Design and Development

The T/C-22 Cloudmaster originated from a Markcian light transport project, known as TMTA-22. The aircraft was powered by two 2000hp radial engines and entered service with the Markcian Air Force in 2030.

Soon afterwards a joint Markcia-Saltwater program developed a gunship version, which was refined down to become the T/C-22. The Cloudmaster entered service with the Saltwater Air Force as its primary gunship/surveillance aircraft, and soon saw active service over Maywar.

Operational History

The Cloudmasters saw heavy usage throughout their service, flying overwatch missions for ground forces in Maywar, Brightneau, Snowstone, Crokorea, Geropia, Avalanchia and Markcia. A peak of fifty-five were in service in 2032, with 84 aircraft produced in total. The aircraft owe much of their longevity to their simple, reliable design and the fact that, with a minimum of modifications, the aircraft could be operated from the Saltwater Navy's République-class aircraft carriers. Indeed, the majority of T/C-22 combat missions were flown from the six carriers.

In 2033 the aircraft were joined by the More survivable SA-120 gunships, imported from the Parshain Federation. These newer aircraft were more survivable and were faster too, thanks to their turboprop engines. They were also more heavily armed. Nonetheless, the Cloudmasters remained in service, although now largely stayed close to friendly lines. Since the SA-120 was too large to operate from a carrier, the T/C-22 bore the brunt of island-hopping operations during the numerous counter-insurgancy operations carried out by the Saltwater Armed Forces.

By the break-up of the Saltwater Carrier Nation fifty-two T/C-22 Cloudmasters were in service with the Saltwater Air Force, with fifty being placed into storage with the Conegsreich Republic, later being transferred to Parsha. The remaining two left the archipelago and were taken into freighter service by a Halucian airline.

As of now, the fifty stored aircraft have been put up for sale to another operator.

Specifications

Maximum speed: 248 mph.

Service Ceiling: 24,500 feet.

Maximum payload: 8,400 Ibs.

Armament: 1 105mm field gun, two 20mm Vulcan cannons, four 250Ib bombs.

Endurance: Seven hours.

Controls

AG1 lowers cargo ramp.
AG2 lowers arrestor gear.
TRIM UP lowers the flaps.
VTOL up aims the main battery.
Sorry, there's no trim, I ran out of sliders. The aircraft is pretty stable as it is, dispite some minor autoroll.
Also, full credit to methirasoysa123, may he rest in peace. The original cargo aircraft was produced by him, with permission given to me to build a gunship variant. I never did, until now.