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Close Support Aircraft Performance Trials: RAI-23

147k Pilotmario  8.5 years ago

OVERVIEW:
The RAI-23 is certainly a competent aircraft, although landings are a bit tricky and require an experienced pilot. It is exceptionally fast and maneuverable, thanks to its contra-rotating propeller.

COMBAT PERFORMANCE:
The aircraft's range under a full combat load is considered excellent. The autopilot is much better than the predecessor. At speed, it is incredibly maneuverable. The contra-rotating propellers powered by a T2x2000 work well.

The flaps were an excellent addition, making takeoffs short. The VTOL airbrakes and spoilers were a bit tricky, but with experience, pilots were able to land it well. The need to jettison external ordnance before landing is already a standard procedure, although it could become a potential safety issue if this is not possible. It is common practice for all munitions to be spent before returning anyways.

INTEGRAL FIREPOWER:
The six Mk 2 machine guns in the nose are well-concentrated, compensating for the lower firepower.

EXTERNAL LOADS:
The external weapons load is comparable to the Pummeler and inferior to the Boar.

DURABILITY:
The type appeared quite durable to battle damage due to the multiple redundancies in the design. The self-sealing tanks were a great boon in this regard, significantly reducing the chance of fire. The design of the crankshaft enabled the T2x2000 to operate on half-power with one engine shut off, albeit with only one propeller spinning.

VISIBILITY:
Cockpit visibility is excellent, providing good visibility to the front.

LOGISTICS:
The T2x2000 engines require extra maintenance per engine by a factor of 1.5 versus the T2000. The propeller crankshaft was also more complex. However, these additional parts were quite durable. The T2x2000's similarity to the T2000 is sufficient to make its impact on logistics excellent.

The RAI-23's propeller blades were non-standard, and as a result, were fitted with Mk 2 blades, the type used on the Pummeler. The only difference between the stock blades and the current blades was the Mk 2's blades had a chord of 3, while the stock blades had a chord of 2.1. The aircraft was able to fly much faster and farther as a result. No other modifications were made in the refit.

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