The Sukhoi Su-27 heavy air superiority fighter - codenamed 'Flanker' by NATO - was designed during the Cold War as a Soviet counter to potential Western opponents such as the US Air Force's F-15 Eagle. It first flew in 1977. Service entry began during 1985, and when the 'Flanker' started appearing at Western air displays in the hands of Sukhoi test pilots, starting at Paris in 1989, it astounded spectators with its manoeuvrability.This SU 27 is on the strength of the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, based at Myrhorod in central Ukraine.

c/n 100-03.

Built 1980.

NATO codename ‘Curl’.

Last reported as being operated from the 1449th AvB at Tambov.

On static display at the Aviation cluster of the ARMY 2017 event.

Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

24th August 2017

c/n 36911026414.

NATO codename ‘Flanker-B’.

The SM variant is the mid-life update of the initial production Su-27S.

On static display at the Aviation cluster of the ARMY 2017 event.

Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

24th August 2017

c/n unknown.

NATO codename ‘Havoc-B’.

Operating unit - unknown.

Seen after displaying as part of the Berkuty team (Golden Eagles) during the ARMY 2017 event.

Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

23rd August 2017

Operation Ashbourne Codename "Coronation", 7th May 2023.

Hahaha, no I'm not done my entry, but I did like this part of it, given I'm doing my entry step by step for Draven.

So yeah, this is for the Codename contest, and given my little agent is a hacker, couldn't skip that part.

The XCR-48, codenamed "Typhoon", is a classified project under development in the Northern Coalition by Fasir & Barrow Armaments, Incorporated. It fires 3.5mm caseless flechette darts with a micro-explosive embedded in the tip, giving it impressive stopping power. As well, the weapon's small caliber gives it minimal recoil, allowing for sustained automatic fire on the target. Combined with a light weight, the major downside of this rifle is that the ammo is very expensive. This, combined with a lower-than-average lifespan of the parts, has relegated the Typhoon Project to the back-burner of Coalition military spending.

This isn't exactly a WIP, but I have some more plans for this weapon, if it is received well. If you were wondering, it was inspired by the Combat Rifle from Deus Ex: Human Revolution. Comments, suggestions, praise, etc... Are all welcome. Thanks for stopping by, y'all come back now, ya hear?

A Victorian special operations task force was assigned to ambush an exchange of radioactive material and capture a high value individual (HVI) codename Panther, a Russian arms dealer. Although Team 8 form the task force has setup an ambush to intercept the radioactive material and capture Panther, the arms dealer arrived at the exchange in a BTR armored personnel carrier along with a Russian Spetsnaz unit. A strategic decision was made for Team 8 to stand down, fearing a direct engagement with Russian troops.

Although Panther was allowed to escape, the task force had a "bump plan" to intercept the radioactive material. The Advanced Force Operations teams continued to track the vehicles carrying the radioactive material. As the vehicles entered the Great Desert, Team 7 performed a heliborne interception.

Team 7 successfully intercepted the two vehicles and the two insurgents immediately surrended. The team also captured the radioactive material. Once the team had secured the radioactive material, the entire task force exfil from the area.

Based on the gear, weapons, and movement of the Spetsnaz unit, the task force believed that it was a top tier unit. The fact that Panther was under the close protection of a top tier unit at the exchange, intelligence believed that Panther is not merely a Russian arms dealer but a Russian intelligence agent. Although the TF did not capture Panther at the exchange, it did further the CATF’s understanding of his role. The TF also successfully prevented radioactive material to fall into the hands of the insurgents and prevented their plot in building dirty bombs threatening Victoria and her allies. The mission was deemed a success.

- The End -

Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious.

Omaha Beach - Widerstandsnest 62 - Easy Red Sector, Normandy, France

German type H-669 Bunker, Atlantic Wall, Colleville-Sur-Mer

Omaha Beach

Omaha beach is a stretch of beach roughly 5 miles or 8 km. long between Vierville-sur-Mer and Ste Honorine des pertes on the coast of Normandy. It was one of the five designated landing areas for the biggest invasion ever during WWII in the summer of 1944.

Omaha was divided into ten sectors by the Allies; codenamed (from west to east): Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog Green, Dog White, Dog Red, Easy Green, Easy Red, Fox Green and Fox Red.

On june 6, 1944 -D-Day - the initial assault on Omaha was to be made by two Regimental Combat Teams (RCT), supported by two tank battalions, with two battalions of Rangers also attached. The RCT's were part of the veteran 1st Infantry division ("The Big Red One") and the untested 29th div.("Blue and Grey") , a National Guard unit.

The plan was to make frontal assaults at the "draws" (valleys) in the bluffs which dominate the coast in Normandy. Codenamed west to east they were called D-1, D-3, E-1, E-3 and F-1 . These draws could then be used to move inland with reserves and vehicles.

The German defenders were not stupid; they knew the draws were vital and concentrated their limited resources in defending them. To this end and lead by the famous "Desert Fox" Field-Marshall Erwin Rommel they built "Widerstandsneste" with AT guns, mortars, MG's in Tobruk's, trenches and bunkers. These were manned by soldiers of the German 716th and 352nd Infantry Division, a large portion of whom were teenagers, though they were supplemented by veterans who had fought on the Eastern Front . All in all some 1100 German soldiers defended the entire Omaha beach sector.

Preliminary bombardments were almost totally ineffective and when the initial waves landed at low tide they met with fiece opposition of an enemy well dug in and prepared. Most of the floating tanks (Sherman DD type) never made it to the beach due to the rough seas or were taken out by AT guns. Their role to support the infantry following them was reduced to almost zero before the battle even begun.

Casualties were heaviest amongst the troops landing at either end of Omaha. At Fox Green and Easy Red scattered elements of three companies were reduced to half strength by the time they gained the relative safety of the shingle, many of them having crawled the app. 300 yards (270 m) of beach just ahead of the incoming tide. Casualties were especially heavy amongst the first waves of infantry and the "gap assault teams" made by Combat Engineers - at Omaha these were tasked with blasting channels through the beach obstacles.

Situation at Dog Green and Easy Red by mid morning was so bad with nearly all the troops essentially pinned down on the beach gen. Eisenhower seriously considered to abandon the operation; in "First Wave at OMAHA Beach", S.L.A. Marshall, chief U.S. Army combat historian, called it "an epic human tragedy which in the early hours bordered on total disaster."

As the first waves of infantry, tanks and combat engineers landing directly opposite the "draws" were pinned down it was up to forces landing on the flanks of these strongpoints to penetrate the weaker German defences by climbing the bluffs. Doing this they had to overcome minefields and barbed wire as well as machinegun fire from German positions but they did and they were able to attack some key strongpoints from the side and the rear, taking them out by early afternoon.

This happened on several spots at Omaha and essentially saved the day: individual acts of initiative by lower ranked officers and courage like that of First Lieutenant Jimmy Monteith, who led a group of men to take one of the key German widerstandsneste and was killed in action, succeeded where a flawed plan failed. By the end of the day most of the German strongpoints had been taken and the battle was won - albeit at a terrible cost.

On the Photo

WN-62 is overlooking the Easy Red and Fox Green sectors of Omaha beach. It was 345 meters long by 320 meters wide and consisted of several blockhauses, "Tobruks" and trenches.This is the lowest of two type H-669 bunkers. In 1944 it was housing a Czech made 7.65 cm gun in a perfect position to enfillade the beach towards the west while being protected from the seaside. Note the damage visible on the bunker caused by naval gunfire.

When the US troops landed here on july 6; 1944, WN-62 was one of their most formidable obstacles . It was of strategic importance because it is overlooking the "Colleville draw"; one of the few places where armoured vehicles and troops would be able to penetrate the inland through the hills which form a natural barrier in this area. Fierce fighting from the early morning into the afternoon of d-day resulted in numerous casualties - especially on the US side. Elements of the First Infantry Division (The Big Red One) and Combat Engineers landed in the vicinity of the Colleville draw from H-Hour (06.30) when the tide was lowest and suffered heavy casualties crossing the obstacled beach which is very exposed from the MG nests and gun emplacements of this WN.

Click here for a (large) panorama shot taken from the exact position of the German MG42 which was responsible for many casualties on Easy Red and Fox Green

See my other Omaha beach photo's for more viewpoints, panorama shots and notes on the fighting

Shot with a Nikon D7000 . Tonemapped using two sets of three differently exposed (handheld) shots stitched together in photoshop, augustus 2012.

For a map of the eastern part of Omaha click here. The German WN's are marked as well as the Draws and beach sections.

My LEGO Iron Man Hulkbuster MOC has been brought straight out of 2015's biggest blockbuster 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron.' The Hulkbuster is fan-favourite from Stark's hall of armour.

The Mark XLIV Armour (codenamed Veronica, also known as the Hulkbuster) is Tony Stark's forty-fourth Iron Man suit. The suit was designed to match the incredible strength of the Hulk should he ever need to be taken out, being powered by over eleven Arc Reactors in order to grant the strength required for such a task. It's a modular suit this is operated from within while being linked to the Mark XLIII Armour. Using an independent propulsion system, each limb can fly to the user and automatically assemble into being composed of individual parts, the XLIV is still able to sustain extreme damage from the Hulk, unlike the XLII.

Iron Man strides forward to grapple with the green-skinned Avenger, leg pistons cranking and his right arm stretching out to make contact. While the resemblance to the classic Iron Man armour is readily apparent (especially in the dark red and pearl gold colour scheme), the Hulkbuster takes it to a whole new level with a towering frame, thick armour plating. The Iron Man Hulkbuster stands nearly over twice the size of the Hulk bigfig to tower over his allies and enemies alike. Stark's latest and greatest battle suit lumbers across a brick-like display base, punishing the ground with it's terrible weight. I believe the Hulkbuster is one of the most impressive display pieces I've ever designed.

This Hulkbuster MOC started when the initial pictures of the 'LEGO Marvel, Super Heroes - The Hulkbuster Smash' set were released. I understand that LEGO has to make their sets study and have plenty of play features to keep the kids entertained but as a movie accurate model it wasn't quite right: too simple and bulky. From then on I set myself a task to build a definitive Hulkbuster using the printed dome that is included.

My first goal was to get it in scale with the Hulk bigfig however when I approached the end of the design process I realised that it was slightly shorter than the LEGO Hulkbuster. After having a look at a few other LEGO Hulkbuster MOC's I realised that when using the printed dome piece at the scale of the Hulk would make the final model look chibi and not realistic; therefore I stuck with my outcome.

The inspiration for the presentation of the final model came from Kotobukiya's model statues of the Hulkbuster and the Hulk based on 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron' movie. I was originally going to just use the Hulkbuster since the Hulk bigfig is way too small and has very limited movement. I guess putting it in context and pairing it up with the Hulk bigfig creates a fierce battle scene!

Credit and a big thank you goes to Hot Toys for providing extensive views and details of their movie accurate model of the Hulkbuster which made possible to get it movie accurate as I could.

Adeel

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

December 1943.

Date26 December 1943 – 16 January 1944

Location

Cape Gloucester, New Britain, Territory of New Guinea

5°27′S 148°25′E

ResultAllied victory

Belligerents

United States

Australia Japan

Commanders and leaders

United States William H. Rupertus

United States William J. Whaling

United States Julian N. FrisbieEmpire of Japan Yasushi Sakai

Empire of Japan Iwao Matsuda

Units involved

1st Marine Division

1st Marine Regiment

5th Marine Regiment

7th Marine Regiment

11th Marine Regiment

17th Marine Regiment

65th Brigade

53rd Infantry Regiment

141st Infantry Regiment

4th Shipping Group

Casualties and losses

310 killed

1,083 wounded2,000 killed

Battle of Cape Gloucester is located in Papua New Guinea

New Britain campaign

The Battle of Cape Gloucester was fought in the Pacific theater of World War II between Japanese and Allied forces on the island of New Britain, Territory of New Guinea, between 26 December 1943 and 16 January 1944. Codenamed Operation Backhander, the US landing formed part of the wider Operation Cartwheel, the main Allied strategy in the South West Pacific Area and Pacific Ocean Areas during 1943–1944. It was the second landing the US 1st Marine Division had conducted during the war thus far, after Guadalcanal. The objective of the operation was to capture the two Japanese airfields near Cape Gloucester that were defended by elements of the Japanese 17th Division.

The main landing came on 26 December 1943, when US Marines landed on either side of the peninsula. The western landing force acted as a diversion and cut the coastal road near Tauali to restrict Japanese freedom of movement, while the main force, landing on the eastern side, advanced north towards the airfields. The advance met light resistance at first, but was slowed by the swampy terrain which channeled the US troops onto a narrow coastal trail. A Japanese counterattack briefly slowed the advance but by the end of December, the airfields had been captured and consolidated by the Marines. Fighting continued into early January 1944 as the US troops extended their perimeter south from the airfields towards Borgen Bay. Organized resistance ceased on 16 January 1944 when US troops captured Hill 660; however, mopping up operations in the vicinity continued into April 1944 until the Marines were relieved by US Army forces.

Background

Geography

Cape Gloucester is a headland that sits on the northern peninsula at the west end of the island of New Britain, which lies to the northeast of mainland New Guinea. It is roughly opposite to the Huon Peninsula, from which it is separated by Rooke Island with the intervening sea lane divided into the Vitiaz and Dampier Straits.[1] At the time of the battle it was part of the Territory of New Guinea. It is 230 miles (370 km) west of Rabaul, and 245 miles (394 km) northeast of Port Moresby.[2] The peninsula on which Cape Gloucester sits consists of a rough semi-circular coast, extending from Lagoon Point in the west to Borgen Bay in the east. At the base of the peninsula is Mount Talawe, a 6,600-foot (2,000 m) extinct volcano, which runs laterally east to west. Southwest of Talawe, a semi-active volcano, Langila, rises 3,800 feet (1,200 m), while further to the south, a second extinct volcano, Mount Tangi rises to 5,600 feet (1,700 m).[2] The area is densely vegetated with thick rainforest, sharp kunai grass and deep mangrove swamps. In 1943, there were only a few beaches suitable for landing operations and there were no roads around the coast along which troops and vehicles could quickly advance.[3]

Temperatures ranged from 72 to 90 °F (22 to 32 °C), with high humidity. Rainfall was heavy, especially during the northwest monsoon season that ran until February. Air operations in this period could be mounted from Finschhafen but after February, the climate there was expected to restrict air operations, which would have to be conducted from Cape Gloucester. The climate dictated the timetable for the Cape Gloucester operation.[4] In 1943, an Allied intelligence survey of the area estimated the local population around Cape Gloucester at around 3,000. There were numerous villages spread across four main areas: on the western coast, near Kalingi; on the western bank of the Itini River in the south; inland from Sag Sag and towards Tauali (on the western coast); and to the east of Mount Tangi, around Niapaua, Agulupella and Relmen. Prior to the Japanese invasion of New Britain in 1942, there had been two European missions around Cape Gloucester: a Roman Catholic mission at Kalingi and an Anglican one at Sag Sag.[5]

Before the war a landing ground had been established on the relatively flat ground that lay at the apex of the peninsula. Following the Japanese invasion of New Britain in early 1942, the landing ground had been developed into two airstrips (the larger of the two being 3,900 feet (1,200 m) long).[6] The area was assessed by Allied intelligence as largely being unsuitable for large-scale development, with reefs to the south, west and north hampering the movement of large vessels, and a lack of protected anchorages suitable for such vessels. The few areas suitable for such vessels were open to the sea and were not considered perennial, being affected by the changing seasons.[7] Nevertheless, small craft could operate along the coast,[7] and Borgen Bay had been developed into a staging area for barge operations between mainland New Guinea and the main Japanese base around Rabaul on the eastern end of New Britain.[6]

Strategic situation

By late 1943, the fighting in New Guinea had turned in the favor of the Allies after a period of hard fighting. The Japanese drive on Port Moresby during 1942 and early 1943 had been defeated during the Battle of the Coral Sea and the Kokoda Track campaign.[8] The Japanese beachhead at Buna–Gona was subsequently destroyed, albeit with many casualties.[9] The Japanese had been forced to abandon their efforts on Guadalcanal and the Allies had secured the Salamaua region.[10][11] The Allies then seized the initiative and implemented Operation Cartwheel, a series of subordinate operations aimed at the reduction of the Japanese base at Rabaul and the severing of lines of communication in the South-West Pacific Area,[12] as the Allies advanced towards the Philippines where operations were planned for 1944–1945.[13] The Australians had secured Lae by 16 September 1943 and operations to capture the Huon Peninsula had begun in earnest shortly after, to secure Finschafen before a drive on Saidor.[14] A secondary effort pushed inland from Lae through the Markham and Ramu Valleys, with the two drives eventually aiming towards Madang.[15][16] As Allied forces began to make headway on the Huon Peninsula, Allied attention then turned to securing their seaward flank on the other side of the Vitiaz and Dampier Straits.[17]

On 22 September 1943, General Douglas MacArthur issued orders for the invasion of New Britain, codenamed Operation Dexterity. This operation was conceived with several phases, with the broad Allied scheme of maneuver being to secure all of New Britain west of the line between Gasmata and Talasea on the north coast.[18] Within this scheme, Operation Backhander was a landing around Cape Gloucester aimed at the capture, and expansion of, two Japanese military airfields. This was to contribute to the increased isolation and harassment of the major Japanese base at Rabaul, which was subjected to heavy aerial bombing in October and November,[19] as part of ongoing efforts to neutralize the large Japanese garrison there without the need to assault it head on.[20] A secondary goal was to ensure free Allied sea passage through the straits separating New Britain from New Guinea. Amongst Allied commanders there was some debate about the necessity of invading New Britain. Lieutenant General George Kenney, the US air commander, believed that the landing at Cape Gloucester was unnecessary. He believed that it would take too long for the airfields to be developed and that the pace of Allied advance would ultimately outstrip their usefulness. Nevertheless, army and naval commanders felt it was necessary to secure convoy routes through the Vitiaz Strait to support operations in western New Guinea and to the north.[21][22]

The landing at Gasmata was later cancelled and replaced with a diversionary landing around Arawe, with the plan being to potentially establish a PT boat base there.[23] Believing that the Allies could not bypass Rabaul as they attempted to advance towards the Japanese inner perimeter and would seek to capture it as quickly as possible, the Japanese sought to maintain a sizeable force for the defense of Rabaul, thus reducing the forces available for the defense of western New Britain.[24]

Prelude

Opposing forces

Responsibility for the seizure of western New Britain was given to Lieutenant General Walter Krueger's Alamo Force.[25] For the Cape Gloucester operation, US planners assigned the 1st Marine Division (Major General William H. Rupertus) which had previously fought on Guadalcanal.[26][27] The operation would be the 1st Marine Division's second landing of the war.[28] Initial planning had envisaged an airborne landing from the 503rd Parachute Infantry near the airfields in conjunction with a two-pronged seaborne landing either side of the cape, with two battalions of the 7th Marine Regiment advancing on the airfields from the beaches north of Borgen Bay, while another blocked ingress and egress routes along the opposite coast around Tauali. However, the airborne landing was later removed from the plan due to concerns about overcrowding of staging airfields and possible delays due to weather. To compensate, the size of the seaborne assault forces was increased.[29] The main force assigned to the assault was drawn from the 7th Marine Regiment (Colonel Julian N. Frisbie) reinforced by the 1st Marine Regiment (Colonel William J. Whaling). In addition, the 5th Marine Regiment (Colonel John T. Selden) formed the reserve. Artillery was provided by the 11th Marines (Colonel Robert H. Pepper and later Colonel William H. Harrison).[30] These troops were organized into three combat teams, designated 'A' to 'C': the 5th Marines formed Combat Team 'A'; the 1st Marines formed Combat Team 'B' and the 7th Marines were Combat Team 'C'.[31]

Staging areas for Operation Backhander

In mid-1943, elements of the 1st Marine Division had still been in Australia, where they had been withdrawn following the fighting on Guadalcanal. Around this time, preliminary landing rehearsals had been conducted around Port Phillip Bay, prior to the division's movement to the forward assembly areas in New Guinea in August and September; however, the majority of Allied amphibious assets were tied up with operations around the Huon Peninsula, which meant that only limited rehearsals could take place until after November 1943. The combat teams moved into three staging locations (Milne Bay, Cape Sudest and Goodenough Island) after which further practice landings were conducted around the Taupota Bay area, before they concentrated at Cape Sudest in the Oro Bay area, southeast of Buna in December 1943.[32][33]

The US troops were opposed by elements of the Japanese 17th Division (Lieutenant General Yasushi Sakai), which had previously served in China before arriving on New Britain in October and November 1943. These troops were known as "Matsuda Force", after their commander, Major General Iwao Matsuda and consisted of the 65th Brigade, with the 53rd and 141st Infantry Regiments and elements of the 4th Shipping Group. These troops were supported by field and anti-aircraft artillery, and a variety of supporting elements including engineers and signals troops. Just prior to the battle, there were 3,883 troops in the vicinity of Cape Gloucester.[34][35] Matsuda's headquarters had been at Kalingi, along the coastal trail northwest of Mount Talawe, within 5 miles (8.0 km) of the Cape Gloucester airfields but after the Allied bombardment prior to the battle, it had been moved to Egaroppu, closer to Borgen Bay. The headquarters at Kalingi was taken over by the Colonel Koki Sumiya, commander of the 53rd Infantry Regiment, which defended the airfields primarily with the regiment's 1st Battalion, supported by elements of two artillery battalions, a heavy weapons company and a battalion of anti-aircraft guns.[36] The 2nd Battalion, 53rd Infantry Regiment was in reserve around Nakarop,[37] while the 141st Infantry Regiment (Colonel Kenshiro Katayama) was positioned well to the south around Cape Bushing.[38] At the time of the fighting around Cape Gloucester, the effectiveness of these troops had been degraded by disease and lack of supplies, due to interdiction of the Japanese coastal supply barges.[39] Air support was available from the naval 11th Air Fleet and 6th Air Division.[40]

Preparations

The landing on Cape Gloucester was scheduled for 26 December. Prior to the operation, planners directed that a stockpile of supplies – enough for a month of combat operations – be built up around Oro Bay, and this was in place by 16 December and would be shuttled to Cape Gloucester by landing craft as required.[41] The day before, supporting operations began, when the US Army 112th Cavalry Regiment landed at Arawe on the south-central coast, to block the route of Japanese reinforcements and supplies from east to west and as a diversion from the Cape Gloucester landings.[42][39] The operation around Arawe succeeded in diverting about 1,000 Japanese troops from Cape Gloucester.[43]

For several months before the landings, the area around the airfields and the coastal plain between Cape Gloucester and Natamo, south of Borgen Bay, was bombed by Allied aircraft, mainly from the US Fifth Air Force.[44] Japanese entrenchments were destroyed and the airfields around Cape Gloucester were put out of action from November.[45][43] A total of 1,845 sorties were launched by US aircraft around Cape Gloucester, with the expenditure of almost 3,000,000 rounds of ammunition and 3,926 tonnes (3,926,000 kg) of bombs.[46] Diversionary air raids were also made by AirSols aircraft in the days before the assault, focused on the Japanese airfields around Rabaul, while naval aircraft bombed Kavieng. Raids were also launched against Madang and Wewak.[44] Meanwhile, the Allies undertook extensive aerial reconnaissance of the area, while ground teams of Marines, Alamo Scouts and Coastwatchers were landed at various locations except Borgen Bay over three separate occasions from PT boats between September and December 1943.[47][48]

Japanese defensive planning was focused upon holding the airfield sector. Bunkers, trenches and fortified positions were built along the coast to the east and west, with the strongest position being established to the southeast, to defend against an approach through the flat grasslands. A complex was also established at the base of Mount Talawe, affording a commanding view of the airfields, which were held by a battalion of infantry supported by service troops and several artillery pieces. To the east of the peninsula, the beaches around Silimati Point, which were bounded by heavy swamps, were largely left unfortified, the Japanese defensive scheme based on holding several high features, Target Hill and Hill 660 and maintaining control of lateral tracks, rapidly to move forces in response to an attack.[49]

Embarkation

The Allied plan called for a two-pronged landing at several beaches to the east and west of the peninsula, followed by an advance north towards the airfields at Cape Gloucester. Final rehearsals were carried out on 21 December after which the troops embarked on their vessels early on Christmas Day at Oro Bay and Cape Cretin, near Finschhafen. The convoy, designated Task Force 76 under Rear Admiral Daniel E. Barbey,[50] consisted of nine APDs, 19 Landing Craft Infantry (LCIs), 33 Landing Ship Tank (LSTs), 14 Landing Craft Mechanized (LCMs) and 12 Landing Craft Tank (LCTs), escorted by 12 destroyers as well as the task force flagship Conyngham, three minesweepers and two rocket-carrying DUKWs that were carried aboard the LCMs. These two amphibians would support the western landings, while two LCIs had been similarly modified to support the eastern landing.[51]

The troops were carried aboard the APDs, while the LSTs carried the heavy vehicles including bulldozers, tanks and trucks. In order to supply the force, a total of 20 days of supply of rations was detailed for assault troops, while the follow-on troops were to land with 30 days of supply. Both groups were to carry three units of ammunition resupply, while five days were needed for anti-aircraft weapons. Nevertheless, space was at a premium and in some instances, this could not be met. In order to speed up the unloading process and reduce congestion on the eastern beaches, a mobile loading scheme was devised with the supplies preloaded directly on 500 2.5-ton trucks. These vehicles would arrive on the beaches with the first echelon that would land the assault troops in the morning, and would be able to drive straight off the LSTs and unload their cargo at several dumps ashore before re-embarking on LSTs assigned to the second echelon that would land in the afternoon on the first day with the follow-on troops. Medical teams, including doctors and corpsmen, were assigned to each transport and some LSTs, and these personnel would form part of an evacuation chain that would see casualties transported back to Cape Sudest where an 88-bed floating hospital was established aboard an LST, which would serve as a casualty-receiving station prior to onward movement to base hospitals ashore.[41][52]

This force was escorted United States Navy (USN) and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) cruisers and destroyers from Task Force 74, under Rear Admiral Victor Crutchley of the Royal Navy. Maintaining a speed of 12 knots, the convoy proceeded through the Vitiaz Strait towards Cape Gloucester, traversing between Rooke and Sakar Islands. As they made their way towards their objective, Allied patrol boats operated to the north and western approaches, in the Dampier Strait and the southern coast of New Britain.[53][44] While heading towards their objective, the convoy was spotted by a Japanese reconnaissance plane as well as an observer around Cape Ward Hunt. As a result, their progress reported to Rabaul. However, the commander of the Japanese Southeast Area Fleet, Admiral Jinichi Kusaka, incorrectly assessed that the convoy was bound for Arawe instead, as reinforcements, and subsequently ordered a heavy air attack there instead of around Cape Gloucester with 63 Zero fighters and 25 bombers from Rabaul.[44][54]

Battle

The main operation began just after dawn on 26 December with a naval barrage on the Japanese positions on the cape followed by air attacks by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).[53][55] A total of 14 squadrons from the 1st Air Task Force under Brigadier General Frederick A. Smith, were provided for close air support, of which nine were bomber squadrons and five were attack. In addition, several fighter squadrons flew combat air patrols to negate the threat from Japanese aircraft: one squadron covered the approaching convoy, three would cover the landing beaches, and another would cover the seaborne elements that would withdraw in the afternoon.[56][51] These attacks and an aerial smoke screen were followed by the landing of the 1st Marine Division, at Yellow Beaches 1 and 2, to the east near Silimati Point and Borgen Bay, about 5 miles (8.0 km) southeast of the airfield and a diversion at Green Beach, to the west at Tauali, about 6.5 miles (10.5 km) from Cape Gloucester.[47] The main assault came at Silimati Point with only one battalion landing in the west.[57] After being transported aboard the APDs from Cape Sudest, the force came ashore aboard landing craft of various types including, LSTs and LCIs.[58]

The diversionary western landing at Tauali (Green Beach), on the Dampier Strait side of the peninsula was assigned to Landing Team 21 (LT 21), consisting of the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines with a battery of artillery from the 11th Marines. Escorted by two destroyers and two patrol boats, the force was embarked upon 31 landing craft of various types (five LCIs, 12 LCTs and 14 LCMs). They carried with them 20 days of rations and six units of artillery ammunition. After departing Oro Bay with the main convoy, this force had broken off around Finschhafen and proceeded on its own through the Dampier Strait.[59] After a preliminary naval and aerial bombardment around 07:30, the Japanese defenses around Green Beach were found abandoned. LT 21 experienced no opposition coming ashore, preceded by heavy preparatory fires including rockets fired from several amphibious vehicles.[60][43] The beachhead was established by 08:35 and all first day objectives had been secured by 10:00. Due to interference from the surrounding terrain, the Marines were unable to raise their divisional headquarters, and were instead had to relay messages through headquarters Sixth Army (Alamo Force).[61] By nightfall, the Marines had secured a perimeter and had cut the coast road, establishing a road block.[60] This prevented the Japanese from using it to reinforce their positions around the airfields, but a secondary route, to the east of Mount Talawe, remained open to the Japanese, having gone undetected by US intelligence.[62]

Shortly after the western landing, the Japanese dispatched two companies of the 53rd Infantry Regiment to respond.[63] In the days that followed, the Marines clashed with small groups of Japanese, and Japanese artillery and mortars fired on the US perimeter from Dorf Point. Patrol clashes increased until early morning on 30 December when the two companies of the 53rd Infantry attacked the Marines around Coffin Corner, exploiting the concealment of a heavy storm and darkness to launch a concentrated assault along a narrow avenue of approach between two defended ridges. Supported with mortars, machine guns and artillery, a five-hour firefight followed before the assault was turned back. Casualties amounted to 89 killed and five captured for the Japanese, against six Marines killed and 17 wounded. Following this, there were no further assaults on the western perimeter. Artillery fell on the position on 31 December, but was met counterbattery fire from the 11th Marines who labored to get their guns into action despite the terrain. Although the Japanese sought mainly to avoid contact as most withdrew to support the fighting on the east coast, patrol actions continued throughout early January 1944, when contact was established around Dorf Point with a company-sized patrol from the 5th Marines that had set out overland from the eastern lodgment. The wounded and heavy equipment were subsequently embarked on 11 January, having been hampered by poor weather previously, and LT 21 then collapsed its position, marching east towards the airfields, and on 13 January they linked up with the main body of US troops, who had captured the airfields in late December.[64]

Eastern landing and advance to the airfields

The remainder of Task Force 76 consisting of 9 APDs, 14 LCIs, and 33 LSTs were allocated to the eastern zone (Yellow Beaches 1 and 2).[51] The 7th Marines were to go ashore first and were tasked with securing the beachhead, while the 1st Marines – less the battalion assigned to the diversionary landing around Tauali – would follow them up after the initial assault, and would pass through their lines to begin the advance north towards the airfield.[65] The 5th Marines would remain embarked as a floating commander's reserve and would only be released on Krueger's orders.[66]

As the task force moved into position, the approaches to the beach were marked and cleared during the darkness, and at 06:00, an hour and 45 minutes prior to H-Hour, a heavy naval bombardment began, with the cruisers engaging targets around the airfields, as well as around the beaches and towards Target Hill. As H-Hour approached, the escorting destroyers also joined in the bombardment, followed by a carefully co-ordinated aerial bombing raid with five squadrons of B-24s, and one squadron of B-25s, attacking Target Hill.[67] The first wave of assault troops disembarked from the APDs and were loaded into 12 Landing Craft, Vehicle, Personnel (LCVPs): six were bound for Yellow 1 and the other six for Yellow 2. While the APDs withdrew, the LCVPs began their run to the shore. After the B-25s made a final strafing run over the beach, two rocket-equipped LCIs stationed to the flanks fired onto the beach defenses.[68]

Drifting smoke from the aerial bombardment of Target Hill, obscured the beaches and the approaches, and briefly hampered the landing with some troops coming ashore in the wrong spot. Nevertheless, the first wave made landfall around Yellow 1 one minute after H-Hour followed two minutes later at Yellow 2. There was no opposition in the vicinity of these two beaches, but the small group from the 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines which landed 300 yards (270 m) northwest of Yellow 1 by mistake came under fire from machine guns firing at maximum range from a number of bunkers after pushing through the thick jungle to locate the coastal trail. Throughout the morning, follow-up troops from the remainder of the 1st Marines came ashore and pushed through the 7th Marines, to begin the advance north towards the airfields. The landing area to the north of Borgen Bay, was surrounded largely by swamp, with only a small narrow beach along which the Marine infantry and their supporting Sherman tanks from the 1st Tank Battalion could advance towards the airfields. This slowed the advance inland and resulted in heavy congestion on the beaches, hampering the unloading process.[69][70]

After initially being diverted towards Arawe in the morning, Japanese aircraft, after refueling and rearming at Rabaul began attacking the Allied ships around the landing beaches around 14:30, resulting in the loss of the destroyer USS Brownson with over a hundred of her crew and casualties aboard the destroyers USS Shaw and Mugford. Nevertheless, around 13,000 troops and about 7,600 tons of equipment were pushed ashore during the first day of the operation on either side of the cape, and the attacking Japanese aircraft suffered losses to US fighters and ship-borne anti-aircraft fire.[71] Opposition in the main landing area was limited initially to rear-area troops that had been overrun but a hasty counterattack by the 2nd Battalion, 53rd Infantry Regiment (Major Shinichi Takabe), which had marched from Nakarop, lasted through the afternoon and evening of the first day, falling mainly against the 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines under Lieutenant Colonel Odell M. Conoley.[72][73] By the end of the day, the 7th Marines held the beachhead, while the 11th Marines had brought their artillery pieces ashore and the 1st Marines had begun a slow advance north, forced into a long column along the narrow trail.[69]

The following day the Marines advanced westward, pushing 3 miles (4.8 km) towards their objective, before reaching a Japanese blocking position, identified by the Marines as Hell's Point, on the eastern side of the airfields. This position was well concealed, and equipped with anti-tank and 75 mm field guns.[74][75] Teams from the 19th Naval Construction Battalion (designated as the 3rd Battalion, 17th Marines[76]) worked to improve the routes along which the US forces were advancing as large quantities of supplies were landed.[77] Amphibian landing vehicles were used to ferry ammunition forward,[78] but the volume of traffic, coupled with the heavy rain, churned up the narrow coastal road.[79] As a result, the movement of combat supplies forward from Yellow Beach, as well as evacuation of the wounded back from the engagement areas, proved difficult. On 28 December, a secondary landing beach – Blue Beach – was established about 4 miles (6.4 km) closer to the fighting to reduce the distance supplies had to travel ashore.[80] At the same time, the blocking position was attacked and US armor was brought up. Nine Marines were killed and 36 were wounded, while Japanese losses amounted to at least 266 killed.[81]

Suicide Creek, Aogiri Ridge, Hill 660

The 5th Marines, which had been in reserve for the initial landing, were landed on 29 December. There was some confusion during the landing due to a last minute change in orders for the regiment to land on Blue Beach instead of Yellow Beach 1 and 2. As a result, the regiment came ashore in both locations, with those who arrived on the Yellow Beaches route marching to Blue Beach or being ferried by truck.[82] After establishing themselves ashore, the 5th Marines carried out a flanking move to the south-west, while the 1st Marine Regiment continued to advance along the coast. By the end of the day, the Marines had broken through the Japanese defenses and were in control of most of the airfield.[39][83] Japanese air attacks ended on 29 December, when bad weather set in. This was followed by much US air activity around Rabaul, which prevented further air attacks on Cape Gloucester.[84] During the final days of December, the Marines overran the airfield and expanded their perimeter, incorporating Razorback Ridge, a key feature about 1,500 yards (1,400 m) to the south of No. 2 Strip running north to south.[85][86] In early January, Company E, from the 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines effected a link up with the western lodgment around Dorf Point on the western coast.[62]

Advance to Borgen Bay

In the weeks that followed the capture of the airfield, US troops pushed south towards Borgen Bay to extend the perimeter beyond Japanese artillery range. In this time, further actions were fought by the 5th and 7th Marines against the remnants of the 53rd Infantry Regiment and the 141st Infantry Regiment, which had undertaken a march north across difficult terrain from Cape Bushing, following the initial landings.[63] On 2 January, there was a sharp engagement around Suicide Creek, when the advancing Marines came up against a heavily entrenched defending force from the 53rd Infantry. Held up by strong defenses that were well concealed amongst the dense jungle, the Marines were halted and dug-in temporarily around Suicide Creek. The following day, a reinforced company from the Japanese 141st Infantry Regiment launched an unsuccessful counterattack on the US troops around Target Hill. This was followed by renewed fighting around Suicide Creek, as the Japanese put up a stubborn defense, which was eventually overcome with the assistance of tanks and artillery on 4 January.[87]

In the foreground Marines watch as a light tank climbs up the bank of creek in a jungle setting.

US troops cross Suicide Creek with tank support.

After reorganizing on 5 January, US troops secured Aogiri Ridge and Hill 150 on 6 January.[88] This was followed by an action towards the high ground around Hill 660.[89][90] Slowed by bad weather, rugged terrain and Japanese resistance, progress for the Marines around Hill 660 was slow. The position was finally secured on 16 January 1944 following three days of fighting in which 50 Marines and over 200 Japanese were killed. The capture of this position represented the end of Japanese defensive operations in the Cape Gloucester and Borgen Bay areas.[91] Following this, Matsuda withdrew with around 1,100 troops, ceding the area to the Americans, who captured his command post intact.[92]

Base development

The Base Engineer and his operations staff landed on 27 December 1943 and completed a reconnaissance of the two Japanese airfields by 30 December. They found that they were 3 feet (0.91 m) deep in kunai grass and that the Japanese had neither attempted to construct proper drainage nor to re-grade the airstrips. They decided not to proceed with any work on No. 1 Airstrip and to concentrate on No. 2. The 1913th Engineer Aviation Battalion arrived on 2 January, followed by the 864th Engineer Aviation Battalion on 10 January and the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion on 17 January. Work hours were limited by blackout restrictions imposed by the Task Force Commander, which limited work to daylight hours until 8 January 1944 and by heavy and continuous rain from 27 December 1943 until 21 January 1944, averaging 10 inches (254 mm) a week. Grading removed 3 to 6 feet (0.91 to 1.83 m) of material, mostly kunai humus, from two-thirds of the area. The subgrade was then stabilized with red volcanic ash that had to be hauled from the nearest source 8 miles (13 km) away. Marston Mat was then laid over the top but this did not arrive until 25 January 1944, resulting in further delay. By 31 January, 4,000 feet (1,200 m) of runway was usable and by 18 March a 5,200-foot (1,600 m) runway was complete. Natural obstacles prevented the runway being lengthened to 6,000 feet (1,800 m) as originally planned but there were four 100-by-750-foot (30 by 229 m) alert areas, 80 hardstands, a control tower, taxiways, access roads and facilities for four squadrons.[93]

A Beechcraft Model 18 had landed on the runway at Cape Gloucester in January, followed by a C-47. Lieutenant General Walter Krueger, the commander of Alamo Force, inspected the airstrip with Brigadier General Frederic H. Smith, Jr., on 9 January 1944. They estimated that the 8th Fighter Group could move in as early as 15 January. This did not prove feasible; the airbase was not finished and was at capacity with transport aircraft bringing in much-needed supplies. The 35th Fighter Squadron arrived on 13 February, followed by the 80th Fighter Squadron on 23 February. Heavy rains made mud ooze up through the holes in the steel plank, making the runway slick. This did not bother the 35th Fighter Squadron which flew nimble and rugged P-40 Kittyhawks but the P-38 Lightnings of the 80th Fighter Group found themselves overshooting the short runway. Major General Ennis C. Whitehead, the commander of the Fifth Air Force Advanced Echelon (ADVON), decided to move the 8th Fighter Group to Nadzab and replace it with RAAF Kittyhawk squadrons from Kiriwina.[94] No. 78 Wing RAAF began moving to Cape Gloucester on 11 March. No. 80 Squadron RAAF arrived on 14 March, followed by No. 78 Squadron RAAF on 16 March and No. 75 Squadron RAAF two days later. No, 78 Wing provided close air support for the 1st Marine Division, assisted the PT boats offshore and provided vital air cover for convoys headed to the Admiralty Islands campaign. Operations were maintained at a high tempo until 22 April, when No. 78 Wing was alerted to prepare for Operations Reckless and Persecution, the landings at Hollandia (Jayapura) and Aitape.[95]

To support air operations, 18,000 US barrels (2,100,000 l; 570,000 US gal; 470,000 imp gal) of bulk petroleum storage was provided, along with a tanker berth with connections to the five storage tanks, which became operational in May 1944. The 19th Naval Construction Battalion worked on a rock-filled pile and crib pier 130 feet (40 m) long and 540 feet (160 m) wide for Liberty ships. It was not completed before the 19th Naval Construction Battalion left for the Russell Islands, along with the 1st Marine Division, in April 1944. Other works included 800,000 square feet (74,000 m2) of open storage, 120,000 square feet (11,000 m2) of covered warehouse storage and 5,400 cubic feet (150 m3) of refrigerated storage; a 500-bed hospital was completed in May 1944 and a water supply system with a capacity of 30,000 US gallons (110,000 l; 25,000 imp gal) per day was installed. Despite problems obtaining suitable road surface materials, 35 miles (56 km) of two-lane all-weather roads were provided, surfaced with sand, clay, volcanic ash and beach gravel. Timber was obtained locally, and a sawmill operated by the 841st Engineer Aviation Battalion produced 1,000,000 board feet (2,400 m3) of lumber.[96]

Aftermath

Analysis and statistics

Casualties during operations to secure Cape Gloucester amounted to 310 killed and 1,083 wounded for the Americans.[90] Japanese losses exceeded 2,000 killed in the December 1943 to January 1944 period.[97] Ultimately, according to historian John Miller, Cape Gloucester "never became an important air base".[90] Plans to move Thirteenth Air Force units there were cancelled in August 1944.[98] In assessing the operation, historians such as Miller and Samuel Eliot Morison have argued that it was of limited strategic importance in achieving the Allied objectives of Operation Cartwheel.[99] Morison called it a "waste of time and effort".[3] Nevertheless, the airstrip played a vital role in supporting the Admiralty Islands operation commencing in February 1944 and as an emergency landing field for aircraft damaged in raids on Kavieng and Rabaul; it remained in use until April 1945. In June, the base at Cape Gloucester became part of Base F at Finschhafen.[98]

Elsewhere, US and Australian forces conducted the Landing on Long Island, 80 miles (130 km) to the northwest, where a radar station was established in December.[89] Alamo Force switched its attention to the landing at Saidor in January 1944 as part of the next stage of operations in New Guinea.[100] In mid-January, the 17th Division commander, Yasushi Sakai, sought permission to withdraw his command from western New Britain.[101] On 16 February, US patrols from Cape Gloucester and Arawe linked up around Gilnit.[102] A company from the 1st Marines landed on Rooke Island on 12 February aboard six LCMs to ensure it was clear of Japanese troops. After coming shore unopposed, the Marines sent out patrols to reconnoiter the island. Finding it abandoned, they returned to Cape Gloucester on the 20th [103] Commencing on 23 February, the Japanese forces sought to disengage from the Americans in western New Britain and move towards the Talasea area.[90] Marine patrols kept up the pressure, with several minor engagements being fought in the center of the island and along its north coast.[104]

Mopping up operations around Cape Gloucester continued throughout early 1944, although by February 1944 the situation had stabilized enough for US planners to begin preparations to expand the lodgment further east. In early March 1944, the Americans launched an operation to capture Talasea on the northern coast of New Britain, while following up a general Japanese withdrawal towards Cape Hoskins and Rabaul.[105][106] The 1st Marine Division was relieved around Cape Gloucester on 23 April 1944, and were replaced by the US Army's 40th Infantry Division,[107] which arrived from Guadalcanal.[108] A lull on New Britain followed as the US confined their operations largely to the western end of the island, having decided to bypass Rabaul, while the Japanese stayed close to Rabaul at the opposite end of the island.[109] Responsibility for operations on New Britain was later transferred from US forces to the Australians. In November 1944, they conducted the Landing at Jacquinot Bay for a limited offensive with the Battle of Wide Bay–Open Bay securing the bays, to confine the larger Japanese force to the Gazelle Peninsula, where they remained until the end of the war.[110]

Faction: Neutral

Name: Danielle Eriksson.

Codename: Mainframe.

Skills: Computer and Electronics specialist.

Nationality: Swedish.

Short Bio: Can and has hacked everything including your mums new smartphone!

Name: Robotic Offensive And Defensive Home/Office Guardian.

Codename: R.O.A.D.H.O.G.

Skills: Yet to be confirmed.

Nationality: Not applicable.

Short Bio: Built by Mainframe and Doc as a joint project. Weaponised after a close call security breach.

Name: Rosey Malone.

Codename: Doc.

Skills: Expert in all Sciences.

Nationality: American.

Short Bio: All though she is not a medical doctor, her knowledge in Biology is extraordinary and she has successfully acted as task force medic since it’s establishment without help from any medical professional.

An asset belonging to an intelligence officer from Victoria (codename Grayhawk) indicated that he was aware of the location of a Russian nuclear scientist (codename Pale Horse). The asset revealed that a Russian was seen being held captive in a market near Jannatabad, an insurgency stronghold.

Grayhawk hand selected six men from the combined task force, to conduct a covert “snatch” mission. The team changed in local apparels and drove into the market in two vehicles. The 6-man team scattered around the market to conduct covert reconnaissance and located a building guarded by insurgents. The team positioned themselves opposite of the target building and setup an observation post. After several hours of surveillance, the team positively identified Pale Horse in the building.

The team hastily devised a plan to capture Pale Horse. Just after nightfall, the team quickly advanced to the house, silently neutralized the guards, and captured Pale Horse. Without alerting the insurgents in the area, the team drove out of Jannatabad back to Coalition control area. The team was then extracted by helicopter and returned back to the main base.

Upon interrogation, Pale Horse revealed to the TF that he was held captive by a radical sect of Al-Asad. The new sect, named Al-Qatala, has broken off from Al-Asad and is aiming to pursue attacks against both Coalition and Russian force with violent and extreme means including the use of WMD. However, Pale Horse confirmed with the TF that the new sect does not have the technical knowhow in manufacturing WMD devices even if they were able to obtain those material. Intelligence agencies among allied nations assessed that this new sect is emerging as a new threat against both Coalition and Russian force in the region.

To be continued…

Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious.

c/n 10MK51403.

NATO codename ‘Flanker-C’

Operated by the 43rd Independent Naval Assault Aviation Regiment (OMShAP) Russian Navy, based at Saki.

Named ‘Irkutsk’, after the largest city in Siberia.

Seen landing after displaying at the ARMY 2017, event held at Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

23rd August 2017

NATO codename "Fishpot". The Russian Su-9 was a two-person attack mecha (one pilot and one navigator), utilising an antigrav (антигравитационный) engine which allowed the vehicle to hover a few inches above the regolith. These craft were thus restricted to the relatively flat terrain of the lunar maria. Owing to their compact design, the Fishpots could be aligned in a row to form a defensive wall against the American forces.

Got stuff today! The Winx Magic Collection arrived from Amazon and I picked up Sailor V at a book store. So excited to read these.

Magic Collection looks especially cute, so pumped to own more of the comics. And it's so jam-packed, I can't believe there are so many comics in this one book! I'm skipping the first 4 though since I've read them a billion times. Flipping through it the art is really nice! I think it's funny there's one based on Winx On Ice haha. And there's one page showing the members of the Winx Club and they included Roxy! I definitely don't think it means anything because like, as of Season 6 Roxy is quite obviously not part of the club and these were translated way before that, but still, it's funny and kinda cute. Viz, please make more of these!!

Aaaand I still can't get a clear answer on what exactly Sailor V IS but I'm gonna read it anyway. Seriously though, I know it's about Venus, and I think it's a prequel... but is it just a prequel? Is it a proto-Sailor Moon? Is it canon? Maybe the book will answer my questions but I kinda doubt it, it seems to just throw you in. Oh well, still looks fun!

After the VCS-Puma deployment and success nearly destroyed the advance of the GRF, they were pushed to the edge, and to defend their main R&D facility on Olympian ground, they were forced to activate their latest prototype, Codename: HADES, this mech is capable of medium range teleportation thru jumps over a parallel dimension, the drive that allows this is called the Hades’ key and both this and the energy core are based on the study of ancient relics that remained from the last civilization that lived in Olympia, the downside of this teleport skill is that the armor has to be a special alloy of superconductivity metal that is not very resistant to damage and no human is able to stand unharmed this travels, the pilots of HADES are bound to die soon after they leave the life support of the mech cockpit.

The core generates excess energy that has to be vented thru the chest and head, and it is armed with a triple gun called CRB-RUS, it shoots high density energy covered rounds, they are powered by the main core and are nearly unstopable by any known alloy, and the energy coating nullifies energy shields, it is joined by 2 ARGUS scout drones that allow a updated map for successful teleports

Its is know that when deployed the HADES used a move where it would teleport behind pumas and take them with him and leaving them to die on the parallel dimension, this was called the death grip.

Due to the dead ratio and the fragile armor the HADES is deployed on emergencies only, but when deployed, there are no survivors.

This was made for the universe created by ExclusivelyPlastic , go check his designs and descriptions, they Rock, now it is your turn to counter a HADES deployment, I’ve though of at lest 2 ways...

Jaguar (X761) F-Pace (2016-on) Engine2993cc V6 Turbo Diesel 296bhp

Registration Number VML 17 YNM (Manchester)

JAGUAR SET

www.flickr.com/photos/45676495@N05/sets/72157623671588245...

The Jaguar F-Pace (codename X761) is a compact luxury crossover SUV, designed by Ian Callum and built in Solihull. Unveiled at the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit and making its European debut at the Frankfurt Motorshow. The design of the F-Pace is based on the 2013 Jaguar C-X17 concept car

The Ian Callum designed exterior, body structure comprises 80 per cent aluminium, with a weight saving coming from the composite tailgate and magnesium parts such as the cross-car beam. The body's high torsional stiffness enables the F-TYPE-derived double wishbone front suspension and sophisticated Integral Link rear suspension to perform even better. Together with Torque Vectoring as standard and an Electric Power Assisted Steering system tuned to give the best possible feel and response

The F-Pace chassis is the third model to be built on Jaguar Land Rover's iQ-Al (D7a) modular platform, which is used for the XE, the second generation XF, the new XJ and the new Range Rover Velar

Early engines consist of three 1999cc Turbo Charged Ingenium engines of 161, 178 and 237, along with a 2993cc Turbo Diesel of 296bhp. Petrol engines range from a 1997cc S4 Turbocharged Ingenium engine of 247bhp, two 2995cc V6 Turbocharged engines of 335 and 375 bhp, with a range topping 5000cc V8 (SVR) Supercharged unit of 542bhp

The SVR model is the high performance variant powered by a 5000cc V8 Supercharged engine of 542hp (550 PS) mated to a ZF 8HP eight-speed automatic transmission

The fifth generation Isuzu Elf appeared in July 1993, with more sculpted headlights.

Diolch yn fawr am 66,575,522 o olygfeydd anhygoel, mwynhewch ac arhoswch yn ddiogel

Thank you 66,575,522 amazing views, enjoy and stay safe

Shot 01.07.2018 at the American Car Show, Tatton Park, Manchester Ref 135-173

Sort of taking a page from Neko's book this February and showcasing some of the Joe teams African American members. Its interesting to me that with the exception of '87 Hasbro made sure there was at least one AA Joe on the roster every year all the way up until the end in 1994.

c/n 2805103.

NATO codename:- Bull

The Tu-4 was a direct copy of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. It first flew in 1947 and was the first Soviet strategic bomber. A total of 847 were built, some serving until the 1960's.

There are three known survivors, two in China and this sole example in Russia.

It is on display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

An asset belonging to an intelligence officer from Victoria (codename Grayhawk) indicated that he was aware of the location of a Russian nuclear scientist (codename Pale Horse). The asset revealed that a Russian was seen being held captive in a market near Jannatabad, an insurgency stronghold.

Grayhawk hand-picked six men from the combined task force, to conduct a covert “snatch” mission. The team changed in local apparels and drove into the market in two vehicles. The 6-man team scattered around the market to conduct covert reconnaissance and located a building guarded by insurgents. The team positioned themselves opposite of the target building and setup an observation post. After several hours of surveillance, the team positively identified Pale Horse in the building.

To be continued…

Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious.

1967 Triumph TR4A

An extremely successful sports car, the Triumph TR4 was produced in the U.K. by the Standard Triumph Motor Company from 1961. With a top speed of 110 mph, and costing around £1095, the TR4 became one of Triumph's best-loved cars thanks to its low cost of entry and capable open-top sports capabilities. The TR4 was stylistically quite a departure from its predecessor the TR3 and seemed to be just the car to bring the company into a brand new era.

Based on the chassis and drivetrain of TR predecessors, the TR4 was codenamed 'Zest' during development. Sporting a modern Giovanni Michelotti styled body, the new design was a big change from the classical cutaway door design of the earlier models, and allowed for full-sized doors with roll-up windows rather than side-curtains. The shapely tail end allowed for a spacious trunk, something that wasn't the norm for a sports car. A total of 40,253 TR4's were built during its production span.

This would be the first time that adjustable fascia ventilation was utilized in a production vehicle. Other advanced features included a 'backlight' option; a specialized hard top that consisted of a fixed glass rear window with an integral rollbar and a detachable, steel center panel. This would be the first time there ever was such a roof system on a production vehicle. The Porsche 911/912 Targa would be introduced in the next 5 years, and this type of roof would eventually become a well-known option.

Replaceable, the rigid roof came with an easily folded and stowed vinyl insert and supporting frame called a Surrey Top. There has been confusion in the past with the entire hard top assembly mistakenly referred to as a Surrey Top. The rigid top and backlight assembly is listed as the Hard Top kit in original factory parts catalogues and the vinyl insert and frame are offered separately as a Surrey Top. In an attempt to stay ahead of the competition Triumph introduced modern features like wind-down windows to appeal to the important US market. Some dealers were concerned that buyers wouldn't fully appreciate these modern amenities, so a short run of TR3As or TR3Bs were produced in 1961 and 1962.

Triumph used the pushrod 4-cylinder engine that was based on the early design of the Ferguson tractor engine, but increased the displacement from 1991 cc to 2138 cc by increasing the bore size. Other updates and modifications to the manifolds and cylinder head allowed for some improvements, which resulted in the TR4A model.

For the vehicles earmarked to compete in the under-two-liter classes of the time the 1991 cc engine became a no-cost option. Being that the engine was susceptible to crankshaft failure if revved beyond 6,500 rpm, select cars were fitted with vane-type superchargers. Superchargers allowed a TR4 to pump much more horsepower and torque at modest revolutions. Supercharged and otherwise performance-tuned, a 2.2-liter I4 version could produce more than 200 bhp, while a standard engine produced 105 bhp SAE. Like its predecessors, the TR4 was fitted with a wet-sleeve engine so the engine's cubic capacity could be changed by swapping the cylinder liners and pistons, for allowing a competitor to race under different capacity rules for competition use.

Other modifications from previous models included a wider track front and rear, a slightly larger standard engine displacement, rack and pinion steering and full synchromesh on all forward gears. The optional Laycock de Normanville electronically operated overdrive Laycock Overdrive could be picked for 2nd and 3rd gear, in addition to 4th, which effectively gave the TR4 a seven-speed manual close ratio gearbox. Initially the TR4 sported 15x4.5' disc wheels though optional 48-lace wire wheels could be ordered painted the same shade as the vehicles bodywork, in a matte or polished chrome finishes, or stove-enameled (matte silver with chrome spinners). The 155x15 bias ply was the most typical tire for the TR4. American Racing alloy; magnesium and aluminum wheels were offered in the U.S. at one time in 15x5.5' ox 15x6' sizes. The correct size radial-ply tire for the factory rims was 155x15, and only available from Michelin for an extravagant amount, was a problem when original owned opted for 60-spoke wire wheels. The standard 185x15 radials were much too wide to be fitted safely and as such, many owners had new and wider rims fitted and their wheels re-laced.

The TR4A with IRS or independent rear suspension was the successor the TR4 in 1965. There wasn't much difference between the two models except for the rear suspension, which used trailing arms and a differential bolted to the redesigned chassis frame and a few minor updates. It is estimated that around 25% of TR4As not equipped with IRS were instead reverted to a live axle design like the TR4, which was adapted to fit the new chassis.

Source: www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z7348/Triumph-TR4A.aspx

1967 Triumph TR4A Specifications

Engine Location .................................. Front

Drive Type ...................................Rear Wheel

Body / Chassis ............Steel body on steel frame

Production Years for Series ......1965 - 1968

Price ........................................ $2,900-$3,050

Weight .........................2020 lbs | 916.257 kg

Engine Type : ................. I4 2138 cc | 130.5 cu in. | 2.1 L.

104 BHP (76.544 KW) @ 4700 RPM

132 Ft-Lbs (179 NM) @ 3350 RPM

Bore : ........................................ 3.4 in | 86 mm.

Stroke : ..................................... 3.6 in | 92 mm.

Transmission:

4 Manual , 4 Manual with Overdrive

Production Figures:

Total Production for 1967 .................... 15,806

TR4A Production (1965-1968) ........... 28,465

c/n 63002.

NATO codename:- Fitter-G.

The UM-3 was a trainer version of the Su-17M-3. While the Su-7 trainers were renamed ‘Moujik’ by NATO, the Su-17 trainers kept the usual ‘Fitter’ name.

On display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

Although the TF conducted several raids to ascertain the whereabouts of the Russian nuclear scientist (codename Pale Horse) with little result, it remained the allied nations primary object to capture Pale Horse to prevent future attacks. The intelligence task force continued to support intelligence units to acquire information on Pale Horse’s location.

An asset belonging to an intelligence officer from Victoria (codename Grayhawk) indicated that he was aware of the location of Pale Horse. The asset revealed that a Russian was seen being held captive in a market near Jannatabad, an insurgency stronghold.

Due to the heavy insurgent presence in the area, a covert “snatch” mission was planned. Grayhawk hand-picked six men from the combined task force, drawing personnel from Team-7, DEVGRU and Delta Force. The team first staged at a safe house in the region. They changed in local apparels to blend into the environment.

To be continued…

Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious.

c/n 1141607.

NATO codename ‘Fencer-D’

On static display at the Aviation cluster of the ARMY 2017 event.

Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

24th August 2017

Operation Ashbourne Codename "Coronation", 7th May 2023.

The group all meet at Marco's swanky mod apartment to discuss their next mission.

Marco, Tilda, Nikolina, Hot Dog, and Quaker discuss a new threat emerging...

Hot Dog: "Hey nice pad Marco, how much did this set you back?"

Marco: "Remember our last gig paid well so..."

Nikolina- "You have excellent taste comrade."

Marco: "Well for someone with a codename "Mod Maiden" I can see why you approve."

c/n 10041, l/n 04-1.

NATO codename:- Charger

The Tu-144 was the world’s first supersonic transport aircraft making its first flight in December 1968, some two months before Concorde. It went supersonic in June 1969 and achieved Mach2 in May 1970. Sadly, fatal accidents in 1973 and 1978 ended its passenger career, although some remained in use on cargo/postal flights and as research aircraft.

This example first flew in 1975 and spent five years as a trials aircraft before retiring for preservation at Monino. Since my last visit in 2012 her nose has been raised to the ‘in-flight’ position, making her look much sleeker.

She remains on display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

Ford launched its new for 2021 Ford F-150 a month or so ago. Codenamed P702, the new truck appears to be a moderate change to the 6-year-old P552 series which preceded it.

The P702 receives a couple of interesting new features however.

In the powertrain department, the F-150 is now available with Petrol-Electric Hybrid powertrain, pairing the 3.5L Ecoboost V6 with a 35 kw (47 hp) electric motor, sandwiched between the engine and the 10-speed automatic transmission. Available on an F-150 trim level, the Hybrid F-150 claims to have the most power and most torque of any pickup in its class, though no figure a quoted at this stage.

One thing the Hybrid powertrain enables is usable electric power to the pickup bed for the customer. Ford terms this feature as 'Pro Power on Board'. The 1.5 kW.hr lithium-ion battery in the Hybrid system provides 120V and or 240V to outlets in the loadbox, to power either a 2.3 kW or 7.2 kW AC inverter system.

Other powertrains available in the P702 are a 3.3L Flex-Fuel V6, a 2.7L V6 Ecoboost, 5.0L V8, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost and 3.0L Turbo-Diesel. Performance figures for each powertrain are yet to be released.

Though not available at launch, Ford has issued a lot of press material concerning a full-electric version of the F-150 Pickup to be made available within two years of the launch of the conventional engine models.

Shown here is the Lariat trim, one of the more highly equipped and expensive versions in the model range.

codename: STONER

patinated brass-plated steel

23”H x 11”W x 8”D / 22 lbs

2018

The Sukhoi Su-27 heavy air superiority fighter - codenamed 'Flanker' by NATO - was designed during the Cold War as a Soviet counter to potential Western opponents such as the US Air Force's F-15 Eagle. It first flew in 1977. Service entry began during 1985, and when the 'Flanker' started appearing at Western air displays in the hands of Sukhoi test pilots, starting at Paris in 1989, it astounded spectators with its manoeuvrability.This SU 27 is on the strength of the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, based at Myrhorod in central Ukraine.

Heavy Command Mech

Codename: "Yak"

c/n 35382001001, l/n 01-01.

Built 2015.

NATO codename:- Hokum-B

The Ka-52K is the specialised naval variant of this impressive attack helicopter. Designed for use on the new Mistral class amphibious assault ships, they have folding stub wings and rotors, anti-corrosion treatment and new fire-control radar for use with anti-ship missiles. The Mistral project has since been cancelled and the ships sold to Egypt. Russia will now supply the Ka-52Ks to Egypt, but it is unclear what future the type will have in Russian service.

This is the prototype and is seen on static display as part of the ARMY 2017 exhibition.

Park Patriot, Kubinka, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

25th August 2017

A deep cover agent codename Emerald has been compromised. Grayhawk and a 4-man patrol from the Special Operations Group were tasked to extract the agent from the Naran Darre Mountain region.

The team traveled to a safe house in the region. In order to maintain a light footprint, the team was equipped with weapons that are common in the region.

To be continued...

Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious.

dav

New pics from an old kit.

Equipment Type: anti-aircraft robot, series 05

Government: U.N. Spacy

Manufacturer: Viggers/Chrauler

Introduction: August 2012

Unofficial codename: Whistler, Lawn Mower

Accommodation: 1 pilot and 1 radar operator

Dimensions: height 10.7 meters (hull only), 12.4 meters (incl. extended surveillance antenna); length 5,6 meters; width 6,8 meters

Mass: 29.8 metric tons

Power Plant: Kranss-Maffai MT830 thermonuclear reactor developing 2750 shp; auxillary fuel generator AOS-895-3 rated at 810 kW.

Propulsion: many x low-thrust vernier thrusters beneath multipurpose hook/handles.

Design Features: 'Nimrod' Mk. III tracking radar with dish antenna, MPDR 'Argus' range setting and surveillance radar, starlight scope; fully enclosed cockpit.

Armament: 4 x 37 mm air-cooled 6-barrel gatling guns, Type Bofors KDF-11B (firing at 2.000 or 4.000 RPM, standard 1.550 rounds each).

Optional Equipment: 2 x large capacity ammunition drums.

Production of the Manticore already stopped in 2014, though. Being very specialized and limited, and only a supportive unit, the ADR-04-Mk. XI never saw much action in the open field, just as an addendum to the more versatile ADR-04-Mk.X. Like its long range counterpart, the few Manticores were mainly used as point defense unit for selected, vital potential enemy targets. They fulfilled their intended role well, esp. against missiles and Fighter Pods, but had only limited success against Zentraedi Tactical Pods: even a simple Regult was hard to crack. Hence, the Manticores remained in the background. Since the Manticore Destroids proved to be very vulnerable to close range attacks, more than 30 were lost in open field battles before they were retired into pomit defense roles and consequently already taken out of active service in 2021.

The kit and its assembly:

Did you like the story? This mecha was inspired (or better triggered) by a post about an anti aircraft robot project in a German SF forum. I remembered that I once had the plan to convert a Defender into a lighter aerial defense robot with Gatling gun armament. I had a kit for that purpose stashed away years ago, but never the drive to do the conversion job.

But as I thought about the project, I had another weird idea: I also had a leftover "chassis" from a Tomahawk (legs and lower torso), as well as two sets of impressive double Gatling hand guns from Gundam kits (two 1:144 "Serpent Customs", from Endless Waltz, actually part donation kits for other projects). This basis, combined with a new torso and some radar equipment... Looking for a torso option (and a dramatic radar equipment in the correct size), I came across a 1:72 kit of the Russian S6R "Tunguska" anti-aircraft tank, a limited edition kit from Military Wheels, a Polish company, and the rest is glue, putty and free drifting of ideas.

Putting the things together went pretty straightforward. The legs were already complete, but hidden under lots of old paint (I counted four layers...). These old parts consequently needed some cosmetic surgery. The material was already quite brittle, so I did not dare a brake fluid bath and tried my best with sand paper. Results are so so, so that many details were later added with small polystyrene strips. But at least, the spare parts found new and good use!

The Gatling gun stub arms were 100% taken from the Gundam kits, just minor things added. With internal vinyl caps they'd fit onto the original breast part and allow free rotation as well as side movement of about 20° to the left and right - good for a "natural" pose.

Most attention went into the crew compartment and upper torso, which was placed on top of one Serpent Custom's shoulder pieces. It consists mainly of the Tunguska's box-shaped central turret section, with added pieces on the hull's sides/shoulders which are supposed to be ammunition storage containers for a quick change. These parts, which blend very well into the overall design, are actually shortened halves of a camera pod from a 1:72 scale F-14 kit from Italeri!

The radar equipment was taken from the Tunguska tank, too, only the rear antenna had to be modified because the original parts were so crude that I did not want to use them. Finally, flexible hydraulic hoses and ammunition belts were added between mecha hull and arms, as well as small details like the hydraulic telescopes at the hips, searchlights, vents, handles, etc.

The result looks very compact, functional and plausible. I wanted to stay true to the Destroids' design as grungy tank-like vehicles with massive firepower and a menacing look, and that's what I think I achieved pretty well.

Painting and markings:

For the mecha's livery, I also wanted to stay true to the Destroid look: only a single overall ground color (brown or green, even though I have seen dark blue Phalanx') and some white 'decoration stripes'. Additionally, some 'nose art' was to be added, because it is a frequent sight on these mecha.

To set it apart from the Defender in my collection (olive drab), I went for a brown tone. After long search, the Manticore's basic paint became 'Israel Armor Sand/Grey' (Testors 2138), a murky, almost undefineable tone. Some details were painted in a dark brown (Burnt Umber, Testors 2005), the stripes were painted by hand in flat white.

Then, standard weathering was done with a black ink wash and dry painting with lighter tones like Humbrol 83 (Ochre), 140 (Gull Gray), 84 (Mid Stone) and 121 (Pale Stone). Decals came from the scrap box and are only few, the 'nose art' piece is a donation of a friend of mine (many thanks, André!) and actually belongs to a Czech MiG-21(!). Finally, everything was sealed under matte varnish.

All in all, this build-up was rather simple, since I had most components at hand and the paint job did not require much effort. But I like the simple look, and this fictional Manticore Destroids blends well into the line of the official Macross mecha. And finally, the leftover Tomahawk chassis has found a good use after waiting for resurrection for more than 15 years.

Operation Ashbourne Codename "Coronation", 7th May 2023.

c/n 36911016202.

Originally coded ‘701 black’.

NATO codename:- Flanker-E

This is one of the original Su-35 aircraft, an export version of the Su-27M multi-role aircraft. This is not to be confused with the more recent Su-35S, currently in service with the Russian Air Force.

On display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

c/n 0718.

NATO codename:- Flashlight-A

The Yak-25 was designed as a long range interceptor and first flew in 1952. The 'M' was the basic production version of which 406 were built, with the first being delivered in 1955. It was a popular aircraft with its crews, although it suffered heavily with engine failures.

On display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

A Victorian special operations task force was assigned to ambush an exchange of radioactive material and capture a high value individual (HVI) codename Panther, a Russian arms dealer.

Since the exchange would take place in an area within the Russian sphere of influence, no ISR or air asset would be available. The plan was to insert reconnaissance teams before the exchange to perform advanced force operations (AFO) and to provide overwatch during the exchange. An assault team would then enter the area of operations (AO) by high altitude high opening (HAHO) insertion and setup an ambush at the exchange.

A ground extraction team will infiltrate the AO by vehicles (including HMMWVs and Grizzly LAVs) under the guise of a routine patrol to extract the assault team once the radioactive material and the HVI have been secured.

The remaining of the task force would be the quick reaction force (QRF) loaded in helicopters waiting at a forward operating base (FOB) and called upon if needed.

3 AFO teams (callsigns Sparrowhawk 2,3 &12) in UTVs were inserted into the AO by Chinook helicopters and setup observation posts (OPs) to conduct reconnaissance and to provide overwatch.

To be continued...

Note: The story, all names, characters, and incidents are fictitious.

Michael Sng's robot Codename Colossus incorporates steampunk aesthetics, 400 3D-printed parts, servos, an Arduino and “a ridiculous level of craftsmanship” into a towering walking tank-bot. Video Intro

Operation Ashbourne Codename "Coronation", 7th May 2023.

The Sukhoi Su-27 heavy air superiority fighter - codenamed 'Flanker' by NATO - was designed during the Cold War as a Soviet counter to potential Western opponents such as the US Air Force's F-15 Eagle. It first flew in 1977. Service entry began during 1985, and when the 'Flanker' started appearing at Western air displays in the hands of Sukhoi test pilots, starting at Paris in 1989, it astounded spectators with its manoeuvrability. In the post-Soviet era, the original Su-27 series has continued to equip the Russian armed forces, and carried on serving with the Ukrainian Air Force as well as other former Soviet states and several export customers. The design has continued to be developed for both Russia and overseas markets, some of the latest derivatives incorporating thrust vectoring. The Ukrainian Su-27’s are on the strength of the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade, based at Myrhorod in central Ukraine.

I had to take this pic from the back to get a clear shot; the blue colouring is camouflage as they fly in a lot of blue sky!

Ukraine is aspiring to be member of NATO.

MY thanks to all who visit and comment it is appreciated

c/n 34012843290.

NATO codename ‘Havoc-B’.

Reported to be last operated by the 15th Army Aviation Brigade (15BrAA), based at Ostrov.

Seen after displaying as part of the Berkuty team (Golden Eagles) during the ARMY 2017 event.

Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

23rd August 2017

c/n 4201004.

NATO codename:- Badger-G

Previously coded ’53 blue’

One of over 240 Naval Tu-16s which were converted to carry the K-26 missile system, consisting of two underwing KSR-5 missiles.

Although a Soviet Navy aircraft, it is a long term and popular exhibit at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

c/n 42105.

NATO codename:- Bear-H

Built as a Naval Tu-142MK but converted in 1979 to become the prototype Tu-95MS, a cruise missile carrier platform. Designed to carry the Raduga Kh-55, the type later went into full production while by 1991 this development aircraft had been retired to the Zhukovski Engineering Academy.

It is now on display at the adjacent Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017

c/n 10MK51314.

NATO codename ‘Flanker-C’

Operated by the 237th Centre for Display of Aviation Equipment (tSPAT) as part of the Russian Knights (Russkiye Vityazi) formation team.

Seen during a display at the Aviation cluster of the ARMY 2017 event.

Kubinka Airbase, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

23rd August 2017

S.H.I.E.L.D. CLASSIFIED DOCUMENT Level 7

STRIKE Rapid Response Team Foxtrot- Operation Hyperdrive After-Action Report

Agents Assigned:

Major Joseph Hauer: Level 8

Alec Dalton (Codename: Dauntless): Level 7

Joseph Chapman: Level 7

Objective

Capture Businessman Ian Quinn in his hotel room in London, England.

File

Hauer: Alright boys, we’ve gotten intel on Ian Quinn’s whereabouts. As you probably don’t know, an attempt Director Fury’s life was made about a week ago by some cyborg. Before the cyborg was revealed to be a “Trojan Horse” our agents were able to identify where some of its components were from. Not surprisingly, the ever-so-sly Mr. Ian Quinn supplied a decent portion of the would-be assassin’s cybernetics. Combine that with the dozen other cases of weapon smuggling Quinn is a suspect in, and we have ourselves what is called “Probable Cause”. In room 2-13 of this hotel, Mr. Quinn is hiding out. Let’s go bring him in.

Dauntless: Amen to that, sir.

Chapman: Amen.

Dauntless: Alright, then. Let’s get this bastard. All these damn projects to recreate Super-Soldiers, they’re gonna blow up in our faces one day. Genetic engineering, cybernetic implants, whatever it is, it’s gonna come back and bite us. One less idiot trying to re-create Captain America is nothing but a good thing. My team and I hop out the van, armed, rigged, and all, must have been quite the sight. Guns aren’t exactly a common thing in the UK. Hell, most cops don’t even carry them, and are stuck with those toys the call tasers. We enter in the Hotel, and Hauer flashes the receptionist his badge. That poor lady just about had a heart attack, let me tell you. We advance up the stairs, and make our way to the room. Some guy opened up his door to leave, saw us, and ran back in and tried to slam the door. Chapman caught it, and closed it slowly. Good thing, we don’t want Quinn to try and escape because of commotion. We form up on room 2-13, preparing to breach, but Hauer notices something is off.

Hauer: Before we breach the door, I see a bit of wear on the door, as if it’s already been breached. I slowly push it open, and pull out my sidearm. We walk into the room, and see the windows all boarded up. Then, I hear a faint noise in the other “room”.

Unknown: help me… please…

Chapman: What the heck is that? Someone got here first, it seems. We follow Hauer into the other room, and see a man in a suit with a red head, wait, damn, that’s blood! He’s been shot in the bloody head! There’s a kid lying on the ground with blood around him, barely able to speak.

Hauer: Chapman, help the kid! Dauntless, check and see if that’s Quinn! What the hell happened here?

Kid: Th…there was a man, in a black mask and a green jacket. He, he came in the room, fired right into Mr. Quinn’s head! Th.. then he shot at me. I tried to shoot back, but my gun did nothing to him. He, he grabbed me, threw me to the ground, and stabbed me.... then I… I blacked out…

Hauer: The hell is this? There are spent rounds on the floor, just crumpled up, crushed. .45 ACP, hollowpoint by the looks of it. The kid’s rifle is a standard 5.56, and the gun in “Red Skull’s” hand is a 9mm, so it must be from the attacker. The round could have done that kind of damage to Quinn’s head, too.

Hauer: What’s your name, kid?

Kid: Andrew, Andrew Black.

Hauer: You worked for Quinn?

Black: Yes, I was his, bodyguard.

Hauer: Why did the guy in the mask stab you? He must have been really close, why didn’t he just shoot you? I can’t see why he would have missed at this range.

Black: I, I don’t know. H just, must have missed.

Hauer: But he did shoot at you?

Black: Yes, he did… who are you guys?

Hauer: Quinn’s bodyguard, huh? Knowing Quinn, there’s more to this kid than he’s letting on. Wait, no, that couldn’t be it.

Hauer: S.H.I.E.L.D. Stop trying to change the subject. You worked for Quinn, yes? Then you know what he did. You know the business he was in. That’s why we are here.

Black: Yes, I, I know. He, he was a bad man. Cruel, crazy. He, he did things to me. *Sniff* He made me a weapon. Forced me to work for him.

Hauer: He wouldn’t have had someone he didn’t trust protect him. You’re lying.

Black: But, he did, he did trust me.

Hauer: Why? Why would he trust you?

Black: Because if I didn’t do what he told me to, he would have my family killed.

End File

Outcome

Ian Quinn was found DOA. Foxtrot withdrew with Quinn’s bodyguard, and took him to a facility for questioning.

__________________________________________________

Do you think they believe you?

Black: Yes, Zero. I do.

Zero: Good. Keep me updated. Hail HYDRA

Black: Hail HYDRA.

__________________________________________________

OOH! Plot thickens! Yea! Hope you all enjoyed this issue, I sure enjoyed making it! Thanks for viewing!

c/n 9110117.

NATO codename:- Codling

Built as a standard Yak-40, this aircraft was later converted into the prototype Yak-40K.

Since at least 2002 it has been on display at the Central Air Force museum, Monino, Moscow Oblast, Russia.

27th August 2017