-back.
 * Wings: The wings were tapered with rounded tips, the trailing edge angled very slightly forwards. Small flaps ran from the fuselage to a point about 1/3 along the span, where the ailerons started and extended out to the rounded wingtips.
 * Other details: A bubble canopy was fitted, sliding to the rear to open, providing excellent visibility except over the nose due to its rearward position. A conventional tailwheel landing gear was used, with the main gear wide-set and retracting inward, with a non-retractable tail skid.