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The Hughes
Aviation Bloodhawk is the latest in a line of superlative aircraft from Hollywood's
premiere aircraft manufacturer: Howard Hughes. The epitome of style and function,
the Bloodhawk is extremely maneuverable at high speeds, but suffers at low velocities
with an unusually high stall speed. The plane has earned a reputation for lethality
because of its precision balanced weapons and sighting system.
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The Coyote,
based on a custom-built plane produced by the Hopi at Second Mesa, was designed
as a multi-role aircraft and is quite capable, even when facing most aircraft dedicated
to single roles. In order to fill the needs of the various tribes of Native America,
the Coyote serves as a spotter, bomber, and a gunship.
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The twin engine
Grumman E-1C Avenger operates primarily as an interceptor, though a handful
serve as reconnaissance or light-strike craft. The Avenger's mediocre maneuverability
and armor make this aircraft a poor choice for dogfighting; the Avenger rarely serves
as an escort.
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With a fast
16-cylinder Pratt & Whitney R600 engine, surprising agility, and impressive armament,
the Fairchild Brigand has earned a reputation as a reliable and effective
combat plane. Poor fuel economy, quirky handling, and mediocre acceleration are
this popular plane's only flaws.
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The Sanderson
Vampire is easily one of the heaviest fighters in operation, more closely
resembling a bomber than a dogfighter. Massing almost 13,250 pounds, the FB14 is
cumbersome and slow, but extremely well armed and armored. Though the Vampire was
intended as a heavy fighter-bomber, two variants also exist, a photoreconnaissance
plane and a general-purpose cargo plane.
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The Firebrand
is one of the newest aircraft in existence, with fewer than sixty currently in service.
One of the first combat aircraft designed as a flying wing, the Firebrand can attain
altitudes of up to 35,000 feet, and carries a formidable weapon payload. The trade-off
for these capabilities is a reduction in agility, speed, and acceleration.
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The J2
Fury is propelled by a 14-cylinder Wright R-1800-C engine and is fully capable
of reaching 250 M.P.H. while still retaining maneuverability. However, troubling
stall characteristics make this plane unfriendly to beginner pilots. The J2 Fury
primarily operates as an interceptor, due to its mix of speed and armament. The
Fury has also proven to be an effective anti-zeppelin craft.
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The Whittly
& Douglas M210 Raven is an agile fighter-bomber that was designed with an
eye towards ease of maintenance. In fact, it is this facet of the Raven's design
that has made it one of the most popular and widely customized aircraft in service
today. Originally produced as a ground attack aircraft, the Raven's mix of agility
and firepower has also earned it a reputation as a dangerous anti-aircraft gunship.
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Although somewhat
dated now, the Hughes Aviation designed Devastator outperformed every other
combat aircraft in the skies in speed, armament, and maneuverability when it was
first released. The versatile Devastator is still widely used as a fighter-bomber
today, however, where its lack of speed is not a problem and its agility and firepower
remain above average.
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The Curtiss-Wright
P2 Warhawk was designed to carry significant weapons payloads and operate
over long distances to fulfill its role as a light bomber. Many pilots consider
the Warhawk to be somewhat out-of-date, though the craft is still quite capable,
particularly when precision strikes at long-distance targets are required.
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The William
and Colt Peacemaker 370s were built in the aftermath of the Texas/Mexico
conflict. Though it lacks the agility of many other fighters, the Peacemaker has
proved an effective aircraft, relying on brute force rather than finesse. Its armor
and firepower make it an ideal anti-zeppelin platform. The gunship variant is particular
adept at this role.
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The Marquette
PR-1 Defender, developed to defend the People's Collective from Federal troops
and raids by the Industrial States of America, is a limited-role fighter; a failure
at ground-attack or anti-airship missions, but surprisingly effective in air-to-air
engagements with enemy fighters. It's small size, weight, and turning ability is
offset by engine shortcomings and poor fuel efficiency.
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The McDonnell
S2B Kestrel's unique dual hull allows for enhanced stability in level flight;
however, the unusual airframe makes it very difficult to pilot in a dogfight. With
its fast speed, excellent range, and substantial load of bombs and rockets, the
Kestrel is ideal for anti-zeppelin attack missions. Its limited maneuverability
restricts it from any anti-fighter operations.
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The Valiant
originally entered service in 1934, rolling off the Bell assembly line in Marietta,
Georgia in November of that year. This small and agile fighter was an ideal dogfighting
craft, capable of out-turning almost every opposing craft. The Valiant typically
serves a point-defense fighter (protecting fixed installations against attack) due
to its long runway requirement and low operational range (a mere 350 miles).
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