Kouralian National Air Force
| 'Abbiamo volare alto sulle ali di fuoco' We fly high on wings of fire | |
|---|---|
 The Flag of the Kouralian Air Force | |
| Founded | 1950AD |
| Current form | 2000 |
| Headquarters | The Ministry of Defence (Civil HQ) Rosewood AFB |
| Leadership | |
| Her Majesty | Queen Alyx Campbell |
| Minister of Defence | Sir Bernard Wallace of the Queen's Land |
| Lord Commander | Richard Croft |
| Personnel | |
| Military age | 18-63 |
| Conscription | Not in Effect |
| Active personnel | 550,000 |
| Reserve personnel | 100,000 |
| Industry | |
| Domestic suppliers | Kouralian National Armoury, KAE Systems (Kouralia) |
The Kouralian National Air Force is the aviation warfighting service of the Kouralian Military, and it is intended to fight for air supremacy against - and conduct ground-attack operations in spite of – other air forces operating on a strength parity. It is the junior-most of the three military services by seniority, having been formed in the 20th century initially as an experimental corps of aviators attached to the Royal Army. It is generally stereotyped - correctly or not - as the service for the colder, considered, and more analytical mind, owing to the significantly greater importance placed on technical expertise across almost all trades compared to the other two services.
The National Air Force is responsible for crewing and sustaining almost all fixed-wing airframes in the Kouralian military, and most rotary-wing airframes as well. This includes combat, unmanned, transport, and battlefield support aircraft, even if the Army operates light utility platforms and Navy operates all types from naval flight decks. It is also the lead service for cyberwarfare, and takes the lead on development and implementation of space-based warfighting technologies – whether the use of contemporary satellites to develop intelligence pictures, or of technologies with more direct combat applications. Finally, the National Air Force also has a land warfare component known as the Auxiliary Aviation Legion which is principally tasked with seizing and defending facilities and materiel of importance to aviation operations.
History
The Air Force can trace its line to the formation of the Military Aviation Legion in 1911 by the Office of Legatine and Martial affairs which was the cabinet-level department responsible for overseeing the Royal Army. This originally consisted of ten civilian pilots commissioned into the Army and thirty already-serving officers who had expressed interest and displayed competence. It was here that the motto of the Air Force was inspired by its involvement in ending the decades long insurgency against the ‘Altonian Wardens’ rebel group. Having eluded attempts to crush its active fighting elements through skilful evasion of Royal Army columns by exploiting terrain and a less-than-loyal populace, it found itself rapidly outclassed. Indeed, in the opening two years of its formation, the Military Aviation Legion was deployed solely on public facing duties and on active combat operations against the Altonian Wardens. While initially employed to gather intelligence against an enemy that was wholly unprepared to conceal itself from the air, within a few short months it was regularly tasked with dropping grenades and strafing with machine guns. In memory of its decisive role in ending the insurgency, the Military Aviation Legion adopted a new motto of “” which translates roughly to “The Firewings of Peace.”
Simultaneously to this, the Royal Navy was conducting its own experiments in first taking off and later landing airframes on warships afloat. However, the naval aviation programme was some years behind the Army’s in reaching combat effectiveness. Furthermore, as this fledgling Airfleet never combined with the Aviation Legion, it could not be said to be a predecessor – even if cross-training personnel and sharing doctrines certainly helped to shape the modern Air Force.
Over the course of the next decade and a half, the Militry Aviation Legion grew in size and in prominence before being reconstituted as its own Service Branch in the 1920s. Due to the relative peace that the Crown Union experienced throughout the 20th century, the branch’s development was often behind the curve compared to international efforts and it took until the Millennial War where shortcomings in the quality and technological level of airframes in use were revealed, and the Kouralian Government began to prioritise bringing the Air Force to a parity with the other two services.
Doctrine
Like the Navy, the Air Force is very noticeably subordinate to the Army. Its equipment varies from the cutting edge spread thinly on a number of headlining formations, to dated-but-not-quite-obsolete hardware across a majority of squadrons. Roughly 10% of the Air Force's Strike Wings makes use of 5th Generation Fighters, while roughly 40% make use of Gen 4.5 and the remaining are firmly 4th Generation. Currently a disproportionate aount of funding received by the air force is based on development of space craft, satellites, and orbital defence weaponry.
The Air Force defines Air Power as 'the ability to project power from the air and space to influence the behaviour of people or the course of events', and defines its mission as ensuring the Kouralian Crown never lacks for the Air Power required to accomplish its goal. However, while advances in interplanetary capabilities continue, it remains that the Kouralian Air Force cannot conduct independent offensive operations without the Army to take and hold territory and the airbases built on it. For this reason, aside from in Transport, Strategic, Cyber, and Space Commands - the non-combatant commands, the Air Force only acts to establish air superiority or to conduct ground attack missions in support of Army operations.
Organisation
High Command
The Marischalcy Board is the professional high command of the Air Force. It is made up of the senior-most staff officers, and is regularly joined by senior elected and appointed civilians such as the Justiciar of State for War, or senior civil servants. The Chair of the Marischalcy is assisted by the Principal Marischalcy Warrant Officer, who is the service's senior enlisted advisor. It is their responsibility to bring the perspective of Warranted, Non-Commissioned, and enlisted personnel at the executive level.
- Lord and Master of the Marischalcy - professional head of the Air Force.
- Vice-Master of the Marischalcy, and Master of Capabilities - Deputy to the Chair, and responsible for Cyberwarfare and Space warfare capabilities.
- Fleet-Marischal - responsible for managing the operational tempo of the service and managing allocation of formations to joint service commands.
- Marischal-Artificier - responsible for technical support, outfitting, and procuring of Airframes and parts thereof.
- Marischal-Controller - responsible for procurement, distribution, and supply of munitions, consumables, and other sundries.
- Marischal-Adjutant - responsible for personnel development and support, and training.
The Marischalscy Board does not exercise operational command of naval forces, as this is passed down via the Joint Service Commands. However, it is responsible for ensuring that sufficient vessels are allocated to each Component Aeronautic Command to meet its purpose, as well as ensuring they are sufficiently staffed and equipped.
Administrative Commands
The Air Force is divided into a number of administrative Component Commands or AD-CCOMs which are responsible for managing particular groupings of formations based on what sort of airframe they use, or what sort of support system they provide. These Commands are not used for operational purposes, and merely act as a way for the service to manage its manpower.
- Fighter Command is responsible for all interceptor, air superiority, and multi-role strike aircraft that have an air-to-air capability that are operated by the Air Force.
- Bomber Command is responsible for all aircraft intended for delivering munitions to ground targets without air-to-air capabilities, including strategic and stealth bombers.
- Transport Command is responsible for all strategic and tactical airlift capabilities offered by fixed wing airframes, including VIP transport.
- Coastal Command is responsible for all maritime patrol aircraft and supports Waterguard and Naval forces in anti-smuggling operations.
- Helicopter Command is responsible for operating all rotary-wing airframes.
- Strategic Rocketry Command is responsible for operating all ground-based strategic missile launch sites and for managing the storage of strategic nuclear weapons from airframes.
- Digital Warfare Command is responsible for leading in cybersecurity and also for probing the cyberspace of other nations.
- Air Training Command is responsible for all training, from basic flight training and initial mechanical engineering apprenticeships to advanced jet fighter qualifications and the dismounted close-combat training of the Air Auxiliary Regiments..
- The Aeronautica Auxiliaris is responsible for all of the ground combat elements of the Air Force, whether that be dismounted Marischalcy Rangers, Air Defence batteries, or the Armoured Car Companies.
Air Force Station
All staff in the Air Force work towards the crewing of airframes, and unlike in the the Navy they are not divided up into distinct departments or branches. For example, a single Air Force Station under a Group Captain may operate an Air Wing of roughly 50 aircraft - usually of a particular type. The Air Wing will be supported by:
- Operations Wing is responsible for the management of the airfield and its supporting services: for example the Security Squadron, Air Traffic Control Squadron, and the attached Air Force Legion Troop.
- The Forward Support Wing is responsible for maintaining the airframes.
- The Depth Support Wing is responsible for second-line maintenance and logistics - for example repairing a faulty engine which the FSW has completely detached from an airframe and replaced.
- The Tactical Intelligence Wing is responsible for Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Target Acquisition.
- The Base Support Wing is responsible for things like Facilities Management, Catering, HR, and Medical, Dental, and Chaplaincy Services.
Operational Formations
Personnel
Uniforms
Ranks
Officers
| OF10 | OF9 | OF8 | OF7 | OF6 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force Legatine-Grade Ranks | |||||
Rank Title
|
Lord Grand Air Marshal
|
Air Master Marshal
|
Air Marshal
|
Air Vice-Marshal
|
Air Legate
|
Kouralian
Title |
Legatus-Ærea
Marischal-Magnus Patrighius |
Legatus-Ærea
Marischal-Mæyster |
Legatus-Ærea
Marischal |
Legatus-Ærea
Vys-Marischal |
Legatus-Ærea
|
Abbreviation
|
LGrMshl
|
AMMshl.
|
AMshl.
|
AVMshl.
|
Leg.A
|
Insignia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Typical
Command/ Appointment |
Chief of Air/Defence Staff
|
Joint Forces Command
|
Component Command
|
Tactical Air Force
|
Aviation Legion
|
| OF5 | OF4 | OF3 | OF2 | OF1 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force Field Ranks | |||||
Rank Title
|
Captain of the Air
|
Wing Commander
|
Squadron Leader
|
Master-Vintenar
|
Vintenar - Ensign
|
Kouralian
Title |
Capitæyn aþ'Ærea
|
Comaundær aþe'Fyþære
|
Centenær aþe'Squadrærea
|
Vyntenær-Mæyster
|
Vyntenær - Veſſilian
|
Abbreviation
|
CaptA'A
|
CdrA'F
|
CtrA'S
|
MVtr.
|
Vtr. - En.
|
Insignia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
  |
Typical
Command/ Appointment |
Air Force Station, or a Flying Wing
|
Ground Wing, or a Flying Squadron
|
Ground Squadron, or a Flying Flight
|
Held after 3 years.
|
Held for first year and then two years after
Pilots graduate as Vintenars. |
Enlisted
| OR 10 | OR 9 | OR 8 | OR 7 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force Warrant Officers | ||||
Rank Title
|
Master Warrant Officer
|
Leading Warrant Officer
|
Warrant Officer Class I
|
Warrant Officer Class II
|
Kouralian
Title |
Mæyst'Æiutante
|
Æiutante Sceltiæ
|
Æiutante Primo
|
Æiutante
|
Abbreviation
|
MWO
|
PWO
|
WO1
|
WO2
|
Insignia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Typical
Command/ Appointment |
Command SEA
|
Legatine SEA
|
Principal Technical Specialist/
Wing Serjeant |
Lead Technical Specialist/
Squadron Serjeant |
| OR6 | OR5 | OR4 | OR3 | OR2 | OR1 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Force Other Ranks | ||||||||
Rank Title
|
Master Serjeant
|
Serjeant
|
Dycenar
|
Leading Airman
|
Able Airman
|
Airman Ordinary
| ||
Kouralian
Title |
Særvien-Mæyster
|
Særvien
|
Dycenær
|
Aviere Sceltiæ
|
Aviere Abiliæ
|
Aviere Ordinariæ
| ||
Abbreviation
|
MSjt.
|
Sjt.
|
Dy.
|
AL
|
AA
|
AO
| ||
Insignia
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 | ||
Typical
Command/ Appointment |
Platoon Serjeant
|
Section Commander
|
Detail Commander
|
Specialism/Seniority Grade
|
Basic Grade
|
Held for 2 years
| ||
Equipment
Aircraft are given designations in three parts: the type-name of the airframe (which is decided upon adoption by the Marshalcy Board), the role type of the aircraft, and the model number. In full, the designation may be given as Phoenix D Mk.2, for the second model of the Drone-role variant of the Phoenix airframe. This would usually be shortened down to Phoenix D.2.
| Role Type | Description | Role Type | Description | Role Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AEW |
Airborne Early Warning |
FGA |
Fighter/Ground Attack |
HMA |
Helicopter, Maritime Attack |
AS |
Anti-Submarine |
FS |
Fighter/Strike |
HR |
Helicopter, Rescue |
ASR |
Air-Sea Rescue |
GA |
Ground Attack |
HT |
Helicopter, Training |
B |
Bomber |
GR |
Ground Attack/Reconnaissance |
HU |
Helicopter, Utility |
BK |
Bomber/Tanker |
GS |
Ground Attack/Strike |
K |
Tanker |
C |
Transport |
HAS |
Helicopter, Anti-Submarine |
KC |
Tanker/Transport |
CC |
Communications and Control |
HC |
Helicopter, Cargo |
MRA |
Maritime Reconnaissance and Attack |
D |
Drone |
HCC |
Helicopter, Communications and Control |
R |
Reconnaissance |
ECM |
Electronic Countermeasures |
HGR |
Helicopter, Ground Attack/Reconnaissance |
S |
Strike |
ECR |
Electronic Combat/Reconnaissance |
HSP |
Helicopter, Special Purpose |
SP |
Special Purpose |
F |
Fighter |
HM |
Helicopter, Maritime |
T |
Training |
Planes
- Phoenix Family = Piaggio p.180 Avanti
- Archer Family = Hawk
- Slingshot = Super Tucano
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Image | Description | Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fighters | |||||
Firewing |
F.2 |
* Not F-22 Raptor (BAE Replica) | X,XXX | ||
Designation |
F.1 FGA.2 MF.3 |
Image |
* Not F-35 (P.125) * Includes A, B, and C versions. |
X,XXX | |
Designation |
F.1 F.2 FGA.3 GR.4 |
Image |
* Not Harrier 'predecessor fighter-bomber' (p.1216) * Naval Version (uses characteristics of F/A 18E/Harrier II GR9) |
X,XXX | |
| Bombers | |||||
B.2 |
Image |
High-Speed/Low-Altitude Strategic Bomber | X,XXX | ||
Designation |
GS.3 |
Image |
* Tactical Tornado-style Bomber | X,XXX | |
| Attack | |||||
GA.1 |
Image |
* Ground Attack aircraft | X,XXX | ||
Archer |
GA.2 GR.3 |
Image |
* Attack-mode Hawk | X,XXX | |
Filly |
GA.2 |
Image |
* Attack-mode Super Tucano | X,XXX | |
| Transport | |||||
C.1 |
Image |
* Outsize cargo transporter | X,XXX | ||
C.1 |
Image |
* Strategic Transporter | X,XXX | ||
Designation |
C.3 |
Image |
* Tactical Transporter (A400 M) | X,XXX | |
C.1 |
* Utility Transporter | X,XXX | |||
Designation |
C.2 |
Image |
Carrier-capable Utility Plane | X,XXX | |
Designation |
SPC.1 |
Image |
* Strategic VIP Transporter (A380) | X,XXX | |
Designation |
C.2 |
Image |
* Tactical VIP Transporter (Bombardier Challenger 850) | X,XXX | |
Phoenix |
C.2 |
Image |
* Compact VIP Transport (p.180 Avanti) | X,XXX | |
| Command and Intelligence | |||||
Warlord |
CC.5 |
Image |
E4 National Control Plane | X,XXX | |
Vygean |
AEW.4 |
Image |
E3 Sentry-alike | X,XXX | |
Commissioner |
CC.2 |
Image |
E6 Mercury-alike | X,XXX | |
Sweeper |
R.2 |
Image |
Raytheon Sentinel-alike | X,XXX | |
Watchkeeper |
R.3 |
Image |
Basically MC-12 Intelligence Plane | X,XXX | |
| Electronic Warfare | |||||
ECR.2 |
Image |
C27J-derived EW Plane | X,XXX | ||
Designation |
ECR.1 |
Image |
Tornado ECR-alike | X,XXX | |
Designation |
MECR.3 |
Image |
p.1216-derived Naval ECR | X,XXX | |
| Miscellaneous | |||||
Designation |
KC.4 |
Image |
KC-10-esque Tanker | X,XXX | |
Designation |
MRA.4 |
Image |
Maritime Patrol Aircraft | X,XXX | |
SP.3 |
Image |
Special Operations transporty-thing | X,XXX | ||
| UAVs | |||||
Phoenix |
Licana |
D.3 |
Image |
Descr Descr Descr | X,XXX |
D.1 D.2 |
Image |
The Zephyr is a High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite UAV focused on observation and signals relaying capabilities. It can fly as high as 70,000ft at 35mph and continuously operate using solar panels on the wings to refuel for 30 days continuous loiter time. It can also transmit real-time imagery, voice and data to areas covering 1,000km² over a long distance. | 200 | ||
| Trainers | |||||
Archer |
T.1 |
Image |
* Jet Trainer (Hawk) | X,XXX | |
Hedgehog |
T.1 |
Image |
* Cargo Trainer (T-1 Jayhawk) | X,XXX | |
Filly |
T.1 |
Image |
* Advanced Prop Trainer (Super Tucano) | X,XXX | |
Ignatius |
T.1 |
Image |
* Prop Trainer (Cirrus SR22) | X,XXX | |
Helicopters
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Image | Description | Numbers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Attack | |||||
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
Erdogan-based Gunship | X,XXX |
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
Kawaski OH-1 Scout Helicopter | X,XXX |
| Utility/Multi-Mission | |||||
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
Lynx Wildcat in Utility, Specialist, Electronic Warfare, maritime | X,XXX |
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
MD 530F/Boeing AH-6 in Utility, Reconnaissance, and Specialist roles | X,XXX |
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
Medium Utility Helicopter in Utility, Maritime, and VIP Transport | X,XXX |
| Transport | |||||
Something |
Image |
Heavy Lift Helicopter | X,XXX | ||
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
VIP Transport | X,XXX |
| Trainer | |||||
Designation |
Licana |
Something |
Image |
Training Helicopter | X,XXX |
