the shape of things to come

FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT
This category focused on common aircraft massing 200 tons or
less, leaving super-sized transports for a specialized review. The
primary division in this market segment occurs with propulsion
technology. Our team considered both jet-propelled craft, like
the FB335 Long Haul, and turbo-props, like the KC-9 King Karnov.
Fixed-wing support aircraft are typically deployed in mid-air refueling,
transport, relief, evacuation and similar roles. Many craft
are equipped with tailgate cargo doors for ease of loading and
unloading goods. Among armored support craft, StarSlab Viceroy
Mk III, Kallon Light Shield SR and SimplePlate Manufacturers Type
K are popular choices. Support aircraft also tend to be unarmed,
though some models incorporate light weaponry to deter infantry
units.
Smoke Ultralight Trike (StarCorps Industries)
Best known for the Warhammer BattleMech, StarCorps has
been manufacturing military hardware for more than three centuries.
Headquartered on Menke in the Capellan Confederation,
StarCorps is a multinational corporation with production facilities
throughout much of the Inner Sphere. Though it is most
often identifi ed as a defense contractor, about thirty percent of
the company’s customer base comes from its endeavors in private-sector
markets. This year, StarCorps has two entries in Hot
Products, both fi xed-wing aircraft. This development represents a
new market for StarCorps.
Gambling that recreational aircraft will experience a resurgence,
now that the Federated Commonwealth Civil War is over,
StarCorps introduced the Smoke Ultralight Trike in Quarter 4 of
3067. The Smoke is constructed from aluminum alloy tubes covered
with a fi berglass composite, and suspended under a fi fteen
square meter wing. The wing is a nylon-polymer sheath over a rigid
airframe, and is fully collapsible for storage and transport. The
Smoke can comfortably carry its pilot and up to 100 kilograms of
cargo, and comes standard with a safety package.
The base model Smoke is powered by a Pitban Model-534 jet engine,
which has a low thrust-to-weight ratio that gives the craft exceptional
range for its weight. The frame and wing assemblies are
produced locally in most markets, while the engines are imported.
Final assembly is the responsibility of the individual resellers. A fuelcell
electric-powered version of the Smoke is planned for Q3 3068.
Several militaries have expressed interest in this model.
Test pilots found the unusual combination of a jet engine and
ultralight design daunting; one even called it incontinence-inducing.
But once the pilots acclimated to the quick take-off and rapid
ascent, they rated it as the craft’s best feature. Flight characteristics
surpassed the manufacturer’s specifi cations by 3.5 percent in
most categories, earning the Smoke an exceptional rating.
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Muskrat-379 (StarCorps Industries)
Now in its fi fth year of production, StarCorps’ second awardwinner
is the multi-purpose Muskrat-379. The Muskrat is built on
a resilient, semi-monocoque fuselage, made up of graphite epoxy
composites. Steel and titanium alloys are used around the engine
mounts and in other high-temperature areas.
An amphibious, prop-driven aircraft with short take-off and landing
capabilities, the Muskrat’s standard confi guration includes a
crew of two and bench seating for ten passengers. As a fi refi ghting
aircraft, it makes an ideal fi rst responder, featuring a compartmentalized
water tank with a capacity of nearly twenty tons. The craft
is approved for fl ight with its aft cargo door open, and so its fi rstresponse
complement often includes smokejumpers and airborne
paramedics. The Muskrat can refi ll its water tank from any body of
water at least 300 meters across, providing added fl exibility, while
its comprehensive Garret R32 sensor package includes look-down
radar, high-resolution cameras and infrared imaging.
Thanks to its popularity with smokejumpers, the Muskrat has
also entered the recreational aircraft market. Solaris Skydiving
recently purchased six Muskrats and converted them to jump
planes for the ’66 Solaris Freefl y Competition. Due to a strong
performance there, in Q3 of 3068 StarCorps will begin off ering
the Muskrat 379-B. The 379-B will replace its radar and infrared
imaging with additional digital cameras and off er increased passenger
capacity at the expense of its water tanks.
PTI’s test pilots gave the Muskrat high marks for handling, particularly
in deep fl aps necessary for water dumping and jumper
deployment. Airfi eld landings were satisfactory for a seaplane,
and STOL capabilities received above-average scores from all
pilots.
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Mosquito IX Radar Plane (Malrite Company)
Many companies never recover from a weak market entry. The
stigma of a poorly received initial release has left countless organizations
bankrupt. DMI, Ltd. had such a start, but after being
acquired by Malrite, six centuries of steady sales have erased that
tainted image and garnered a small share of the surveillance aircraft
market.
Aside from minor cosmetic changes the ’67 Mosquito is identical
to the ’52 model that earned favorable reviews fi fteen years
ago. As with the ’52 model, the ‘67 Mosquito impressed PTI’s
engineering team with its solid components, and modular SISO
equipment. Airframe stress was well within prescribed tolerance
and the craft is technically sound. Powered by a reliable Hermes
fi ssion engine, the Mosquito is adaptable to a variety of environments
with minimal modifi cations. Although less popular than
fusion equivalents, the line has an exemplary record, and it’s
technician friendly; earning favorable comments from the review
panel. An excellent cargo capacity and wonderful sensor suite
round out an impressive package backed by one of the industry’s
best warranties. Unfortunately, performance comes at a premium.
The Mosquito’s MSRP is 30% or more above competing products
in most markets. While Malrite’s PR campaign lauds this as the
price of excellence, PTI cannot agree. The high price tag has left
most markets with a dearth of vendors and service providers and
regularly scheduled maintenance can sideline the aircraft for
twice as long as competing products. If not for the high price
tag, the Mosquito would undoubtedly outsell its competitors in
most markets.
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