User:The Leader/Boeing Skyhawk Jump Jet

The Boeing Skyhawk Jump Jet is a VTOL/S strike fighter manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the military oriented subsidary of Boeing. It was one of the most produced strike fighters for the UNSC Defense Forces for both air strikes and and close air support against rebel forces during The Insurrection and was a favourite for many UNSC Air Force pilots who flew them. The UNSC Marine Corps initially wished to use them however for practical reasons decided to cancel orders for them.

The Human-Covenant War was the downfall for the Skyhawk; although it scored many victories against invading Covenant forces, shooting down Phantom and Spirit dropships as they entered the atmosphere, enemy AA and escorting Seraphs could easily shoot down a squadron. Other reasons included the runways needed support them, which were long for a VTOL craft, the heavy cost of the equipment and the eventual replacement in it's close air support role by the Hornet, Sparrowhawk, Falcon and the Vulture and it's interception role by the Longsword.

Although it continued to be produced, it was manufactured in far smaller numbers. It found a home amongst the wet navy where they'd be a common sight on aircraft carriers, which couldn't support Longsword fighters, until the introduction of the F-99 Osprey, an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle. By the end of the war, only 352 Skyhawks were in active service, in comparison to the thousands of F-99s, Longswords, Hornets and other starfighters/aircraft. They were finally retired in 2557, with the majority sold to the Kig-Yar.