AFCASG-1 Guardian Gunship
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| Vulcan AFCASG-1 Guardian | |
|---|---|
| |
| AFCASG-1 configuration in Air Fleet colors. | |
| Role | Close air support gunship |
| National origin |  Cacerta
|
| Manufacturer | Vulcan Aeronautics |
| First flight | 22 June 2009 |
| Introduction | 11 August 2009 |
| Status | In active service |
| Primary user |  Royal Air Fleet
|
| Produced | 2009—present |
| Number built | 20 |
| Developed from | AFHvT-6 V40M |
The Vulcan Aeronautics AFCASG-1 Guardian is a heavily armed, long-endurance gunship of the Cacertian Royal Air Fleet designed to provide close air support to ground and naval troops of the Cacertian Armed Forces. Based on the airframe of the V40M, it is equipped with a heavy array of anti-ground weaponry with sophisticated sensors, navigation, and fire-control systems.
The Guardian is solely operated by the Royal Air Fleet for close air support, deep air support, and force protection. This often has Guardian crews flying missions that support ground troops or naval convoys, conducting attacks on strategic targets deep in enemy territory, and defending military facilities. The Guardian fleet is based at four different air fleet bases in the Cacertian Archipelago and possesses the capability of deploying worldwide.
Development
Design
Operational History
Variants
Operators
Specification
General Characteristics
- Crew: 13
- Length: 45.1 m (148 ft 0 in)
- Wingspan: 42.4 m (139 ft 1 in)
- Height: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
- Wing Area: 225.1 m² (2,423 ft²)
- Loaded Weight: 110,500 kg (243,611 lbs)
- Max Takeoff Weight: 141,000 kg (310,852 lbs)
- Powerplant: 4 × Vulcan-TP400-D6 turboprops
- Propellers: 8-bladed variable pitch propellers
- Fuel Capacity: 50,500 kg (111,300 lbs)
Performance
- Cruise Speed: 781 km/h (485 mph)
- Range: 4,500 km (2,450 nmi)
- Service Ceiling: 12,200 m (40,000 ft)
Armament
AFCASG-1 Guardian
- 1 × 25mm Gatling cannon
- 1 × 40mm autocannon
- 1 × 105mm smoothbore cannon
AFCASG-2 Guardian II (Projected)
- 1 × 30mm autocannon
- 1 × 105mm smoothbore cannon
- 1 × Light multiple rocket launch system