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Dark Star Aeroworks Ltd. have been the premier aeronautics association in the nation of Lithronia ever since before the First Kerbin War. The company has grown exponentially over the past 50 years; fully funding the nations air force, produces 5000 aircraft a year through factories all over the country, and arms at least 5 air forces across the globe with state of the art prop and newer gas-turbine powered pursuit, strike, bomber and trainer aircraft. They have also supplied numerous airlines with highly advanced, turbine powered commercial airliners that have ferried passengers across the planet at heights and speeds never achieved before. The company is a success story that has been felt all over the world. This is the story of a few of the aircraft that they built, and the pilots that flew them. Dark Star Aeroworks: Type. 003 "Puffer" Scout Aircraft The Puffer is an embodiment of the classic FKW (First Kerbin War) fighter. First flown by chief DSA test pilot, Shelberry Kerman, in late May of 1910 AK. One year later the war began, and 13 Puffers were dispatched to No. 1 Squadron, No. 13 Squadron, and No. 512 Squadron of Dark Star Air Fighting Corps (No. 1 receiving six, No. 2 around four, and No. 512 were given three). It was proven highly effective in combat rather quickly. On the first day of aerial combat six Tytherium bombers of No. 38 Bombing Unit were intercepted by four hostile Type 122 "Raikkaou" fighters of the United Nibblian Conglomorate. Luckily, the bombers had escort from No. 2 Squadron, with Colonel Jebediah Kerman and the aforementioned Shelberry Kerman flying top cover. Three Type 122s were destroyed with no loss of friendly life. By the end of the war, the DSAFC had reformed into the Dark Star Air Force. Colonel Jebediah Kerman was the most successful ace of the three year conflict, with 23 confirmed victories, 32 probables, and 12 damaged. Shelberry Kerman came in third, with 18 victories. In 1915 AK, the entire fleet of 127 Puffers were sold off to other nations, aside from three. Of these three, two were de-militarized, and one was left in a hangar for a few decades. Only two examples of the aircraft are left in existence, they are as listed below: Serial N23390 - The personal mount of Flight Sergeant Kelsby Kerman. Was stored in a hanger on a decommissioned front-line aerodrome for some 40 years. Still retains its military equipment. Currently under restoration for display at KSC-001 Space Centre in Lithronia. Serial N23374 - The personal mount of Wing Commander/DSA Chief Test Pilot Shelberry Kerman. Was de-militarized and kept in airworthy condition for 38 years before a fatal crash occured in 1953 AK at the annual KSC-001 Air Day. Crash resulted in the death of Newnand Kerman, a commercial pilot. Had went under extensive restoration until finally put on display at KSC-001 Space Centre in 1959 AK. Serial N22560, the first production Puffer, pictured here during the Gregford Offensive of December 1912 AK. During the two month offensive, this aircraft was the mount of Robert 'Bob' Kerman, in which he destroyed two enemy aircraft. Note the .303 calibre automatic machine gun above the upper wing. Serial N23374 on that fateful day in 1953. The aircraft took off and went into a steep climb. However, an aerodynamic anomaly occurred and the 'plane went into a flat spin. As it plummeted into the ground, the oil pipes in the cockpit tore from the G-level - a common problem with the aircraft. Newnand Kerman survived the initial crash, but soon perished as the oil tank which is located directly underneath the pilot's seat exploded. The aircraft was rebuilt, and is now on display at the same facility. Note the lack of weaponry. Great amounts of inspiration was drawn from @NathanKell, his aircraft, and the back-stories he has written for him. To him I give many thanks! To be continued...