Vanguard-class gun-cutter
The Vanguard-class gun-cutter is a gravimetric air vehicle capable of intercontinental travel and low orbit flight under its own propulsion. With a cruising speed of 2,000kph and an endurance of 48 hours, the gun-cutter is a capable gunship and transport assembled by the Mishalan Arsenal and Dingo Enterprises from Natopian and Shirerithian components with extensive New Alexandrian involvement in the design and integration process. Owing to the high costs and mechanical complexity of the development project, the Vanguard-class would only receive a limited production run of fifteen craft.
Overview
The gun-cutter is crewed by a pilot, co-pilot, engineer, and two gunners, and has quarters for six individuals. It also has a spacious cargo deck that can accommodate up to 30 people or equivalent cargo. The gun-cutter's armament includes a pivot-mounted 35mm rotary autocannon turret and assembly, as well as two twin-linked point defense turrets mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the hull. It also has hardpoints for four S-2A missiles (anti-air), four S-2N/S-2S missiles (anti-ship/anti-ground), or two GTC ESM-28 sensor probes.
To protect against potential threats, the gun-cutter is equipped with a repulsion-field directed-energy dispersal system, an ES-22 electro-optical projectile disruption system, and an ES-29 IFED. These defensive countermeasures enhance the gun-cutter's survivability in combat situations.
The gun-cutter's propulsion system is powered by a Zephyr Tachyonator Drive, two deep-cycle battery banks, with a back-up system consisting two chemical ion vectral jet drives paired with six reaction control valves. The redundancy of propulsion systems was a design feature taken from the Nereid class of gravimetric vehicles, intended as a defence against interdiction technologies pioneered by Kalgachia. The gun-cutter's control system features gravimetric stabilisers obtained from Kezan Floating Cargo Manufacturers, ensuring its inertial stability in flight.
The heat-shielding of the Vanguard-class gun-cutter, developed by Gloomburg Metallurgical Industries Group with inputs from the Javelin Advanced Development Initiative, is a vital component of its design, allowing the vessel to withstand extreme temperatures and atmospheric pressures during its intercontinental and orbital flights. This shielding is comprised of a complex system of specialised alloys, each chosen for their unique properties and their ability to withstand the rigors of spaceflight.
The primary alloy used in the heat-shielding system is a titanium-iridium alloy, developed specifically for use in high-temperature environments. This alloy is known for its exceptional strength and durability, allowing it to resist deformation and degradation even under the most extreme conditions. Additionally, the titanium-iridium alloy is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in the harsh, corrosive environment of space.
Another important component of the heat-shielding system is a composite material made from carbon fibre reinforced with boron. This material is exceptionally lightweight, yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for use in the gun-cutter's heat shields. The boron fibres provide additional strength and rigidity, while the carbon fibres help to absorb and dissipate heat.
In addition to these alloys, the heat-shielding system also incorporates a layer of tungsten carbide, a material known for its exceptional thermal conductivity and resistance to heat. This layer is placed on the interior of the heat shields and serves to further dissipate heat and prevent it from penetrating the vessel.
To ensure maximum effectiveness, the alloys used in the heat-shielding system must be carefully chosen and combined in precise proportions. The Gloomburg Metallurgical Industries Group worked closely with the Javelin Advanced Development Initiative to develop a proprietary alloy matrix that optimises the shielding properties of each alloy and ensures maximum protection for the gun-cutter.
The Vanguard-class gun-cutter's heat-shielding system, although almost prohibitively expensive, has been considered by some to be a feat of modern engineering, combining advanced materials science with cutting-edge design to create a vessel that can withstand the most extreme environments imaginable. With its layered shielding of titanium-iridium alloy, carbon-boron composite, and tungsten carbide, the gun-cutter is able to travel at incredible speeds, reach low orbit, and perform missions with exceptional performance and reliability.
Development history
The development of the Vanguard-class began with a paper study in 1704 AN by the Benacian Union Defence Force following the delivery of a Jackal-class Gravimetric gun-cutter to the Whales Auxiliary Force from the Mishalan Arsenal. In common with most gravimetric vehicles operated by the Benacian Union the Jackal had been based off an ex-Shirerithian cargo transport "inherited" from the Imperial Forces by the various Vulture States after the Kalirion Fracture.
In spite of capturing the old Imperial drive yards in the Autonomous Bailiwick of Mishagrad, the Benacians found that they lacked the wherewithal to develop and build new gravimetric vehicles, and therefore the Black Legions, which had preceded the BUDF, focused efforts upon maintaining the inherited fleet of gravimetric vehicles, gradually reducing down the inherited stock of spare components and subsequently cannibalising the vehicles themselves in order to maintain a slowly declining inventory. This policy had proven to be viable until the Second Elwynnese Civil War. The attrition of the fleet in combat, and the wearing down of vehicles through overuse to the point where they had exceeded their projected service lives, brought the need to develop a replacement for the aging Jackalope transports. The chaos of the aftermath of the Scouring had not however been conducive to long term strategic planning, and in consequence the programme was shelved.
As already noted, the conversion of a Jackalope into the Jackal gun-cutter at the behest of Whales in 1704 AN had revived interest in the original paper study. Whilst a mass production gravimetric transport was considered unfeasible, the salvage and repurposing of gravimetric components for a powerful VIP transport and gunship gained favour as a means for ensuring the safe conveyance of Benacian officials to Chryse without having to continually negotiate hostile air space or rely to that end on rented Dingo Exploration Corporation shuttles or the Hurmu Gate Network.
Production history
The gun-cutter entered into a low rate of production in 1724 AN following the transfer of machine tooling and assembly lines to Dingo Enterprises, as the project was beyond the means of the Benacian industrial complex to sustain.
By 1730 AN, the first three of fifteen examples of the type would be delivered to the Natopian Defense Force. Around these airframes would eventually be formed the 8th (Neridia) Strategic Strike Group.
Operators
Benacia Command – Vanguard-1 (prototype)
Order of the Paladins – Vanguard-2 (prototype, operated as VIP transport)
Natopian Defense Force – Vanguard-3 · Vanguard-4 · Vanguard-5 (production models)
