Preface
In the C&C Roleplay, the EGV-52 Cama is the primary fighter aircraft of the Ecuadorian Air Force from 1965 to 1985. It is notable as the first fighter to successfully challenge the Paternian Republic's monopoly on the export market. This piqued the interests of the Paternian Air Force, knowing that it may face the Cama in air combat.
In 1970, the Ecuadorian government loaned ten aircraft and five pilots to participate in performance trials with the Paternian Air Force, with the Paternian government assuming any liability costs if either aircraft or personnel are harmed. Due to the fact the Ecuadorian pilots speak Spanish, tests were conducted in Hermosillo, Sinaloa, in Mexico.
Tests were conducted with both the non-export and export variants. The primary difference between the non-export and export variant is that the latter lacks radar, has simpler avionics, and has a downrated engine. Aircraft tested were the F-104G Starfighter, F-14A Tomcat, F-15A Eagle, F-4E Phantom, and the F-5E Tiger II.
Combat Performance
The Cama and Cama-E performed very well in this aspect. It is most comparable to the F-5E Tiger II and F-15A in these respects.
Dogfights
In close-range dogfights, the EGV-52 Cama and Cama-E outclassed all of the Paternian aircraft, save for the F-5E and the F-15A. It's acceleration was comparable to the F-4E, F-5E, and F-104G. However, the F-14A and the F-15A boasted superior acceleration. However, it boasted greater maneuverability than any of them, save for the F-5E and F-15A.
The EGV-52 Cama-E, while more maneuverable than the F-104G, F-4C, and F-14A, did not have the acceleration of either of them, making it a far less potent opponent. Because of its lower engine power, it was less maneuverable than the F-5E and F-15A, and is unlikely to survive a dogfight with any of them.
It's small size makes it a very difficult to detect visually in comparison with other types. In many aspects, it is quite similar to the F-5E. This was a crucial element which made close combat a dangerous proposition, especially with skilled pilots.
In close combat, the aircraft with the greatest probability of success is the F-15A. Its superior overall performance and higher maneuverability completely outclasses the EGV-52 Cama and Cama-E. The F-5E Tiger has no comparative advantage over the EGV-52 Cama, and victory is determined by the skill of the pilot.
BVR Combat
In long-range air combat, the Cama and especially the Cama-E suffered against the Paternian Air Force fighters.
The Cama's radar, in terms of capabilities, is comparable to the F-5E. It is a basic set with limited detection, tracking, and targeting abilities. Both aircraft are limited to a BVR range of approximately 30 kilometers due to the smaller radar set necessitated by the small airframe.
However, the F-104G, F-4E, F-14A, and F-15A have far superior radar systems. The F-4E, F-14A and F-15A can engage the EGV-52 Cama at ranges up to 45 kilometers with the AIM-7E Sparrow. In contrast, the EGV-52 Cama could engage either one of them at 30 kilometers with its missiles. The missile's range is far greater, but the limitations of the radar prevent it from engaging reliably. In all cases, the aircraft could either track or engage aircraft. In addition, in all cases, the pilot must continue to illuminate the target until a hit is achieved.
The F-14A, with the AN/AWG-9 radar and AIM-54 Phoenix missiles, could simultaneously detect, track, and engage opponents at ranges up to 190 kilometers. The AIM-54 Phoenix is an active guidance missile, meaning that it has the fire-and-forget all-aspect capability of the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the range of the AIM-7 Sparrow.
The Cama-E lacks any radar, and can only engage aircraft within visual range. If forced into a BVR engagement, it is most likely that the type would be downed in large numbers. That being said, it could be upgraded somewhat to the Cama standard through the addition of the F-5E's radar.
Air-Surface
The EGV-52 Cama can engage a variety of surface targets with bombs and rockets. In this regard, it is as good as the F-5E Tiger II. The F-14A, F-104G, and F-15A have very limited ground attack capabilities. It is capable of employing rocket pods and can carry up to two 500kg bombs. Curiously, it can carry torpedoes and depth charges, although the aircraft's ability to employ them is hampered by its relatively short range, lack of dedicated anti-ship and anti-submarine equipment compared to dedicated maritime patrol aircraft.
However, it cannot compare to the 8,500kg of ordnance the F-4E Phantom II, greater than a B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber.
Armament
The EGV-52 Cama and Cama-E have comparable armament to the F-5E in this regard.
Cannon
Both the EGV-52 Cama and the Cama-E employ the same Gast-operated 23mm cannon, with a cyclic rate between 3,300 and 3,600 rounds per minute.
This is comparable in rate of fire to the two 20mm M39 revolver cannons on the F-5E, but inferior to the 20mm M61A1 Vulcan rotary cannon found on all other aircraft. However, the M61A1 must spool up when firing, meaning that the 23mm cannon has an initially higher rate of fire. In both cases, the muzzle velocity was lower, at 715m/s versus the 1,030m/s of the M39, and the 1,050m/s of the M61A1. It is a robust and reliable weapon, with slightly greater explosive power compared to the 20mm cannon.
Missiles
The infrared homing K-13 missile, of which up to four could be carried, is a reverse-engineered copy of the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Both are reliable, highly-accurate missiles capable of engaging an opponent at all ranges and at all angles.
The semi-active radar guided R-23 missile, of which up to two could be carried, is comparable to the AIM-7 Sparrow. A fairly reliable missile, their presence is more psychological than practical. To employ them would mean putting the EGV-52 in a fight that it could not win.
The EGV-52 Cama-E does not come wired to employ missiles, although the basic design allows it to be by the end user. AIM-9 Sidewinder and K-13 missiles proved compatible. If radar is fitted, then the AIM-7 Sparrow or
Air-Surface
The EGV-52 is cleared to carry a large variety of air-surface ordnance, such as bombs, rockets, and guided missiles. It is wired to carry self-guiding munitions.
The 23mm cannon can be employed in strafing runs.
It is also cleared to carry torpedoes and depth charges, although these weapons are considered of limited value for the aircraft.
The Cama-E can carry the same ordnance, but at greater loss in performance due to the lower-powered engine.
Overview
The EGV-52 Cama is a high-performance interceptor. While less capable in BVR engagements, it makes up for it with its high agility, acceleration, and top speed in dogfights. With a veteran pilot, it can challenge even the most advanced military aircraft. The aircraft considered most comparable in all aspects is the F-5E Tiger II.
However, the Cama-E is far more vulnerable to modern aircraft than it's non-export cousin. It's lower engine power limits its ability to engage in dogfights, and the lack of onboard radar limits its ability to engage enemy aircraft beyond visual range. While it is not a significant threat against any Paternian fighter given the proper tactics, it is not to be underestimated. In addition, it is visually identical to the standard Cama. However, as the standard Cama is not exported, it is unlikely that pilots will encounter both the standard Cama and the downgraded Cama-E.