Colomas AC-42
| Colomas AC-42 "Black Adder" | |
|---|---|
| |
| Surviving AC-42 in civil service | |
| Role | Combat Aircraft |
| National origin |  Inyursta
|
| Manufacturer | Colomas Aviation |
| First flight | 1944 |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users |  Gran Cuscatlan |
| Produced | 1948-1956 |
| Number built | 220+ |
The Colomas AC-42 "Black Adder" was a turboprop combat aircraft developed by Colomas Aviation. During the Inyurstan Civil War, it was used by both sides (ACRI 1960-1970; AVI 1956-1967) extensively due to its pre-war production and availability. After the war, the AC-42 saw widespread use in the civilian market, though its military career would see limited service after the 70's.
Design
History
Inyurstan Civil War
Since the onset of the Civil War, the AVI used this aircraft - even if albeit in a "terror weapon" role. Initially, AC-42 were used to disperse chemical irritants over mobs and protests, along with other roles such as conducting low, loud passes and firing blindly. However, as protests turned to riots, and riots turned to outright insurrection the aircraft flying with forces loyal to Solévereu would eventually assume the role of tactical bombers and close-air support. AVI Black Adder's were used prolifically in both the Battle of Juanaré (in an offensive role) and the Seige of Graçio (in a defensive role).
Towards the end of the war, the AVI's air wing suffered increasing logistical shortcomings and supply shortages. Paired with widespread defections and increased presence of ACRI anti-air capabilities, the dwindling force of AC-42 become largely inactive. By the time Javez landed in Guadalojas, they were almost a non-factor against ACRI assault echelons.
The first recorded ACRI use of the Black Adder came in 1960, during the middle stages of the Marindino Campaign.
Losses
During the course of the war, ACRI suffered the loss of 13 AC-42 in combat operations; 5 shot down by enemy aircraft (4 MiG-17, 1 AVI AC-42), and 8 lost to enemy anti-aircraft fire. An additional 7 were destroyed on-the-ground by AVI long-range attacks, and 2 non-combat crashes occurred. On the opposing side, the AVI lost 33 total AC-42: 2 shot down by enemy aircraft (2 ACRI AC-42), 10 lost to enemy anti-aircraft fire; and a total of 21 destroyed on the runway by ACRI Força D'Insùrgenté Frappo-Gréve commandos. A single AVI AC-42 was lost to a non-combat accident, and an additional 46 were lost to defection, surrender or capture.