Fictional Aircraft In Dale Brown Novels

Bombers The bombers in Dale Brown novels are not actually true bombers, using AAMs and other advanced weapons to make them truly classified as "flying battleships". EB-52 Megafortress

Dale Brown has used various modified variants of the B-52 Stratofortress, which in reality is used by the United States Air Force as their heavy strategic bomber. These variants are usually referred to as the B-52 Megafortress. The Megafortress first appears in Dale Brown's Flight of the Old Dog and is expanded and upgraded in all his later books. It has all the latest technology (such as an advanced on-board computer and detailed HUD) and carries all the latest weapons, such as the AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, along with various anti-ship missiles, antitank guided missiles and even more fanciful weapons such as plasma-yield warheads. It also uses an advanced layout, having a long SST nose and twin V-type tails. In later books, the eight engines of the B-52A-H are replaced by four larger and more powerful turbofans. Coincidentally, this is an upgrade that has been considered for the real-world B-52H fleet. In Flight of the Old Dog, the first book in the series, the aircraft is designated the B-52I Megafortress. B-52M Megafortress Plus is later introduced in Day of the Cheetah and the EB-52 designation is first used in Sky Masters. In reality, the EB-52H (or B-52J) was a planned upgrade to the USAF's current fleet of Stratofortresses, allowing them to act as "stand-off jammers", with jamming pods replacing the B-52's wing-mounted external fuel tanks. One final version, the AL-52 Dragon, was introduced in Wings of Fire. The Dragon is an airborne laser platform; the actual laser is a chemical system (a COIL, or chlorine-oxygen-iodine laser). One prototype, however, is refitted with a plasma-pumped solid-state laser (the technology is based on the plasma-yield warheads mentioned above). Both Dragon variants are devastating against aerial targets; however, the plasma-pumped laser's sheer power makes it effective

against surface targets as well. Later on in the series, the plasma-pumped solid state laser replaces the COIL laser on all standard AL-52's.

EB-1C Vampire

First appearing in Dale Brown's novel Battle Born, the EB-1C is an advanced variant of the B-1 Lancer. Originally named after the Megafortress, it was renamed the Vampire in Air Battle Force. It differs from the real B-1 in that its wings are always swept all the way back, the tail is smaller and lacks the horizontal stabilizer, and it utilizes new "Mission Adaptive Skin" that works off of micro-hydraulics to affect the shape of the Vampire's wings in-flight. This allows to create lift and drag much more smoothly than harder control flaps.

Unlike the Megafortress, the Vampire can be run via remote control, from pilots and engineers on the ground. These are referred to as Virtual Aircraft Commanders and Mission Commanders. However, both real and virtual pilots, both on the

ground and in the cockpit, can run the plane at the same time. Virtual pilots can take off, land, even refuel from their virtual consoles. The Vampire is also used as a "mothership" for FlightHawk or StealthHawk drones. The drones can be both launched and recovered by the Vampire, and even refuel and reload while inside the weapons bay. EB-1C Vampire II The EB-1C Vampire II is a modification of the B-1 Lancer supersonic strategic bomber used by USAF. It uses many advanced weapons and technology. The bomber carries the AIM-120 air-to-air missile and an anti-ballistic weapon known as the ABM-3 Lancelot which is a plasma yield missiles. It is also capable of transporting, rearming, and refueling small UCAV's. The airframe is also modified by having no horizontal tail stabilizers and a shortened tail. The EB-1C also uses Mission Adaptive Skin Technology which slightly changes the fibersteel skin of the bomber, greatly enhancing the maneuverability. Utilizing super-cockpit technology ground crew can monitor all aircraft diagnostics and see what the pilots helmets are seeing. The engines are also very advanced, boosting the speed dramatically. This bomber is akin to the proposed B-1R bomber by Boeing. EB-2 Black Knight

Used as a proof of concept aircraft the EB-2 Black Knight was a B-2 Spirit bomber modified with technology found on the EB-52 Megafortress. Although part of the "E" series of bombers designed by USAF personnel Brad Elliot and Patrick McLanahan the EB-2 designation is rarely used. It uses cruise missiles called "Disruptors" that use non-explosives to halt the enemy. The bomber also uses an electromagnetic field to disrupt radar beams. The aircraft was used only twice and then was scrapped. Fiskious Fi-170 The Fiskious Fi-170 Tuman is a fictional Russian Stealth bomber prototype in military thriller author Dale Brown's book Night of the Hawk. The Fi-170 is the Russian equivalent to the EB-52 Megafortress, developed by captured and brainwashed American engineer Dave Luger. The aircraft is notable in having a super-critical wing and Russian equivalents to American weapons such as the AIM-120 and Stinger missiles. The Fi-170 is developed at the Fiskious institute in Lithuania and is stolen by a team of commandos led by pilot-hero Patrick McLanahan, who also rescue Dave Luger the same night. The Fi-170 is flown to an undisclosed location in Scotland after destroying multiple enemy targets in Belarus. The Fi-170 is analyzed and dismantled in Scotland having been found to be no better than a Russian copy of the EB-52. The Fi-170 appears in the book Warrior Class as the Metyor Mt-179 with a forward-swept wing and more advanced avionics, making it comparable to the Sukhoi Su-47.

RF-111G Vampire A modification of the F-111 Aardvark bomber, the RF-111G is not a true reconnaissance aircraft. Similar in concept to the EB-52 Megafortress the RF-111G completes defense suppression, laser bombing, and jamming. These planes were used only once and then sold to Australia because of political pressure despite resounding success. Fighters XF-15F Cheetah The XF-15F is a development of the F-15 S/MTD STOL and Maneuverability Technology Demonstrator aircraft, first seen in Day of the Cheetah. It should correctly be designated NF-15F, as it is a permanently modified F-15 flight test variant. It uses the S/MTD two-dimensional thrust vectoring nozzle, enlarged canard foreplanes with raked tips (per the cover illustration of the original paperback edition), mission adaptive wings and other technological advancements. In the first few chapters of Day of the Cheetah, the XF-15F is heavily modified as a chase plane, which significantly degrades its performance.

F-31, F-32 and F-35 All three were mentioned in passing in Day of the Cheetah as American fighters deployed in the early 1990s. Neither is related to the Boeing or Lockheed Joint Strike Fighter Program prototypes, both of which were expected to use the designator "F-24" in active service.

Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles

Much like real world UCAV these aircraft are generally used on missions of high risk. Unlike real world UCAV these are usually modified from bombers or operate from bombers.

QB-52 Megafortress The QB-52 is the UCAV version of the EB-52 Megafortress. Primarily used for stationary patrols, the QB-52 is not much different from the EB-52. Beside the difference in crew the QB-52 can carry the MQ-35 Condor and a small number of passengers. QB-1C Vampire III Design with the same idea as the QB-52, the QB-1C is the UCAV version of the EB-1C Vampire II. This aircraft is controlled by a small ground crew in an exact mock-up of the cockpit. The aircraft is flown the same as the EB-1C and uses the same weaponry and avionics. RAQ-15 Stealth Hawk and U/MF-3 Flight Hawk The U/MF-3 Flight Hawk is a small and highly maneuverable UCAV prototype. The Flight Hawk can complete a variety of missions including SEAD, reconnaissance, and COIN operations. The RAQ-15 is the advanced, longer ranged, and stealthier version of the Flight Hawk. The RAQ-15 fires small "mini-Maverick" missiles and is extremely maneuverable because of its Mission Adaptive Skin Technology and lifting body design. The RAQ-15 can be rearmed, refueled and carried by the EB-1C Vampire II. The RAQ-15 is small enough to be carried on a rotary launcher. MQ-35 Condor The Condor is a rapid insertion version of the RAQ-15. Capable of carrying four fully laden commandos, the Condor is launched from the QB-52. The Condor uses a small turbojet engine for the launch and then glides to the target. The Condor is undetectable but very vulnerable once it lands.

QA-45 Hunter The QA-45 is a small UCAV prototype being developed at the end of the Russian-United States nuclear conflict. The QA45 looks much like a small B-2 Spirit bomber but is loaded to complete air-to-air and other tasks as well as bombing. Special Operations Aircraft The special operation aircraft in Dale Brown novels are general used to support the elite Tin Man commando group. CV-22 Pave Hammer

A modified V-22 Osprey with a Gatling gun and hellfire pods.

Metyor Mt-179

The Metyor Mt-179 is an advanced fighter-bomber version of the Fiskious Fi-170 found in Dale Brown's novel Warrior Class. The aircraft is designed with a forward swept wing and an extremely thin fuselage section. The aircraft uses an internal bomb bay to carry laser-guided bombs and R-27 missiles. It houses four R-60 missiles in the leading edge of the wings; however, these are omitted due to corrosion of the wing. The crew of two consists of a pilot and a weapons operator. Bought by oil broker Pavel Kazakov, the aircraft is used to influence his East European neighbors, almost starting a number of conflicts. The aircraft finally turned in on USAF forces in Turkey. Fortunately, the chief designer sent the aircraft's heat signature to the USAF in Turkey allowing Patrick McLanahan and his team of EB-1C Vampire II to destroy it. The aircraft resembles a VF-9 Cutlass

MV-32

The MV-32 is the advanced version of the V-22 tilt-rotor aircraft. The traditional propellers found on the V-22 are replaced by advanced jet engines. It fires navalized versions of the FIM-92 Stinger and has two cannon pods, with a 20 mm Gatling gun under the nose. The MV-32 has enhanced range and speed over the V-22 and is traditional used in Tin Man support operations.

MC-17

The MC-17 is the commando support version of the C-17 Globemaster III. It features advanced refueling, countermeasures, and transport options. The MC-17 is created with the same concept as the MC-130 Combat Talon.

Single Category Aircraft These aircraft would only be represented in a one aircraft category so are grouped here. These aircraft are extremely unique. AL-52 Dragon The AL-52 Dragon is the airborne laser version of the EB-52 Megafortress. The AL-52 houses the laser in the internal bomb bays so that the laser is the only weapon the aircraft can carry. Once emitted from a truncated nose turret, the laser weakens the airframe of an ICBM (the main target of the AL-52 program) until it explodes in flight. The laser can also be used on aircraft and even small missiles such as AAM's and SAM's. Initially, it is armed with a COIL laser, however this is replaced by a much more powerful plasma powered laser, allowing the laser to take out ground targets (but at a much shorter range when compared to air-to-air engagements). XF-34 DreamStar The XF-34 is an extremely advanced fighter aircraft tested at the High Technology Air Weapon Center (HAWC). The XF-34 is controlled by thought and uses all of the latest missiles, the thought control program ANTARES, and thrust vectoring. The XF-34 is stolen by KGB deep cover agent Kenneth James, who is later forced to surrender the aircraft after a dogfight with Patrick McLanahan. XF-34A DreamStar The XF-34A DreamStar is a fictional aircraft from the Dale Brown novel Day of the Cheetah. It is a single-engine forwardswept wing fighter similar to the Grumman X-29; however, it is completely thought-controlled by its pilot through a semi-artificially-intelligent computer called the Advanced Neural Transfer And Response System, or ANTAReS. It was stolen by its pilot, who had been a KGB deep cover agent planted into the United States Air Force years earlier; his handlers wished to reverse-engineer the plane and redesignate it the MiG-39 Zavtra (Russian for "tomorrow.")

XR-A9 Black Stallion It is a hybrid space plane capable of flying without fuel due to its revolutionary LPDRS or Laser Pulse Detonation Rocket System which shoots powerful lasers into the mix of fuel and air. This system can ignite the pressurized air coming into the combustion chamber, but "a couple hundred pounds of fuel every hour" is added in. It has one payload bay which can carry 3 AGM-170 missiles or 16 250 pound bombs. XC-57 Loser It was originally a bomber designed by Jon Masters for the next generation bomber project. It lost, and Masters was prohibited from building it for 10 years. He dodged that by turning it into a cargo aircraft. It looked like "a pregnant stealth bomber with the engines on top". It carried a Slingshot laser. Real World Similarities Because most of these aircraft are based on real world technology some similarities can be found. The EB-52 shares the same designation as the proposed EB-52J jamming aircraft based on the B-52 Stratofortress. Also the USAF has considered replacing the eight engines of the B-52 Stratofortress with four high power engines. The EB-2 shares many similarities to the real world B-2 Spirit and uses the same electromagnetic field that is speculated to be used by the real world B-2 Spirit. The EB-1C is very similar to the proposed B-1R variant of the B-1 Lancer which uses AAMs and other missiles with F-22 engines for increased speed.

The RAQ-15 UCAV is similar in mission and design to the proposed X-45 UCAV by Boeing.

The AL-52 Dragon is very similar to the YAL-1A by Boeing which is based on the 747. It is noted by the genius Kelsey Duffield in Wings of Fire that the AL-52 lost in competition to the YAL-1A. The XR-A9 was the result of the famous real world Aurora plane project as noted in Strike Force.

EB-52 "Megafortress" Function: Heavy Strategic Bomber Contractor: Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Eight Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 Turbofan Length: 165 feet, 8 inches Height: 40 feet, 8 inches Wingspan: 215 feet Ceiling: 55,000 feet Speed: ~650 mph Range: 8,800 miles Unrefueled Empty Weight: 194,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 488,000 lbs Armament: Up to 75,000lbs of total payload. Almost any weapon in the arsenal can be carried The EB-52 Megafortress is a heavily modified B-52H. During this refit process, nearly 100% of the B-52's electronics are removed and replaced with modern, cutting edge systems. Instead of carrying a full flight crew, the EB-52 instead requires only a pilot and a copilot. The other stations are removed, and replaced with a bank of computers. Instead of having officers aboard the aircraft, these stations are controlled on the ground through a control unit. The control unit mimics that cockpit of the EB-52, and allows for almost instantaneous control of the aircraft. In the event that the pilot and copilot are incapacitated, the controllers on the ground can steer the aircraft, although response time is affected. This aircraft is fitted with LADAR, or laser-radar. This system works by emitting electronically-controlled beams of laser energy out to 300 miles. This instantly draws a picture of every object, from the clouds to ground contacts. The image is then collected and displayed on a two foot by three foot plasma screen monitor between the pilot and copilot. Though LADAR requires much more energy than radar, it is less detectable, more accurate, and has a longer range. The EB-52 is covered in an advanced Radar-Absorbent Material (RAM), which greatly reduces her radar signature. The engine are also rebuilt, to minimize their radar return. When carrying ordinance on her pylongs, the Megafortress has a rather large rader signature, but once the pylons are empty, she becomes quite stealthy. One of the most amazing modifications is a technology named Mission Adaptive Skin. The Mission Adaptive Skin is thousands of computercontrolled hydraulic actuators placed beneath the EB-52's fuselage. The actuators could change the shape of the

aircraft's fuselage to suit whatever task it needed to perform at the time. Dozens of configurations, from maximum stealth to maximum range, are available, and all of them can be combined to provide the optimal efficiency. The Mission Adaptive Skin can also compensate for damage; if an engine is lost, the aircraft can reconfigure itself to compensate for the altered performance characteristics. The nose is fitted with a large cone reminiscent of the Concorde, which minimizes the radar returns produced by the bulbous shape. Because of these modifications, the EB-52's fuselage is entirely black. While these changes are extremely costly (upwards of 300 Million $), they greatly increase the capabilities of the venerable B-52, and ensure that the Stratofortress will remain in service well into the 21st Century. QB-52B "Megafortress" Function: Unmanned Strategic Bomber/Carrier Contractor: Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Eight Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 Turbofan Length: 185 feet, 4 inches Height: 40 feet, 8 inches Wingspan: 238 feet Ceiling: 62,000 feet Speed: ~650 mph Range: 9,400 miles Unrefueled Empty Weight: 204,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 488,000 lbs Armament: Up to 75,000 lbs total payload. Almost any weapon in the arsenal can be carried The QB-52 is the unmanned variant of the EB-52 Megafortress. While the EB-52 is already extremely automated for an aircraft of its size, the QB-52B is completely unmanned. Using the same ground-control setup as is utilized by the EB-52, the QB-52 is designed to loiter for days above a "hot-zone". Her size was greatly expanded, especially her wingspan. The QB-52 can carry dozens of weapons in her internal bays, but her primary purpose is to act as a carrier aircraft for the RAQ-15 "StealthHawk" UCAV. Two UCAVs can be carried, one on each wing. Other aircraft that can be carried include the MQ-35 "Condor" Covert Insertion Vehicle. The QB-52 is capable of doing almost anything with human interference, including aerial refueling. Simple voice commands can direct the aircraft. During normal operations, an entire flight crew is placed in the ground control unit, operating the aircraft and designating targets. Additional pilots, strategists, and engineers are on-hand if the UCAVs are used. This aircraft also utilizes LADAR. EB-1C "Vampire" Function: Heavy Strategic Bomber/HARM Contractor: Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engine with afterburner Length: 152 feet Height: 34 feet Wingspan: 137 feet extended forwards Ceiling: 60,000 feet Speed: ~825 mph Range: 8,200 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 190,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 lbs Armament: Up to 80,000 lbs internally, 55,000 externally. Almost any weapon in the arsenal can be carried The EB-1C Vampire is an integral part of the Air Battle Force. Following extensive modifications to the B-1B Airframe, the EB-1C is perfectly suited for a variety of missions, including HARM, precision bombing, and delivery of nuclear ordinance. The EB-1C is even stealthier than the already-elusive B-1B, and is exceeded only by UCAVs and the B-2. It is so stealthy, in fact, that it was not picked up by Russian SA-12 batteries until it opened its bomb-bay doors. By using the Mission Adaptive Skin, as well as advanced RAM and an extremely effective design, the EB-1C has an incredibly high survivability rating. Once again, most of the aircraft's stations are replaced, allowing her to be flown by only two people. By removing the equipment required to support these crew members, the weight was reduced significantly. Large fuel tanks were

installed to balance the aircraft, allowing for a longer range. LADAR is an integral part of this aircraft, and emitters are installed along the entire fuselage for 100% coverage. On her two internal rotary launchers, she can carry an outstanding variety of weaponry. A normal loadout is 12 AIM-120 Scorpion AMRAAMs on a rotary launcher in the forward bay, six AGM-88 HARMs in the center bomb bay, and 8 AGM65M Longhorn Precision Missiles. Another typical loadout is 6 AIM-120 Scorpions and 6 AIM-154 Anaconda ALRAAMs in the forward bay, 6 ABM-3 Lancelots in the center bay, and 6 AGM-177 Wolverines in the rear bomb bay. Other loadouts are also used, depending on her mission. Utilizing her advanced navigational systems, pilots have managed to get the EB-1C to supersonic speeds in TERFLW mode, less than 100 feet off the ground! QB-1C "Vampire" Function: Unmanned Strategic Bomber/Carrier Contractor: Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Four General Electric F-101-GE-102 turbofan engine with afterburner Length: 158 feet Height: 34 feet Wingspan: 141 feet extended forwards Ceiling: 60,000 feet Speed: ~825 mph Range: 8,600 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 190,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 lbs Armament: Up to 80,000 lbs internally, 55,000 externally. Almost any weapon in the arsenal can be carried The QB-1C Vampire is the unmanned variant of the EB-1C. Utilizing the same control scheme as the QB-52, the QB-1C is the Air Battle Force's premiere unmanned bomber. Between her three bomb bays, she can carry 4 RAQ-15 StealthHawk UCAV's on twin rotary launchers, and then recover, refuel, and reload those aircraft. The QB-1C, thanks to its lack of a flight crew, can also be sent on extremely long missions over hostile territory. LADAR ensures accurate control of the UCAVs. Though the price of these aircraft is considerable, they are widely considered to be worth every penny. A properly deployed QB-1C can halt an entire tank column in its tracks (no pun intended). AL-52 "Dragon" Function: Anti-Ballistic-Missile Laser (ABM) Contractor: Terran Sea Dragons, Boeing Propulsion: Eight Pratt & Whitney engines TF33-P-3/103 Turbofan Length: 165 feet, 8 inches Height: 40 feet, 8 inches Wingspan: 215 feet Ceiling: 55,000 feet Speed: ~650 mph Range: 8,600 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 210,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 477,000 lbs Armament: One Plasma-Pumped Tritium Flouride Laser, 30,000 lbs external ordinance The AL-52 Dragon is the pinnacle of Air Battle Force technology. This amazing aircraft mounts an extremely powerful laser, which can reach out and destroy targets over 300 miles away with pinpoint accuracy. This is an extremely complex system, which requires a full flight crew to operate it. The aircraft itself is fitted with RAM, although it does not boast the nose cone of the EB-52. Instead, the nose is a four-foot diameter deformable mirror. The bomb bays house the laser itself. The laser itself is simple, in theory. In the tail of the aircraft, pellets of tritium flouride drop into an aluminum combustion chamber. This chamber is under computer control. In this chamber, the pellets are bombarded by beams

from several smaller diode lasers. The pellets are vaporized, and the resulting gas is compressed and further heated by magnetic fields until the gas changes to plasma. The plasma is channeled into a laser generator, which produces a tremendous pulse of laser light that is then amplified and focused through a long collimation tube that runs throughout the AL-52 Dragon's fuselage. The final stage is trickier. The Dragon's LADAR measures atmospheric disturbance. This information is sent to the deformable mirror, which distorts to compensate. The laser bounces off of the mirror, and is then directed to its target within seconds. The power output is equivalent to 7 megawatts, an impressive number indeed. While the ammo for this aircraft is plentiful (upwards of 500 shots are possible), the limiting factor is the magnetic field strength. The field can handle a safe firing rate 6 shots per minute, with a one minute cooldown to reestablish field strength. Higher rates-of-fire are possible, but if the field were to break down, the results would be disastrous. Another important part of this system is its adaptive optics. These allow the Dragon to focus on any target, even if it is 500 miles away, as clearly as if the AL-52 was 40 meters from it. The Adaptive Optics can keep the target locked on, even during extremely hard maneuvers (by both aircraft). The weapons officer then aligns his crosshairs on any part of the target by using a mouse, as easily as if he was navigating a Windows Desktop. An internal catalog in this aircraft's bank of supercomputers stores the locations of weak points, fuel tanks, or other critical components on thousands of targets. Using this catalog, the weapons officer can use the laser to pierce the fuel tanks of an aircraft or missile, shear the wing off of a fighter jet, or incinerate the aircraft's navigation systems. The range on this laser is incredible: It can down a missile or satellite from 300 miles away, an aircraft from 120, and even destroy a tank from 60 miles. The adaptive optics are so powerful, they were able to focus on a single commando (flipping them the bird, no less...) from over 300 miles away. During trial runs, three AL-52 Dragons running a racetrack pattern intercepted two 4-aircraft flights of MiG-29's. The lasers succesfully intercepted every missile that the aircraft could launch, and then the Dragons went on to destroy both flights. The test culminated in the AL-52's shooting down 4 Peacekeeper ICBMs from over 190 miles away. Computer simulations showed that, had the missiles been carrying real nuclear warheads, they would have scattered radioactive material across the launch facility. It was a stunningly successful test run. When used alongside the other aircraft of the Air Battle Force, the AL-52 Dragon could prove to be nearly invincible. EB-2B "Spirit" Function: Heavy Strategic Bomber, Stealth Contractor: Terran Sea Dragons, Northrop Grumman, Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines Length: 69 feet Height: 17 feet Wingspan: 172 feet Ceiling: 50,000 feet Speed: ~650 mph Range: 9,900 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 112,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 336,500 lbs Armament: 40,000 lbs on two internal rotary launchers. Most ordinance can be carried. The EB-2B "Spirit" is a modified version of the B-2A Spirit Stealth Bomber. While the B-2 was already highly modernized and automated, the EB-2B increases its capabilities. She has been refitted with LADAR. Her TERFLW systems have been upgraded, and now can directly uplink with any satellite in the Terran inventory for precision guidance. With the capability to now fly lower than 100 feet at high subsonic speeds, the EB-2B is nearly undetectable. Her rotary launchers have also been heavily modified; they are capable of each carrying one RAQ-15 "StealthHawk" UCAV, and then retrieving those aircraft. This is an amazing capability, as it allows the StealthHawks to be inserted with absolute secrecy. The launchers have also been upgraded to carry a variety of new weapons, including air-to-air missiles; though the B-2 was not designed for air-to-air combat, this aircraft's stealth, when coupled with LADAR and AIM-154 "Anaconda" ALRAAMs, makes it incredibly deadly. In 98% of the simulations that have been ran between EB-2B's and other pilots, the other aircraft were not aware of the "Spirit's" presence until the AIM-154s were 7 seconds from impact.

QB-2 "Shadow" Function: Unmanned Strategic Bomber, Stealth Contractor: Terran Sea Dragons, Northrop Grumman, Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Four General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines Length: 69 feet Height: 17 feet Wingspan: 172 feet Ceiling: 50,000 feet Speed: ~650 mph Range: 10,800 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 112,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 336,500 lbs Armament: 40,000 lbs on two internal rotary launchers. Most ordinance can be carried. The QB-2 "Shadow" is the unmanned variant of the EB-2B "Spirit". The pilot and copilot stations have been replaced with computers, while the aircraft is controlled from the ground via the same system as the QB-1C and the QB-52. Because it is unmanned, all of the systems required for humans have been removed: ejection seats, pressurization systems, even windows. This results in a slightly stealthier aircraft, and also allows more room for fuel and equipment. The QB-2 is designed as the ultimate stealth bomber; it can navigate to a target and deliver its payload precisely on target. Like the other heavy bombers of the Air Battle Force, the QB-2 is capable of carrying and deploying nuclear weaponry, as well as UCAVs. QA-45C "Hunter" Function: Unmanned Strategic Bomber, Stealth Contractor: Terran Sea Dragons, Northrop Grumman, Sky Masters Inc. Propulsion: Two General Electric F-118-GE-100 engines Length: 38 feet Height: 16 feet Wingspan: 132 feet Ceiling: 50,000 feet Speed: ~720 mph Range: 9,300 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 83,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 180,500 lbs Armament: 10,000 lbs on two internal rotary launchers. Most ordinance can be carried. The QA-45C "Hunter" is the smaller brother to the QB-2 "Shadow. Both aircraft are unmanned; however the QA-45C has been designed from the outset as an unmanned aircraft. While it shares a shape and form with the QB-2, it is smaller and carries a ligher armament. It has almost as long of a range, however, and is both far cheaper and easier to maintain. This aircraft's armament leans towards precision weaponry; its extremely stealthy design allows it to slip into enemy airspace, deliver its weaponry, and leave without detection. The lack of a crew makes this aircraft a more logical choice for dangerous "first-strike" missions. The QA-45C can carry nuclear weapons. MV-32 "Pave Dasher" Function: STOVL/VTOL Transport Contractor: Sky Masters Inc., Boeing, Bell Helicopters Propulsion: Four General Electric F-418-GE-300 engines Length: 63 feet Height: 23 feet Wingspan: 78 feet Ceiling: 35,000 feet Speed: ~340 mph

Range: 3,500 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 41,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 85,500 lbs Armament: One 20mm Gatling Gun in steerable chin turret, 2 retractable weapons pods, each capable of carrying three attack missiles. Capacity: 1 Humvee-sized vehicle, 18 fully loaded troops The MV-32 "Pave Dasher" is a modified V-22 "Osprey". Instead of the two immense turboprops used on the V-22, the Pave Dasher sports for turbojet engines: Two on the wings, two on the rear stabilizer. The engines are capable of rotating, meaning that the V-22 maintains its VTOL/STOVL capability, yet these engines give it greater speed, maneuverability, power, and range. This allows it to lift heavier loads. The aircraft was widened to allow vehicles up to Humvees to fit aboard. 18 fully-equipped troops can also be fit aboard. The addition of two more engines makes this aircraft far more reliable than the crash-prone Osprey; Terran engineers also have much more experience with this type of engine. In its normal variant, the MV-32 Pave Dasher requires a flight crew of three. A 20mm Gatling Gun is mounted in a chinturret, which is aimed by the pilot. A weapons pod on each wing can carry a variety of weapons, including three AGM211 "Mini Mavericks", or two AIM-120 Scorpion AMRAAMs. MV-32B "Pave Storm" Function: STOVL/VTOL Gunship Contractor: Sky Masters Inc., Boeing, Bell Helicopters Propulsion: Four General Electric F-418-GE-300 engines Length: 63 feet Height: 23 feet Wingspan: 78 feet Ceiling: 35,000 feet Speed: ~340 mph Range: 4,800 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 47,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 85,500 lbs Armament: One 30mm Chaingun in steerable chin turret, two 25mm Vulcan Cannons in ball turrets on the belly of the aircraft, four retractable weapons pods, each capable of carrying three attack missiles. The MV-32B "Pave Storm" is a modified gunship variant of the MV-32 "Pave Dasher". The Pave Storm has had its cargo compartment removed, and is instead fitted with ammunition storage. A 30mm chaingun is placed in a chin turret, and is aimed by the primary weapons officer (PWO). Two turrets on the belly of the aircraft each hold a 25mm Vulcan Cannon, drawing from thousands of rounds of ammunition. Each of these turrets is manned by a secondary weapons officer (SWO). The PWO also designates targets and launches the missiles held within the retractable weapons pods. On the gunship variant, there are four weapons pods, and they can carry a wider range of weaponry. In special instances, the weapons pods can be removed and each replaced with an AGM-165 Longhorn missile. The aircraft is extensively armored; it is practically impervious to small arms, and can even shrug off the occasional RPG round. She can lose one engine and still limp home, and has larger fuel tanks than the Pave Dasher variant. The final modification is an enhanced uplink system. Using this comprehensive communications suite, any of the weapons officers can command any UCAVs that might happen to be in the area. This includes designation of targets and reconaissance. One of the greatest advantages of the MV-32 and MV-32B is that they can be launched from literally anywhere. Unlike fixed-wing aircraft, which need to operate from an airbase or aircraft carrier, the "tilt-jets" can be launched from anything large enough to hold them. Current Pave Dasher and Pave Storm pilots are required to undergo training that includes launching from cargo ships, oil tankers, and even large research vessels. Since these are civilian vessels, it is unlikely that the enemy will attack such craft, and therefore this increases the survivability of the MV-32's. By utilizing their speed and powerful weapons, the Pave Dasher and Pave Storm are capable of deploying hundreds of troops, and then supporting their advance with direct air-to-ground support.

MQ-35 "Condor" Function: Covert Insertion Aircraft Contractor: Terran Sea Dragons Inc., Sky Masters Inc., Boeing Propulsion: One General Electric F-535-GE-100 Turbojet Length: 36 feet Height: 9 feet Wingspan: 9 feet Ceiling: 45,000 feet (glide insertion)/25,000 feet (self-powered takeoff) Speed: ~310 mph Range: 850 miles Empty Weight: 12,000 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 15,000 lbs Armament: None Capacity: 4 Fully-Equipped Commandos, 260 lbs of cargo The MQ-35 "Condor" is a newly-designed aircraft. Its sole purpose is to insert troops with absolute secrecy. The aircraft resembled a fat, triangular, stealthy, air-launched cruise missile. It is 36 feet long and takes up most of the bomb bay aboard an EB-52. Four combat-ready troops can sit inside the aircraft. As the aircraft utilizes Mission Adaptive Skin, it requires no moving surfaces. It is covered in RAM, and is painted black. The MQ-35 is carried within 850 miles of its destination by a manned or unmanned mothership. This can either be the EB-52, the QB-52B, the EB-1C, or the QB-1C. The aircraft is dropped out of the bomb bay, and the computer calculates the most economic distance to glide before engaging the turbojet engine. The aircraft is steered remotely from the ground; this means that none of the soldiers aboard need flying experience. The aircraft is fitted with tricycle landing gear, for operating from rough terrain. When the commandos return, they strap back into the aircraft. Ground command will then remotely pilot the Condor back to its carrier. RAQ-15 "StealthHawk" Function: Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) Contractor: Terran Sea Dragons Inc., Sky Masters Inc., Boeing Propulsion: One General Electric F-200-GE-350 Turbojet Length: 18 feet Height: 7 feet Wingspan: 12 feet Ceiling: 35,000 feet Speed: 650 mph Range: 2,000 miles unrefueled Empty Weight: 3,500 lbs Maximum Takeoff Weight: 8,800 lbs (air-launched) Armament: 6 AGM-211 "Mini Maverick" missiles, or 4 AIM-29 "Mini Sidewinder" missiles, or or 6 CBU-87/103 Combined Effects Munitions Mines, or a combination of these. The RAQ-15 "StealthHawk" is Terra's premiere UCAV. With a radar cross-section less than 1/1000th of the already stealthy EB-1C Vampire, even dedicated weapons systems such as the Russian-made SA-12 cannot see the StealthHawk. In a test run, a Patriot battery did not detect the StealthHawk until it was within 60 feet of the command post, which by then was far too late. The RAQ-15 utilizes a lifting body, coupled with Mission Adaptive Skin, which eliminates the need for control surfaces. Coupled with its extremely low heat emissions, there is very little chance of intercepting the StealthHawk before it can complete its mission. The StealthHawk can be carried by the EB-52, the EB-1C, the EB-2B, the QB-52B, the QB-1C, and the QB-2. The EB-52 carries two StealthHawks on its wing pylons, while the center bomb bay can retrieve the RAQ-15s, reload them, refuel them, and launch them. The EB-1C is the primary StealthHawk carrier; it can carry four of them; two on each rotary

launcher. The third bomb bay usually carries air-to-air missiles for self-defense. The EB-1C can retrieve all four StealthHawks simultaneously, reload them, and refuel them. The EB-2B can carry one StealthHawk on each of her rotary launchers; this is the most stealthy insertion possible. On a typical StealthHawk attack run, it would take a snapshot of the target at long range and compare it to its internal database. It would take a second snapshot seconds later, and again compare it to its catalog, until it came up with a likely possibility. It will then determine the best place to hit its target for maximum damage. If there are several targets, it will utilize the CBU-87/103 Combined Effects Munition, and maneuver where that bomb can hit the most targets. Special Weapons Systems: The aircraft of the Air Battle Force utilize several advanced weapons systems. Many of these are prototypes; all are fully functional and quite deadly. Thermium Nitrate: This is an incredibly powerful explosive, and is used aboard nearly every weapon in the Air Battle Force arsenal. It has the power of ten times its weight in TNT. It is often abreviated as TN. AGM-211 "Mini Maverick". Small TV-guided attack missile, 28-pound Thermium Nitrate warhead, glide- and rocketbooster, 6-mile range. 160 lbs. AGM-165 "Longhorn". TV- and IIR-guided attack missile, 200-pound Thermium Nitrate warhead, MMW radar guidance, 60-mile range, 2,000 lbs. AIM-120 "Scorpion" AMRAAM air-to-air missile. 50-pound warhead, 35-mile range, triple-mode active radar, passive radar, or infrared, max speed Mach 3, 350 lbs. AIM-154 "Anaconda" ALRAAM air-to-air missile. 50-pound Thermium Nitrate warhead, 150-mile range, ramjet engine, active-passive radar/IR guidance, max speed Mach 5, 6,000 lbs. AGM-177 "Wolverine" cruise missile, turbojet powered, max 50-mile range, 3 weapons bays, IIR or MMW radar terminal guidance, 2,000 lbs. CBU-87/103 Combined Effects Munitions Mines. Unpowered glide weapon. Each system is two canisters, filled with 30 BLU-97 Combined Effects Munitions bomblets. Each bomblet is a two-pound high-explosive fragmenting case with an inflatable Ballute parachute tail and a tiny radio altimeter that measured how far aboveground the canister was and set off the explosives at precisely the correct instant. when detonated, each canister shot several thousand steel fragments in all directions out to sixty feet, strong enough to penetrate automotive steel and light armor. At the same time, a mixture of zirconium in the Cyclotol explosive ignited, creating a fireball hot enough to set off unprotected fuel tanks, detonate ammunition, or kill a human. AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapons (JSOW), range 15 to 40 miles depending on release altitude, unpowered glide weapon, carries 200 antipersonnel/antivehicle bomblets, 10 BLU-108/B antiarmor submunitions, or 500-pound high explosive. 1,500 lbs. ABM-3 "Lancelot" air-launched anti-ballistic-missile weapon, 200-mile range, 200-pound Thermium Nitrate warhead, 3,000 lbs. The "Lancelot" is essentially a 4-stage air-launched Patriot missile. When coupled with the immense altitude it can be lofted to by the EB-1C or EB-52, it is capable of intercepting ballistic missiles far away, or even functioning as an ASAT weapon. It can also tag large bombers from immense distances, assisted by LADAR. Along with these specialized weapons, the Air Battle Force can also utilize this assortment of ordinance: NUCLEAR ALCM SRAM

ACM B-53

B-61 CONVENTIONAL CBU-52 CBU-58 CBU-71 CBU-87 CBU-89 CBU-97 M117

B-83

Mk 20 Mk 36 Mk 41 Mk 52 Mk 55 Mk 56 Mk 59

Mk 60 Mk 62 Mk 64 Mk 65 Mk 82 Mk 84

PRECISION JDAM WCMD AGM-84 Harpoon AGM-86C CALCM

AGM-142 Popeye AGM-154 JSOW AGM-158 JASSSM

B-1R Lancer Strategic Bomber Crew: 4 (pilot, copilot, offensive systems officer, defensive systems officer) Length: 44.5 meters Wingspan: 41.8 meters max Height: 10.4 meters Empty Weight: 87,100 kg Loaded Weight: 148,000 kg Max Takeoff Weight: 280,000 kg Powerplant: 4 x Pratt & Whitney F119 afterburning turbofans (156+ kN each) Maximum Speed: -At Altitude: Mach 2.2 Range: 4,450+ kilometers Service Ceiling: 18,000 meters Armament: -Payload: Up to 50,000 kg of ordinance --Equipment: chaff/flare decoy dispensers; stealth systems; Builder: North American Rockwell Service: 27 active; 27 in reserve

Although not originally possessing any B-1 Lancer strategic bombers in its inventory, the Union Air Force eventually acquired a number from Texas and South Dakota once both states were added to the Union. Several had been destroyed or damaged beyond repair, and these were cannibalized for parts to repair the remaining aircraft in inventory, decreasing the number of operational aircraft from the 66 used by the US military to 54. During this time, the bombers were also upgraded to the proposed B-1R specification, upgrading the engines to allow for a much higher top speed and the hardpoints to accommodate a much larger bomb load. Air-to-air capability was also added with the addition of an active electronically-scanned array radar, and the hardpoints are large enough to allow the use of the long-range AIM-54X Super Phoenix air-to-air missile alongside standard air-to-air missiles. Although these modifications resulted in a net decrease in range, the upgrade was considered worthwhile as it was able to bridge the gap between the B-1's speed and payload and that of the Russian Tu-160, giving the B-1 greater speed and payload than its Russian counterpart, but a shorter range, which could be corrected for through the use of mid-air refueling. Twenty-seven remain in service, with twenty-seven decommissioned to reduce costs. The decommissioned models remain in reserve at the boneyard in New Mexico, but are not actively maintained as a combat force. It is expected that the rest of these aircraft will be slowly phased out of service as their complexity and cost combined with their relatively limited utility make them difficult to justify.