Developed to supplement the UD-4L, the Northrup MV-80 is a tilt-wing transport. Based off the numerous Osprey variants, the MV-80 follows the configuration somewhat. Instead of stabilizers, the MV-80 has only rear stabilizers with fins that act as rudders. This not only reduces the overall height, but improves radar cross section as well. The body has been sculpted to reduce the signature, using composites as well as shaping to improve it's characteristics. To help protect it from fire, the fuselage mounts the latest in composite armor, and has Contingency Maneuver Controls to help reduce the effects of any damage. Additional passive protection is offered through the use of thermal baffles to disperse the heat generated by the engines. Drive-by-Wire has been installed, also reducing weight, along with Smart Materials allowing better handling, and better control of the aircraft. The wings can fold 90º, and the rotors fold for easy transportation, including the rear stabilizers. It takes two minutes for this to deploy/fold. Combat range for the MV-80 is 1,050 kilometers, but can be extended through the use of wing mounted fuel tanks, and the fixed probe in the forward fuselage. Due to the design, retractable probes cannot be used, due to the hazard caused by the propellers. Further passenger protection is enhanced through the use of APPS on all the seats, in the event of a crash. Dimensions for the vehicle are 18m (59.06 ft) in length, and a width at the smallest point, 3 (9.84 ft) meters. At the widest point, the vehicle has a width of 5m (16.40 ft). Height without rotors is 3m (9.84 ft) as well. This makes it quite large, but it is capable of carrying a wide variety of loads, making it a good choice for behind the lines insertions, and other tasks. The ramp has a width of only 2.8m (9.19 ft), and a clearance of only 2.5m (8.20 ft), Allowing most light vehicles to enter. The inside cargo/personnel bay has a length of 7m (22.97 ft), a height of 2.8m (9.19 ft), and a width of 5 m (16.40 ft). With a new light-long range patrol vehicle being developed, this allows up to two projected vehicles to be carried.
Plan view of aircraft cargo bay.
Crew configuration consists of a pilot/co-pilot, with the cargo area being enlarged, double the standard body size. This allows a large area for the carried soldiers. The seating is arranged so that two groups of four are towards the front, while there are three seats towards the rear on each side, right near the rear ramp. Overhead mounts allow two M70 drones to be carried by the platoon. Exit can also be accomplished through this door as well. This allows LALO, and HALO drops to be performed. The side large doors allow access for the pilot and co-pilot, and facilitate fast-rope insertions. Each door splits in half, and the top half has a winch for CSAR operations, as well as two hooks each for fast rope insertions. A seat by the pintle mount allows the operator to fire the weapon comfortably.
With all this sophistication, it would be unfair if the vehicle could not get there. To this end, the MV-80 is fitted with Loral sensors, and ECM, ECCM, ED, and ECD systems. Further protection is gained through the use of the CelsiusTech B5000 decoy system, with four reloads. Additional protection is offered through mounting chaff/flare dispensers in the two hardpoints, offering 80 tubes for chaff and flares. A sensor turret is mounted coaxially with the chin turret, equipped with a laser designator, and when combined with the BattleTac FDDM system, allows it to designate targets for friendly forces.
Armament carried by the MV-80 consists of a chin mounted M263 minigun, with a feed of 800 rounds. Hardpoints mounted on each wing allow it to carry self-defense AAMs, or other ordnance necessary. A special ejector system allows launch while travelling in forward flight. However, some weapons do require clearance, so the rotors must have a minimum tilt of 70º effect weapons fire, and provide limited forward flight if needed. To the side are mounted firmpoints, and these have been modified to allow fuel tanks to be carried if needed, including the hardpoints. Door mounted pintle mounts allow the mounting of support weapons that can be swung out from the side if needed. It requires a Complex Action to stow/deploy the mount, and the weapon is stowed barrel up, and secured, which requires another Complex to secure/unsecure. Holders by the stow point carry 8 drums of M66A2 ammunition, for a total of 900 rounds, including the one mounted on the weapon itself. The lower half can lower to the ground, providing a ramp for quick exit. The seats can be removed, allowing more cargo to be carried, as well as freeing up space if needed, as well as able to be folded. The current M66A2 Special Munitions Heavy Fire Weapon is used as the primary weapon. They are able to be swung out, from a securing mount, and can be used when the top half of the door is open, providing partial cover to the firer (+4). The firer has an arc of 30º to the front, to an arc of 60º to the rear, and a vertical depression of -40º. The version mounted on the MV-80 is modified for two handholds rather than the stock on the standard M66A2. For Game notes, the weapon does not offer the 2 points for the shock pads not being there.
Current plans for deployment put it towards both Section FOUR and Section FIVE. Each Section has recieved one each, and has begun testing of the aircraft.
Handling
Speed
Accel
Body
Armor
Sig
Autonav
Load
2
590
24
7
15
8
4
1,600*
Seating: 2 bucket seats + 2 bucket seats + 14 reinforced folding bucket seats. Access: Two Double sized + one rear ramp Economy: 0.6 km per liter Fuel: 1,750 liters (Jet) Cargo: 30 (+56/+84)** Sensors: Military I (8) ECM/ECCM: Military I (8)/Military I (8) ED/ECD: Military II (5)/Military II(5) Other Features: Smart Materials, Contingency Maneuver Controls (6), 2 Datajack Ports, Drive-by-Wire (2), Rigger Adaptation, APPS x 30, EnviroSeal (gas), Thermal Baffles (2), 4 Electronics Ports, Power Amplifiers (8), 2 Body 3 Rating Winches, CelsiusTech B500 Decoy system with 4 decoys, Sensor Turret with laser designator, BattleTac FDDM, Fixed Refuelling Probe, Radar Absorbing Materials (2), Signature Improvement (2, Stealth Shaping, 2 Composites). Armament: One chin-mounted anti-aircraft capable mini-remote turret mounting one M263 minigun, with 800 belted rounds, Level 6 Gunnery Recoil Adjusters with Smartlink II integration. Two external hardpoints with 4 CF capability, 2 firmpoints, one on each wing, able to carry up to 1,000 kilograms of weapons or equipment. Two door mounted pintle mounts each mounting a M66A2 Special Munitions Heavy Fire Weapon and racks for an additional 800 rounds of ammunition on each side. Weight (Combat): 15,477 kilograms
*Load can be increased by removing the seats, which gives an additional 3,500 kilograms.
**When the seats are folded/removed.
M263 Minigun
Mounted in the chin turret of the MV-80, this constitutes the vehicle's main infantry support weapon. A six-barreled design that is chambered for the 10 x 28mm caseless round that the M56A2 fires, the M263 is a heavy hitting weapon. The frame of the whole machine gun is made of new, advanced metals made in zero-gee, it dramatically reduces the weight considerably, while a marked improvement over the old Vanquisher minigun. It fires in the "super-machinegun" category, bringing impressive fire to bear. To handle all the recoil generated, each barrel ends in a Gas-Vent IV, as well as a modified ring mount with improved shock absorbers to handle the recoil generated. Unlike the Vanquisher, which had to be modified to accept Smartlink II, the M263 comes equipped from the factory with it, including a built in rangefinder to improve accuracy. Currently, the M263 is only mounted on the UD-4L, M577, LAV-62A1, Dassault Sirocco, and the MV-80. is fed standard by a 600 round ammo drum. The ammunition fired is the same ammunition fired by the M56A2, and can be set in both modes (a Free Action while rigged, Simple Action non-rigged), both "Delay" and "Super" modes.
Type
Mode
Damage
Ammo
HMG*
FA**
13S
800(drum)
*Increase range brackets by 125%
**Use super-machinegun rules
The weapon offers 5 points from the Imp. Gas-Vent IV mounted on the barrels (no, you don't get 30 points recoil comp!). The shock absorbers offer an additional 4 points of recoil compensation. For game purposes, treat the round as EXplosive in the "Super" mode, and in "Delay" mode, treat as EX, but also use APDS rules. It should be noted that the type of mode cannot be switched while firing the burst. All rounds in the burst will be one or the other. When in the next phase, the character may switch modes, a Free Action while rigged, Simple Action non-rigged. It requires a Complex Action to rotate the barrel to speed for firing.
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