OVERVIEW:
The ElGatorVolador Attacker Mk 1 is a promising type with unique features and excellent performance, but has several flaws, notably range, which were corrected in a refit.
COMBAT PERFORMANCE:
The aircraft's range under a full combat load is considered inadequate. However, the problem was solved when a 115 gallon fuel tank in the fuselage was added. Performance under load was excellent, able to reach over 400mph under 75% power at 1000ft. Visibility was considered adequate.
The flaps and spoilers attached to VTOL as well as the VTOL airbrakes were excellent. However, linking it to an AG was not liked very well. The elevator trim was disabled so as to re-link the trim function to landing gear elevation.
INTEGRAL FIREPOWER:
The twin Mk 3 cannon had inadequate anti-personnel firepower. However, the synchronized 30mm Mk 7 automatic cannon boasted excellent anti-armor performance, comparable to the Boar, which also has the Mk 7 gun.
EXTERNAL LOADS:
The external weapons load is comparable to the Pummeler.
DURABILITY:
The type was a very sturdy design, with reasonable survivability
VISIBILITY:
Cockpit visibility is somewhat better than the Pummeler given the narrow fuselage and inverted gull-wing, but is worse than the Boar.
LOGISTICS:
The use of the T3000 engine was acceptable. However, the extendable landing gear, while novel, was not considered useful enough to warrant its complexity versus the use of fixed gear. The non-standard propeller was cited as a concern, and a refitted type was given a Mk 5 propeller, a 6-bladed scimitar-style propeller with a 120 inch diameter and chord of 2.5. The type displayed inferior performance with the Mk 5 propeller.
OFF THE BOOKS:
Pilotmario Forestry Service is considering adopting the type for use as a firefighting aircraft.
Of the three fighters, the Viper sees the most frontline service; the Renegade II is deemed too valuable to lose in direct air combat, and the Dart is considered dated and only used by interceptor units inside the Pilotmario Republic. The Renegade II is most often employed as a mini AWACS due to their performance; unlike the Endurance, they are able to keep up with the fighters, and are far more capable of defending themselves. The Endurance is mostly employed defensively, where it can employ its superior command capabilities to turn it into a flying air control tower. In contrast, the Renegade II is comparable to an aerial forward air control team. @PINK
By you. The current Renegade II losses amount to 0.3 airframes per 1000 sorties, the current Viper losses amount to 0.4 airframes per 1000 sorties, and the current Dart losses amount to 0.2 airframes per 1000 sorties. @PINK
Still, they are considered death traps. @Pilotmario
The Pummeler was originally designed as a fighter, and even the most current variants retain this lineage. They still have gyroscopic gunsights installed.
Modern Pilotmarian fighters are much more capable, as complexity is less of an issue, given the fact they would operate from Primary Operation Bases and Support Operation Bases. These airfields are far better equipped, complete with concrete runways, overhaul capability, and proper maintenance facilities. Aircraft here are far better cared here than on Forward Operating Bases due to the improved logistics to these bases. Forward Operation Bases are usually a dirt or metal-surfaced, the maintenance capability of an auto garage, and hangars that comprise of sandbag walls and a roof made of air. @PINK
Note-Never feild any Pilotmario made fighters . . . death traps. @Pilotmario
That is why many air bases still use the simplistic FL-14s, but Staliczs are not used by our military. Normally they are marketed to ex-communist states that cannot afford modern bombers or other aircraft.
@PINK As for your jet, the Viper would not fare well in trials due to the complexities of a variable-geometry aircraft, as the forward operating bases which PAF Attack Squadrons operate from typically have resupply issues. Relatively simple aircraft such as the Pummeler often see readiness rates of 50-75% in such conditions. Logistics are usually limited, and it is uncommon for airframes, small components, and engines to exceed the recommended flight hours before overhaul. Under such conditions, simplicity, familiarity, and reliability are paramount, all which the Pummeler fulfill very well.
The use of the piston-engine Pummeler may seem anachronistic in a battlefield filled with guided missiles, Mach 2+ capable jet fighters, and electromagnetic artillery. However, time and time again, the Pummeler have proven that a simple, slow, and maneuverable warplane with plenty of ordnance under its wings.
Our close-support strategy involves getting close and personal in a highly maneuverable flying tank to deliver munitions precisely. Based on your submissions, NFK forces prefer bombers conducting level bombing at medium altitude than attackers conducting dive bombing at low altitude.
@PINK I was referring to my fighter, which was also known as Viper.
It has a better rage then the bombers it is compared to oftentimes . . . the variable wings are there for "adverse loading conditions" . . . ie: an extra 1000lbs at the front. It also shotens takeoff . . . however . . . it couldn't fight with the Darts and Meerkats. @Pilotmario
The Viper would not fare well. It's a fighter first and foremost, and would drink up an inordinate amount of fuel. @PINK
@Shawniepie It's for this challenge. Pilotmario's being kind enough to give us detailed feedback on the the planes we submit and letting us know which areas they think could be improved.
What's all this Pilotmario stuff?
@Pilotmario I wonder how a Viper would fair?
You're welcome! @ElGatoVolador
Thank you for the awesome review! I did that weird gear thing to add some extra pylons :p
@Liquidfox Thanks!
@Liquidfox Ok.