Aircraft of the Commonwealth Air Force

The Commonwealth Air Force is probably the more visible aspect of the Commonwealth's military in Alyeska, its aircraft can be seen in the skies and at countless airfields across the Continent. Many different types of aircraft are operated by the CAF ranging from fighters through to transports and heavy bombers as well as the Commonwealth's military skyships. This week we'll take a look at the aircraft the CAF uses in Alyeska.

Fighters

Hornet

The Hornet is the CAF's interceptor, its job is to simply engage the enemy as quickly as possible. As such it is built for speed and a mean punch with its 20mm autocannons, but it lacks in armour and so is bit of a glass jaw fighter.

Acc/TS: 25/170; Toughness: 10 (2); Crew: 1; Climb: 2; Handling: +1; Notes: Light Fighter
Weapons: 2x 20mm autocannon (50/100/200, 3d8, ROF 3, Bursts 10, AP4)

Kestral

More of a brawler compared to the Hornet, the Kestral is the Commonwealth's main frontline fighter.

Acc/TS: 20/140; Toughness: 12 (3); Crew: 1; Climb: 1; Handling: +0; Notes: Medium Fighter
Weapons: 4x .50-cal MG (50/100/200, 2d10, ROF 4, Bursts 14, AP3)

Drake

The Drake is designed and operated as a ground attack fighter, typically used in pinpoint strikes. It is a heavy twin-engined aircraft crewed by a pilot and gunner.


Acc/TS: 20/120; Toughness: 13 (3); Crew: 2; Climb: 0; Handling: -1; Notes: Heavy Fighter, Improved Targeting (+1 on Shooting rolls), Turret (rear mounted .30-cal MG)
Weapons: 2x 20mm autocannon (50/100/200, 3d8, ROF 3, Bursts 10, AP4)
2x rockets (50/100/200, 3d8, ROF 1, AP8, SBT)
1x .30-cal MG rear mounted (30/60/120, 2d8, ROF 3, Bursts 20, AP2)

Bombers

Firefly

Fireflies formed the mainstray of the CAF's light bomber force in Alyeska, they also get used on alot of recon and patrol sorties.

Acc/TS: 20/120; Toughness: 12 (2); Crew: 4; Climb: 0; Handling: -1; Notes: Light Bomber, Turrets x2, Extra Fuel Tanks
Weapons: 2x .50-cal MG nose turret (50/100/200, 2d10, ROF 4, Bursts 14, AP3)
2x .50-cal MG rear turret (50/100/200, 2d10, ROF 4, Bursts 14, AP3)
8x Medium bombs (4d8, AP20, MBT)

Valiant

Other than skyships the Valiant four-engined heavy bomber is arguably the most powerful aircraft the CAF processes, though they are deployed to Alyeska in limited numbers with there currently being only two squadrons comprised of twelve Valiants each.

Acc/TS: 10/100; Toughness: 14 (2); Crew: 7; Climb: -1; Handling: -2; Notes: Heavy Bomber, Turrets x3, Extra Fuel Tanks
Weapons: 2x .50-cal MG nose turret (50/100/200, 2d10, ROF 4, Bursts 14, AP3)2x .50-cal MG rear turret (50/100/200, 2d10, ROF 4, Bursts 14, AP3)
2x .50-cal MG dorsal turret (50/100/200, 2d10, ROF 4, Bursts 14, AP3)
20x Medium bombs (4d8, AP20, MBT) or 10x Large bombs (5d8, AP40, LBT)