As a result vehicles and concepts that were valid at the start of the conflict are obsolete or must be adapted to the new paradigm. This is particularly true in the area of aviation where aircraft go from reciprocating aether engine, with open cockpit design, and fabric skins. To metal skinned, enclosed cockpit, aether turbines powered, and eventually true jet powered aircraft.
This design is from the turboprop era when ponies could see that the turbine was going to be the future but true jet technology is perceived as just not quite ready yet. However there is a desire, or need, to develop something more than piston engine technology. This is where this aircraft fits in.