BXBX NOVEL Chapter 173 Alpha Gryphon Part 1
Chapter 173 Alpha Gryphon Part 1
The encounter with the Alpha Gryphon had entered a critical phase. Lightning One and Lightning Two, piloting the F-35s, quickly recalibrated their tactics. The creature, seemingly impervious to conventional armaments, required a more nuanced approach.
"Lightning Two, switch to tactical analysis," Lightning One commanded, maintaining a safe distance from the Alpha Gryphon. "We need to find a weak spot."
Both pilots engaged their AN/APG-81 radar systems, scanning the creature for any structural vulnerabilities. The radar, with its advanced imaging capabilities, provided detailed feedback on the Gryphon\'s body composition and movement patterns.
Meanwhile, in the command center, Richard and his team monitored the situation closely. "Lightning One, try targeting the joints of the wings. It might be more susceptible to damage there," Richard suggested, analyzing the data streaming in.
"Roger that," Lightning One responded. The F-35s maneuvered into position, adjusting their altitude to align with the Gryphon\'s flight path. The pilots selected the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a glide bomb designed for precision strikes.
As they locked onto the wing joints, the pilots released the AGM-154s. The bombs, guided by GPS and infrared imaging, homed in on the targeted areas. However, the Gryphon, sensing the incoming threat, banked sharply, evading the strike with surprising agility.
"Missed target," Lightning Two reported, observing the Gryphon\'s evasive maneuver.
With the Gryphon\'s evasive capabilities proving formidable against the AGM-154 JSOW, Richard evaluated alternative strategies. "Lightning One and Two, switch to air-to-air missiles. Use AIM-120 AMRAAMs for longer range engagement," he instructed, focusing on the creature\'s flight dynamics.
The F-35s, equipped with the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), represented a significant escalation in firepower. These radar-guided missiles were capable of engaging targets beyond visual range and were designed to home in on the most sophisticated of targets.
"Understood, switching to AIM-120s," Lightning One confirmed. The pilots activated their missile systems, linking the targeting data from their AN/APG-81 radars to the missiles\' guidance systems. This radar, with its active electronically scanned array, could track multiple targets simultaneously and guide the missiles with high precision.
The Alpha Gryphon, while massive and agile, presented a unique target for the AMRAAMs. The pilots had to calculate the lead angle carefully, considering the creature\'s erratic flight pattern. They positioned themselves at an optimal range, taking into account the missile\'s no-escape zone, the area within which the target could not evade the missile.
"Fox Three," Lightning One called out as he launched an AIM-120. Lightning Two followed suit, both missiles streaking toward the Gryphon with a trail of exhaust.
The team at the command center watched as the missiles approached the Alpha Gryphon. However, the creature, displaying an almost sentient level of awareness, deployed a countermeasure. It released a cloud of dense, black smoke, visually obscuring its form and confusing the missile\'s radar guidance.
"Missiles lost lock," reported Lightning Two, observing the Gryphon\'s unexpected defensive tactic.
"What the fuck?!" Richard cursed his frustration mounting. "What the…okay forget it. Time for a close-range engagement," Richard decided and continued. "Use your AIM-9X Sidewinders. They\'re heat-seeking and might be more effective against its thermal signature."
The AIM-9X Sidewinder was a short-range, infrared-guided missile, highly effective in close-quarter dogfights. Its high off-boresight capability allowed the pilots to lock onto targets that were not directly in front of their aircraft, crucial in this unpredictable engagement.
Lightning One and Two closed the distance, reducing the space between them and the Gryphon. They needed to be within visual range for the Sidewinders to effectively lock onto the Gryphon\'s heat signature.
"Fox Two," Lightning One announced as he fired a Sidewinder. The missile raced towards the Gryphon, homing in on the intense heat emanating from its lava-like body.
This time, the Gryphon couldn\'t evade as effectively. The missile impacted its lower torso, causing a visible explosion. However, the creature continued its flight, though with a noticeable change in its movement, indicating some level of impairment.
"Target hit, but it\'s still airborne," Lightning Two reported, lining up for another shot.
"Maintain pursuit and prepare for repeated Sidewinder engagements. Aim for the wings; reducing its mobility is key," he instructed.
The pilots adjusted their approach, focusing on the Gryphon\'s wing joints. Given the Sidewinders\' heat-seeking capabilities, they aimed for areas where the thermal signature was most intense. The F-35s, leveraging their superior maneuverability, kept pace with the Gryphon, weaving through the sky to maintain a tactical advantage.
"Fox Two," Lightning Two called out, launching another Sidewinder. The missile, with its advanced infrared seeker, homed in on the target, detonating near the joint of one wing. The Gryphon faltered mid-air, struggling to maintain altitude, but it did not fall.
In the command center, Richard and his team closely monitored the engagement. "Use your 25mm cannon for sustained fire," Richard advised. "Target the damaged wing area for maximum effect."
The F-35s swiftly transitioned to their GAU-22/A cannons, preparing to unleash a barrage of fire on the damaged wing of the Alpha Gryphon. However, as they lined up their attack, the Gryphon executed a strategic maneuver. It spread its wings wide, drastically reducing its speed. This sudden deceleration caused the F-35s to overshoot their target, missing the opportunity for a direct hit.
Regrouping, Lightning One and Lightning Two circled back, attempting to reposition behind the Gryphon. Their advanced flight control systems allowed for quick turns and re-engagement, but the Gryphon was not idle. With a powerful flap of its wings, the creature generated a strong gust of wind, creating turbulent air currents that buffeted the fighter jets.
The pilots fought to stabilize their aircraft amidst the turbulence. The F-35s\' design, incorporating advanced aerodynamics and fly-by-wire control systems, aided them in maintaining control. However, the turbulent air caused a temporary disruption in their attack pattern, giving the Gryphon a momentary advantage.
"Lightning One to Blackwatch, the Gryphon is using environmental tactics against us. Adjusting strategy," Lightning One reported, maintaining composure despite the challenging conditions.
In the command center, Richard assessed the new development. "Stay on it, but keep a safe distance. Use your BVR (Beyond Visual Range) capabilities. Let\'s not give it any more chances to disrupt your approach," he advised.
Taking heed of Richard\'s suggestion, the pilots re-engaged the Gryphon from a safer distance, utilizing their long-range sensors and weaponry. They switched back to AIM-120 AMRAAMs, aiming to leverage their radar-guided system without getting too close to the creature\'s disruptive wing flaps.
"Fox Three," Lightning Two declared, launching an AMRAAM. The missile, equipped with an active radar homing head, sought to lock onto the Gryphon despite the creature\'s evasive maneuvers.
The missile adjusted its trajectory mid-flight, homing in on the Gryphon\'s heat signature. The Gryphon, engaged in evasive maneuvers, was less prepared for this aerial assault. The missile found its mark, striking the creature\'s talons with precision.
Upon impact, the Alpha Gryphon let out a piercing screech, a sound that resonated with a mixture of anger and pain. It seemed as though the missile strike had hit something vital, or perhaps of importance to the creature. One of the containers dropped to the ground and the Alpha Gryphon swooped in to catch it.
Seeing that, Richard saw an opportunity. "So that\'s the mission your master gave you huh?"