Two S3-PN-As of BN-03 squadron fly low over a friendly light carrier. Later that same month, the pair would be attacked by several Krakabloan fighters, though they would fight back and down four of them.

Design History:

Conceived just before the Three Years’ War in 2398 G.T., the Wright Republic Air Force issued a request for a seaplane that could exceed the performance of the Krakabloan UG-1Y aircraft, which for the time was the ruling seaplane in the Enlaknd Kingdom. This new aircraft could exceed 230 mph, stall at lower speeds, and carried four defensive turrets compared to the UG-1Y’s two. The efficiencies of this new aircraft were almost immediately noticed, and by 2397 Wright Isles Consolidated had themselves a large contract. Many features of this design were revolutionary, most importantly an enclosed cockpit, armored glass, and the ability for crews to walk to other positions. The aircraft had a crew of nine, consisting of a pilot and copilot, engineer, navigator, radio operator, nose gunner, two dorsal gunners, and a tail gunner.

Operational History:

Early in its service, a 20mm cannon was mounted in the tail turret firing non-explosive rounds. These were found to be very effective against Krakabloan EK-R4N biplanes, and additionally merchant ships. The primary role of the S3-PN was to cruise the waters between the Wright Isles and Krakabloa, locate ships, launch a volley of torpedoes or rockets, and then use its speed to escape AA defenses. Although they were found to be proficient in their defense against fighters, the top gunners’ exposed positions and having no windscreens could make their operators very miserable. Additionally, limiters had to be built in to prevent their guns from shooting the wings, decreasing their range of fire. Overall, it was a very successful plane, however, and over one hundred survive to the present day.

Controls:

VTOL for flaps.
Look input for guns.
More information in game instructions, there isn’t much you need to know, however. Everything is pretty much standard.

Notes:

• This was my first time making an aircraft with a flight deck, so that took me a while.
• I actually made a throttle panel!
• The guns now fire 10 rps v.s. my usual 5 because I realized that was way to slow; however the tail “20mm” is not affected.
• This stemmed from me wanting to build a giant four-engined plane, but when I went on VR I realized it just wasn’t wide enough to to my original idea. I will likely still make that imagined aircraft, but for this one I used inspiration from the PBM Mariner, B-17, and the Boeing 314 Clipper design.
  

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Have fun!