Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs

Encyclopedia : F : FU : FUE : Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs

Fuel And Sensor Tactical (FAST) Packs are a type of Conformal Fuel Tank developed for the F-15. By carrying extra fuel in a form factor that doesn't drastically alter the aerodynamics of the fighter, they offer increased operational time without seriously degrading performance.

In the science fiction series Macross, the term was borrowed to refer to external fuel, weapons, and sensor modules designed to increase the performance capabilities of variable fighters in missions with unusal requirements. The first FAST packs were developed in 2009 by the UN Spacy to increase the performance of the original VF-1 Valkyrie in space. Additional customized packs were later manufactured for recon and training missions as the designers realized the flexibility that FAST packs provided variable fighters. Today many different types of FAST packs are manufactured for UN Spacy fighters, and many of these packs are interchangeable between different VF designs.

FAST packs are primarily used only in space, or in space-to-surface assaults. In an atmosphere the FAST packs generate extra drag on the fighter, resulting in decreased maneuverability. Because most FAST packs are explosive (due to the rocket fuel they contain), all packs are designed with blow-away capability, allowing them to be ejected from the variable fighter within a second. In addition, the VF's onboard computer will automatically disengage the FAST packs if they are damaged and re-entered atmosphere condition.

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