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Raven!
Clan Snow Raven
Galaxy Commander
Joined: 04-Feb-2002 00:00
Posts: 1326
Location: United States
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 Posted: 11-Sep-2020 16:06 Post subject: OA-1C Mustang Small Combat & Reconnaissance Aircraft |
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Name/Model: OA-1C Mustang
Designer: Raven!
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: C
Tonnage: 4.5 (4,500kg)
Configuration: Fixed Wing
Era/Year: Star League (2681)
Total Cost: 66,992 C-Bills
BV: 29
Chassis: UOC Field Spec Industrial
Power Plant: Jones Solar System Model B339 Prop
Cruise Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: Raven Comp T5 MagSteel
Armament:
1 Bical Two-Shot SRM System
1 Armstrong Light Machine Gun
Manufacturer: United Outworlders Corporation
Primary Factory: Ramora
Communications: O/P Air 500
Targeting & Tracking: O/P 3000
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Equipment Mass (kg)
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Chassis: Standard 1,490
Engine: Solar Plant 2,250
Cruise MP: 4
Maximum MP: 6
Cockpit: Standard 75
Armor Factor: 9 504
BAR: 7
Structural Integrity: 4
Armor
Value
Nose: 3
Left Wing: 2
Right Wing: 2
Aft: 2
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Weapons and Ammo Location Critical KG
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SRM - Two Shot Nose 1 30
Machine Gun (Portable) Nose 1 11.5
Ammo (SRM) 20 Body 1 200
Ammo (MG) 5 Body 1 3
Cargo Space Body 1 1.5
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Overview
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Periphery militias have always struggled. Perpetually short of cash and resources, they constantly have to "make do". As a result, the humble foot soldier is the go to defensive measure for the small agricultural world that has no other choice. Occasionally such infantry might have mechanical support - such as jeeps. Very rarely are they mechanized. Jump infantry is almost completely unknown, reserved for the wealthiest Baron's personal guard. As a result, these militias tend to lack mobility and support, and struggle against even the most primitive pirate raids.
The Mustang is intended to address this. The Outworlds Alliance wanted to bolster militia fighting forces, but had to do it in a cost effective way. The final weapon system had to do the following: 1) be easy to maintain by a militia even in the most backward locations, 2) neither increase or complicate existing supply capacity, 3) have incredibly mobility, and 4) be able to effectively engage pirates and raiders.
The Parliamentary Committee was given a final choice of three designs: one hovercraft, one VTOL, and finally one fixed wing aircraft. After a series of trials, the Mustang was awarded the contract.
Capabilities
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The Mustang was designed to be self-sufficient and it is. The bulk of the craft is built around a spine of batteries tied to extensive solar paneling. The batteries are designed off standard field batteries used to power electric equipment throughout the Inner Sphere. Each is independent as well, so as they age or get damaged, they can be swapped out with the same kind of field batteries that would be used for satellite hookups, or advanced communications gear. The panels alone can power the prop and onboard systems, but the batteries allow for 24 hours of flight without sunlight. The combination of both systems means that the Mustang's endurance is set by the pilot, a small cargo compartment right behind the pilot is typically filled with food and a water canister, allowing for up to 12 hours of operation at any given time. This gives the Mustang an operational range of 777.6 kilometers under normal conditions. These batteries also have external hookups, allowing a single Mustang to power a small facility for infantry that are on maneuvers.
The other major capability of the Mustang is that it can use almost any flat surface as a landing strip. As a solar powered prop, it requires no air intake which reduces the risk from FOD - as a result, anything from grassy fields to rock strewn wasteland can become an effective - if bumpy - airfield for the Mustangs. This gives them a significant tactical advantage, as they can move with and support infantry from almost any terrain. On more than one occasion after traditional airfields were knocked out or taken over by opposing forces, Mustangs were able to continue operations indefinitely harassing and raiding enemy forces. The six props are mounted three to each wing, and are independently managed by the onboard flight system allowing for vertical take off and landings, as well as very short take off and landings. Over half a ton of armor provides further protection, with the front of the craft and cockpit having the most protection. Well rounded protection allows the Mustang to generally engage in a few strafing runs before having to retreat for repair. Rugged and reliable, Mustangs are hard to hit, hard to damage, and almost impossible to keep down - even completely destroyed units can typically be repaired right in the field with what is available at hand. Even the solar panels can be swapped for standard ones found on farms and in small towns.
The weapon load out is also significant. Two infantry support weapons, the popular Bical SRM and Armstrong Light Machine Gun make for an effective and deadly load out - that can be completely supplied using existing stores. Squadrons are typically assigned to the battalions already using SRMs or machine guns in their kit. This fully integrates the aircraft into the existing supply chain needed to support the unit, while also increasing that unit's capabilities. Additionally, the O/P system is an Outworld's standard - and most commanders are able to link effortlessly with the system allowing them to have much greater insight into the battlefield and work closely with the pilots to extend the reach and fire power of the unit.
Deployment
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The Mustang is deployed heavily by the Outworld's Alliance, with almost all planetary militias having at least a squadron or two. However, the aircraft has proven remarkably popular and is used by a number of planets outside of the Alliance, though typically as private purchases by planetary governments. The one exception to that is House Liao, which licensed the aircraft to build alongside their Guardian conventional aircraft. Although they haven't deployed them in great numbers, they are used to protect and escort Guardians typically as a component of airfield defense.
Variants
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The only variant at this time strips out all weapons for increased cargo space. This is known as the LA-1C "Pony Express" and is typically used by militias to transport food, water, and ammunition. After the merger into the Raven Alliance, scientists started looking at ways to upgrade and improve the aircraft with fuel cells. When finished, this will be the LA-1R and their plan is to mount a portable PPC to maximize the units punch and operational independence.
Notable Pilots
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The Mustang is nothing without it's pilots, and some of them have become fairly famous. The robust handling and long range has allowed for some impressive trick piloting and when not on active duty pilots sometimes take their aircraft "barn storming" as a way to lift spirits, raise funds, and show off. One of the most prominent barn stormers was Mabel Woodward. She was very famous and toured the Outworld's Alliance for a number of years with her specially modified Mustang "Mabel's Golden Heart". She was also known for her flashy uniforms: gold and white, with large five pointed stars as well as a frill adorned cape. Even her aircraft was richly decorated in the same gold and white trim, always kept fresh and contrasting beautifully with the solar panels. She was capable of performing amazing stunts with the aircraft - flying upside down, and even using a special hook system to scoop a longhorn out of a field. Mabel was a talented and capable pilot - but she was also a loyal citizen of the Alliance.
By 3021, the Alliance was in significant trouble and many worlds were grumbling about the Avellar regime. Mabel took it upon herself to try to lift spirits and act as a folk hero. Wealthy from years of doing shows, she outfitted a small band of infantry at her own expense, purchased herself a commission, and created the "Golden Riders" - a squadron of pilots she hand picked flying Mustangs in the same colors, supported by two mechanized infantry battalions. With limited Alliance support, she negotiated with planetary governors and corporations directly - her dazzling smile and flashy uniform, as well as her fame, giving her the resources she would need. For four years she moved from planet to planet fighting pirates and bandits, filming and broadcasting her exploits across the Alliance. Known for brazen attacks, incredible maneuvering, and her trademark winning smile, Mabel became one of the very few good news stories of the Alliance in those years.
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