Melody MAL-57 Sparrow

MAL-57 Sparrow
Role	Fighter
Manufacturer	Melody Aeronautics Limited
First flight	6 March 1985
Introduction	1988
Retired	2003
Status	RETIRED
Primary user	Tranquil Air Defence Force (TADF)
Number built	119
Unit cost	₹ 9,000,000

The MAL-57 Sparrow was a jet-powered fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by Tranquillian aerospace manufacturer Melody Aeronautics Limited (MAL). It was operated by the Tranquil Air Defence Force (TADF) between 1988 and 2003.

In the design phase of the Sparrow, MAL redesigned several aspects of the aircraft while seeking to improve both the reliability and effectiveness of several subsystems, such as the avionics and [hydraulic systems. The adoption of a wet wing expanded the fighter's internal fuel capacity and freed-up several underwing hardpoints for other purposes, effectively increasing both the range and payload capability of the aircraft. On 6 March 1982, the first of two Sparrow prototypes conducted its maiden flight.

Specifications (MAL-57 Sparrow)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 9.04 m (29 ft 8 in)
• Wingspan: 6.73 m (22 ft 1 in)
• Height: 2.46 m (8 ft 1 in)
• Wing area: 12.69 m² (136.6 sq ft)
• Aspect ratio: 3.56
• Airfoil: RAE 102
• Empty weight: 2,307 kg (5,086 lb)
• Gross weight: 3,539 kg (7,802 lb) clean take-off weight
• Max takeoff weight: 4,173 kg (9,200 lb)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 1,152 km/h (716 mph, 622 kn) at sea level ISA +30°
• Maximum Mach number: M0.948 at 12,000 m (39,370 ft), ISA +30°
• Combat range: 172 km (107 mi, 93 nmi) lo-lo-lo, with two 250 kg (551 lb) bombs
• Service ceiling: 13,720 m (45,010 ft)
• Time to altitude: 12,000 m (39,370 ft) in 6 minutes 2 seconds
• Wing loading: 328.8 kg/m² (67.3 lb/sq ft) max

Armament

• Guns: 2 × 30 mm (1.181 in) Mk.4 cannons with 90 rpg
• Hardpoints: 4 with a capacity of 900 kg (2,000 lb) total,with provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Rockets: rocket pods
  • Bombs: 2x 250 kg (551 lb) bombs
  • Other: 2x 136.5 L (36.1 US gal; 30.0 imp gal) drop tanks

Avionics

• IFF Mk.10

Variants

MAL-57 Sparrow-E

Variant designed for export to "less then hospitable" nations, Variant contains half the number of hardpoints, Lowered speed.