Introduction: Project Gunship 1 Dreadnought

The Project Gunship 1 Dreadnought is a fictional evolution of the gunship concept, It's name was inspired by Cold War-era designs such as the Douglas AC-47 Spooky (the real project 1 gunship) but reimagined for World War II. Unlike its historical counterparts, which were primarily adapted for ground strike and close air support, the Dreadnought takes the idea of an aerial gunship to unprecedented extremes. Combining the heavy-caliber firepower of naval weaponry with the operational versatility of a flying boat, this massive aircraft was designed for the U.S. Naval Air Force to dominate a variety of roles in maritime and aerial combat.

Primary Armament

At the heart of the Dreadnought’s firepower are its 4× 133mm QF 5.25-inch British dual-purpose naval guns, giving it unmatched capability to engage a wide spectrum of targets:

• Heavy Fire Support: These guns can destroy enemy naval and ground assets from high altitudes, with a 22+ km effective range (22 km is the max range of the gun when fired at ground. It increases with aircraft's altidute) against targets—far beyond most anti-aircraft artillery (AA) defenses.

• Dual-Purpose Flexibility: Designed to fire proximity-fused shells, these guns can also serve as anti-aircraft weapons with a range of 14 km, making them versatile enough to challenge both air and surface threats.

• Airborne Advantage: Mounted on a high-altitude platform, the naval guns gain additional range and mobility, enabling the Dreadnought to provide long-range bombardment and fire support for naval fleets or ground operations without being within direct enemy reach.

Defensive Armament

The Dreadnought’s enormous size and strategic importance make it a priority target for enemy fighters. To defend itself, it is equipped with 10 defensive turrets, ensuring comprehensive coverage from all angles.

Turret Placement:

• 1 turret on the cockpit

• 2 turrets under the wings

• 2 turrets on the wings

• 4 turrets on the body

• 1 turret on the tail

• Turret Weapons: Each turret is armed with 2× M2 Browning Machine Guns, capable of providing rapid suppression fire against enemy aircraft. This defensive grid transforms the Dreadnought into a self-sufficient fortress, though it still benefits from fighter escorts during high-risk operations.

Role and Significance

The Dreadnought’s primary mission is to deliver devastating firepower in support of naval and ground forces, operating well outside the range of conventional enemy defenses. Its long-range guns make it a game-changing asset, capable of turning the tide in maritime engagements or suppressing heavily fortified positions on land.

Despite its formidable capabilities, the Dreadnought is not invincible. Its size and relatively low speed make it vulnerable to determined fighter attacks, highlighting the need for coordinated operations with friendly air cover. However, its introduction would have redefined the concept of fire support during the World War II era, pushing the boundaries of what aerial warfare could achieve.

Photo Gallery:

Controls:

AG1> Right Guns
AG2> Left Guns
AG3> Gyro
Trim> Trim