The AV-14 "Hornet" Gunship is a VTOL assault and reconnaissance aircraft. The Hornet is capable of fulfilling multiple combat roles from close air support to special forces insertion.
Specifications/Overview
Crew
The AV-14 Hornets are operated by a single pilot who must coordinate what is happening with and around the aircraft, control and fire weapons, and operate communications and navigation.
Design
The Hornet is a vertical take off and landing aircraft (VTOL) that has been in service since the founding of Dark Angels and has played a role in multiple military campaigns. It serves as the Dark Angels' assault, search, reconnaissance, and close air support aircraft. The Hornet is an atmospheric only craft and as such cannot be deployed by orbital vessels unless a ship rated for atmospheric entry can deliver it to the battlefield. It is easier for the Hornet to be deployed from an air base located on the surface than from a ship.
The AV-14 Hornet consists of a one-man cockpit and a rear section, extending approximately one meter backward. Variant models feature a tandem seating configuration, presumably allowing a second passenger to operate the aircraft's weaponry or navigation systems. At the top of this rear section are a set of wings with turbofan engines mounted on gimbals at the ends, providing the Hornet's main source of propulsion. The front of the Hornet contains a target acquisition and designation system which includes cameras and sensors. On each side of the cockpit is a platform extending backwards that doubles as a landing skid. These skids allow up to six passengers.
Although the AV-14 Hornet serves primarily as an attack craft, it can be reconfigured for a particular role. Variant models include the AV-14 Reconnaissance and the AV-14 Transport and dependent upon mission requirements can be customized accordingly.