Arixo Airworks was enjoying some success with their Rattlesnake design, but their market was almost exclusively in Arixo. A few engineers at the Airworks had an idea for a zeppelin escort, but since their home country had few zepps, there was little support from the business heads. However, with the Rattlesnake rapidly filling the ranks of the AADF, it was realized that this one market would lead to economic stagnation. Hoping to expand their market presence in other nations, in early '38 the Airworks'  heads decided to start producing the engineers' pet plane, which had been dubbed the Imp. Advertising began soon after in international magazines like Air Action Weekly.
     Looking at the AA-4A Imp it becomes immediately obvious that this small plane is not for normal use. The first thing the designers had done was leave out any landing gear, thus limiting it to being carried by zeppelins. The wings were swept down and forward, and the two Pratt and Whitney R425 engines were mounted at the ends of the wings, an arrangement only possible without having to land. The net result is a fast, nimble plane, excellent for staying close to its zepp carrier without endangering it. Unfortunately, the small size of the Imp and its lightweight engines reduced its range significantly, which was considered an acceptable limitation given its role. The Imp mounts a simple arrangement of two each of Arixo Arms .30-caliber and .40-caliber machine guns, as well as two rocket hardpoints. The Imp carries a fairly weak 450 lbs. of armor, so it is not intended for prolonged dog-fights without support, though it usually has that.
     Most Imps produced so far are awaiting purchase, partly because of the price, and because most countries still don't trust the quality of Arixo merchandise. However, old trading partners such as the Empire State and Pacifica have bought several and use them throughout their zepp fleets.

Class: Fighter (Pusher) 
Manufacturer: Arixo Airworks, Phoenix, Arixo 
Engine: (2) Pratt and Whitney R425s 
Wing Span:   25 ft., 6 in.     Length:  20 ft.    Height:   12 ft., 3 in.
Loaded Weight:  4,500 lbs     Service Ceiling:  6,500 ft     Range:  300 miles Max. Speed:  300 mph     Max. Accel: 65.6 fps/s     Max. Decel:  65.6 fps/s 
Weapons: (2) Arixo Arms 30-caliber machine guns, (2) Arixo Arms 40-caliber machine guns