For sheer tactical versatility, there's not much that can beat an aerodyne. They can go anywhere that's above water, they can land in an area twice their size (which is a fairly small area), they can hover and perform all manner of vectored thrust maneuvers, they're faster than helicopters, and they can carry more armor.
However, there is a down side to AVs. Their mode of transport, vectored thrust from one or two jets, makes them highly vulnerable to heat-seeking missiles, which home in on the heat signatures of the thruster ports. And if they lose thrust, they have no airfoil surfaces to allow them to glide to the ground - an AV without thrust is a rock. In addition, AVs are expensive fuel-hogs.
The advantages of AVs are considered to outweigh the drawbacks. They're a fixed part of military structures now, same as Hummers and tanks.
Arasaka AV-26 Savage | ||
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Arasaka's newest fast attack aerodyne. A very sleek sexy AV, testament to the worlds resolve on move aerodynes away from the their flying bus stereotype. Unfortunately in the case of this new style of AV it also provides a larger target due to the long wingspan and large ducted fans. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Arasaka AV-38 Beluga | ||
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A heavy cargo/transport aerodyne from Arasaka. Sold all over the world in both commercial and military markets. Special Equipment : |
Arasaka PDAV-1 Flanker | ||
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The next step in short range mini-aerodynes. The Flanker is faster than anything in its class, outperforming the AV-32 in every way. Newly on the market outside of military use, the PDAV-1 already has orders from Tokyo and Night City for their police departments. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
AV-6 Combat Aerodyne | ||
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The standard military AV, the AV-6 is not much more than a truly military version of the AV-4. It handles a little better, and has heavier armament. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
AV-8 Assault Aerodyne | ||
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The AV-8 is constructed as the state-of-the-art aerodyne gunship. It does a fair job in that role, although there have been complaints that its loiter time is insufficient. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
AV-9 Multi-Purpose Aerodyne | ||
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The AV-9 is known as a jack-of-all-trades machine, due to its modular exterior pod design. The basic AV-9 consists of hull and engines. The meat of the AV is the module that fits beneath the framework; the pod can be for assault, troop or cargo transport, command, medevac or aid station, ECM/EW, etc. The AV-9 is expensive, but its enormous versatility makes it a valuable asset to any force. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Bell-Boeing AV-25 Colossus | ||
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This is the largest AV in existance. Like the helicopter and the bumblebee scientifically this plane should not be able to fly, yet id does and it flies well. Used primarily as a cargo/paratroop mover able to carry either ten tons of cargo or 32 paratroopers, there is a "B" version which acts as a long range bomber. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
BMW VFTV-7 | ||
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The EDF's perimeter defense aerodyne. It makes use of both a vented duct for vertical thrust and jet engines for forward momentum. It is also capable of amphibious landing, making it ideal for marine duty. The anti-armor 30 mm cannon swivels 360 degrees and is linked to a state of the art targeting system. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
British Aerodynamics-EEC AV-20 Blackhammer | ||
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British light assault AV designed to supplement her own forces as well as those of the EEC. The AV-20 series of aerodynes represent a new concept in AV's, by making use of large ducted fans for lift instead of relying solely on jet turbines, the downside to this is that it creates a large target, and usually there is only a single fan, so if it knocked out then the AV looses all lift and crashes to the ground like a rock. However the idea has taken off and both the Europeans and Americans are experimenting with this design. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
EEC Airjeep | ||
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The EEC's combined efforts are responsible for the Airjeep. And like most team efforts, the result is a compromise of the lowest common denominator - it's slow, reliable, ugly, functional, and cheap. And why does it bear an uncanny resemblance to Germany's old Kubelwagen ? Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
EEC AV-37 | ||
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Another workhorse of the EDF, heavily armed and armored. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
EEC-MIL AV-32 Assault Cossack | ||
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This is the EEC and Russian joint project version of the Police AV-32. A bit faster than the American version, with a comparable armament. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Fiat AV-49 Honey Bee | ||
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European police, looking for an alternative to Firebee minichoppers and AV-32's wanted something just as small, but without leaving the pilot so horribly exposed. Fiat answered their request with the Honey Bee. Only slightly larger than an AV-21 (but with a smaller profile), this vehicle is currently serving all over Europe and gaining popularity worldwide. The canopy protecting the operator from the elements is a godsend to police used to Firebees and AV-32's. And its 5,56 mm cannon provides more than enough punch to get their point across. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Fiat-EEC AV-21 Mud Diver | ||
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Originally designed by the Italians for European police forces to fill the same role as the American "Firebee". The Mud Diver has found a niche in the EEC as a light patrol aerodyne and perimeter defense unit. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Grummen AV-33 Assault Paladin | ||
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This is the military version of the Police AV-33. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Harley Davidson Palomino | ||
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While this is really more a hover than an AV, it does mark Harley Davidsons first attempt with this technology. Designed for military police and personal transport. A stripped down version is also available to the public for 90000 eb. Unlike the Benson "Violator", this bike can only raise 4 feet off the ground, it does however use small jet thrusters to stay aloft as apposed to the ducted fans of the Violator. Special Equipment : |
Lockheed Martin Racefire | ||
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Fast as hell, this AV is a nightmare to pilot and only the most daring would even attempt it. Piloting basically is more akin to straddling a missile with handlebars and lots of prayer. Developed as an interceptor/chase vehicle for military police and special forces, it has yet to pick up any major contracts. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
MIL AV-42 Thug | ||
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Russia's premiere combat aerodyne. It is more heavily armed and armored than anything in its class, it is also faster and more manoeuvrable than it has any right to be. Not only are these the staple of the Russian military, they also sell them to the highest bidder. China has bought hundreds. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Militech AV-13 Packhorse | ||
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A lightly armed cargo/bomber AV from Militech. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Militech AV-15 Lucifer | ||
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This is a heavy assault aerodyne, designed for anti-personnel and anti-armor roles. The Lucifer boasts a massive array of weapons and is to be feared on the battlefield. Note : after the missiles are depleted the pods can be discarded, the wings then retract closer into the plane creating a smaller target. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Militech AV-23 Cicada | ||
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A very large cargo and transport aerodyne with an extremely long distance range. Usually carrier based by the US government and used to transport goods and personnel to remote locations, such as arctic outposts or deep jungle situations. While heavily armed, it is slow and lumbering, and usually an escort is recommended if entering a Hot Zone. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Militech AV-43 Trolly | ||
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This aerodyne from Militech was built specifically to haul squads of ACPA to the drop zone. High power winches raise and lower the ACPA for drop off and extraction. The vehicle is not usually armed, and the ACPA are exposed during transport, but the AV is relatively inexpensive, making it a popular choice. Corporations operating in hard to reach areas who must utilize ACPA also are fond of this vehicle and so it sells very well. Special Equipment : |
Militech HAAV-12 AV-10 | ||
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Militech's upgraded version of the popular AV-8 assault aerodyne. Armed to the teeth and ready for battle. It contains a big enough hold for a full assault team and their gear and its offensive capabilities ensure they will get in and out safely. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Militech HAAV-13 AV-10 | ||
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Built on the same frame as a HAAV-12, the HAAV-13 is a more dedicated troop mover. While still heavily armed, it is not a laden with weapons as its counterpart. It doesn't need to be, as it's only purpose is to act as a drop/extraction vehicle. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Militech MATV AV-10 | ||
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The MATV is the US armed forces version of a Trauma Team vehicle. Used for medical emercency evacs. The equipment on board is equal to that of any field hospital or trauma ward. The HAAV-12 chassis is perfect for its role and, in an emergency, the vehicle can perform as a fully functional MASH unit. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
PZL HG3-A2 | ||
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PZL's second foray into the aerodyne market. This one man AV sled was built for military perimeter defense and police deterence, but an unarmed civilian model is also available. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |
Saab AV-22 | ||
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A large, if fairly generic, corporate AV, ideal for both transport and cargo. Still the SAAB reputation lives on and this vehicle performs excellently. Special Equipment : |
UN HAV-22 | ||
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The HAV-22 is the UN heavy combat aerodyne, and is filled to overflowing with ordinance. It is used primarily as a troop hauler and air support vehicle. Special Equipment : Weaponry : |