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Description
The AC-11 Hydra class assault gunship is the successor to the C-9 Gryphon, taking many inspirations from it, while also correcting many of the issues that model was found to have. The main rotor is greatly enlarged, and the added adjustable tail rotor provides much more precise movement control. The wings are redesigned, able to carry a much heavier payload, as well as external fuel tanks. The internal bay is also much bigger, with space enough for 10-12 passengers, in addition to the two man crew.

The Hydra gunship is designed to bring troops to the front lines of the battlefield, and to provide cover fire and air support for ground units. The airframe is strong enough to withstand even most uncontrolled landings, with the heavy construction of the wings serving to prevent rollovers in the event of tail rotor malfunction. The Hydra is a rugged craft, known to have been shot down, shot up, broken down, fixed up, and flown home, on a single mission.

With a wide array of weapons and few blind spots, the Hydra presents a devastating amount of firepower. A ball-mounted plasma turret on either side of the cockpit make for effective computer-controlled cover firing weapons while troops disembark from the side and belly hatches. The pilot controlled double plasma cannon mounted under the nose also assists with precise targeting, as the computer follows the pilot's aim. Another cannon under the tail is controlled by the rear gunner, again useful for cover fire, and for picking off pursuers. Under each wing is mounted eight anti-vehicle missiles, and twelve anti-structure rockets, along with an external fuel tank, and a turning assist thruster on the wingtip.

(I spent a lot of time working on this model, and I'm actually quite pleased with the result this time. After dismantling the C-9, I tried building a new version, and it came out looking like absolute crap. That's why I skipped 10. So the failed model sat around for a long time before I finally got around to making something decent out of it. It took me at least three nights of solid building to come up with this, and that's not including what the failed one took. I tried lots of different ideas, including giving the two rear wheels suspension, before opting to have the two wheels at the front, and also having an open port at the back for the rear gunner before deciding that was dumb, and putting a wall in instead, with a screen for the gunner. Also, the rotor and roof all comes off, but unlike the C-9, now the wings don't come with it, so it's easier. Also, now the rotor blades don't flop all over the place, thanks to a few structurally reinforcing hinges. And the tail rotor.. I don't know how realistic it is, but I think it looks cool.)

I think this shot is fairly cool. It shows the nose turret, and also under the wings, and even the bottom of the rotor assembly. Yes, that's an old Res-Q minifigure piloting it. Fun Fact: This model is a direct descendent of the set #6462 Aerial Recovery. brickset.com/sets/6462-1/Aeria… The rotor is slightly bigger now, but it still uses some of the same parts!

Description
The AC-11 Hydra class assault gunship is the successor to the C-9 Gryphon, taking many inspirations from it, while also correcting many of the issues that model was found to have. The main rotor is greatly enlarged, and the added adjustable tail rotor provides much more precise movement control. The wings are redesigned, able to carry a much heavier payload, as well as external fuel tanks. The internal bay is also much bigger, with space enough for 10-12 passengers, in addition to the two man crew.

The Hydra gunship is designed to bring troops to the front lines of the battlefield, and to provide cover fire and air support for ground units. The airframe is strong enough to withstand even most uncontrolled landings, with the heavy construction of the wings serving to prevent rollovers in the event of tail rotor malfunction. The Hydra is a rugged craft, known to have been shot down, shot up, broken down, fixed up, and flown home, on a single mission.

With a wide array of weapons and few blind spots, the Hydra presents a devastating amount of firepower. A ball-mounted plasma turret on either side of the cockpit make for effective computer-controlled cover firing weapons while troops disembark from the side and belly hatches. The pilot controlled double plasma cannon mounted under the nose also assists with precise targeting, as the computer follows the pilot's aim. Another cannon under the tail is controlled by the rear gunner, again useful for cover fire, and for picking off pursuers. Under each wing is mounted eight anti-vehicle missiles, and twelve anti-structure rockets, along with an external fuel tank, and a turning assist thruster on the wingtip.

(I spent a lot of time working on this model, and I'm actually quite pleased with the result this time. After dismantling the C-9, I tried building a new version, and it came out looking like absolute crap. That's why I skipped 10. So the failed model sat around for a long time before I finally got around to making something decent out of it. It took me at least three nights of solid building to come up with this, and that's not including what the failed one took. I tried lots of different ideas, including giving the two rear wheels suspension, before opting to have the two wheels at the front, and also having an open port at the back for the rear gunner before deciding that was dumb, and putting a wall in instead, with a screen for the gunner. Also, the rotor and roof all comes off, but unlike the C-9, now the wings don't come with it, so it's easier. Also, now the rotor blades don't flop all over the place, thanks to a few structurally reinforcing hinges. And the tail rotor.. I don't know how realistic it is, but I think it looks cool.)

I think this shot is fairly cool. It shows the nose turret, and also under the wings, and even the bottom of the rotor assembly. Yes, that's an old Res-Q minifigure piloting it. Fun Fact: This model is a direct descendent of the set #6462 Aerial Recovery. brickset.com/sets/6462-1/Aeria… The rotor is slightly bigger now, but it still uses some of the same parts!