Vertega V-13

The Vertega V-13 Firestorm ( Vertega V-13 Tűzvihart, Contador-Vertega CV-13 empestad)) is a joint Granzerian, Verdesan and Sytrican supersonic, stealth multirole fighter developed by the Vertega Corporation (Sytrica and Granzery divisions) alongside Contador Aerospace Collective as a low-cost alternative to the V-12 Tempest. The program is spearheaded by Granzery, holding 80% of shares. The aircraft has similar capabilities to the larger V-12 Tempest, for approximately half the cost, the V-13 is cheaper to operate than the V-12 and is intended to replace the V-12 in Granzerian service by 2030.

Stealth
Measures to reduce radar cross-section on the V-13 include airframe shaping such as alignment of edges, fixed-geometry serpentine inlets that prevent line-of-sight of the engine faces from any exterior view, and attention to detail such as hinges and pilot helmets that could provide a radar return. The V-13 was also designed to have decreased radio emissions, infrared signature and acoustic signature. The V-13L model in current development also makes use of fiber-mat and other stealthy, radar-absorbent materials to further increase the stealth capabilities of the aircraft while maintaining a low cost of operation.

Variants

 * V-13A: Standard production variant.
 * V-13AK: Export version with downgraded radar and stealth.
 * V-13AT: Carrier-capable version to enter service with the GRN by late 2020.
 * V-13L: Upgraded variant with greater stealth capability under development, expected to enter service in 2021. Known as Firestorm-II
 * V-13LT: Carrier-capable version of the V-13L to enter service with the GRN by late 2020.

Operators

 * Granzery: The Granzerian Air Force operates approximately 60 V-13 fighters, with a further 152 on order, last unit expected to be completed in late 2024.
 * Verdesa: The Verdesan Air Force operates 50 V-13 fighters.
 * Sytrican: The Sytrican Air Force operates 12 V-13 fighters.