(1-3) releases bombs. (4-5) ditches rocket pods. (6) discharges missiles. VTOL Down for air brakes. An A-1I Pummeler in service with the Royal Air Force. In 1958, the British Empire had a requirement for 10,000 close air support aircraft, and began independent development of their own type. However, when the Paternian Air Force offered surplus Pummelers, the CAS program took a backseat in lieu of inexpensive, availabe, and effective aircraft. 5,000 A-1I Pummeler were purchased as surplus from the Paternian Air Force for $100 each. Armament was delivered separately, and feature British 30mm cannon instead of Paternian 30mm cannon. The type in RAF service was well-liked by its pilots for its high degree of maneuverability and ease of flying.