Operation Instructions:

(1) toggles camera gimbal (default: off). (2) manually discharges pylon-mounted systems (3) toggles hover mode (default: off). (8) toggles flight control system (default: on). VTOL + UP to control main rotor pitch.

Summary

The Bandit Helicopters MQ-136 DASH II is a Paternian helicopter-type UAV designed to enhance the air-surface and anti-submarine capabilities of smaller warships. Reflecting these capabilities, the type is known as the Direct Action Shipborne Helicopter, or DASH. To prevent confusion with its predecessor, the Drone Anti-Submarine Helicopter (DASH), a Roman numeral "II" suffix has been added.

Capabilities:

The MQ-136 DASH II is a potent tool in providing surveillance and over-the-horizon monitoring for warships of the Paternian Navy. While less capable in this regard compared to the SH-90 Lynx, the DASH II is much smaller.

This means it can be employed from vessels that normally would not be able to accommodate an aircraft, such as the Niihau-class and upcoming Ohia-class corvettes. On ships that can accommodate the Lynx, two DASH II can be stowed in the space necessary for one Lynx.

Electronics:

The type is fitted with compact but powerful AN/ZPY-215 X-band synthetic aperture radar, giving it photographic-level imaging quality that allows it to detect submarine periscopes over 100 nautical miles away.

With a cruising speed of 100 knots and an endurance of 8 hours, the type can provide regular monitoring of surface threats with great efficiency.

Armament:

Much is made of the DASH II's surveillance capabilities, but the helicopter can carry potent armaments on its two hardpoints, such as a pair of Mk 46/Mk 54 anti-submarine torpedo, two 70mm rocket pods, or four AGM-114 Hellfire missiles mounted on twin mount pylons.

It can also mount non-offensive stores, such as additional sensors, storage pods with a 100kg capacity each, or other future systems.

Operators:

• Paternian Republic
  
  
  
  • Paternian Navy