Scandian Aerial Fighters

Scandian aerial fighters are operated both by the air forces (SLCM-Air) and the Navy (SLCM-Sea). Overall, SLCM-Sea is considered to have better craft; carriers and carrier aviation are a major strength of Scande's naval forces. SLCM-Air , on the other hand, is often regarded merely as an extension of the ground forces, with the primary duty of air defense. SLCM-Air's bombers are typically only used against opponets with no significant air capability of their own.

SLCM-Air

Dragonwing Interceptor

A small, stripped-down, fast interceptor. It has 2 supervolt coils as its armament. Cramped even for one pilot, the Dragonwing presents a small target profile. It is impaired by its lack of missiles, however, and has short range that keeps it from being an effective escort. The supervolt coils have short range, and the Dragonwing must get in close to do its work. It is light enough to take off from a small airfield, however, which allows for field deployments as the Assault Engineers are capable of rapidly plowing a field. Given the level of effort that went into reducing the signature of SLCM’s ground vehicles, it is shocking that the Dragonwing has not received the same treatment. Ostensibly, the thermal baffles would mess with the aerodynamics. SLCM-Air has asked for a new, stealthier fighter; they have been denied.

Valiant Medium Bomber

With two turbofans and broad wings, the Valiant is a solid design. The fuselage contains an antipode Vulcan fro ground strafing, and the wings have ample room for several thousand pounds of bombs. Like the Dragonwing the Valiant is a rugged aircraft capable of short take off. Usually makes strikes behind enemy lines on important facilities and roads. However, during and after the Leviathan War production of the Valiant all but stopped, and ninety percent of SLCM-Air’s aircraft output went to Dragonwings. Air defense, not ground attack, is the SLCM’s priority.

SLCM-Sea Aircraft

Dragonwing II Air Superiority Fighter

The Dragonwing II is slightly longer than the original, which allowed forward canards to be added. These were mainly added for the purpose of mounting two short-range dog fighting missiles. Initially it was believed that the change would wreak havoc with the design, but improvements in engine output negated the downside. The Dragonwing maintains its supervolt coils, but the addition of missiles makes this a much better dogfighter. SLCM-Air has asked to be provided with the Dragonwing II. The request has thus far been unfunded.

Bloodhawk Jumpjet

This is perhaps the best aircraft in Scande’s inventory. A large, bulbous craft with Very Short Take Off and Landing(VSTOL), the Bloodhawk is built around a ducted tubrofan that allows it to take off and land nearly vertically as well as hover. The Bloodhawk has no cannon, based entirely on its load of missiles. Each of its six mounts has room for either an air-to-air missile, a heavy air-to-ground missile, or a pack of four short-range wire-guided anti-tank missiles, or a two-pack of laser guided bombs. The Bloodhawk is used in a variety of roles, including air to air combat and ground attack. Interestingly, it is the only Scandian aircraft to gain access to the excellent night/thermographic vision sensor package used on almost all SLCM-Ground vehicles. Ostensibly it is because it was the only design created with space for the electronics in mind. SLCM-Air has asked for Bloodhawk jumpjets. The request has gone unfunded so far.