AV-1 Merlin- MAIN

Caution, massive technobabble wall ahead.

 

The Merlin is a medium gunship boasting state-of-the-art armament and armor. Its main weapon is a extremely high-power laser, capable of penetrating through most enemy armor (barely visible under the fuselage). To deal with the massive quantities of heat the laser puts out during operation, as well as to protect its delicate electronics, the weapon retracts into the body of the gunship when not being fired, protecting it and allowing it to be rapidly cooled between bursts. In addition, the Merlin has four hardpoints for extra fuel, jammers, or missiles- this model is carrying a full load of 12 self-guided bunker-buster missiles. Finally, it has two 30mm cannons (because it's totally not OP already).

 

The coaxial rotors and the two engines give the Merlin more manuverability and acceleration than a comparable VTOL hovership would. Top speed does suffer, however. A crew of two flies the Merlin, and they are kept informed by the large radar array in the nose.

 

Speed- 2

Maneuverability- 3

Armor- 5

Firepower- 5

Range- 4

Technology- 2

Cargo- 1

Total (out of maximum 30)-

Cost (total)- 22

 

 

This has been under construction for about two weeks. Built the cockpit first, then spent a while trying to build a cargo bay for troop transport. I eventually gave up on troop transport and added the engines onto the doors, then built the rest of the fuselage and the weapon pylons. The rotors came next- I realized that with nothing on top to balance out the sloping engines, it looked like a lumpy tan penguin trying to skydive. The folding laser was the final addition, when I realized I had a ton of empty space to use up inside but still no way for troops to get in. I'm quite happy with the way everything turned out here, especially the cockpit. BTW, cockpit creds go to someone, I think Andrew Somers, and the radar design is from Rancorbait. Hope you enjoyed!

 

 

PS: This will probably be available for export/files at some point.

Done