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contrail09 — KV-82, final
Published: 2009-07-03 13:04:55 +0000 UTC; Views: 2866; Favourites: 38; Downloads: 46
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Description
Finally, it's inked and colored.For
Oh, here's the original: [link]
KV-82 Corbeau
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Role: Attack helicopter
National origin: Vulpinian Monarchy (now the Vulpinian Legacy)
Manufacturer/s:
Vulpinian State Aviation, Ltd. (771 AW)
Avions du Vulpinia (776 AW - Present)
Unravel Design Board (833 AW- Present)
First flight: 21 Platil, 771 AW
Status: Active Service (KV-82A/KV-82B/KV-82FVF)
Primary Users:
Vulpinian Army Helicopter Brigade (14)
Free Vulpinian Republic Air Force (6)
Number built: < 25
Developed from: KV-77 Grenouille
Variants:
KV-82S Mouette
ZK.4 Bac
P.12 Krisnay
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Design and Development
The KV-82 was developed in the late 760s following proof of the inefficiency of the Grenouille gunship-converts which cannot catch up with the troop carriers. The then-Monarchy turned to Vulpinian State Aviation to create a dedicated attack helicopter to provide air support to urban incursions and jungle warfare.
Using the tested coaxial gearbox of the Grenouille, the first XKV-82A flew on 21 Platil 771 AW. Apart from the gearbox, the XKV-82 also had a 61% commonality with the Grenouille in terms of its tail boom and engines. (These common parts will also find its way to the KV-88 Libellule and KV-79 Geant).
Production was slated for 55 aircraft, but amid political instablility, the military order was nullified and the company closed, leaving approximately 25 intact aircraft and 18 airframes, along with the plans for it.
As Vulpinian sovereignity lay in ruins, Free Vulpinian Republic forces recieved plans and airframes for the KV-82, along with 8 A-model helicopters, from an unknown source. Shortly after, the Junte de Legs (Legacy Junta), which has now taken power over the area, seized the remaining plans and aircraft, and developed it.
Operational History
The JL's KV-82 fleet initially provided much needed air support for Vulpinian counter-insurgent troops. Entering service in 776 AW, it began serving escort missions to Grenouille troop carriers sending reinforcements to hot spots in the mountains.
The FVR also utilized the KV-82, though lack of pilot training coupled with the relatively decrepit states of some of the gunships made them prone to accidents. Within five years of service, the entire FVR helicopter fleet was grounded, including the KV-82s.
The distinctive rustling noise of the twin-coaxial rotors, dark color schemes (early KV-82s were painted black for night operations) and slim profile of the KV-82 earned it the moniker "Corbeau" (Raven). Quite frankly, most troops are relieved upon hearing one headed their way.
Armed with a 55mm autocannon and two 70mm "Enfer" rocket pods, the KV-82 made short work of the insurgent resistance hiding in the pines. However, when the Lupinian Commonwealth began giving assistance to the FVR, the decisive edge of the Corbeau soon vanished. By 822, only 14 of the original 26 KV-82s in the Legacy fleet remain operational. 4 of these were converted to KV-82B "Corbeau-S" close air support helicopters, which feature a glass cockpit, FLIR, synthetic aperture radar and upgraded engines.
The FVR, however, sought outside help. They sent plans and airframes to two of its allies, the democratic Republic of Zerda and the Kingdom of Callentine. Zerda's aircraft companies mass-produced the airframe for general purpose, as well as creating a civilian version of it that seats four.
In Callentine, however, they recieved four incomplete airframes as well as plans for the helicopter. The Unravel Design Board incorporated the engines and rotors of their existing attack helicopter program, the P.8 Kibel, as well as replacing the 55mm cannon with a 57mm chain gun. The result was the KV-82FVF, which was returned to the Republic in 833 AW.
Variants
XKV-82A
Prototype version. Two made, one lost during test flight using one engine (71-0002).
KV-82A "Corbeau"
Original version.
KV-82B "Corbeau-S"
Upgraded version used by the Vulpinian Legacy. Has glass cockpit, FLIR, synthetic-aperture radar and uprated engines.
KV-82FVF "Corbeau-M"
Upgraded version used by the Free Vulpinian Republic. Has glass cockpit, FLIR, synthetic-aperture radar, new engines and rotors.
KV-82S "Mouette"
Naval Version.
ZK.4 "Bac"
Zerdan civil variant, carries four people.
P.12 "Krisnay"
Callentine-licenced production variant.
Operators
- Vulpinian Legacy (14)
- Free Vulpinian Republic (6)
Former Operators
- Vulpinian Monarchy (25)
Specifications (KV-82A)
General characteristics
Crew: 2: pilot, CPG (co-pilot/gunner)
Length: 42 ft 3 in (12.9 m)
Rotor diameter: 41 ft (12.5 m)
Height: 23 ft (7 m)
Empty weight: 6,254 lb (2,843 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 9,979 lb (4,525 kg)
Powerplant: 2× BR447A turboshafts, 1,680 shp (1,300 kW) each
Total engine output: 1,680 shp (1,300 kW) limited by helicopter drivetrain
Rotor systems: 3 blades on both main rotors
Performance
Maximum speed: 190 knots (218 mph, 352 km/h)
Range: 308 nmi (355 mi, 571 km)
Service ceiling: 11,525 ft (3,513 m)
Armament
-One Margot BX-4 55mm autocannon
-Two "Enfer" 70mm rocket pods, or Two Margot BX-55 75mm fast cannons, with 14 rounds each.
Note - all details written here are entirely fictional.
