AIRCRAFT FROM CRIMSON SKIES

HUGHES AVIATION BLOODHAWK

Val   CHA Cost    Notes
7	Size	35	Length 5.04", Width 2.52", Area 12.7", Mass 12.8 ton, KB -7
50	STR	5	HTH Damage 10d6  END [5]
20	DEX	30	OCV 7 DCV 3
18	BODY	1	
3	DEF	3	
4	SPD	10	Phases:  3, 6, 9, 12
Total Characteristics Cost:  82

Movement:	Ground:  6"/12"
		Flight:  25"/200"

Cost  Abilities and Equipment
   Propulsion Systems
24	Propeller-Driven Fighter:  Flight 25", x8 Noncombat; Takeoff/Landing (-1), Stall Velocity 25" (-½), 
	1 Continuing Fuel Charge lasting 1 Hour (-0), Side Effects, automatically occurs when Flight is in 
	use (affects the environment behind the vehicle; KA 1d6 to anyone who comes into contact with the 
	propeller; -0), [1 cc]

   Tactical Systems
24	Barrett Arms "Mustang" .30-caliber Machine Guns:  RKA 2d6+1, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+¼), 
	Autofire (5 shots; +½); OIF Bulky (-1), Limited Arc Of Fire (0 degrees forward; same horizontal 
	level; -1), Activation Roll 15-, Jammed (-¾), Real Weapon (-¼), 500 Charges (+1), [500]
5	Barrett Arms "Mustang" .30-caliber Machine Guns:  One more Barrett Arms "Mustang" .30-caliber Machine 
	Gun (total of two), [500]
27	Barrett Arms "Ranger" .40-caliber Machine Guns:  RKA 2 ½d6, +1 Increased STUN Multiplier (+¼), 
	Autofire (5 shots; +½); OIF Bulky (-1), Limited Arc Of Fire (0 degrees forward; same horizontal 
	level; -1), Activation Roll 15-, Jammed (-¾), Real Weapon (-¼), 500 Charges (+1), [500]
5	Barrett Arms "Ranger" .40-caliber Machine Guns:  One more Barrett Arms "Ranger" .40-caliber Machine 
	Gun (total of two), [500]

   Operation Systems
4	Radio:  Radio Perception/Transmission (Radio Group); OAF Bulky (-1 ½), Affected As  Hearing Group 
	As Well As Radio Group (-¼)

	Personnel Systems
14	Sealed Environment:  Life Support  (Safe Environment: Intense Cold; Safe Environment: Low Pressure/
	Vacuum; Self-Contained Breathing)

	Skills
4	Highly Maneuverable:  +2 with Flight; Limited Use (see text; -0)

Total Abilities & Equipment Cost:  107
Total Vehicle Cost:  189

Value Disadvantages
25	Distinctive Features:  Warplane (Not Concealable; Extreme Reaction [fear]; Detectable By Commonly-Used 
	Senses)

Total Disadvantage Points:  25
Total Cost:  164/5 = 33

Notes: The Hughes Aviation Bloodhawk is the latest in a line of superlative aircraft from Hollywood's premiere aircraft manufacturer: Howard Hughes. The Bloodhawk is the epitome of style and function, engineered as much for appearance as for deadly effectiveness.

The Bloodhawk first manufactured in 1936 is powered by a fuel-injection Allison V-1690 engine that produces 1,288 horsepower; the craft also uses a pusher-prop that allows it to attain speeds of just over 300 m.p.h. in level flight (with 350 m.p.h. possible in a dive).

The Bloodhawk's pusher-prop and rear wing design poses some problems, however. Though extremely maneuverable at high speeds, the Bloodhawk does not perform well at low velocities and has an unusually high stall speed. Damage to the nose-mounted canard wings exacerbates this problem. These stubby wings, counterbalanced by the engine, play an integral part in keeping the aircraft aloft.

The Bloodhawk's weaponry (nose-mounted cannons—two .30-caliber and two .40-caliber) are manufactured by Browning, and were designed for both a high fire-rate and low incidence of jamming. The weapon's location and sighting systems are precision balanced for accuracy, earning the Bloodhawk a reputation for lethality despite its relatively modest armament. Under-wing pylons allow the aircraft to carry rockets or external fuel tanks as required, though the latter have a detrimental effect on the aircraft's handling; they are generally only used when moving aircraft from one location to another or on long-range escort missions.

Though the Bloodhawk incorporates few revolutionary ideas, the design's balance of new and old concepts makes it in a superlative aircraft and one of the most sought-after designs in North America.

The Bloodhawk is currently a backbone design among Hollywood aviators, particularly the Hollywood Knights. A handful are also in service with the Republic of Texas, the Empire State and Dixie. The latter are the subject of considerable acrimony between Hughes and the Confederacy (which has led to the blacklisting of Dixie-based clients). A recent raid on Manhattan by Dixie forces in which the Confederate pilots used several captured Bloodhawks has further heightened tensions.

Hughes Aviation Bloodhawk Hero Designer File.

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