Upload for Kenzar’s Fleet Reconnaisance Floatplane Challange

Lore: In 1931 the SP Navy was looking for a replacement for the antiquated NR-1F, and set out a set of specifications for a new modern Naval Recon Floatplane. The specifications were to reach 200 mph, have a service ceiling of 15,000 ft, have a fixed forward firing gun and a flexible rear gun, have capability to hold 500 lbs in ordinance, can use the current catapult on Battleships, Destroyers, Merchant ships, and Carriers, and able to loiter for 2 hours above a Naval battle. There were plenty of entries, but the XNR-4F, or Model FP-22 in SchArCo’s inventory, was by far the best option, and was adopted as the NR-4F in 1933. It had all the specifications required, and more, with having a rear turret for defense with two .30 caliber machine guns, a modern Long Range Radio, and a bomb bay with the capability to hold the Mk. 3 Small Diameter Torpedo, a 500 lb bomb, droppable life rafts, mines, or a large fuel tank for extended range and ferrying. The Rotertech R14 14 cylinder engine would propel it easily over the 200 mph request, and its single supercharger would allow it to easily go over the required service ceiling. It would be nicknamed the Petrel, after the seafaring bird, and was beloved by its crew. It would eventually be replace by the NR-8F in 1943 but would still be used in minor roles until 1946. The NR-4F would be used for multiple roles, including reconnaissance, artillery observation, Search and Rescue, small transportation, mine laying, and even coastal bombing runs. Due to the lack of combat engagements and high production numbers, plenty would survive today in museums and civilian sectors.

Activate Groups:
AG1: Fold Wings
AG2: Open Bomb Bay
AG3: Open Canopy/Turret Door
AG4: Activate Turret
AG5: Position Lights
AG6: Navigation Lights