Description

The Corvus or Azure Corvus, designated as OA-5 (BDU-33A2), is a light attack and reconnaissance aircraft developed primarily for counter-insurgency (COIN) and close air support (CAS) operations. Designed to be operating at low to medium altitude with higher loiter time and adaptable firepower, the Corvus was developed by collaboration between Luxembourg’s BlackGearCompany and Germany’s NochAviation GmbH. The design began in 1980 and completed at the end of 1999, with production started that same year. As of 2024, over 265 units have been produced and remain in active service with the United States, Kazakhstan, Germany, and at least six other nations.

Technically, the Corvus is a fixed-wing aircraft with Pratt & Whitney PT9A-28C-BGC turboprop engines and a six-blade counter-rotating twin propeller system, which provides thrust more than enough for speed and stability when in combat and certain situation. With a gross weight around 6,000 kilograms, the aircraft has a wingspan of 13.4 meters and a fuselage length of 12.1 meters, and an overall height of 4.6 meters. Designed for a crew of one to two people depends on the variant itself, the aircraft is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 710 km/h in regular operations, and up to 1,090 km/h in extreme conditions. The combat range is around 900 km, but can be extended to 2,100 km when unloaded and with maximum fuel efficiency settings. The aircraft itself is capable of operating at altitudes between 10,500 and 12,000 meters, though it is most effective in sustained low-level combat runs and overwatch patrols.

As of for armament, the OA-5 is equipped with two G35-M 35mm autocannons fixed to each wing, each carrying 150 rounds of ammunition. In addition, the aircraft has seven hardpoints—four under the wings and one under the main fuselage—capable of carrying various additional weapon configurations. Options include up to 27mm cannon pods, 70mm rockets in two pods, Guardian air-to-air missiles, and four Gravestone ATGM missiles for ground targets. For strike operations, the Corvus can carry up to four DB-200 200-pound unguided bombs, suitable for area denial or saturation bombing in permissive environments. However, the same pylon configuration is also compatible with modern small diameter bombs (SDBs), enabling precision strike capability when required. This dual-use flexibility allows operators to tailor the OA-5’s loadout for both conventional ground attack and high-accuracy CAS missions, depending on battlefield conditions and rules of engagement. With its balance of survivability, firepower, and endurance, the Corvus continues to serve as a reliable COIN and CAS platform in dynamic combat theaters.

Control

• Basic SP control
• AG1 – Wing fold
• AG3 – Avionic lights
• AG2 – AG8 : N/A

Overview

Name : Azure/Corvus
Nomenclature : OA-5 (BDU-33A2)
Place Origin : Luxembourg & Germany
Type : Attack reconnaissance aircraft
In Service : 2001 – Today
Designed : 1980 – 1999
Manufactured : 1999 - Today
Operator : USA, Kazakhstan, Germany and +6 countries.
Manufacturers : BlackGearCompany and NochAviation GmbH
Partnership : -
Number Built : 265+ (2024)

Specification

Mass : 6,000 Kg
Wingspan : 44.1ft (13.4m)
Length : 39.5ft (12.1m)
Height : 15.0ft (4.6m)
Crew : 1 - 2
Powerplant : Turboprop Pratt & Whitney PT9A-28C-BGC
Propellers : 6-bladed contra-rotating
Maximum Speed : 710km/h
Maximum Reachable Speed : 1090kmh
Operational Range : 900km (Combat), 1250km (Low payload + External fuel), 2100km (No payload + Extreme fuel efficiency)
Operational Ceiling : 10,500m – 12,000m

Armaments

• Internal: (2x) 35mm autocannon designated as G35-M, fixed mounted on each wing with 150 rounds per G35-M
• Gun Pod: Anything fits up to 27mm autocannon.
• Hardpoints: 7 (4 under wings and 1 under fuselage centerline)
• Rockets: (2x) pods 70mm
• Missiles: Air-to-Air, 2 Guardian. Air-to-Ground, 4 Gravestone ATGM
• Bombs: (4x) 200lbs bomb DB-200

Quote

"I am free and that is why i am lost."

–Franz Kafka–

Gallery

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Weiss Camo

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