Metalworks Incorporated AV-90 Goshawk Multi-Purpose VTOL:
This design is one of the newest developed by Metalworks Incorporated
While only a few prototypes have been so far constructed, multiple orders
have already been placed for the design. It seems to be planned that the
craft will not be produced in Metalworks main facility but instead in a
new facility that is in the Appalachian Mountains. This facility is the
same which produces the Sparrow power armor. The design fills several of
the roles of other Metalwork's designs which might be seen as potentially
business cutting but the Goshawk is far more expensive. Vixen's Pride will
likely receive several of this VTOL craft after full scale production begins
and they may replace several of the Kestrels in the unit. Even the REEF
is looking at the design with interest.
Patterned in general role after the Triax Mosquito, The Goshawk is one
of the most interesting VTOL designs built. It is not built with a lifting
body but instead is designed to fly by brute force although the design
is streamlined. The design may have been first developed as a competition
for Northern Gun Black Wolf but in many ways is far more flexible although
slower. The key to the design is the fact that it uses a modular construction
which allows for the use of different exterior pods in the mid section
of the VTOL. The size of the pod is 38 feet long by 28 feet wide by 12.5
feet tall. A pod may be changed in about two hours and several designs
are under development. Pods under development or already developed include
troop carriers / cargo boxes, ambulance units, research pods, command &
control facilities, electronic intelligence pods, anti-submarine warfare
sections, gunship modules, and even heavy missile launchers. It is quite
possible that when these vehicles reach large numbers that some may be
converted as personal transports. If no pod is fitted, a hook and winch
are visible in a recessed compartment. The cargo hook can carry loads up
to 10 tons although cargo pods can carry up to 20 tons of cargo internally.
The whole craft is heavily armored and is designed to take huge amounts
of abuse. One advantage of the Goshawk over craft such as helicopters is
the fact that there is no rotor that can be targeted. The thrusters are
heavily armored just like the main body of the aircraft. Unlike many of
Metalworks other designs, the Goshawk is only available with fusion engines.
Simply, the strain of the craft would be too much for any other propulsion
type and many of the weapons take huge amounts of power. In size, the Goshawk
is even larger than the Northern Gun Black Wolf VTOL. Even though it is
much slower than the Black Wolf, the Goshawk is still far faster than any
conventional helicopter.
The main section is armed and some pods carry heavy weapons as well.
In the nose is a turret mounted chin fashion. The main weapon, which is
carried in the Northern Gun design as well, mounted in the turret is a
copy of the IH-44L Vulcan Laser on the Iron Hammer Tank once produced by
Iron Heart Industries. The weapon is very powerful and useful for both
ground strafing and against aircraft. On the left side of the Vulcan Laser,
the Goshawk carries a heavy grenade launcher. It is considered to be most
useful against ground targets. The VTOL carries three ball mounts for side
and top defense. One mount is on either side and one mount is on the top
of the strut that supports the cargo module. The ball mounts are design
to be able to mount either a power armor type rail gun or a pulse laser
cannon. The ball mounts are remotely controlled from behind the pilot and
co-pilot. Behind the cockpit of the Goshawk are two large capacity mini-missile
pods. In addition to the weapon systems, the Goshawk carries most of the
defense systems common to Metalwork's designs.
The Troop / Cargo Module is simply an empty pod. The pod includes
tie downs so cargo does not shift. Special seats can be locked into place
to seat personnel as a troop transport. The pod has large side doors which
are large enough to enable small vehicles to be driven onboard.
The Ambulance Module has beds for up to 30 patients. In addition,
the pod carries medical equipment, medical supplies, and four medical personnel.
While not as equipped as a hospital and the modules primary purpose is
for transport to a full sized medical facility, the personnel have equipment
and supplies for most regular medical emergencies including a mini operating
area.
A Research Module can vary greatly depending on how they are
set up. Basically, if a group orders a research module, what equipment
is carried will be decided by them and will likely have to provide some
themselves. The amount of crew required will also vary based on needs and
the amount of equipment carried.
The Command & Control Module will be designed with additional
and longer ranged communication gear. They will be used to control combat
units on the battle field. The pods are designed to carry ten communication
operators and four commanders.
The Radar & Electronics Warfare Module is designed with a
powerful phased array radar system along with powerful jamming pods. The
present design seems to use older jamming systems if some are built for
Vixen's Pride, they may carry more powerful jamming systems. The pod has
two communication operators and can act in limited duty as a command and
control platform. The actual jamming system and radar system are run by
four personnel and the pod is designed to be able to carry an additional
two commanders.
The Anti-Submarine Warfare Module carries multiple types of equipment
designed to detect submarines. These include a Magnetic Anomaly Detector
(MAD), Dipping Sonar, and Sonar Buoys. About 100 Sonar Buoys can be carried
in the main bay in addition to up to eight large torpedoes or a variety
of smaller torpedoes. These are launched from the sides of the module.
Missiles can be substituted for torpedoes but normally only torpedoes will
be carried. The systems are operated by two personnel with space for four
additional personnel onboard. This is designed so two communication operators
and two commanders can be carried onboard.
The Gunship Module is designed using four Vulcan laser cannons
which as basically identical to those which are mounted in the nose gun
pod. Two Vulcan laser cannons face to either side of the aircraft and the
pod is capable of quickly clearing just about any landing zone. The pod
carries four gunners but they can be controlled from the cockpit of the
Goshawk as well.
The Missile Module is designed primarily for long range missile
strikes and is similar in concept to the Death Head Transports which have
been converted into missile platforms. The module carries both long range
and medium range missiles. A total of twenty four long range missiles and
sixteen medium range missiles are carried. The missiles are launched from
the sides of the module. In addition to the payload, the pod has two long
range targeting radars which face primarily forward. The missile launchers
are controlled from the cockpit with one of the "passengers" in the cockpit
normally operating the missile launchers.
Model Type: AV-90 Goshawk
Class: Modular Multi-Purpose Military VTOL
| Crew: | Main Section: | 6 (Pilot, Co-pilot / Gunner, Communication Operator, and 3 Gunners) |
| Troop / Cargo Module: | None |
| Ambulance Module: | 6 (Medical Personnel) |
| Research Module: | 5 to 10 researchers normal |
| C&C Module: | 10 Communication Operators |
| R & EW Module: | 6 (2 Communication Operators, 4 Electronic Operators) |
| ASW Module: | 4 (2 Communication Operators, and 2 Sensor Operators) |
| Gunship Module: | 4 (Gunners) |
| Missile Module: | None |
| Troops: | Main Section: | 2 |
| Troop / Cargo Module: | 50 normal and 30 in Light or Medium Power Armor |
| Ambulance Module: | 30 Patients |
| Research Module: | 5 to 10 passengers (In some cases up 30 can be squeezed in) |
| C&C Module: | 4 (Commanders) |
| R & EW Module: | 2 (Commanders) |
| ASW Module: | 2 (Commanders) - Can carry 30 personnel in place of sonar buoys |
| Gunship Module: | None |
| Missile Module: | None |
M.D.C. by Location:
| Main Body: | 350 |
| Side Doors (2): | 100 each |
| Ambulance Module, Research Module, and C&C Module: | |
| Main Body: | 350 |
| Side Doors (2): | 60 each |
| Radar & Electronics Warfare Module: | |
| Main Body: | 350 |
| Side Radar Arrays (2): | 100 each |
| Main Body: | 350 |
| Side Doors (2): | 60 each |
| Bottom Doors: | 100 |
| Side Torpedo / Missile Launchers (2): | 80 each |
| Main Body: | 350 |
| Side Doors (2): | 60 each |
| Side Vulcan Laser Mounts (4, 2 each side): | 75 each |
| Main Body: | 350 |
| Long Range Missile Launchers (2): | 120 each |
| Medium Range Missile Launchers (2): | 100 each |
| Forward Vulcan Laser Mount (1 - Ride Side in Nose Turret): | 75 |
| Grenade Launcher (1 - Left Side in Nose Turret): | 50 |
| Nose Mounted Weapon Turret: | 150 |
| [1] Side / Top Ball Turrets (3, Sides / Top of main Body): | 75 each |
| Side Mini Missile Launchers (2): | 100 each |
| [2] Engines (2): | 250 each |
| Reinforced Pilot's Compartment / Cockpit: | 175 each |
| [3] Main Body: | 600 |
| Landing Gear (3): | 40 each |
Notes:
[1] All indicated hit locations are small and/or difficult targets
to hit. An attacker must make a called shot and has a -3 penalty as well.
[2] The destruction of one of the engine will cause the aircraft to
crash.
[3] Depleting the M.D.C. of the main body will shut the Aircraft down
completely, rendering it useless and causing it to crash if in flight.
Speed:
Driving on Ground (Taxiing): Only possible for take offs and
landings as well as for parking and storage. Speed is 40 mph (64 kph) when
traveling and not on take off or landing.
Flying: The maximum speed of the aircraft is 406 mph (653.3
kph) and has a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet (12,200 meters). The aircraft
is Vertical Take Off and Landing which allows it to take off virtually
anywhere and can hover. While hovering, the Goshawk has a maximum altitude
of 2,000 feet (610 meters). Normal cruising speed is considered to be 200
mph (320 kph)
Range: Effectively Unlimited. Thrusters overheat after 24 hours
of use above 200 mph (321.9 kph) and 48 hours at speeds of cruising or
below.
Statistical Data:
Height: 19.7 feet (6.0 meters) for main body and 22 feet (6.7
meters) including top mounted ball turret
Width: 22.4 feet (6.8 meters) without a pod fitted and 28.5
feet (8.7 meters) including modular pod width
Length: 66.8 feet (20.4 meters)
Weight: 50.8 tons (46.1 metric tons) without an attached module,
76.2 tons (69.1 metric tons) maximum with fully loaded cargo module.
Cargo: Without a carried module, the Goshawk can carry 10 tons
(9.1 metric tons) slung underneath. Maximum carried in cargo pod is 20
tons (18.1 metric tons) with weight of empty pod of approximately 5 tons
(4.5 metric tons.) Research Pod can carry 4 tons (3.6 metric tons) in addition
to research gear and personnel. ASW pod can carry 12 tons (10.9 metric
tons) in place of sonar buoys.
The Goshawk also has compartments in cockpit for small equipment, weapons,
and survival gear for crew.
Power Source: Nuclear, Should have an average life span of 20
years.
Black Market Cost:
Main Section: 35 million credits
Cargo / Troop Module: 100,000 Credits
Ambulance Module: 2 million credits (Fully equipped)
Research Module: 200,000 Credits (Plus cost of equipment)
Command & Control Module: 2.5 million credits
Radar & Electronics Warfare Module: 26.5 million credits
Anti-Submarine Warfare Module: 650,000 credits
Gunship Module: 4 million credits
Missile Launcher Module: 8.5 million credits
Weapon Systems: Modules without additional weapon systems are
not listed.
- Main Section:
- Vulcan Laser Cannon (1):
This is a direct copy of the Iron
Heart cannon and is quite powerful. Mounted in a nose turret on the right
side of the Grenade Launcher. The turret has 270 degree rotation with both
weapons moving as one on the same target and the arc of fire for the two
weapons is limited to a 60 degree angle down and 20 degree angle upwards.
Weapon is mainly controlled by a gunner but the pilot has duplicate controls.
The weapon consists of six rotating laser cannons, cycling through bursts
of six blasts per second.
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters)
Mega-Damage: 3D4 x 10 M.D. per instantaneous burst (counts as
one blast/attack).
Rate of Fire: Can shoot up to six times per melee!
Payload: Effectively Unlimited.
- Automatic Grenade Launcher:
Mounted in a nose turret on the
left side of the Vulcan Laser. The turret has 270 degree rotation with
both weapons moving as one on the same target and the arc of fire for the
two weapons is limited to a 60 degree angle down and 20 degree angle upwards.
Weapon is WI-GL21 Automatic Grenade Launcher mounted in the turret. Weapon
is mainly controlled by a gunner but the pilot has duplicate controls.
Maximum Effective Range: 3,000 feet (914 meters)
Mega-Damage: 4D6 for Fragmentation with a blast area of 12 feet
(3.7 meters) and 1D4x10 for Armor Piercing with a blast area of 3 feet
(0.9 meters), burst of 10 rounds does 2D6x10 for Fragmentation with a blast
area of 40 feet (12.2 meters) and 3D6x10 for Armor Piercing with a blast
area of 8 feet (2.4 meters).
Rate of Fire: Equal to combined hand to hand attacks of gunner
Payload: 600 Rounds
- Side and Top Ball Turrets (3):
The Goshawk is designed with
one turret on either side which is forward of the module and one turret
on the top. Ball Turrets are controlled by gunners through remote control
from the main cockpit. Each turret has a 360 degree rotation and can target
at any angle up to 180 degrees. Either a laser cannons or a rail gun can
be mounted in each pod. Lasers, due to no needing ammunition, are prefer
by most crews. Rail guns have the advantage of being useful against targets
that are impervious to energy.
- Laser Cannons:
The turret's laser cannons use the barrels
and inner working of the JA-12 Assault Rifle. The laser cannons pull power
directly from the fusion reactor of the aircraft.
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
Mega Damage: 4D6 for single shot and 1D6x10+10 for three round
burst from cannon.
Rate of Fire: Equal to the gunner's combined hand to hand (usually
5 or 6).
Payload: Effectively Unlimited (Draws Power off the main engines).
- NG-202 Rail Gun:
These guns are set up like the NG-202 on
the Samson power armor with a greater rate of fire. The aircrafts used
by Metalworks Incorporated uses APFSDS (Armor Piercing Fin Stabilized Discarding
Sabot) ammo that increases damage
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1200 meter)
Mega Damage: Normal Ammo; 1D6x10 MDC per burst of 60
rounds (Does not fire single shot.)
APFSDS Ammo; 2D4x10 MDC per
burst of 60 rounds (Does not fire single shot.)
Rate of fire: Equal to the gunner's combined hand to hand (usually
5 or 6).
Payload: 3000 rounds each gun, That is 50 Bursts for each rail
gun.
- Mini-Missile Launchers (2):
Large capacity mini-missile pods
are permanently mounted on either side of the aircraft just behind the
cockpit of the Goshawk. The launchers are normally used for ground strafing,
anti-troop, and anti-emplacement attacks. Normal missiles used are armor
piercing, plasma, or fragmentation mini-missiles. If the Goshawk is used
for Anti-Submarine Warfare, some of the mini-missile may be replaced by
mini-torpedoes (See Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
Maximum Effective Range: Varies with missile types, mini-missiles
only (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Mega Damage: Varies with mini missile types (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of fire: Each launcher can fire one at a time or in volleys
of 2, 4, 8, 16, or 24 and both launchers can be linked with the other mini
missile launcher for up to 48 missiles as one volley (Counts as one attack
no matter how many missiles in volley).
Payload: Each launcher carries 24 mini-missile for a total of
48 mini-missiles.
- Anti-Missile Chaff Dispenser:
Located at the very tail of
the aircraft are two chaff dispensers. Mounted on most Military versions
of the aircraft. When tailed by a missile, a cloud of chaff and other obtrusive
particles can be released to confuse or detonate the enemy's attack. Rifts
Earth decoy systems are assumed to not operate against Phase World missiles
due to technological difference. Reduce effects by 20% against smart
missiles (Add +20% to rolls for smart missiles.)
Effect:
01-50 Enemy missile or missile volley detonates in chaff cloud - Missile
are all destroyed
51-75 Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and
veers away in wrong direction (May lock onto another target
76-00 No effect, missile is still on target
Also note that the chaff cloud will also blind flying monsters that
fly through cloud. They will suffer the following penalties: reduce melee
attacks/actions, combat bonuses, and speed by half. Duration: 1D4 melee
rounds.
Payload: Eight (8)
- Advanced Towed Decoys (4):
These are mounted in dispensers
in the rear of aircraft's body. These drones are dragged about 328 feet
(100 meters) behind the aircraft on a thin cable. Each is a specially designed
radar lure that creates a radar image to mimic the aircraft. The decoy
has a special jammer that is designed to decoy missiles that have been
programmed to home on jamming signals. If decoys are not destroyed, they
can be recovered and repaired. Rifts Earth decoy systems are assumed to
not operate against Phase World weapons due to technological difference.
M.D.C.: 5
Effects: The decoy has an 80% chance of fooling ordinary non
military radars and non smart guided missiles, the decoy has a 50% chance
of fooling military level radars (like those of the Coalition), and the
decoy has a 25% chance of fooling advanced military radars (Like those
of the New Navy and Triax) and smart missiles. Against missiles homing
on a jamming signal, jamming has an 40% chance of tricking missiles if
both the aircraft and missile are jamming and an 80% chance if the jamming
system on the aircraft is deactivated before the missile reaches it.
Range: Not Applicable although decoy is deployed 328 feet (100
meters) from the aircraft
Rate of fire: One can be deployed at a time and requires 15
seconds to deploy (Reel Out) another decoy
Payload: 4 Decoys (2 each)
- Anti-Submarine Warfare Module:
- Side Mounted Missile / Torpedo Launchers (2):
Weapon's primary
purpose is for use against submarines. These side-mounted launchers are
designed to fire a variety of different sized torpedoes or missiles. Missiles
are normally not carried. Each hard point may carry one long range missile
or heavy torpedo, two medium range missiles or medium torpedoes, or four
short range missiles or light torpedoes.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies by missile type for missile
(Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Torpedoes: 20 miles (32
km) for medium range and 40 miles (64 km) for long range torpedoes.
Mega Damage: Varies by missile or torpedo type (Go to Revised bomb and missile table and see Revised Rifts Torpedoes).
Rate of Fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2 torpedoes
Payload: Up to 8 long range missiles / heavy torpedoes. Two
Medium Range Missiles / Medium Torpedoes or four Short Range missiles /
Light torpedoes can be substituted for One Long Range Missile/Heavy torpedo.
- Gunship Module:
- Vulcan Laser Cannons (4):
These cannons are a copy of the
IH-44L Vulcan Laser on the Iron Hammer Tank that was manufactured by Ironheart
Industries. A total of four (not including the cannon on the nose of the
main body) of these cannons are carried with three guns to either side
of the Goshawk. The power needed for these weapons is far more than the
aircraft can produce so a capacitor was added to each cannon to store power
and a far more powerful fusion reactor was added to the aircraft. This
gives the guns a limited payload but usually this is not much of a problem
for most mission due to the high payload. All guns on a side are designed
to be targeted by individual gunners
Maximum Effective Range: 4,000 feet (1,200 meters).
Mega Damage: 3D4x10 for an instantaneous burst per gun mount.
Rate of Fire: Each cannon can shoot up to six times per melee
(Normally combined) but is restricted to the gunners number of hand to
hand attacks.
Payload: 400 bursts per mount, recharges at the rate of 2 shot
per melee per cannon. If a gun is destroyed, internal equipment on the
gun is normally intact and power may be drawn from other gun mounts as
well.
- Missile Launcher Module:
- Long Range Missile Launchers (2):
Mounted on either side
of missile launcher module below the medium range missile launchers. The
long range missiles act as the main weaponry of Goshawk and are useful
against large targets and other aircraft. Long range missiles are normally
controlled by the co-pilot/gunner or additional weapons officer.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies with missile types, medium range
missiles only (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Mega-Damage: Varies with missile types, medium range missiles
only (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, or 8.
Payload: each launcher carries 12 medium range missiles for
a total of 24 medium range missiles.
- Medium Missile Launchers (2):
Mounted on either side of missile
launcher module above the long range missile launchers. Medium range missiles
give the Goshawk a backup to the long range missile launchers and are useful
against other aircraft and incoming missiles. Medium range missiles are
normally controlled by the co-pilot/gunner or additional weapons officer.
Maximum Effective Range: Varies with missile types, medium range
missiles only (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Mega-Damage: Varies with missile types, medium range missiles
only (Go to Revised bomb and missile table).
Rate of fire: One at a time or in volleys of 2, 4, or 8.
Payload: each launcher carries 8 medium range missiles for a
total of 16 medium range missiles.
Special Equipment:
Standard:
The VTOL has all the standard features of a standard fighter (same
as standard robot minus loudspeaker and microphone) plus these special
features listed:
- Internal Active Jamming Gear: Causes -25% to detection but when
it is active, other vehicles/ bases can detect that it is jamming, and
some missiles will home in on jamming signals. Jamming also causes a -4
penalty to all radar guided weapons.
- E.S.M.: Radar Detector, Passively detects other radars being operated.
- FLIR: Forward Looking Infrared. Allows the pilot and weapons officer
to get visuals on targets at night.
Special Equipment for the Command & Control Module:
- Long Range Radio/ Video Communications: Long range, directional,
has a range of 800 miles (1,290 km) with short range directional radio
of 50 miles (80 km). Vehicle also has the ability to monitor up multiple
frequencies and record up to 96 hours of data.
Special Equipment for the Radar & Electronics Warfare Module:
- Long Range Radio/ Video Communications: Long range, directional,
has a range of 800 miles (1,290 km) with short range directional radio
of 50 miles (80 km). Vehicle also has the ability to monitor up multiple
frequencies and record up to 96 hours of data.
- Long Range Search Radar System: Same as Kestrel Eye Radar System.
The radar system has a 360 degree coverage and can track both airborne
and surface targets. Radar system has a range of 500 miles (805 km) and
can track up to 600 targets simultaneously and can perform intercepts to
up to 60 targets simultaneously.
- Jamming Suite: System jams all radars, radios, and all equipment
that uses RF waves. This also includes jamming all friendly forces and
all equipment in aircraft that is mounting the system and operating it.
Laser communications and light-based sensors are unaffected by the jamming
pods. It Creates a jamming field in a 30 mile (48.3 km) radius in all directions
around the Aircraft. The system cause all radar system to have a 75% reduction
in range. In addition, radar systems will have a -25% penalty to detect
all targets within their reduced range. Jamming also causes a -6 penalty
to all radar guided weapons within the area but some radar guided missiles
can home on jamming signals.
Special Equipment for the Anti-Submarine Warfare Module:
- M.A.D. Gear: This is special equipment that has the ability to detect
metal objects. M.A.D. stands for Magnetic Anomaly Detector. This is very
effective at detecting submarines. Range: 2 miles (3.2 km) to either
side of aircraft.
- Dipping Sonar: The sensor includes a passive sonar, active sonar,
and an underwater communication unit. The active sonar and communication
system can be detected by any vehicle using passive sonar if within their
detection range. Sonar can track up to 60 simultaneously and identify up
to 30 of them. The sonar equipment has a unit that can be lower into water
while hovering or flying up to 30 mph (26 knots/ 48 km) per hour.
Range:Passive Sonar: 8 miles (12.9 km) Active Sonar: 12 miles (19.3 km). Underwater
Communication: 4 miles (6.4 km)
Special Equipment for the Missile Launcher Module:
- Radar: Range of 500 miles (805 km) and can identify and track up
to 96 targets simultaneously. It is also capable of Terrain Following for
low altitude flight. With Combat & Targeting Computer, the Goshawk
can fire missiles at up to twenty four targets at the same time.
[Golden Age Weaponsmiths, Wellington Industries, and TRIAX are trademarks
owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]
[ Rifts® is a registered trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and
Palladium Books Inc.]
By Kitsune (E-Mail Kitsune ).
Copyright © 2002, Kitsune. All rights reserved.
