I've been playing around with aircraft designs this week. I won't guarantee
that any of these are any good, but I thought somebody might make some use of
them. Several have appeared in slightly different versions in previous posts.
The Kraken, the Manta, and the Sentinel are particularly intended as part of
the air group for the aircaraft carrier that was posted a while ago.
All agilities were calculated with my suggested modification of speed/1000.
If you don't like that idea, the info is all there to recalculate them.
Good Gaming,
Rob Dean
Rocket Interceptor TL6
The rocket interceptor is capable of flight beyond a planetary
atmosphere, and thus provides some limited capability for planetary defense
at fairly low tech level. With no onboard radar, the pilot is completely
dependent on ground based intercept instructions. Usual operating mode is
to use 70-80% of the fuel to reach a suborbital trajectory, retaining the
remainder for final attack maneuvers. The pilot then makes a deadstick
landing upon reentry.
To land the rocket interceptor after a suborbital flight:
Formidable, Pilot, Dex, Hazardous, Fateful, Time=Absolute 5 minutes
CraftID: Rocket Interceptor, TL6, Cr2,927,000
Hull: 80/200, Disp=88.9, CleanWt=20t, FullLoad=20.05t,
Airframe=Hypersonic, Armor=none
Power: 1.56 MW from engines, Endurance=10 minutes
Loco: 4/10, High Performance Rockets*2, Thrust=78tons
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 3.90 - 3200 2400 400 9
Comm: Radio=Continental (5000km)
Sensors: None (relies on ground based radar for interception)
Off: 1 Light Hardpoint, typical external ordnance load=1 ship missile
(usually imported)
Def: -
Control: Powered
Accom: Crew=1, simple cockpit with rocket escape, oxygen tank and mask
Other: Fuel=8370 liters
Heavy Attack Helicopter TL9
CraftID: Heavy Attack Helicopter, TL9, Cr 830,280
Hull: 100/250, Disp=111.1, CleanWt=16.2t, FullLoad=25t,
Airframe=Simple, Armor=none
Power: 2*0.6MW Gas Turbines
Loco: 4/10*2, Main and tail rotor, Lift=26.4t, thrust=6.6t,
Endurance=2.2 hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.35 - 300 225 490 1
Loaded 0.22 9 275 205 450 1
Comm: Radio=Continental
Sensors: none
Off: 1 fuselage hardpoint, 4 inboard hardpoints, 4 outboard
hardpoints, Typical external ordnance load=1 30mm 6-barrel
autocannon pod, 4*1000kg ASM, 4*12cm rocket pods
Def: -
Control: Boosted
Accom: Crew=2, Passengers=12, Simple cockpits*2, Passenger section*3,
Env=Basic env
Other: Fuel=7000l
Folding Wing Light Aircraft TL8
This craft is designed to fit in the four displacement ton vehicle bay
of a Type S scout ship with its wings folded. It provides an economical
alternative to the standard air/raft, and also can often be used on lower
tech level planets where availability of local maintenance can be an
advantage.
CraftID: Utility Aircraft, TL8, Cr48,400
Hull: 11/27, Disp=4(folded) 12(unfolded), CleanWt=2.7t,
Airframe=Simple, Armor=none
Power: 0.02 MW from engines
Loco: 4/10, Light Propeller*1, Thrust=1ton, Endurance=10 hours
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.31 - 300 225 2250 0
Comm: Radio=Continental (5000km)
Sensors: None
Off: None
Def: -
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=2, simple cockpit*1, crew station*1, oxygen tank and mask*2
Other: Fuel=816 liters, Cargo=1 ton
Folding Rotor Light Helicopter TL8
Another IISS design intended to fit in the auxiliary vehicle bay of a
Type S scout. It has less endurance than the folding wing aircraft, but the
ability to lift up to 2.8 tons of cargo (with external sling) occasionally
offers a useful advantage.
CraftID: Folding Rotor Helicopter, TL8, Cr148,700
Hull: 11/27, Disp=4/12, CleanWt=2.7t, FullLoad=3.9t, Airframe=Simple,
Armor=none
Power: 1*Gas Turbine, Endurance=1.25hrs
Loco: 4/10, Main and tail rotor, Lift=4t, thrust=1t, Max Speed=300kph,
Cruise=225kph, Range=280km
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.31 - 300 225 280 0
Loaded 0.22 5 250 187 234 0
Comm: Radio=Continental
Sensors: none
Off: None
Def: -
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=2, Simple cockpits*1, Crew station*1, Env=none
Other: Fuel=1028 liters, Cargo=0.5t, additional cargo can be slung, up to
2.2 tons with some loss in speed
Owl Medium Ground Attack Aircraft TL8
The Owl is a typical attack aircraft employed against targets where
active defenses are expected to be minimal.
CraftID: Owl Medium Ground Attack Aircraft, TL8, Cr351,200
Hull: 80/200, Disp=88.9, CleanWt=20t, FullLoad=27t,
Airframe=Fast Subsonic, Armor=cockpit, engines
Power: 0.256MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, HighPerformanceProp*2, Thrust=12.8t, Endurance=6hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.57 - 684 513 3078 3
Loaded 0.42 10 453 340 2040 2
Comm: Radio=Continental(5000)
Sensors: AdvActIR, ImageEnhancement, AllWeatherRadar=VDist(50km),
ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 4*Triple Bomb Racks, 2*Outboard Hardpoints, 1 20mm 6-barrel
autocannon w/2500rds, Typical external ordnance load=14 12cm
rocket pods
Def: -
Control: Boosted
Accom: Crew=1, Armored complex cockpit with ejection seat*1,
Env=oxygen tanks and mask
Other: Fuel=3600liters, ManeuverEnhancement=36%
Moth Trainer/Light Attack Aircraft TL7
The Moth is primarily intended for ground attack training and pilot
training. However, it can also be employed in a light attack role in
counter-insurgency and other low intensity warfare.
CraftID: Moth Trainer/Light Attack Aircraft, TL7, Cr90,300
Hull: 24/60, Disp=26.7, CleanWt=6t, FullLoad=8t,
Airframe=Fast Subsonic, Armor=none
Power: 0.08MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, LightTurboprop*1, Thrust=4t, Endurance=3hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.60 - 720 540 1620 2
Loaded 0.45 4 518 388 1164 2
Comm: Radio=Regional(500)
Sensors: none
Off: 4*Outboard Hardpoints, Typical external ordnance load=2*8cm
rocket pods, 2 single 2cm autocannon pods
Def: -
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=2 (Pilot, Trainee--pilot only for combat), Simple cockpit*2,
Env=oxygen tanks and mask
Other: Fuel=1200liters, ManeuverEnhancement=51%
Ibis Medium Bomber TL6
The Ibis is a typical medium bomber produced from pre-imperial era data
packages on scores of low tech worlds throughout the Imperium.
CraftID: Ibis Medium Bomber, TL6, Cr206,000
Hull: 64/160, Disp=71.2, CleanWt=16t, FullLoad=16t,
Airframe=Fast Subsonic, Armor=none
Power: 0.256MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, HighPerformanceProp*2, Thrust=12.8t, Endurance=8.5hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.72 12 760 570 4845 1
Comm: Radio=Regional(500)
Sensors: none
Off: 5 ton bomb bay, no external ordnance
Def: 3 turrets (chin, tail, top) with 6 heavy machine guns, 4800rds
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=5 (Pilot, Copilot/Bombardier, 3 gunners), Simple cockpit*2,
Crew Stations*3, Env=oxygen tanks and mask
Other: Fuel=5100liters
Courier Passenger Aircraft TL5
The Courier is typical of light passenger aircraft available for
charter or scheduled passenger service on low-tech worlds. With no
environmental controls of any sort, flights are likely to be made at low
altitudes, and passengers are advised to dress warmly.
CraftID: Courier Passenger Aircraft, TL5, Cr27900
Hull: 16/40, Disp=17.8, CleanWt=4t, FullLoad=4t,
Airframe=Simple, Armor=none
Power: -
Loco: 4/10, LightProp*1, Thrust=1t, Endurance=6hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.21 - 252 189 1130 0
Comm: none
Sensors: none
Off: none
Def: -
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=2 (Pilot, Steward), Passengers=8, Simple cockpit*1,
crew station*1, Env=none
Other: Fuel=460liters, Cargo=2tons
Typhoon Light Attack/Fighter Aircraft TL6
The Typhoon is a typical single-engine multipurpose aircraft. It
performs substantially better as an attack plane than as a fighter, but is
often forced into the latter role in the absence of anything better.
CraftID: Typhoon Light Attack/Fighter, TL6, Cr42,750
Hull: 16/40, Disp=17.8, CleanWt=4t, FullLoad=5.08t,
Airframe=Fast Subsonic, Armor=cockpit
Power: 0.04MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, BasicProp*1, Thrust=2t, Endurance=4hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.45 - 540 405 1620 1
Loaded 0.35 18 344 258 1030 0
Comm: Radio=VDist(50)
Sensors: none
Off: 18*launch rails, 4*20mm autocannons w/1200rds,
Typical external ordnance load=18 12cm rockets
Def: -
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=1, Armored simple cockpit*1, Env=oxygen tanks and mask
Other: Fuel=600liters, ManeuverEnhancement=8.5%
Kraken Carrier-based Fighter TL8
The Kraken is a fighter/interceptor equipped for operations from a
water-borne aircraft carrier. It also has limited utility as an attack
aircraft, but it should be noted that the triple missile racks are
specialized for air-to-air missiles and may not be used to carry bombs.
CraftID: Kraken Carrier Fighter (STOL), TL8, Cr1,707,040
Hull: 96/240, Disp=106.7, CleanWt=24t, FullLoad=32.4t,
Airframe=Supersonic, Armor=cockpit, engines
Power: 1MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, HighBypassTurboFan*1, Thrust=50t, Endurance=1hr,20min
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 2.08 - 2080 1560 2080 8
Loaded 1.54 17 1406 1054 1405 7
Comm: Radio=Continental(5000)
Sensors: AdvActIR, ImageEnhancement, AllWeatherRadar=VDist(50km),
ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 1*Plumbed Fuselage Hardpoint, 2*Plumbed Inboard Hardpoints,
2*Triple Missile Racks, 4*Outboard Hardpoints, 2*Launch Rails,
1 20mm 6-barrel autocannon w/1200rds, Typical external ordnance
load=1*2000liter tank, 2*1500liter tank, 10*Radar homing ATA
missiles, 2*IR homing ATA missiles (5000liters of externally
carried fuel adds 1 hour, 10 minutes to endurance)
Def: -
Control: Fly-by-Wire (4mp)
Accom: Crew=1, Armored complex cockpit with advanced ejection seat*1,
Env=basic env, basic ls
Other: Fuel=5120liters, ManeuverEnhancement=5%
Intruder High Speed Recon Aircraft TL8
The Intruder is a specialized reconaissance aricraft usually built in
very small numbers. Its normal mode of operation is to cruise on its
turbofan engine using fuel from external tanks as close as practical to its
objective. The tanks are then jettisoned, the ramjets ignited, and the
aircraft makes a very speed pass over the target, using radar or
photographic equipment.
CraftID: Intruder High Speed Recon Aircraft, TL8, Cr1,388,430
Hull: 48/120, Disp=53.4, CleanWt=12t, FullLoad=15t,
Airframe=Hypersonic, Armor=none
Power: 0.42MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, BasicTurboFan*1, Thrust=21t, Endurance=10min(internal
fuel), BasicRamjet*2, Thrust=60t, Endurance=6min
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean(Ramjet) 5.0 - 3750 2813 281 10
Clean(Turbo) 1.75 - 1925 1444 235 5
Loaded 1.4 2 1509 1131 2205 4
Comm: Radio=Continental(5000)
Sensors: AllWeatherRadar=Regional(500), ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 2*Plumbed Inboard Hardpoints, Typical external load=2*1500liter
tank, (3000 liters of externally carried fuel adds 1 hour,
50 minutes to endurance, calculated above under loaded data)
Def: -
Control: Powered (2mp)
Accom: Crew=1, Complex cockpit with rocket escape pod*1,
Env=basic env, basic ls
Other: Fuel=2258liters, Cargo=0.3tons (photographic equipment)
Sentinel Early Warning Aircraft TL8
The Sentinel is designed to fly from an aircraft carrier and to provide
extended radar coverage for a naval task force.
CraftID: Sentinel Early Warning Aircraft, TL8, Cr767,720
Hull: 160/400, Disp=177.8, CleanWt=40t, FullLoad=40t,
Airframe=STOL Fast Subsonic, Armor=none
Power: 0.48MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, BasicTurboprop*2, Thrust=24t, Endurance=15.8hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.54 - 600 450 7110 1
Comm: Radio=Continental(5000)
Sensors: AllWeatherRadar=Continental, ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: none
Def: none
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=6 (Pilot, Copilot, Flight Engineer, Radar operator, 2 relief
crew), Complex cockpit*3, Crew Station*3, Env=basic env,
basic ls
Other: Fuel=30500liters
Cormorant Seaplane Fighter TL5
The Cormorant is a typical naval auxiliary aircraft from the earliest
tech level for practical aviation. Ordinarily land-based, it could also be
launched from a catapult aboard a medium or large naval vessel.
CraftID: Cormorant Seaplane Fighter, TL5, Cr30,900
Hull: 20/50, Disp=22.3, CleanWt=5t, FullLoad=6t,
Airframe=simple seaplane, Armor=none
Power: -
Loco: 4/10, LightProp*1, Thrust=1t, Endurance=4hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.17 1 202 151 600 1
Loaded 0.14 3 163 122 480 1
Comm: none
Sensors: none
Off: 2*outboard hardpoints, 2*fixed medium machine guns w/800rds,
Typical external ordnance load=2 500kg bombs
Def: 1*flexible medium machine gun w/400 rds
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=2 (pilot, gunner), Simple cockpit*1, Crew station*1,
Env=none
Other: Fuel=300liters, ManeuverEnhancement=67%
Hornet VTOL Fighter/Attack TL9
The Hornet VTOL fighter/attack craft is built locally from standard
data packages by the Griffin Island government. Production has ceased with
the occupation by the Sea League.
CraftID: Hornet VTOL Fighter/Attack, TL9, Cr2,405,600
Hull: 100/250, Disp=111.1, Loaded=31.3t, Unloaded=24t,
Airframe=Supersonic, Armor=none
Power: 1.6 MW drawn from engines, Endurance=3.25hrs
Loco: 4/10, High performance turbofans*2, Thrust=43.68t, Max
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 1.82 - 1980 1485 4800 5
Loaded 1.40 9 1400 1050 3400 4
Comm: Radio=Continental
Sensors: Radar=Regional, ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 1*Plumbed Fuselage hardpoint, 2*plumbed inboard hardpoints,
4*outboard hardpoints, 2*launch rails, Typical external ordnance
load=1*2000liter tank, 2*1500liter tank, 4*radar homing missiles,
2*IR homing missiles (5000liters external fuel adds 2hrs, 30min
to endurance)
Def: -
Control: Powered
Accom: Crew=1, Complex cockpit with adv ejection seat*1, Env=basic env,
basic ls
Other: Fuel=12,000liters
Manta STOL Medium Attack Aircraft TL8
The Manta is a typical medium attack aircraft, built from standard data
packages on scores of low-tech worlds throughout the Imperium, and capable
of operations from an aircraft carrier.
CraftID: Manta STOL Medium Attack Aircraft, TL8, Cr785,830
Hull: 48/120, Disp=53.3, Loaded=16t, Unloaded=12t,
Airframe=Fast Subsonic, Armor=none
Power: 0.18 MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, Light Turbojet*2, Thrust=12t, Endurance=5.2hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.90 - 800 600 3120 3
Loaded 0.68 5 684 513 2660 3
Comm: Radio=Regional(500km)
Sensors: Radar=VDist(50km), ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 1*Fuselage hardpoint, 4*outboard hardpoints, 1 20mm autocannon
with 800 rds, Typical external ordnance load=1 2000kg bomb,
4*500kg bombs
Def: -
Control: Powered
Accom: Crew=1, Complex cockpit with ejection seat*1, Env=basic env,
basic ls
Other: Fuel=7338liters
Patrol Dirigible TL5
This lighter than air craft is used as a naval auxiliary, primarily for
scouting. Three complete crew shifts are provided for, so the craft may
remain away from base for the full 105hrs possible with the onboard fuel
supply.
CraftID: Patrol Dirigible, TL5, Cr3,281,700
Hull: 72/180, Disp=4444.4, Rigid Gasbag=60000kl, Envelope Weight=48t,
Usable lift=19.8t (helium)
Power: -
Loco: 4/10, Diesel*4, Thrust=8t, Endurance=105hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.11 - 120 90 9450 0
Comm: Radio=Regional(500km)
Sensors: none
Off: none
Def: none
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=30 (6 pilots, 3 navigators, 3 flight engineers, 12 engine
technicians, 6 command), Crew Stations*30, Env=basic env
Other: Fuel=6330liters
Lightning VTOL Fighter TL9
The Lightning can be built on any TL9 planet from a standard data
package. It is primarily intended for air-to-air combat, and the outboard
wing hardpoints are limited to carrying missiles. Some ground attack
capability can be obtained by carrying bombs or missiles in lieu of drop
tanks on the fuselage and inboard hardpoints.
CraftID: Lightning Fighter (VTOL), TL9, Cr1,600,360
Hull: 80/200, Disp=88.9, CleanWt=20t, FullLoad=26.2t,
Airframe=Supersonic, Armor=engine
Power: 1MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, HighBypassTurboFan*1, Thrust=50t, Endurance=40min (+1hr,
10min on external fuel)
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 2.5 - 2500 1875 1250 9
Loaded 1.54 11 1770 1328 2435 7
(Loaded range includes drop tanks)
Comm: Radio=Continental(5000)
Sensors: AllWeatherRadar=VDist(50km), ActObjScan=Diff, ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 1*Plumbed Fuselage Hardpoint, 2*Plumbed Inboard Hardpoints,
4*Outboard Hardpoints, 4*Launch Rails, 1 20mm 6-barrel
autocannon w/1200rds, Typical external ordnance load=1*2000liter
tank, 2*1500liter tank, 4*radar homing ATA missiles,
4*IR homing ATA missiles (5000liters of externally carried
fuel adds 1 hour, 10 minutes to endurance)
Def: -
Control: Fly-by-Wire (4mp)
Accom: Crew=2 (Pilot, Weapons officer), 2*Complex cockpit with
advanced ejection seat, Env=basic env, basic ls
Other: Fuel=2670liters
Hummingbird Light Fighter TL7
The Hummingbird is strictly intended for air to air combat at short
ranges. Every attempt was made to keep the aircraft as small and as light
as possible. Hummingbirds are typically used as point defense aircraft,
maintained in a ground alert status until required, because of their low
endurance.
CraftID: Hummingbird Light Fighter, TL7, Cr268,330
Hull: 12/30, Disp=13.4, CleanWt=3t, FullLoad=3.4t,
Airframe=Supersonic, Armor=none
Power: 0.12MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, LightTurbojet*1, Thrust=6t, Endurance=1hr
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 2.0 - 2000 1500 1500 6
Loaded 1.76 4 1858 1393 1390 5
Comm: Radio=Regional(500)
Off: 4*Launch Rails, Typical external ordnance load=4*IR homing
ATA missiles
Def: -
Control: Powered (2mp)
Accom: Crew=1, Complex cockpit with advanced ejection seat*1, Env=basic
env, basic ls
Other: Fuel=718liters
Roc Long Range Bomber TL8
The Roc is a long range bomber fitted with almost every useful
electronic device available at TL8. The extremely powerful radar jammer
accounts for over half the cost of the aircraft, and can be omitted for a
reduction in cost of MCr6.
CraftID: Roc Long Range Bomber, TL8, Cr11,847,150
Hull: 400/1000, Disp=444.5, CleanWt=100t, FullLoad=100t,
Airframe=Transonic, Armor=none
Power: 2MW drawn from engines
Loco: 4/10, HighBypassTurboFan*2, Thrust=100t, Endurance=5hrs,40min
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.95 - 1100 825 4675 4
Comm: Radio=Planetary(50000)
Sensors: AllWeatherRadar=Regional(500km), RadarJammer=Continental(5000),
RadarDirectionFinder, LaserSensor, ActObjScan=Diff,
ActObjPin=Diff, PassEnScan=Form
Off: 20 ton bomb bay
Def: -
Control: Powered (2mp)
Accom: Crew=5 (Pilot, Copilot, flight engineer, bombradier, navigator),
2*Complex cockpit with ejection seat, 3*Crew station with
ejection seats, Env=basic env, basic ls
Other: Fuel=44000liters
Medium Attack Helicopter TL8
CraftID: Medium Attack Helicopter, TL8, Cr432,160
Hull: 32/80, Disp=35.6, CleanWt=8t, FullLoad=13.2t,
Airframe=Simple, Armor=cockpit*2
Power: 1*3.3MW high performance gas turbine
Loco: 4/10*2, Main and tail rotor, Lift=13.2t, thrust=3.3t,
Endurance=1.5hrs
MaxAccel Drag MaxSpeed Cruise Range Agility
Clean 0.34 1 297 223 334 0
Loaded 0.22 9 224 168 250 0
Comm: Radio=Regional(500)
Sensors: Radar=VDist(50), AdvActIR, Image Enhancement, ActObjScan=Diff,
ActObjPin=Diff
Off: 2*inboard hardpoints, 4*outboard hardpoints, 2*Launch rails,
Remote turret (chin) with 1 6 barrel 2cm autocannon and 1200rd,
Typical external ordnance load=2*1000kg ASM, 4*12cm rocket pods,
2*12cm rockets
Def: -
Control: Simple
Accom: Crew=2 (Pilot, Gunner), Complex armored cockpits*2, Env=Basic env
Other: Fuel=2540liters