NationStates Jolt Archive

Welcome to Chevrokian Strategic Aviation, a storefront for primarily large aircraft, several of which are now available for international purchase. We specialize in strategic bombers, but also have available some tanker, AWACS, patrol, and cargo planes. We also now have available heavy conventional missiles.

A few rules, to start:

1. Prices are in Universal Standard Dollars (USD), and we will check using public records (OOC: NSEconomy) to determine if your nation is capable of affording the order. It is generally accepted that a maximum of one-third of a nation’s defense budget can be used towards purchasing armaments.

2. Our designs are copyrighted, and unless given prior permission, resale or reverse-engineering of such is considered a violation of the copyright. Any nations who do this will be blacklisted, and will be unable to purchase arms from any companies from ChevyRocks.

3. We have observed sales transactions in other storefronts, and have noticed that the ability to order customized products was much liked, and very successful. Therefore, we have this option available here as well. So if you would like any particular product to have special modifications, please ask, and we will see what we can do to meet your needs.

Discounts
5% for a nation’s first purchase
2% for nations under 100 million in population
Note: Discounts are not cumulative.

Announcements
With the upcoming release of many new products, we have decided to make room by phasing out production of certain older products, namely the "Dash-60" series of bombers, tankers, and AWACS planes.

Products Under Development
Aircraft
B-76A: Triple-sonic strategic bomber, the successor to the Terminator bomber series.
CP-850: A triple-sonic passenger airliner seating 100, based on the B-70 Valkyrie's airframe.
CP-900: Widebody, double-deck passenger airliner, seating over 800 in three classes, with global fuel range.
F-60A: A Mach 3 fighter interceptor capable of operating from runways, aircraft carriers, and even from the water.
KB-/ERB-76A: Supersonic tanker/AWACS versions of the B-76 bomber.

Munitions
MIM-10A: Development of the AIM-10A heavy air-to-air missile as a two-stage surface-to-air missile, capable of being launched from mobile platforms.
MIM-12A: Development of the AIM-12A air-to-air missile as a two-stage surface-to-air missile, capable of being launched from mobile platforms. Intended as a replacement for surface launched AMRAAM missiles.

Systems
M1253 HLMSAM: HMMWV-based mobile launcher platform for the MIM-12A Lightning surface-to-air missile.
M1360 T-SAM: M1 Abrams-based mobile launcher platform for the MIM-10A Skystreak theatre surface-to-air missile.


Aircraft
Strike Planes
A-10C Thunderbolt II (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11026769&postcount=33)
B-70E Valkyrie (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11147210&postcount=37)

Strategic Bombers
B-74B Terminator III (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10764699&postcount=3)
B-75A Barracuda (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10764707&postcount=4)

Maritime Patrol
PA-10E Skyraider II (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11026774&postcount=34)
PB-75A Daytona (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788701&postcount=12)

Transport Aircraft
C-150A Astrolifter (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10764718&postcount=5)
CB-75A Hydrolifter (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788709&postcount=13)

AWACS
ERB-74B Skynet III (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788733&postcount=15)
ERB-75A Skyknight (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10921900&postcount=29)

Tankers
KB-74B Supertanker III (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788758&postcount=17)
KB-75A Hydrotanker (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788770&postcount=18)



Munitions
Anti-Ship Missiles
BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10952201&postcount=30)

Surface-To-Air Missiles
BIM-8A Skyking (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10952761&postcount=31)

Air-To-Air Missiles
AIM-10A Skystreak (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11074793&postcount=35)
AIM-12A Lightning (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11170462&postcount=42)

Anti-Radar Missiles
AGM-11A Meteor (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=11075068&postcount=36)



Total International Sales Currently
$353,225,600,000

Customers
The Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
The Red Empire of Wanderjar

B-74B Terminator III

The third in the very successful Terminator line of bombers, the B-74B Terminator II is a heavy strategic bomber capable of high subsonic flight over a long range with large loads of ordnance.

The B-74B is overall a rather conventional design; a long cylindrical fuselage with long swept wings, swept tail surfaces, and engines mounted under the wings. Easily the most liked feature of the Terminator bombers is it’s bomb bay. The design itself comes from many, many years ago, when the planes were intended as nuclear attack bombers carrying the early, gigantic, thermonuclear bombs. The upside of this is that the bay is quite large; large enough, in fact, to hold a fully-assembled Minuteman or similar sized ballistic missile. For more conventional operations, it is easily able to carry 210 500-pound bombs, or certain oversized munitions such as anti-fortification bombs.

The crew station is in the front, with the pilot and co-pilot on the upper deck, which is raised above the rest of the aircraft under a distinctive dome, giving them a 360-degree view. The navigator/bombardier, electronic warfare officer, and defensive systems operator are on the lower deck, inside the aircraft. All five crew members have ejection seats, all exiting out the top of the fuselage. The B-60F can be refueled by either a probe-and-drogue, with the probe mounted in the nose under a small door, or by a boom-receiver with a door mounted behind the cockpit dome.

The computer and radar systems are easily programmable to accommodate most kinds of armaments. The radar system is based around the AN/APG-102 active phased array unit; capable of engaging over a hundred ground targets with precision-guided bombs, as well as tracking enemy aircraft and launching a full spread of defensive missiles (eight Sidewinder, AMRAAM, or similar) and guiding the gatling gun mounted in the extreme tail.

The updated B-74B has a new underwing pylon, inboard of the inner engine pods, for external carriage of weapons. Each pylon has a capacity for up to 18 weapons (generally gravity bombs or air-to-ground missiles), with a maximum load of 10,000 lbs (4,536 kg) on each pylon. The updated "B" model also has 8-ft (2.44 m) winglets on the ends of the wings, which slightly improve efficiency by reducing lift-induced drag.

Specifications (B-74B)
Crew: 5; pilot, co-pilot, radar navigator/bombardier, electronic warfare officer, defensive systems operator
Wingspan: 241 ft 0 in (73.46 m)
Length: 181 ft 0 in (55.17 m)
Height: 50 ft 6 in (15.39 m)
Empty: 295,000 lbs (133,809 kg)
Maximum: 805,000 lbs (365,142 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 318,880 lbs (114,641 kg) (49,825 gal / 188,608 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 398,600 lbs (180,802 kg) (62,281 gal / 235,759 L)
Engines: 6 x General Electric GE90-115B turbofans, 115,300 lbs-thrust (512.9 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 605 mph (974 km/hr) (0.79 Mach)
Maximum Speed: 670 mph (1,078 km/hr) (0.88 Mach)
Combat Range: 11,100 miles (17,863 km)
Ferry Range: 13,875 miles (22,330 km)
Rate of Climb: 3,500 ft/min (1,067 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,288 m)

Armaments
1 x GAA-37 Striker 37mm gatling gun in tail
8 x defensive air-to-air missiles, can accommodate Sidewinder, AMRAAM, or similar type missiles
105,000 lbs (47,627 kg) of ordnance
20,000 lbs (9,072 kg) can be carried externally on two underwing pylons

Price
B-74B Terminator III strategic bomber ---- $97 million USD

Images
Top Profile (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/B-74BTerminatorIII.jpg)

B-75A Barracuda

The Republic Navy has long wanted a strategic striking force, able to operate along with their fleets where ever they sortie to. Unfortunately, the carriers in service were not large enough to operate a true strategic bomber from. The idea came from an old design; why not a seaplane?

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/B-75ABarracuda.jpg
The prototype XB-75 No. 1, on it's first takeoff run.

Thus, the B-75 was born. The design is has a streamlined “hull,” with a single rudder underneath the tail section. The wings are swept back to 35 degrees, and have a noticeable anhedral with wingtip tanks that double as floats when the plane is in the water. At the rear is a flying T-tail, to keep the horizontal tail surfaces out of the spray. Powering the plane are four efficient turbofans, mounted above the wing and back a bit, so they too avoid the water spray.

To make it able to operate from just about anywhere, the B-75 also has a tricycle landing gear for when it is necessary to sortie from a runway, or for storage close to the shore. The bomb bay has water-tight doors, and has the ability to haul 50,000 lbs of bombs. It’s phased array radar is much the same as the B-60/B-74 land-based bombers. It can also mount defensive air-to-air missiles, and has a Vulcan gatling gun in the tail. It is capable of in-flight refueling, either from a probe-and-drogue or a boom-receiver system.

Specifications (B-75A)
Crew: 5; pilot, co-pilot, radar navigator/bombardier, electronic warfare officer, defensive systems operator
Wingspan: 145 ft 3 in (44.27 m)
Length: 152 ft 7 in (46.51 m)
Height: 39 ft 3 in (11.99 m)
Empty: 120,000 lbs (54,431 kg)
Maximum: 287,500 lbs (130,408 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 90,000 lbs (40,823 kg) (14,062 gal / 53,230 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 112,500 lbs (51,029 kg) (17,578 gal / 66,540 L)
Engines: 4 x Alliant Techsystems J-110-Mk1 turbofans, 30,000 lbs-thrust (133.4 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 620 mph (998 km/hr) (0.81 Mach)
Maximum Speed: 690 mph (1,110 km/hr) (0.91 Mach)
Combat Range: 4,500 miles (7,242 km)
Ferry Range: 5,625 miles (9,053 km)
Rate of Climb: 3,800 ft/min (1,158 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Armaments
1 x M61A2 Vulcan 20mm gatling gun in tail
6 x defensive air-to-air missiles, can accommodate Sidewinder, AMRAAM, or similar type missiles
50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) of ordnance

Price
B-75A Barracuda seaplane strategic bomber ---- $62 million USD

Images
Side Profile (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/B-75ABarracuda2.jpg)

C-150A Astrolifter
The C-150 was built to meet two requirements from separate armed services in ChevyRocks. The first, for the Republic Air Force, was for a cargo plane to transport two combat-ready Super Starfighter point-defense interceptors and their support equipment to a combat zone. The second, from the Republic Army, was for a cargo plane to transport three combat-ready Abrams main battle tanks and their support equipment to a combat zone.

The resulting plane was of immense proportions and weight. Using a new “wide-bodied” fuselage design, mated to modified wings from the B-74A bomber and a new T-tail, it is capable of hauling up to 540,000 lbs (244,940 kg) of cargo to a range of 3,200 miles (5,150 km). The forward nose section opens upwards, and in the tail there is a large cargo door, for loading and unloading of whatever may be inside. It is capable of in-flight refueling, either from a probe-and-drogue or a boom-receiver system.

Specifications (C-150A)
Crew: 7; pilot, co-pilot, two flight engineers, three loadmasters
Wingspan: 262 ft 6 in (80.01 m)
Length: 220 ft 3 in (67.13 m)
Height: 55 ft 0 in (16.76 m)
Empty: 375,000 lbs (170,097 kg)
Maximum: 1,300,000 lbs (589,670 kg)
Engines: 6 x General Electric GE90-115B turbofans, 115,300 lbs-thrust (512.9 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 500 mph (805 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 555 mph (893 km/hr)
Combat Range: 3,200 miles (5,150 km)
Rate of Climb: 1,900 ft/min (579 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 36,000 ft (10,973 m)

Price
C-150A Astrolifter strategic airlifter ---- $195 million USD

Images
Top Profile (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/C-150AAstrolifter.jpg)

OOC: Any thoughts on this? Good, bad, indifferent?

ooc: looks pretty good... i'd add some pictures if you can get some, but otherwise some nice planes.

OOC: Added images/links.

*bump*

*bump*

OOC: Edited storefront rules.

PB-75A Daytona

A modification of the B-75 bomber, the PB-75 is a maritime patrol aircraft, intended to monitor movements of vessels in a specific area, and if necessary, to attack them.

It is overall much the same as the B-75 bomber. The tail gun location has been replaced with a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) boom. This aids in the searching and tracking of submarines, as it is capable of detecting them while they are submerged. There is also a sonobouy compartment in the aft portion of the bomb bay, which, of course, is used for storage of sonobouys and later release, while attempting to track enemy submarines.

The PB-75 is also capable of attacking enemy surface ships. The bomb bay is reconfigured, with an emphasis placed on carrying torpedoes, missiles, depth charges, or oversized armor-piercing bombs. There are also external hard points on the undersides of the wings, two each, for a total of four. Each hard point has a load capacity of 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg), and are capable of mounting large anti-ship missiles, or auxiliary fuel tanks to increase the range of the aircraft.

Specifications (PB-75A)
Crew: 5; pilot, co-pilot, radar navigator/bombardier, electronic warfare officer, defensive systems operator
Wingspan: 145 ft 3 in (44.27 m)
Length: 152 ft 7 in (46.51 m)
Height: 39 ft 3 in (11.99 m)
Empty: 120,000 lbs (54,431 kg)
Maximum: 287,500 lbs (130,408 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 90,000 lbs (40,823 kg) (14,062 gal / 53,230 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 112,500 lbs (51,029 kg) (17,578 gal / 66,540 L)
Engines: 4 x Alliant Techsystems J-110-Mk1 turbofans, 30,000 lbs-thrust (133.4 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 620 mph (998 km/hr) (0.81 Mach)
Maximum Speed: 690 mph (1,110 km/hr) (0.91 Mach)
Combat Range: 4,500 miles (7,242 km)
Ferry Range: 5,625 miles (9,053 km)
Rate of Climb: 3,800 ft/min (1,158 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Armaments
6 x defensive air-to-air missiles, can accommodate Sidewinder, AMRAAM, or similar type missiles
50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) of ordnance
4 x underwing hard points, each with a 6,000 lb (2,722 kg) capacity

Price
PB-75A Daytona ---- $62.5 million USD

CB-75A Hydrolifter

A high performance cargo plane, built from the B-75 seaplane bomber. The fuselage behind the cockpit has been extensively refitted as a cargo bay, able to haul passengers or cargo. As the fuselage is somewhat narrow, the cargo it is designed to haul would be primarily armaments; gun ammunition, artillery shells, missiles, rockets, etc.

Visually, the modification seen is usually the two new watertight external doors, one on the forward fuselage and one on the aft fuselage, both on the port side of the aircraft. The cargo bay is capable of holding up to 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg) of cargo, up to 90 passengers, or up to 68 wounded personnel..

Since it is able to operate from both water and land (thanks to it’s additional tricycle landing gear), fly relatively fast, and hold a good amount of passengers and cargo, we believe this would be ideal for supporting an amphibious assault on a beach:

1. It is able to fly in fast, much faster than a helicopter or even a tilt-rotor aircraft, and provide reinforcement personnel.
2. Its cargo carrying ability would allow it to resupply front-line troops with ammunition and armaments necessary.
3. It is also capable of quickly evacuating wounded personnel from a battle zone, also increasing their chance of survival.

Specifications (CB-75A)
Crew: 5; pilot, co-pilot, navigator, two loadmasters
Wingspan: 145 ft 3 in (44.27 m)
Length: 152 ft 7 in (46.51 m)
Height: 39 ft 3 in (11.99 m)
Empty: 120,000 lbs (54,431 kg)
Maximum: 287,500 lbs (130,408 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 90,000 lbs (40,823 kg) (14,062 gal / 53,230 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 112,500 lbs (51,029 kg) (17,578 gal / 66,540 L)
Max Cargo: 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg), or 90 passengers, or 68 wounded personnel
Engines: 4 x Alliant Techsystems J-110-Mk1 turbofans, 30,000 lbs-thrust (133.4 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 620 mph (998 km/hr) (0.81 Mach)
Maximum Speed: 690 mph (1,110 km/hr) (0.91 Mach)
Combat Range: 4,500 miles (7,242 km)
Ferry Range: 5,625 miles (9,053 km)
Rate of Climb: 3,800 ft/min (1,158 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,240 m)

Price
CB-75A Hydrolifter ---- $40 million USD

Purchases
200 - The Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

ERB-74B Skynet III

The third in a line of bomber-based AWACS planes, the ERB-74 is the prime airborne control center for military operations in the Chevrokian Republic Air Force.

The modifications made include mounting a large roto-dome on the aft fuselage, which houses the powerful radar system. This system, a Willmar Electronics ARR-1, is capable of monitoring low-flying targets at ranges of up to 400 miles, and beyond the horizon at ranges of up to 600 miles for medium- and high-altitude targets. It is capable of monitoring events in a location; including ground troops, aircraft, and ships, and is able to relay information to major command posts. Also included is an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system to distinguish the many aircraft this plane is capable of monitoring.

To accommodate much of this equipment, the bomb bay of the aircraft and other combat equipment was removed, for the changed role of the aircraft. The lower flight deck has also been stretched farther back, to accommodate the extra crew members and their stations. The updated "B" model also has 8-ft (2.44 m) winglets on the ends of the wings, which slightly improve efficiency by reducing lift-induced drag.

Specifications (ERB-74B)
Crew: 11; pilot, co-pilot, navigator, eight (8) mission specialists
Wingspan: 241 ft 0 in (73.46 m)
Length: 181 ft 0 in (55.17 m)
Height: 50 ft 6 in (15.39 m)
Empty: 355,500 lbs (161,252 kg)
Maximum: 865,500 lbs (392,584 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 318,880 lbs (114,641 kg) (49,825 gal / 188,608 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 398,600 lbs (180,802 kg) (62,281 gal / 235,759 L)
Engines: 6 x General Electric GE90-115B turbofans, 115,300 lbs-thrust (512.9 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 535 mph (861 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 595 mph (958 km/hr)
Combat Range: 9,600 miles (15,449 km)
Ferry Range: 12,000 miles (19,312 km)
Rate of Climb: 2,650 ft/min (808 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 53,200 ft (16,215 m)

Price
ERB-74B Skynet III ---- $132 million USD

KB-74B Supertanker III

The KB-74 is a long-range aerial refueling tanker variation of the B-74 strategic bomber. The alterations include the deletion of the bomb bay, and it’s replacement with fuel tanks. Underneath the tail there is a flying-boom fuel transfer system for aircraft equipped with a port to accept it. There is also a drogue basket attacked to the boom, which can be used for aircraft which have a refueling probe instead. In addition, there are two more drogue baskets, one in each auxiliary external wing tank. The updated "B" model also has 8-ft (2.44 m) winglets on the ends of the wings, which slightly improve efficiency by reducing lift-induced drag.

Specifications (KB-74B)
Crew: 4; pilot, co-pilot, navigator, refueling specialist
Wingspan: 241 ft 0 in (73.46 m)
Length: 181 ft 0 in (55.17 m)
Height: 50 ft 6 in (15.39 m)
Empty: 315,000 lbs (142,882 kg)
Maximum: 825,600 lbs (374,486 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 318,880 lbs (114,641 kg) (49,825 gal / 188,608 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 508,600 lbs (230,697 kg) (79,468 gal / 300,819 L)
Engines: 6 x General Electric GE90-115B turbofans, 115,300 lbs-thrust (512.9 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 550 mph (885 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 610 mph (982 km/hr)
Combat Range: 11,100 miles (17,863 km)
Ferry Range: 17,700 miles (28,485 km)
Rate of Climb: 2,750 ft/min (838 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 56,000 ft (17,069 m)

Price
KB-74B Supertanker III ---- $82 million USD

KB-75A Hydrotanker

Intended to provide fuel support to naval carrier-based aircraft, the KB-75 is built from the B-75 seaplane bomber. The bomb bay has been replaced with fuel tanks, as well as a deployment system for a drogue basket. The wingtip tanks have been enlarged, and also have drogue baskets which can be deployed, allowing the KB-75 to refuel three aircraft at the same time, provided that they are smaller planes (such as carrier-based fighters).

There is also a carrier-capable version, designated KB-75B, which comes with folding wingtips and gear to capture arrestor wires. However, when purchasing, one should consider the size of their nation's aircraft carriers, and make sure they are capable of accomodating an aircraft of this size.

Specifications (KB-75A)
Crew: 4; pilot, co-pilot, navigator, refueling specialist
Wingspan: 145 ft 3 in (44.27 m)
Length: 152 ft 7 in (46.51 m)
Height: 39 ft 3 in (11.99 m)
Empty: 125,000 lbs (56,699 kg)
Maximum: 289,500 lbs (131,315 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 90,000 lbs (40,823 kg) (14,062 gal / 53,230 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 162,500 lbs (73,709 kg) (25,391 gal / 96,115 L)
Engines: 4 x Alliant Techsystems J-110-Mk1 turbofans, 30,000 lbs-thrust (133.4 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 580 mph (933 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 650 mph (1,046 km/hr)
Combat Range: 4,500 miles (7,242 km)
Ferry Range: 8,125 miles (13,076 km)
Rate of Climb: 3,400 ft/min (1,036 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 47,500 ft (14,478 m)

Price
KB-75A Hydrotanker ---- $50 million USD
KB-75B Hydrotanker ---- $50.2 million USD (carrier version, has folding wingtips and arrestor wire equipment)

Orders
2003 - The Federated Union of Democratic Colonies (KB-75DC, now available as KB-75B)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/85fd2fc7.jpg
Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Offices of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

The Democratic Colonies is most impressed with these latest offerings from Chevrokian Strategic Aviation, and would like to purchase 200 CB-75A Hydrolifter Transport Aircraft. These most capable seaplanes offer capabilities currently unmatched in the DC Airforce inventory. Our military believes that the CB-75A will prove to be of great utility in the years to come, and I myself must agree with them. We have calculated a total, factoring in a 5% discount, of 7.6 billion United States Dollars.

The Democratic Colonies would also like to express an interest in the KB-75A Hydrotanker, and inquires as to whether or not the airframe is capable of undergoing the stresses of regular seaborne aircraft carriers, such as catapault assisted launching and arrestor hook enabled landing.

The Democratic Colonies would like to extend its thanks.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Re: Aircraft Orders

We are very glad to see your interest in the products our company offers. Your order for two-hundred (200) CB-75A Hydrolifter seaplane transports, will be delivered in batches of fifty (50) every six months, the last arriving no later than two years from now.

The KB-75A Hydrotanker's airframe is quite robust, and absolutely capable for carrier operations, and also could easily be modified for grabbing the arrestor wires. We could also add in folding wingtips for a small additional fee. I assume that since you are asking, your nation already has aircraft carriers large enough to accomodate these aircraft. Would you like to place an order for these aircraft?

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Offices of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

We find your timetable for the delivery of of our order of CB-75A Hydrolifters acceptable, and thank you for answering our inquiry regarding the KB-75A Hydrotanker.

The Democratic Colonies would like to place an order for 600 CB-75A KB-75A Hydrotankers, modified with folding wingstips and arrestor equipment.

We are uncertain of what price change will result from our requested modifications, but trust that they will be within reason.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Re: Aircraft Orders

We have created a special export version of the Hydrotanker, designated the KB-75DC, to meet your specific needs. It includes arrestor equipment as well as folding wingtips. Since this is not a major modification, the price increase is marginal, to $50.2 million USD per aircraft. The total for six-hundred (600) of the KB-75DC, therefore, is $30.12 billion USD ($30,120,000,000).

Because of the increased demand, and also because of our government currently not needing to purchase large numbers of aircraft, we should be able to increase our production rate for your orders. Therefore, the previous order for 200 CB-75As will be delivered in batches of sixty-five (65) every six months, with the last arriving no later than 19 months from now. Your order for 600 KB-75DCs will also be delivered in batches of sixty-five (65) every six months, with the last arriving no later than 55 months from now, as soon as the order is confirmed and the money wired.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Office of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

We are most pleased by the delivery time Chevrokian Strategic Aviation has offered, and will wire 30.12 billion United States Dollars immedately.

The Democratic Colonies thanks you for your rapid response to our requests, and wishes you the best in future business. While no further transactions between the Democratic Colonies and Chevrokian Strategic Aviation are planned at this time, the DC Government notes the excellent service provided thus far, and so will regard Chevrokian Strategic Aviation in a positive light should we require more aircraft of these types in the future.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Re: Aircraft Orders

Your order is now being processed, and we will be starting production of your planes immediately. Thank you very much for the kind words regarding our performance, and thank you once again for considering Chevrokian Strategic Aviation for your military's equipment needs.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

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*bump*

ERB-75A Skyknight

A variation on the B-75 seaplane bomber, the ERB-75A Skyknight is intended to be an AWACS platform to accompany naval fleet movements. The major radar unit is the Willmar Electronics ARR-2, a variation of the ARR-1 used in the larger ERB-60/-74 AWACS platforms. It operates much the same as the -1, but the overall unit is resized for use on the smaller ERB-75 platform. The ARR-2 has a range of 250 miles for low-altitude targets, and up to 400 miles for medium- and high-altitude targets.

There is also a carrier-capable version, designated ERB-75B, which comes with folding wingtips and gear to capture arrestor wires. However, when purchasing, one should consider the size of their nation's aircraft carriers, and make sure they are capable of accomodating an aircraft of this size.

Specifications (ERB-75A)
Crew: 5; pilot, co-pilot, radar navigator, two (2) mission specialists
Wingspan: 145 ft 3 in (44.27 m)
Length: 152 ft 7 in (46.51 m)
Height: 39 ft 3 in (11.99 m)
Empty: 153,800 lbs (69,762 kg)
Maximum: 321,300 lbs (145,739 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 90,000 lbs (40,823 kg) (14,062 gal / 53,230 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 112,500 lbs (51,029 kg) (17,578 gal / 66,540 L)
Engines: 4 x Alliant Techsystems J-110-Mk1 turbofans, 30,000 lbs-thrust (133.4 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 550 mph (885 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 620 mph (998 km/hr)
Combat Range: 3,800 miles (6,115 km)
Ferry Range: 4,750 miles (7,644 km)
Rate of Climb: 3,450 ft/min (1,052 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 44,200 ft (13,472 m)

Price
ERB-75A Skyknight ---- $87 million USD
ERB-75B Skyknight ---- $87.2 million USD (carrier version, has folding wings and arrestor wire gear)

BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/BGM-6Hyper-Penetrator.jpg

The Hyper-Penetrator missile was designed, primarily, as a way to combat the heavily-armored capital ships of the world. As missile defense systems have also been made more effective, it was deemed necessary to substantially increase the speed of such a weapon. However, at the speeds intended, an explosive warhead would not be workable. The solution was to go for a kinetic energy penetrator.

On the Hyper-Penetrator, the part that hurts is a large tungsten cone on the tip of the missile, shaped much like a large-caliber naval artillery round. Upon penetration of the target, the unburned fuel in the missile will also ignite, causing further damage and moving enemy personnel away from their combat stations to try and combat the fires. In the unlikely event that the missile does not fully penetrate the target, the effects of the impact will cause "spall" conditions, scattering shrapnel, which will severely damage components and injure or kill personnel.

While deadly on it's own, the Hyper-Penetrator is deadlier in packs. Using the onboard electronics system, or those on the launch vehicle, satellites, or AWACS planes, it can communicate with other missiles, identify threats and alter course to avoid missile defense systems, as well as jam hostile electronic-countermeasures systems, increasing the probability of a hit.

The Hyper-Penetrator can also be used to attack heavily fortified structures, and also act as an anti-runway weapon. It can be launched from onboard ships and submarines with large VLS tubes, or from self-propelled launcher platforms. It can also be air-launched, ideally by strategic bombers and large maritime patrol aircraft.

Specifications (BGM-6A)
Wingspan: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Length: 20 ft 6 in (6.25 m)
Launch Weight: 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg)
First Stage: 1 x Hennepin I.D.S. SR-10-Mk1 solid-fuel rocket, 110,000 lbs-thrust (489.3 kN)
Second Stage: 1 x Alliant Techsystems SJ-118-Mk1 scramjet, 12,000 lbs-thrust (53.4 kN)
Warhead: Tungsten kinetic penetrator
Terminal Speed: Mach 9.5 (7,231 mph) (11,638 km/hr)
Max Altitude: 120,000 ft (36,576 m)
Range: 500 miles (805 km)

Price
BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator ---- $4.5 million USD

Orders
1,000 - The Red Empire of Wanderjar

BIM-8A Skyking

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/BIM-8Skyking.jpg

The Skyking missile is intended to defend a region against high-altitude, high-speed combat aircraft, and is also an effective defense against incoming ballistic missiles. It is intended to be launched from the ground level, either from fortified launch bunkers or from mobile launcher platforms, or from onboard ships (though the missile's size must be considered when used on naval vessels).

The killing power comes from the FC-10 blast fragmentation warhead. At the center is a 750 lb (340 kg) explosive charge, which is surrounded by 25,000 cubical, 140-grain, titanium fragments, arranged in two layers around the explosives.

The Skyking has a command guidance system combined with an active radar homing system. Upon launch, the missile is guided towards it's target by the radar installation at the launch site. It can also be guided towards the target by other sources; such as other radar installations, satellites, or AWACS planes. Once it is within 150 miles of the target, it switches over to active homing, and is now completely autonomous in operation, using it's onboard radar to guide it during the terminal flight phase until interception. Additionally, it utilizes a passive radiation homing guidance. If the target attempts to jam the Skyking's onboard electronics, it can then home in on the radiation emissions; effectively serving a secondary role as an anti-radiation missile.

Specifications (BIM-8A)
Wingspan: 18 ft 6 in (5.6 m)
Length: 45 ft 0 in (13.7 m)
Launch Weight: 16,000 lbs (7,257 kg)
First Stage: 1 x Hennepin I.D.S. SR-12-Mk1 solid-fuel rocket, 470,000 lbs-thrust (2,090.7 kN)
Second Stage: 2 x Alliant Techsystems SJ-130-Mk1 scramjets, 25,000 lbs-thrust (111.2 kN) each
Warhead: 1,250 lb (567 kg) FC-10 blast-fragmentation, proximity fused
Terminal Speed: Mach 12.0 (9,134 mph) (14,701 km/hr)
Max Altitude: 180,000 ft (54,864 m)
Range: 500 miles (805 km)

Price
BIM-8A Skyking ---- $5.5 million USD

*bump?*

A-10C Thunderbolt II

A minor update to the legendary “Warthog” attack plane, the updated plane adds new Alliant Techsystems J-112 high-bypass turbofans which have more thrust and are more efficient than the General Electric TF34s on the early Thunderbolt II (A-10A) that many nations around the world have in their military’s service. These new engines slightly improve the performance and range of the plane over the old version.

The updated Warthog comes in two versions. The first is the A-10C, which is the standard land-based variant. The second is the A-10D, which can be operated from aircraft carriers and has folding wings and equipment to capture arrestor wires. As many nations possess the early A-10A version, we also can convert your old planes to the new standard.

Specifications (A-10C)
Crew: 1; pilot
Wingspan: 57 ft 6 in (17.53 m)
Length: 53 ft 4 in (16.26 m)
Height: 14 ft 8 in (4.47 m)
Empty: 25,000 lbs (11,340 kg)
Loaded: 45,000 lbs (20,412 kg) [Note: Common combat weight.]
Maximum: 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg)
Engines: 2 x Alliant Techsystems J-112-Mk1 high-bypass turbofans, 10,000 lbs-thrust (44.5 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 345 mph (555 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 450 mph (724 km/hr)
Combat Range: 650 miles (966 km)
Ferry Range: 2,580 miles (4,150 km)
Rate of Climb: 6,100 ft/min (1,829 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 45,200 ft (13,777 m)

Armament
1 x 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger gatling gun, 1,350 rounds
16,000 lbs (7,257 kg) of ordnance carried externally, 8 underwing and 3 under fuselage hardpoints

Price
A-10C Thunderbolt II ---- $10 million USD
A-10D Thunderbolt II ---- $10.2 million USD

Conversions
A-10A to A-10C ---- $100,000 USD
A-10A to A-10D ---- $300,000 USD

Images
Three-View Schematic (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/46/FAIRCHILD_REPUBLIC_A-10A_THUNDERBOLT_II.png)

PA-10E Skyraider II

The PA-10E is a new variation of the A-10 Thunderbolt II, built to do double duty as an attack plane as well as a maritime patrol plane. The Skyraider II is built upon the design originally used for the USAF’s YA-10B Night/Adverse Weather prototype. The most obvious difference is the new two-seat cockpit, with the pilot still upfront, and an electronic warfare officer in back. As the PA-10 also has a second set of controls, the EWO can also act as a co-pilot. The PA-10 also has additional electronics systems; the active phased array radar, and low-light and infrared cameras. The new systems are operated by the EWO, who can aid in tracking and engagement of targets which would be otherwise near impossible to find in bad weather or at night. These three systems are attached to the plane with the under-fuselage mounting points. The last change has been to add a magnetic anomaly detector (MAD) boom to the extreme aft fuselage, which can aid in finding and tracking submarines. In addition to the usual weapons load that can be carried by the standard A-10, the PA-10 can also mount small anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.

The PA-10 is available in two versions. The first, the PA-10E, is the standard land-based aircraft. The second, the PA-10F, is capable of deploying from onboard aircraft carriers, and features folding wings and equipment for capturing arrestor wires. In you are already in possession of early versions of the Thunderbolt II (A-10A), they can be converted to PA-10s, and pricing is listed below.

Specifications (PA-10E)
Crew: 2; pilot, co-pilot/electronic warfare officer
Wingspan: 57 ft 6 in (17.53 m)
Length: 58 ft 6 in (17.86 m)
Height: 15 ft 7 in (4.75 m)
Empty: 26,500 lbs (11,793 kg)
Loaded: 45,000 lbs (20,412 kg) [Note: Common combat weight.]
Maximum: 50,000 lbs (22,680 kg)
Engines: 2 x Alliant Techsystems J-112-Mk1 high-bypass turbofans, 10,000 lbs-thrust (44.5 kN) each
Cruising Speed: 330 mph (531 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 430 mph (692 km/hr)
Combat Range: 600 miles (966 km)
Ferry Range: 2,580 miles (4,150 km)
Rate of Climb: 6,100 ft/min (1,829 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 45,200 ft (13,777 m)

Armament
1 x 30mm GAU-8/A Avenger gatling gun, 750 rounds
16,000 lbs (7,257 kg) of ordnance carried externally, 8 underwing hardpoints

Price
PA-10E Skyraider II ---- $13 million USD
PA-10F Skyraider II ---- $13.2 million USD

Conversions
A-10A to PA-10E ---- $1 million USD
A-10A to PA-10F ---- $1.2 million USD

Images
Three-View Schematic (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/PA-10ESkyraiderII.jpg)

AIM-10A Skystreak

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/AIM-10ASkystreak.png

"It’s a big, baaadddd, missile," to quote Defense Secretary Erik Borgesov. "The new AIM-10A will give us the stand-off range strike capability against strategic air targets we’ve been long lacking."

The AIM-10A is an extreme version of the beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM), developed to give a capability to attack large targets at very long range; targets such as strategic bombers and AWACS planes. One aspect that was well-received was that the Skystreak missile’s overall design is quite conventional, the major difference being that it is a lot bigger. Big enough, in fact, that it is intended to only be fired from large fighters and interceptors which have hard points or pylons capable of handling the high weight of the weapon.

Killing power for the AIM-10 comes from a blast fragmentation warhead, designated FC-12 for this application. At the center is a 60 lb (27 kg) explosive charge, which is surrounded by 3,000 140-grain, cubical, titanium fragments, and is detonated by a proximity fuze or a contact fuze. The missile is designed as a “fire-and-forget” weapon, and has an active radar homing system. Prior to launch, important information regarding the target and it’s location are sent to the missile’s onboard computer from the launch aircraft. As soon as it is launched, it is completely autonomous in operation and requires no further guidance from an outside source. If the launch aircraft or other aircraft continue to track the target, periodic updates in information, such as location and speed, are sent to the missile to help ensure a successful intercept. Additionally, it utilizes a passive radiation homing guidance. If the target attempts to jam the Skystreak's onboard electronics, it can then home in on the radiation emissions; effectively serving a secondary role as an anti-radiation missile. In this role, it is a very effective stand-off missile against enemy AWACS planes.

Specifications (AIM-10A)
Wingspan: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Length: 25 ft 1 in (7.64 m)
Launch Weight: 3,400 lbs (1,542 kg)
First Stage: 1 x Hennepin I.D.S. SR-13-Mk1 solid-fuel rocket, 35,000 lbs-thrust (155.7 kN)
Warhead: 100 lb (45 kg) FC-12 blast fragmentation warhead, proximity fuzed, contact fuzed
Terminal Speed: Mach 9.5 (7,231 mph) (11,638 km/hr)
Operating Altitude: 200 to 160,000 ft (61 to 48,768 m)
Range: 350 miles (563 km)

Price
AIM-10A Skystreak ---- $1.2 million USD

Orders
5,000 - The Red Empire of Wanderjar

AGM-11A Meteor

A development of the AIM-10 air-to-air missile, the AGM-11 Meteor is a beyond visual range air-to-ground missile (BVRAGM), giving stand-off attack ability against hostile radar sites.

During development of the AIM-10, it was discovered that the huge blast-fragmentation warhead that had been used would not be necessary for an air-to-air missile. However, it was decided that this warhead (designated FC-11) would be very useful for an air-to-ground version. Thus, the Meteor was born.

The avionics package has been slightly reconfigured, with the primary guidance being from an active radiation homing system, which guides it right towards the enemy radar site. Should the radar site shut down during the missile’s flight, it also has an inertial navigation system which “remembers” where the radar site is located. After launch, the Meteor climbs to an altitude of 120,000 ft (36,576 m) where the air is thin, and this, air resistance is minimal. Once within a terminal range, the Meteor dives straight down and gains speed, accelerating to a terminal velocity of Mach 10. Just a few moments before impact, the warhead’s explosives detonate, which releases a barrage of 7,000 100-grain, cubical, titanium fragments upon the unlucky radar site.

Specifications (AGM-11A)
Wingspan: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Length: 25 ft 1 in (7.64 m)
Launch Weight: 3,550 lbs (1,610 kg)
First Stage: 1 x Hennepin I.D.S. SR-13-Mk1 solid-fuel rocket, 35,000 lbs-thrust (155.7 kN)
Warhead: 250 lb (113 kg) FC-11 blast fragmentation warhead, proximity fused
Terminal Speed: Mach 10.0 (7,612 mph) (12,250 km/hr)
Cruising Altitude: 120,000 ft (36,576 m)
Range: 350 miles (563 km)

Price
AGM-11A Meteor ---- $1.3 million USD

B-70E Valkyrie

"Something must have been seriously incorrect with McNamara's mind if he cancelled the Valkyrie as a full-functioning combat aircraft."
-- Except from a speech by C.S.A.'s CEO Jonathon Gilliam, during the "new" B-70's roll-out

Ready for international sale, the legendary B-70 Valkyire in all it's wing-tilting, movable nose ramp, triple-sonic glory. Of course there are improvements over the old one, as would be necessary for a modern combat plane. A major change has been to the engines, in which the old turbojets have been replaced with turbo-ramfans, offering not only significant increases in thrust but also better fuel efficiency. The cockpit packs glass displays bearing vital information for each of the five crewmembers. An active phased array radar, the AN/APG-105, is much like the unit used in the B-60/B-74 but is programmed to compensate for the electric charge generated in the air as the Valkyrie passes Mach 3.05.

In Chevrokian Republic Air Force service, the B-70 is utilized in a heavy SEAD role, accompanying smaller strike planes and fighters to take out enemy air defenses before strategic bombers arrive. In Republic Navy service (as the PB-70) Valkyries are used in the maritime strike role, carrying huge anti-ship missiles such as the BGM-6 (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10952201&postcount=30). Because of the high payload, the B-70 could also be operated as a strategic bomber.

Specifications (B-70E)
Crew: 5; pilot, co-pilot, radar navigator/bombardier, defensive systems operator, electronic warfare officer
Wingspan: 105 ft 0 in (32.00 m)
Length: 185 ft 10 in (56.64 m)
Height: 30 ft 9 in (9.37 m)
Empty: 215,000 lbs (97,522 kg)
Maximum: 580,000 lbs (263,084 kg)
Minimum Fuel Capacity: 232,000 lbs (105,233 kg) (36,250 gal / 137,221 L)
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 290,000 lbs (131,542 kg) (45,312 gal / 171,525 L)
Engines: 6 x Alliant Techsystems J-115-Mk3 continuous-bleed-afterburner turbo-ramfans, 48,500 lbs-thrust (215.7 kN) each
Crusing Speed: 3.00 Mach (2,284 mph) (3,685 km/hr)
Maximum Speed: 3.45 Mach (2,626 mph) (4,226 km/hr)
Combat Range: 7,000 miles (11,265 km)
Ferry Range: 8,750 miles (14,081 km)
Rate of Climb: 6,000 ft/min (1,829 m/min)
Service Ceiling: 85,000 ft (25,908 m)

Armaments
5,000 lbs (2,268 kg) of ordnance in forward bay, intended for air-to-air missiles
65,000 lbs (29,483 kg) of ordnance in aft bay

Price
B-70E Valkyrie heavy strike bomber ---- $325 million USD

Images
Front Left (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/B-70Valkyrie.jpg)
Three-View Schematic (http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/B-70Valkyrie3-view.png)
In Flight w/Nose Ramp Raised (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/North_American_XB-70_Supersonic_Cockpit_Configuration_ECN-1008.jpg)

Orders
250 - The Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/NationStates/85fd2fc7.jpg
Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Office of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

The quality of the aircraft and defensive systems produced by Chevrokian Strategic Aviation continue to impress the DC Air Force. The aircraft of Chevrokian manufacture already in our service perform excellently, and have met all of our expectations.

The Democratic Colonies would like to place an order for 250 B-70E Valkyrie Bombers.

The Democratic Colonies would also like to place an order for 3 KB-75DC Tanker Aircraft to replace a small number of peacetime losses. While the losses of three aircraft and one aircraft crew were unfortunate, it is worth mention that Chevrokian manufacturing quality was not a factor in any of the incidents.

A total sum of 81,400,600,000 USD has been made available to the Chevrokian Strategic Aviation through our previously utilized financial channels.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Aircraft Orders

We are very pleased to hear that our products are performing well for your nation. We have recieved your money transfer, and your order for 3 additional KB-75DCs and 250 B-70Es is confirmed. The KB-75s should arrive by the end of the month, and the B-70s will be delivered in batches of thirty (30) every six months, with the last arriving no later than fifty (50) months from now. We hope this production rate will be satisfactory.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Office of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

The Democratic Colonies finds the delivery schedule quite acceptable, and looks forward to receiving the fine aircraft of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation.

While we have been quite satisfied thus far with the products and services of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation, the DC military has been met with minor technical insufficiencies in regards to some of thier other equipment of our own native manufacture. Our Legislative Assembly has grown rather impatient with faltering domestic efforts to correct the situation, and so has authorized the contracting of the task to a foreign firm. Chevrokian Strategic Aviation is rather highly regarded in both military and civilian circles, and thus I have been asked to present two development contracts for your consideration.

The first of the two proposals is for a medium range, RADAR guided air-to-air missile, suitable for the engagement of fighter sized targets. The DC Air Force and Navy currently operate the an upgraded version of the American AIM-120 AMRAAM, which has served in the DC inventory for some time. Both services would like to see it replaced with a medium range air-to-air missile capable of great speeds, and less susceptable to electronic counter measures.

Should Chevrokian Strategic Aviation accept this development contract, the Democratic Colonies would like domestic production rights, an inital purchase of 200,000 missiles of Chevrokian manufacture, and a continuing manufacture and purchase of 20,000 missles per year for ten years.

The second proposal is for the development of a long range, high power RADAR for the DC Navy's X-F/I-58G1 Experimental Heavy Interceptor (http://z13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom/index.php?showtopic=1673&hl=). The X-F/I-58G1 was designed to accept a massive RADAR in the tradition of the F-14 Tomcat, but current domestic efforts to design one for the X-F/I-58G1 have thus far failed to meet expectations. The X-F/I-58G1 is a large airframe, measuring 26 metres long and weighing in at 27,215 Kilograms (60,000 Pounds), as well as having a crew station for a dedicated RADAR Interception Officer. Long range detection and tracking ability are considered paramount for the RADAR to be developed for the X-F/I-58G1 if the experimental airframe is to enter production as a feasible active service interceptor.

Should Chevrokian Strategic Aviation accept this development contract, the Democratic Colonies would like domestic production rights, as well as an inital order of 100 complete RADAR systems.

I eagerly await your reply.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Development Contracts

The proposed contracts are quite lucrative, and we have come to a consensus here that we should accept the development contracts. We will be working on designs for the missile and radar system, and we will contact you on our progress if there any updates, or if we have any questions. And we at C.S.A. are looking forward to further business between our company and your great nation.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Missile Design

We have come up with an initial design for the missile contract, available for your review.


AIM-12A Lightning

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j118/ChevyRocks/AIM-12ALightning.png

A replacement for the tried-and-true AIM-120 AMRAAM missile, the AIM-12 Lightning was developed from a contract issued by the defense forces of Democratic Colonies. The Lightning is a medium-range air-to-air missile, capable of beyond visual range (BVR) engagement.

Much of the Lightning’s design is quite similar to the AMRAAM, not surprising considering the role it is intended to fill. At the nose though, you can see a big difference. To get the speed necessary for effective modern warfare, the Lightning uses a rocket engine in conjunction with scramjet propulsion. The rocket engine boosts the missile to the speed needed for the scramjet to operate properly, which gives the Lighting blinding terminal speeds. For shorter ranged engagements, the Lighting is capable of around Mach 5, and can reach upwards of Mach 10 for longer ranged engagements.

At longer ranges, guidance for the missile is provided by an inertial navigation system, which receives updates on the target’s location, speed, and other important information to guide it towards the target. The information updates can come from the launch aircraft, or from other nearby radars mounted on other combat planes, AWACS, onboard ships, or ground units. Within 25 miles (40 km) of the target, the Lighting is fully autonomous, operating with it’s internal radar system. If fired from the launch vehicle within this range, it becomes a “fire-and-forget” missile, requiring no further guidance to the target. If the target attempts to jam the Lightning‘s radar, it can home in on the radiation emissions produced, making it a very deadly weapon to just about any aircraft. When it’s time to get the business done, the 50 lb (23 kg) blast-fragmentation warhead can be detonated by either proximity or contact fuses.

Specifications (AIM-12A)
Wingspan: 2 ft 0 in (0.61 m)
Diameter: 0 ft 9 in (0.23 m)
Length: 12 ft 6 in (3.81 m)
Launch Weight: 400 lbs (181 kg)
Power: 1 x Hennepin I.D.S. SR/SJ-2-Mk1 ducted rocket/scramjet, 4,000 lbs-thrust (17.8 kN)
Warhead: 50 lb (23 kg) FC-15 blast-fragmentation warhead, proximity fused, contact fused
Terminal Speed: Mach 5 - 10 (3,806 - 7,612 mph) (6,125 - 12,250 km/hr)
Operating Altitude: 100 to 150,000 ft (30 to 45,720 m)
Range: 75 miles (121 km)

Price
AIM-12A Lightning ---- $335,000 USD

Orders
400,000 - The Federated Union of Democratic Colonies
5,000 - The Red Empire of Wanderjar

Production Rights
The Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

Viconia City, Democratic Colonies
The Capitol Spire

Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger hummed a cheery tune as he stepped out of the elevator and into his domain - the Foreign Affairs sector of the Capitol Spire.

"Morning, Ms. Allen," he greeted his chief assistant, who was standing in the lobby of the sector waiting with a clipboard of reports.

"Good morning, sir," replied Ms. Allen, handing Jaeger a thin folder.

"You said you wanted the analysis from the military as soon as it arrived, sir," Ms. Allen said as Jaeger opened the folder to give it a quick glance.

"Yes," mumbled Jaeger in reply as he flipped past a few pages. "I'm hardly qualified to evaluate missiles, but our friends in the Air Force seem to be quite impressed. When did this get in?"

"About twenty minutes ago, sir, while your motorcade was still on the highway."

"Ah, ofcourse. Well, the Air Force seems happy. What about the Navy? Any word from the gentlemen in blue?"

"None, sir, but Under Secretary Westinghouse had dinner with Fleet Marshal Sandhurst last night. She requested that I give you this note."

Ms. Allen withdrew an envelope from her clipboard, handing it to Secretary Jaeger. Jaeger was rather suprised when instead of a letter or note in the envelope, a napkin instead appeared to be stored inside. Jaeger's look of confusion prompted a shrug from his chief assistant.

Neil, began the writing that was on top of the napkin. Fleet Marshal Sandhurst is extremely pleased with the AIM-12A Lightning, as is most of the brass in the Naval Air Corps. Rear Admiral McMaster wants to pump more money into Colonial Aerospace for thier Silver Sparrow program, but everyone else agrees Rear Admiral McMaster is overoptimistic on that one. Anyways, the offical report will probably come back to us later this week, at the soonest, due to McMaster's insistence that the Silver Sparrow program will eventually deliver. The report will ignore McMaster, quite wisely I think, and recommend that we accept the AIM-12A Lightning. It's not quite offical yet, but the Navy is for the Lightning. That is 100% sure to be the recomendation of the official report.

- Evelyn Westinghouse

"Ah, very good," said Secretary Jaeger as he folded up the napkin and placed it back into the envelope. "The Navy seems to be satisfied. Could you have a communique from us to Chevrokian Strategic Aviation sent to me today for my approval?"

"Ofcourse, sir," nodded Ms. Allen. "A communique will be drafted and on your desk for your review before your ten o'clock tea break."

*****

Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Office of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Our military leaders are very pleased with the AIM-12A Lightning, and feel that it not only meets, but exceeds the needs of the Democratic Colonies. We are confident that with the AIM-12A Lightning, DC fighters and interceptors will be well armed in thier defense of freedom and democracy in the years to come.

The Government of the Democratic Colonies is fully prepared to pay Chevrokian Strategic Aviation for domestic production rights to the AIM-12A Lightning. We are uncertain as to the development costs of the AIM-12A Lightning, and thus will leave it to Chevrokian Strategic Aviation to determine a suitable price for domestic production rights.

As stated earlier, we would also like to place an inital order for 200,000 missiles of Chevrokian manufacture, and a continuing order for 20,000 missles per year for ten years. 67,000,000,000 USD has been made available at this time for the inital order of 200,000 missiles, and an additional 67,000,000,000 USD will be made available in six months for the continuing delivery of 20,000 missiles per year. The second payment of 67,000,000,000 USD may be broken up into yearly payments if it is the preference of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation, but our own government felt it was better to pay in one single lump sum for political reasons not directly relevent to our current transaction.

We are very impressed with the AIM-12A Lightning, and are not at all suprised that it lives up to the excellent standard of quality created by the other products of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation. I would like to extend my personal congratulations and thanks for accomplishing what our own military development complex could not.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

Duntovostok International Airport
Duntovostok, ChevyRocks

The twin-boom, straight-winged plane came off the runway and rumbled down the taxiway, the distinct noise from it's twin 28-cylinder radial engines throbbing and pulsating as they cycled down close to idle. It came to a stop in the general aviation sector of Duntovostok International, in the Chevrokian capital city.

Underneath it's bubble canopy were two prominent men in the Chevrokian world today. In the pilot's seat was the President, Ragnar Johanson, looking very much of typical Scandinavian origin; which was in fact, part of the reason he had been elected to a fourth term. Seated behind him was the CEO of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation, Jonathon Gilliam.

"They certainly don't make 'em like this anymore," said the President after shutting off the two enormous engine.
"Quite so, Mr. President," replied Gilliam. They certainly don't make them like it anymore, for in fact the plane was an accurate replica of the XF-11 originally designed by "the aviator," Howard Hughes.

"So, how goes things in the aviation business, Jon?"
"Well, we've been working on major development contracts from the Democratic Colonies, namely missile and radar systems. We're starting production of the AIM-10, which is giving the Air Force conniptions because they don't have any fighters that can carry it. The Navy, of course, can do so with their Phoenix fighters. That 'ought to make an interesting combination at this year's AlphaStrike exercises."

Along, black limo pulled up as they were climbing out of the plane. The sense of urgency in their arrival meant that something important had happened. Out stepped a man in a fine black suit, Bruce Hawkins, Gilliam's second-in-command at CSA.

"Bruce," Jonathon said. "What news do you bring me?"
"The missile contract with DC," he paused, "we have a go."
"That IS good news, Bruce. Mr. President, if you'll excuse me, I have to go finish closing a 134 billion dollar business deal."



To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokain Strategic Aviation

I am very pleased to hear that our work here has been successful, and that you wish to purchase our AIM-12. I should add that many of us here at CSA are happy to have your nation as a customer, and we are also happy to hear that our products are performing well. Because of the previous business between us, we have been able to open a new assembly plant solely for the production of missiles, which is a very good thing, because now we will be able to fill your newest order for the AIM-12.

On the subject of additional costs, our financial department has figured it to be another $12 billion USD; that's a combination of the development costs as well as to purchase production rights. This is less than of many things we have developed in the past, and much of it has to do with the fact that when we recieved the missile contract, we knew what was needed out of the product, and we knew exactly how to get it.

Production of the missiles will be beginning as soon as possible. We're currently starting operations at our missile plant and also have facilities at existing plants, so I am confident we be able to fill your initial order for 200,000 units by one year's time. Your payment plan will work for us as well, it makes dealings somewhat more simple.

On previous matters, it appears there has been agreement in our engineering department as to the unit setup for the radar contract. From what I am told, they are now working on finalizing the design and programming the various systems, and they should be starting flight testing within a few weeks.

We here hope that our new products will serve your nation's interests well, as have our previous ones. And, we would like to thank you for the business we have recieved from your nation, as you have been a very good customer of ours, and we hope this will continue into the future.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

OOC: Top notch. If I had more of a focus on strategic aviation, you'd be seeing massive contracts from me. Maybe in the future. But top-notch storefront all the same. My compliments.

OOC: Thanks, I appreciate the good comments.

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Radar Design

We have finalized the design for the radar contract you issued.


AN/APG-108

In response to a second contract from Democratic Colonies, the AN/APG-108 was designed for use on their I/F-58 Beholder interceptor. The -108 is an active electronically scanned, or phased array, radar system. Intended to be a very powerful unit to meet the needs of a fleet-defense interceptor, the -108 delivers, with a tracking range as far as 275 miles (443 km) for fighter-sized targets, and even further for large aircraft. It is also capable of tracking up to 50 individual targets simultaneously and attacking them with whichever weaponry may be carried by the aircraft. Because it may be susceptible to electronic warfare, the -108 is also hardened against jamming and EMPs. While it is also a powerful system, because of the electronic scan design, it is significantly smaller and lighter than an older radar with equivalent performance. Another advantage to this design is that since it has no moving parts, maintenance is drastically reduced.

Additional equipment includes an infrared sensor suite, which can detect the heat generated by engines, or the heat built up on exterior surfaces at speed, at distances as far as 60 miles (97 km). The -108 is very effective at locating and tracking missiles, from air-to-air to cruise missiles. The 2,000 transmitter/receiver modules permit the radar set to scan over a field of view (FOV) of 120 degrees almost instantaneously. This is possible because it is capable of forming multiple radar beams electronically which rapidly search the FOV. During operations, the -108 is capable of simultaneously engaging selected targets, tracking contacts already on the scope, and searching for more contacts.

One more advanced feature of the radar set is it’s Target Recognition System (TRS). Using fine beams and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar (ISAR) processing, it can generate a three-dimensional map of the target. This map can be compared with actual radar images stored on the aircraft’s computer, which gives the plane’s crew the ability to positively identify what the target is, even if they are out of visual range.

Unit Price
AN/APG-108 active phased array radar ---- $6.5 million USD


Your order of 100 units comes to a price of $650 million USD, and they should be completed within two months time. To add production rights will be another $5 billion, bringing your total to $5.65 billion USD. We hope this is a reasonable price, and that these radar units will serve well with your forces if you decide to purchase them.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Arksdale Military Proving Grounds
Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

The Arksdale Proving Grounds were host to a variety of oddities on any given day. Powered exoskeletons frequented the obstacle courses, while stealth helicoptors hovered overhead. Armour and aircraft, rifles and rockets, all ended up at Arksdale before mass production began.

Hanger 18 of the massive, sprawling facility was home to the prototype squadren of X-I/F-58 Beholders (http://z13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom/index.php?showtopic=1673&st=0&hl=). Massive, hulking aircraft, they dwarfed the men and women who stood amoung the mechanical behemoths.

"It should fit quite nicely, actually," an older man in a lab coat explained to a group of officers in military uniform. A group of engineers and scientists nodded behind him.

"We think the AN/APG-108 is really the best option at this point. Marshal Anderson just can't get the weight down to where we need it, and, well, I'm sure you all heard about the incident with the Colonial Aerospace setup?"

"Quite," said one of the military officers coldly. "We don't want any repeats of that happening."

"Well," said the man in the lab coat, "the local radiation 'leakage' on the AN/APG-108 is much less then it is with the CA-R501, so that shouldn't be a concern."

"So the official position of your evaluation team is that the Beholder needs the AN/APG-108?"

"Yes, you can report with confidence that Arksdale wants the AN/APG-108. It's a big RADAR, but just about as big as we expected. The Beholder is Marshal Anderson's airframe, but from our talks with them, I think they agree."

"Very good," said one of the military officers. He cast his gaze once more at the interceptors that were lined up in neat rows along the hanger.

"Very good. At last then, the Beholder has its eyes."


*****

Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Office of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

After much examination of the most impressive AN/APG-108 Active Phased Array RADAR, the Democratic Colonies is most pleased to accept the terms offered by Chevrokian Strategic Aviation. We find that it compliments our aircraft quite excellently, and indeed, performs most impressively by its own right.

The Democratic Colonies has made available through our normal financial channels 12 billion USD to account for the production rights to the AIM-12A Lightning Air-to-Air Missile, as well as 5.65 billion USD to account for the inital run of 100 AN/APG-108 units, as well as production rights to the AN/APG-108.

We have been most impressed by the fantastic offerings of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation thus far, and will continue to consider CSA as a first tier provider of aerospace solutions for our nation.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

Chevrokian Strategic Aviation HQ
John F. McMurray Research & Development Complex

One day of each week, Jonathon Gilliam took time off from the running of CSA to tour the facilities. The huge hangar doors at the north end of the R&D complex were wide open when he showed up on a white golf cart. Clearly visible inside was the nearly completed CP-900, a behemoth airliner that could carry over 800 passengers in a 3-class seating plan. Rolling under its starbord wing, Jon came to a stop next to an extensively-modified F-16, parked in the Avionics department. It was far from how it was originally built, with various bumps and bulges on it's surfaces, and a strange-looking nose, used to test new radar sets.

"Jon! What brings you down here today?"
"Come on, Robert, you know I like to come down here and see how everything's going," Gilliam said. "Actually, this time, it's about our radar set for Democratic Colonies, the AN/APG-108."
"Yeah, what about it?"
"How long do you figure it would take to built 100 of them?"
"Ohh...a month, maybe two at the most. Nice thing about these phased array radars is that they're so much easier to build, no moving parts. Most of the 'assembly' process is just programming the set."
"Good. Better get started. After all, it might end up like the Lightning missile."
"How's that, Jon?"
"Well, our forces might want a few for their planes too."



To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Radar Production

We here at CSA are once again pleased to be doing business with your nation. Your order for one-hundred (100) AN/APG-108 phased array radar units will be completed within two months time.

As for the production rights for the AIM-12 Lightning missile and the AN/APG-108 radar, we will be sending a team of engineers by VB-70 supersonic transport to help set up production lines in the Democratic Colonies. They will be bringing along several assembled units, as well as disassembled units, and technical plans. All we need to know is what location they will need to fly to.

Once again, it is good to do business with your nation, and we hope these products will serve well with your forces.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Official Government Communique
From the Office of Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
To the Office of CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

We are quite pleased by your production schedule, and would like to recieve the engineering team, as well as thier cargo, at the Lexa Doig International Airport (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=451716), just outside of the City of Passchendale.

Personel from Chevrokian Strategic Aviation will be met by government personel, representatives of the Marshal Anderson Group, who have been contracted to manage domestic production, as well as, if there are no objections, select members of the press.

- Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger, Federated Union of Democratic Colonies

To: Foreign Secretary Neil Jaeger
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Team Detatchment

Presence of the press is perfectly alright for this occasion. We will be sending the following personnel to assist in the setup of production in the Democratic Colonies:

William McMurray - Chief Engineer, Research & Development
Robert Goodspeed - Lead Engineer, Research & Development, Avionics Department
Jim Fredricks - Lead Engineer, Research & Development, Munitions Department
Vladimir Murtov - Chief of Production, Avionics Department
Sigudurr Erikson - Chief of Production, Munitions Department

They and their cargo are planned to depart from Duntovostok International tomorrow morning, and should arrive at Lexa Doig International sometime in the early afternoon.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

C.S.A. YVB-70 #1 / Model CP-850-50
Civil Registration NX70P
En route to Lexa Doig International Airport

It was a beautiful hack, if such a phrase ever made sense. NX70P was a B-70 Valkyrie strike bomber roughly converted into a passenger transport. Which meant that the aft flight deck's combat stations were removed and replaced with extra seats. It wasn't the most comfortable passenger transport, but at least the flights were generally alot shorter. Most of the time, NX70P was being used to test the feasibility of adapting the Valkyrie's airframe to a full-on supersonic airliner or VIP transport. The prototype for that, the CP-850-100, was about 60% complete, and was to have a considerably more capacious fuselage.

This time, though, it was transporting the Chevrokian Strategic Aviation assistance team to Democratic Colonies for the set-up of production for the AIM-12 Lightning missile, as well as the AN/APG-108 radar system.

"Hey, we're coming up on land, we should slow down to subsonic. I'm not sure what DC's policy is on supersonic overflight, but just to be safe..."

The great, white, former bomber dropped out of supersonic flight as the pilots throttled back the six J-115 turbo-ramfan engines. Funny thing about CSA's Valkyrie, as well as other Chevrokian planes that mounted the J-115 engine, was that it's fuel consumption at subsonic speeds was almost exactly the same as it was at Mach 3.0. Alot of people in the general public had difficulty wrapping their brain around that tidbit of information, but then most of them also didn't really understand the details of how a turbo-ramfan engine worked either.

Further more, the crew and passengers of the plane could hear the distant whirr of machinery, as the big outer sections of the wings that helped create enahnced compression lift tilted up to 25 degrees from horizontal, standard for high subsonic flight. There was a running joke which originated in the RAF's 7th Bomb Group that the Valkyries would "flap" the outer wing sections as they landed. A suprising number of people believed it to be true.

After some time, the plane and it's team of CSA engineers and specialists began approaching Lexa Doig International. Though they were still some ways out, in keeping with standard aviation procedures, they asked for clearance to land first.

"Lexa Doig International, this is CSA Flight 850, of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation, requesting permission to land."

Lexa Doig International Airport (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=451716)
Gate C1

The press was out in force, with photographers and camera operators standing against the velvet rope that kept them at arm's length.

The ChevRockians had yet to arrive, but Foreign Undersecretary Evelyn Westinghouse, as well as High Diplomat Kendra Anderton, were already present at Gate C1 to meet thier soon to be arrived guests.

"Lady Westinghouse, Lady Anderton," said a sharply dressed aide as he approached the two women.

"The C.S.A passenger aircraft has been directed through the landing pattern by SkyNet, and should be landing shortly."

"Very good," said Anderton, nodding at the aide.

Kendra Anderton, a titled Lady of the federal government, towered above the aide in her high heels. A tall, slim woman with a head topped by a styled weave of intense red hair, Anderton often made something of an impression on foreign representatives. With an eye for detail but a friendly manner, the fourty year old High Diplomat would be acting as liason between the CSA engineers and the federal DC government, passing along any concerns that they might have.

"Have thier accomodations been prepared as we directed?" asked Westinghouse as Anderton gave a friendly wave to an inquisitive reporter.

"The Hilton in downtown Passchendale has been made ready," replied the aide, checking his notes on a wristmounted computer.

"Rooms on Floor 60 have been made available for the ChevRockians, and a security detail from our Security Service has been deployed. A full complement of maids and aides has also been selected, should the ChevRockians request them."

"Excellent work," said Westinghouse.

Evelyn Westinghouse, in contrast to Kendra Anderton, was a much more petite woman. Barely reaching the height of most men, even in high heels, the smaller woman had something of a delicate, fragile air to her. Here only to greet the CSA in lieu of Foreign Secretary Jaeger himself, she was present mainly for ceremonial purposes.

"There they are now," said Anderton, looking out the massive wall of glass that allowed a view from inside of the airport onto the tarmac.

The already present detail of security agents redoubled thier vigilance as the ChevRockian aircraft landed smoothly on one of the primary runways.

"Are you certain we shouldn't have had a military guard?" asked Anderton.

Westinghouse shrugged.

"They're not government representatives, and Sir Jaeger didn't want to establish a precedent. In any case, it's too late now."

Westinghouse paused as she smoothed out her suit skirt.

"Look sharp, my friend. Our guests have nearly arrived."

C.S.A. YVB-70 #1 / Model CP-850-50
Civil Registration NX70P
On approach to Lexa Doig International Airport

The CSA team, due to their relative proximity to the flight deck, could hear everything that the two pilots were doing prior to landing.

"All right, coming through 1000 feet, let's check the wingtips...make sure they're in the right position."
"Starboard tip straight for landing."
"Port wingtip straight. OK, everything's looking good. Lower 15 degrees of flaps, lower the landing gear."
"Roger, 15 degrees flaps. Gear coming down...gear down and locked."
"Coming through 400 feet, flaps 20."
"Flaps down 20, everything's centered. Temperatures normal."
"300 feet, speed 220. Nose up."
"Altitude now 250, speed 215. 210. 200. 190, altitude 100 feet."
"Coming in for landing, speed and altitude?"
"Speed 175..."

There was a thump and a squeal as the landing gear touched down on the runway.

"Alright, we're down. Reverse thrust."
"Roger, reversing thrust. Hope everybody back there is feeling alright."

That was a legitimate question. Because of the odd placement of the "nose" gear of the Valkyrie, the nose moved up and down greatly even with small bumps, not unlike a ship in heavy seas. Definetly something they'd have to look at before a production Valkyrie-based airliner would be made.

"Alright, we've been cleared for Gate C1. Turning onto the taxiway now."
"OK, here comes the tricky part."

The "tricky part" referred to parking at an airport gate, being quite different from the normal operation of a Valkyrie as a bomber. Again, the nose gear's position exaggerated the movement of the nose of the plane, side-to-side as well. But the pilots were well experienced, they had trained the initial group of Republic Air Force pilots and knew just what the plane would do. As this was occuring, the various members of the CSA team began gathering up their things; laptop computers, briefcases full of technical diagrams, etc., and the big, white Valkyrie came to a stop at Gate C1.

The photographers surged forwards as the ChevRockians stepped onto the airport platform and were welcomed by the pair of DC diplomats.

"On behalf of the federal government, I'd like to extend my nation's welcome to all of you," said Undersecretary Westinghouse as she extended a hand to shake with William McMurray. Westinghouse and Anderton slowly made thier way through the CSA party, always careful to allow the photographers a clear view as they shook hands with thier foreign guests.

"I do hope that you had a pleasent flight," said Anderton as the press continued unabated. She began to lead the group away from the gate. As they walked away, a number of aides immediately took to assisting in the unloading of the ChevRockian's personal bags.

"If you're feeling up to it," Anderton continued, "we've arranged a lunch downtown, where representatives from the Marshal Anderson Group will be in attendence. As you know, Marshal Anderson has been contracted to oversee the domestic production of the AIM-12 and the AN/APG-108. If you'd rather have a rest after your flight though, accomodations at the Passchendale Hilton have been arranged as well."

"Neither our government nor the Marshal Anderson Group would offended if you needed something of a rest," broke in Westinghouse. "It is perfectly understandable after a long flight."

The group soon reached an auxiliary exit from the terminal, where a large motorcade awaited.

"Thank you for the warm welcome, Mrs. Westinghouse," McMurray was the first to speak. "This is quite an amazing airport."

"Lunch sounds good right about now," Goodspeed said. "We'd probably go for rest if we had been flying subsonic the whole way." The rest of the team muttered agreements to this.

"Yes, speaking of lunch," McMurray interrupted, "to what sort of restaurant will we be going to?"

"Andromeda's Cove," replied Westinghouse. "It's the restaurant on top of the Trump Passchendale Tower. It's 125 floors up, so there's quite a spectacular view of the city from there."

Westinghouse smiled as a chauffeur opened the door to a long limousine.

"We've arranged for fresh fish to be brought in for us," said Anderton as the group entered the luxury vehicle. "This Administrative Area has quite a productive fishing industry."

"We've made accomodations for vegetarian and vegan meals as well," said Westinghouse as the motorcade began to roll. The streets, normally clogged at all hours of the day, had been cleared to allow for the motorcade's rapid transportation of thier guests.

"We'll be taking an underground expressway for most of the trip downtown," explained Anderton as a massive tunnel approached.

"The lack of space in comparison to the population has forced much of infrastructure underground, and much of our buildings to rise to skyscraper heights," explained Anderton. "A population of seven billion on ten islands smaller then most nation's provinces has forced us to make some rather interesting civic planning descisions."

*****

Donald Trump Passchendale Tower
Andromeda's Cove Restaurant

"They're a little late," said Gerald Haskins.

"I think I see them," said Margaret Berekley.

"Where, I don't see a motorcade."

"There, they just passed the Starbucks building."

"Oh, yes, I see them now."

The man and woman peered at the motorcade as it approached, losing sight of it as it made it's way closer.

Haskins, an older, balding man, was had placed in charge of the domestic production of the AIM-12 Lightning, while the much younger Berekley had been selected for leadership of the AN/APG-108 RADAR production program.

"It still rubs me the wrong way," said Haskins, turning away from the window. "We shouldn't be entrusting something this important to a foreign firm."

"We had our shot, and we missed it," replied Berekley, still looking outside.

"Look on the bright side - we did get tapped to do domestic production, didn't we? And atleast we didn't give seven people cancer like those clowns at Colonial Aerospace."

The two shared a dark chuckle at that, as one of thier assistants approached.

"Sir, ma'am, the party from the CSA and the federal government are currently on thier way up," he said politely.

"Good," said Berekley. Smiling, she punched Haskins lightly on the shoulder.

"Come on. I don't know about you, but I'm kinda curious as to what these fine gentlemen look like."

Many of the members of the CSA team were gazing in awe at the skyline and various public works of the city. Many also were taking pictures and video clips on their cameras. While they were involved in the aerospace trade, they all were fascinated by the huge buildings and tunnels.

In one of the cars, Jim Fredricks and Sigudurr Erikson had been looking through their information on the AIM-12 missile, before Jim had become interested in a different subject.

"Sig, I gotta ask something."
"What's that Jim?"
"What's with the pin-striped suit?"
"What? I like this suit."
"Oh, there's nothing wrong with it. It's just so out of the ordinary...especially on you. You're what, six-foot-four?"
"Close, six-foot-five."
"Alright, six-foot-five. Like I was saying, it's out of the ordinary. You don't see alot of six-foot-five Scandinavians with pin-striped suits in business."
"Well, people remember me like this. Plus, as you said, there's not many people of my stature in business, it's easy to notice me. I figure, why not be more noticable?"
"I suppose that make sense."
"I think we're coming up to the building now, Jim."

Jesus Christ, thought Berekley as Sigudurr Erikson exited his elevator, stepping onto the 125th floor restaurant.

He looks bigger then most of the Security Service goons that are protecting us.

"Welcome to the Democratic Colonies," said Haskins, extending a hand to William McMurray.

"I'm Gerald Haskins, and I'll be managing the production of the fantastic missile that your company has designed."

Haskins paused as Berekley introduced herself.

"Margaret Berekley," she said, shaking hands with Robert Goodspeed. "I'll be responsible for domestic production of your AN/APG-108 RADAR."

"If you're up to it, we'll be taking a tour of the facilities that we're setting up for production right after lunch," said Haskins.

"Come on now, don't rush our guests," said Berekley jokingly. "Lunch is lunch - we'll deal with business after."

Before long, the government officials, Marshal Anderson representatives, and CSA engineers were seated at a long table that afforded all of them a spectacular view of the urban metropolis around them.

"I do hope we all enjoy Pacific Salmon," said High Diplomat Anderton as the fresh fish was layed out by waiters.

"I'm sure it'll be just fine," replied Berekley, seeing what she hoped was approval from the ChevRockians.

"So, Mr. McMurray," began Berekley some of the others began thier meal.

"I and my associates at Marshal Anderson have been very impressed by your RADAR. To be honest," she smiled, "it's better then anything we could come up with. Or, for that matter, anything our domestic competition could come up with. Chevrokian Strategic Aviation has some very bright people working for them, but beyond that, I don't know much about your firm."

She was interupted as a waiter leaned over to pour her a glass of white wine.

McMurray figured he'd fill in Berekley's inquiry. "Well, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation was first started in 1971. Before that time, our nation's air power wasn't of a particularly strong nature. But when the administration which was elected in 1970 came to running things, they came to the conclusion, more or less the fact, that we were seriously lacking in air power, especially in strategic aircraft; bombers, tankers, airlifters, those sort of things. Several small aviation firms came together, consolidated their production efforts, and became Chevrokian Strategic Aviation."

"Our first product was actually an update of an old design, the B-36. We fitted it with modern avionics for the time, contra-rotating turboprop engines, and various other things. It wasn't the most technologically advanced plane, but it was reliable, survivable, and it could operate from rough airstrips, as there were a definate lack of well-built airfields in the country. Some of those planes are still in service today, more as a heavy combat air support plane though. After some time, when the infrastructure could support it, we were building faster versions, the B-60 and the B-74 we have available today."

"He paused for a moment to take a breath, and take a drink of wine. "The Republic Air Force, of course, wanted faster still. Supersonic this time. To cut down development costs, again, we based on previous designs; the B-58 and the B-70."

"It was around this point that we decided we should start designing our own stuff, rather than basing them on designs somebody else thought up. Our first original design was the B-75, our seaplane bomber. Your government bought a good number of the cargo and tanker versions, and it was good for us to hear that they have performed well in your service. We're nearing the finish for test and evaluation for our B-76, a strategic bomber capable of Mach 3, that should be coming out in the next few months."

"We're branching out into commercial aviation too, we've got a super-jumbo coming out, capacity for over 800 in three class seating on two decks. We've also got a supersonic airliner based somewhat on the B-70 Valkyrie that we're working on, it'll have a brand new fuselage and tail, altered wing and underbody design, and so on. We also branched off into the munitions sector, and then into avionics. And now we've here."

"Sorry if that was a bit long-winded."

"No, not at all," said Berekley. "This is all quite fascinating to me. An airliner based on the B-70 Valkyrie is something that sounds paticularly interesting. Ofcourse, now that you've told me about it, the Marshal Anderson Group will just have to steal it," she joked. She laughed softly, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"No, but to be honest, That is an excellent idea," Berekley said earnestly. "I can't speak for them, but I think that my government's Foreign Affairs Department might be interested in something like that."

"We definately would," said Undersecretary Westinghouse from a few seats down. "We've been looking for a replacement for our VIP Concordes for some time now, but nothing really suitable has come up from our domestic firms."

"Hey, don't look at us," said Berekley, hands raised slightly. "Marshal Anderson only got into civil aerospace last year."

She looked back at McMurray.

"To be honest, my company's background is more automotives, industrial machinery, that type of thing. The I/F-58 Beholder that your RADAR is going to be mounted on is only our second military design - and our first was just a run of the mill cargo truck."

"We did make a damn fine truck though, if I can say so myself," said Haskins as he dabbed at his chin with a napkin. "Our company might not be the best in the skies, but let me tell you, I'm still driving around a Marshal Anderson Motors roadster from 1987, and she's never given me any trouble - I'd like to see that kind of reliability from the Japanese automakers."

He stabbed his fork into the air to empathize his point as a few chuckles rose from around the table.

"So, gentlemen," said High Diplomat Anderton, "what exactly are you expecting in terms of production facilities for the AIM-12 missile and the AN/APG-108 RADAR? The assembly lines in DC tend to be automated quite heavily, and most of the plastic we intend to use for some of the internal works will be mostly moderate in quality, imported from the other nations in the Free Commerce Association. Do you think that will present any problems? Oh, and I do hope you're finding the fish quite fine. Some quail and salad will be brought along shortly as well, if the Pacific Salmon isn't to your liking."

"The fish is quite good, I think," Murtov started. "As for your inquiry on plastic quality and how it will affect the radar unit, I don't believe it will present a major problem to the finished product. Where the plastics would be used mostly in the radar unit would be in the transmitter/reciever modules, these are the parts that make the radar work, sending and recieving the radio signals which detect objects in front of the plane. Now, I don't believe the quality of the plastic would affect how these modules would work, the plastic is used to hold the parts of the module together. But in the event that a module would fail, this is not a major problem as the AN/APG-108 has 2,000 such modules on it, and can continue operating even if several modules have stopped working. Plastics are also used in the wiring connections, though I don't see this to be a problem area either."

"As for production facilities," he paused for a moment, "automated assembly lines should work just fine. Almost all of the building process for the radar set can be done by automation, it's somewhat similar to many common electronics production. Not exactly like it, the parts do quite different jobs than ones on, say, a personal computer, but if you're at all familiar with the process, it certainly helps. The final part of course is installing the radar unit on the plane; attaching the wiring connections, attaching the whole set to the structure of the plane, and then integrating the radar with the onboard computer."

"That last part," Goodspeed started in, "will initially be the harder one, but once we successfully match up the radar and the computer, later production will go a good deal faster."

Christoph Baker, Almighty Emperor of the Red Empire of Wanderjar, requests to purchase munitions from you.



1000x BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator ---- $4,500,000,000

5000x AIM-10A Skystreak ---- $6,000,000,000

5000x AIM-12A Lightning ---- $1,675,000,000

Total: $12,175,000,000


Good day to you!

Donald Trump Passchendale Tower
Andromeda's Cove Restaurant

"That shouldn't be much of a problem," said Berekley, as a waiter took away her plate of mostly eaten fish. "The Beholders will be run with a rather commonly used military computer system built by Hewlett Packard. A powerful little beast, it can maintain about 3 teraflops during flight operations - much more importantly though, it tends to be generally friendly to new hardware hookups."

"We would have used something of our own design," said Haskins as he stabbed a fork into his salad, "but the Hewlet Packard beat us out for the contract on account of thier system being more compatible and having a less expensive maintenance and upgrade cycle."

"We're thinking of having the RADARs built here in Passchendale, and then shipped to Trademeet," said Berekley. "The airframes for the I/F-58 Beholder are going to be built at our Trademeet plant, so we intend to install the RADARs there. It would be more efficent to have the airframes and the RADARs built closer together, but a condition of our company winning the contract for final assembly of the Beholder was that we have certain parts built in certain areas of the country to better stimulate the local economies. It's better for the job market that way."

"We don't expect shipping the RADARs to have any negative impact on them," said Anderton. "Indeed, most of the components will be shipped from one place to another. The computers, ejection modules, landing gear and engines will all be built in different places and have to be shipped to Trademeet, where they will meet with the airframes, RADARs, and the rest of the components."

Christoph Baker, Almighty Emperor of the Red Empire of Wanderjar, requests to purchase munitions from you.

1000x BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator ---- $4,500,000,000
5000x AIM-10A Skystreak ---- $6,000,000,000
5000x AIM-12A Lightning ---- $1,675,000,000

Total: $12,175,000,000

Good day to you!

To: Emperor Christoph Baker, Red Empire of Wanderjar
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Thank you for your interest in our product line. Your order for one-thousand (1,000) BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator, five-thousand (5,000) AIM-10A Skystreak, and five-thousand (5,000) AIM-10A Lightning missiles should be completed within four years time, with blocks of 1,375 missiles (125 BGM-6, 625 AIM-10, 625 AIM-12) delivered every six months. We hope this production schedule will be adequate, and we hope our products will serve the needs of your armed forces well.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Donald Trump Passchendale Tower
Andromeda's Cove Restaurant

"I'd have to agree," McMurray said, "I don't believe there will be any negative impact to the radars during shipping, except if you have a shipping accident."

"Oh jeezz," Erikson started. "That reminds me of the one back in '94. Long story short, guy who swerved to avoid some deer caused one of our trucks to tip off the road. Truck was loaded with AMRAAMs, once the authorities showed up, closed down both directions of the highway, set up a 1,000-foot safety perimeter. Couple of hardy souls from the bomb squad went in to inspect the load of missiles which had spilled out. Fortunately, because of the way we ship munitions, none of the crates busted open, and even better, none of the missiles got damaged. That was lucky."

The rest of the CSA team muttered agreements to this.

"So I'm wondering," McMurray said, "will we be able to get a look at this I/F-58 we've heard so much about? It sounds like quite an interesting plane."


(OOC: I'm gonna be busy the next few days, and probably won't be able to get back on until Friday.)

To: Emperor Christoph Baker, Red Empire of Wanderjar
From: CEO Jonathon Gilliam, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Thank you for your interest in our product line. Your order for one-thousand (1,000) BGM-6A Hyper-Penetrator, five-thousand (5,000) AIM-10A Skystreak, and five-thousand (5,000) AIM-10A Lightning missiles should be completed within four years time, with blocks of 1,375 missiles (125 BGM-6, 625 AIM-10, 625 AIM-12) delivered every six months. We hope this production schedule will be adequate, and we hope our products will serve the needs of your armed forces well.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation


This will be fine.



Emperor Baker
Red Empire of Wanderjar


(OOC: Will I be able to use any of those munitions in this game year? I'm at war and need to use a few of them.)

(OOC: Will I be able to use any of those munitions in this game year? I'm at war and need to use a few of them.)

OOC: The first block will arrive within six months game time, so yes. If you need them sooner, I can break them into smaller blocks being delivered each month.

Donald Trump Passchendale Tower
Andromeda's Cove Restaurant

"A pair of prototypes have been flown in today," said Anderton. "They're waiting for us at the production facility. If we're all done here..."

"Yes, I think so," said Berekley, taking a drink from her wine glass. "That was quite a meal, but on to business. The production facility is about an hour, two hours away by car, but I believe the good Lady Anderton has arranged for some alternate transportation?"

"An Osprey," nodded Anderton. "That should cut down on our travel time quite considerably. They're waiting for us on the roof helipad."

"Well, I'm afraid I'll have to take my leave at this point," said Undersecretary Westinghouse, rising from her seat before the others. "I'm needed back in the Capitol - trade negotiations concerning grain imports. It sounds mundane, I know, but with a population like ours, food is probably our most important import. I'll leave you in the capable hands of Lady Anderton at this point, but I'd like you to know that it was a pleasure meeting all of you."

Westinghouse shook the hands of the ChevRockians again before departing.

"Well, let's get started on our flight to the production facility," said Anderton. "The day is still young, but time waits for no one."

*****

Marshal Anderson Industries
Passchendale Military Production Facility C
Passchendale Industrial Sector

The buildings were shorter, squatter in the Industrial Sector, a compromise between space efficiency and the practicalities of heavy industry.

The Osprey had been modified for diplomatic use, and as such was much more comfortable and quiet for its passengers. Soft seats of padded leather had replaced the normal military seating, while the armoured fuselage had been retrofitted with large, attractive windows.

"There's the production facility up ahead," said Berekley, pointing to a densely packed collection of buildings and factories.

The Osprey landed smoothly in an open courtyard in the centre of the complex, where a pair of prototype I/F-58 Beholders also sat.

"The Beholder is something that we're all quite proud of at the Marshal Anderson Group," said Berekley as they all made thier way onto solid ground once more.

The Beholders (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/JC_Denton/7ab8a7db.gif) sat silently as the group of men and women approached, one with its wings swept fully backwards, the other with its wings straight and unswept.

"It was designed ground up to support as powerful of a RADAR as possible," said Berekley, running a hand along one of the prototype's noses.

A small display (http://z13.invisionfree.com/The_NS_Draftroom/index.php?showtopic=1673&st=0&hl=) between the two prototypes listed the specifications for the massive interceptor, along with a short history of its development and photos of it in flight.

"We tried coming up with something ourselves, but the truth is, the CSA AN/APG-108 RADAR is just the best RADAR for the job."

Berekley continued speaking as she led the group around to the rear of the prototypes.

"They're powered by an array of three Marshal Anderson jet engines, each generating 52,910 lbf, for a total of 158,730 lbf thrust for the aircraft," she explained. "It was needed, since the aircraft itself weighs in at 60,000 pounds empty, or about the weight of three empty F/A-18 Hornets. It's a big, heavy bird, but with the CSA RADAR in her, she'll have eyes like no one else."

"Did you want to examine the prototypes further, or would you like to see the production facilities for the AN/APG-108? The production facilities for the AIM-12 missile are also nearby, but require a bit of a walk to get to, so it'd be better to examine the RADAR production line first."

The CSA team was looking up and down the huge I/F-58s which were the destination for their new radar system. Many smiles could be seen, especially from the engineers, seeing the variable-geometry wings and the most unique feature, the triple-engine powerplant.

"Very impressive," McMurray said. "Very unique as well, something that stands out. I like it. But yes, on the tour of the production facilities, do you think we're finished here everybody?"

Goodspeed responded, "Oh...I think we've seen enough for now. I imagine we'll be seeing these again when the radar and plane are being joined together, yes?"

are you selling production rights to the Hyper penetrator?

are you selling production rights to the Hyper penetrator?

For the right price, they are available. Something like $60 billion USD should be reasonable, we believe.

Marshal Anderson Industries
Passchendale Military Production Facility C
Passchendale Industrial Sector

"This is the primary assembly line," said Berkeley, as the group walked into a long, massive room. It was nearly spotless, shining with the polish of unused machinery and electronics. A few factory workers stood at attention next to a number of control consoles scattered throughout the assembly hall.

"As I said, the assembly line is mostly automated," said Berkeley, walking up to a gleaming mechanical arm. With several movable joints and a "hand" of steel that was about the size of a normal man's, it seemed very articulate.

"This paticular device is going to be used for the more delicate work involved," explained Berkeley. "Electrionics installation, minute assembly, that sort of thing."

"Is the software up and running?" she asked a worker standing ontop of a monitoring platform.

"Yes, ma'am," the worker said immediately.

"Good," replied Berkeley as she leaned forwards, now addressing the robotic appendage directly.

"Shake hands," she said in a monotone, while holding her hand out. The factory worker stepped away from his console as the robotic hand extended itself, gently shaking Berkeley's hand in a businesslike manner.

"These paticular models are equipped with highly sensitive sensors, including touch pads, heat detectors, RFID readers, and electrical diagnostic sensors along each of thier fingers," explained Berkeley as the robotic arm released its grip. "The sensors are modular, and can be replaced or removed as needed."

"Further along here," she continued as she walked down the assembly line, "is our first bank of welding units. They're the same model as we saw earlier, but thier sensors have been modified and they've been equipped with rapidly cooling, high precision welding torches. These units can have thier torches removed and replaced with something else in about half an hour, if we really needed it changed."

"Oh, and these as well," said Berkeley, pointing to a number of robotic arms that stood beside the welders. "As you can see, the "hands" on these units are much larger - they're cleared to lift 1000 pounds each, and will serve to raise units up for any welding that needs to be done on the bottom of the RADAR unit or its casing."

"Now, up ahead," said Berkeley as she led the group further along, "we have a bank of our bolting, screwing and drilling units. They're the same model as the welding and precision work units, but these are equipped with a more appropiate sensor package, as well as high speed bolters, screwdrivers, and drills. Laser guidence has been installed to supplement the model's usual optical sensors for added precision."

"As you can see," continued Berkeley, "the floor section we are standing on is an industrial conveyer belt, which will move the RADAR units along from bank to bank as appropiate. There are about 400 banks in all - 240 precision work arrays, 80 bolting and drilling arrays, and 40 welding arrays, all layed out as they'll be needed along the assembly line. We have an additional 110 vacent slots available for whatever we'll be needing more of, be it welding, bolting, or precision work. There are going to be about 10 high level diagnostics beds installed at the end of the line to ensure that the RADARs are fully functional before they're shipped, but they don't arrive until next week."

"So, what do you think?"

"Very impressive," Murtov was the first to respond. "I have to say, this is a bit more advanced equipment than what we have. I mean, we have the robotics equipment, but generally we've got one type of machine for a specific task; welding, precision assembly, and so on."

"Quite so," Erikson started in. "The modular design for the robots is quite smart, very practical. We just might have to buy some for ourselves, if they're available of course."

"Oh, they most definately are," nodded Berkeley. "The Marshal Anderson Group is one of the largest suppliers of industrial automations in the Pacific."

She paused as she looked over at one of the idle robotic arms.

"Umm... Mr. Haskins, do you know offhand how much one of these units sells for?"

"Sorry," said Haskins as he shook his head. He addressed the ChevRockians. "The manufacture and sale of industrial machinery isn't handled by our division, but I'll make sure a full dossier of catalog materials is provided to you by the end of the day."

"While we don't have the exact figures here," said Berkeley, "I believe that these units do run for quite a reasonable price. We just sold quite a number of them to Volkswagen, but unfortunately, I don't remember the specifics of the sale... I'm sure though, that you'll find them quite reasonably priced."

"Well, if you don't see any changes you'd like made, or any possible problems with our setup, shall we proceed to the AIM-12 Lightning facility?" asked Haskins. "It's set up essentially the same way as this facility, so any major flaws in the manufactoring process that you see here are likely to be replicated over there."

"I have to say, this looks like it should be quite suited for production of the radar," Murtov said. "Yes, I think we can proceed to the missile facility now."

"Excellent," said Haskins, as he led the group to the nearby AIM-12 production facility.

The walk to the missile factory was a short one of less then ten minutes, as both the RADAR and the missile facilities were contained with the same production complex.

"Ah, there are some of our security personel," said Berkeley, as they approached the missile production facility. A number of armed men and women in bodyarmour snapped to attention as the group drew close.

"Good evening, sirs and ladies," said thier apparent leader formally.

"Good evening," replied Berkeley. "I trust that all is well?"

"There is nothing notable to report, ma'am," said the security officer.

"Very good then, let's continue," said Berkeley.

"Federal law requires that certain private facilities such as commercial power plants, pharmaceutical factories, and military production facilities like this one are protected by armed security personel," explained Haskins as he led the group inside.

"At sensitive locations such as these," said High Diplomat Anderton, "the risks of terrorism, organized crime infiltration, and foreign espionage are significant. The federal government subsidizes half of the security costs for the facilities that we require be protected, and carry out inspections twice annually to insure that the level of protection provided is sufficent."

"While it can be a bit of a bother," said Berkeley, "it's for the best. Afterall, we wouldn't want a group like Islamic Jihad bursting in and stealing truckload of Lightning missiles. It takes a bit out of our bottom line, but the security threat is real."

The group continued, eventually reaching the primary assembly room.

"This is it," said Haskins, gesturing at the massive conveyor belt that ran along the floor. A few factory workers, seeing the group arrive, gave them a friendly wave.

"As I said earlier, it uses essentially the same hardware we saw in the RADAR production facility. 480 precision work banks, 80 bolting, drilling, and screwing banks, and 120 welding banks, with each bank averaging 16 individual robotic arms each. Like the RADAR facility, the high level electronics diagnostic beds haven't arrived yet, but they should be here next week at the latest."

"So," continued Haskins as he led the group further onto the workroom floor, "do you think this will do the job alright? Some of my people want to swap out some of the bolters for welders, which should be an easy task, but they can't seem to agree amoung themselves on whether or not that's actually a good idea."

"Well, I think this should be plenty adequate for for the production of the AIM-12," said Erikson. "You have some very impressive facilities here, yes, I don't believe there should be any problems from your set up."

"Before we're finished here," McMurray started, "they will likely want our specifications and related data. It would be rather difficult for them to begin production without the required information about the products."

"Quite so," replied Goodspeed. "Good thing you brought it up."

The members of the CSA team set their briefcases on the nearest available table or work station, and started pulling things out. Stacks of computer discs loaded with materials lists, dimensions, tolerances, diagrams and cutaway views, performance information, troubleshooting information, on and on. Then they pulled out thick button-up folders, hard copies of all the information if there are ever any computer problems. Then more computer discs, filled with programming information for the radar unit, as well as for the electronics on the Lightning missile.

"I'm not sure if you'll be needing these right now," McMurray said, "but we like to come prepared, in any case."

"Ah, ofcourse," said Berkeley as Haskins called over a pair of aides.

"Please, take this to the offices of myself and Ms. Berkeley," said Haskins, piling the folders into one of the aide's arms.

"I think we'll need some help here," said one of the aides.

"Call over a security detail and tell them to watch over this table until it's all moved to our offices then," said Haskins. He turned to the ChevRockians.

"We certainly don't want these documents to get into the wrong hands."

"Well, we're most pleased that you've found our manufacturing facilities acceptable," said Berkeley, rubbing her hands together. "The night is still young though, and it would be a shame for you to have come all this way only to have seen so little of our fair metropolis."

"The Osprey is still waiting," said Anderton. "We can go on an aerial tour of the city if you'd like. The sun is going down outside, and the Passchendale skyline is quite a sight at night."

"Let's go, then," said Berkeley, smiling broadly at Robert Goodspeed.

*****

The Osprey made its way through the cityscape, offering its passengers a breathtaking view of the massive spires and skyscrapers of the Passchendale skyline.

"That's the city stadium to our left," said Anderton, pointing out of one of the aircraft's massive windows at a massive, open air structure. "It can accomodate 280,000 spectators on any given day. It's home to the city's baseball, soccer, football, rugby and cricket teams."

"I think they're playing soccer tonight," said Haskins. "The Passchendale Ravens against the Trademeet Merchants."

The stadium exited thier sight as the Osprey flew further into the city's core.

"So tell me," said Anderton, "what sports are popular in ChevyRocks? And, I have to admit I'm curious, how did you resolve the soccer/football naming dispute?"

"That's the Passchendale Starbucks Tower," said Berkeley, before anyone answered Anderton's question. She pointed at a massive black skyscraper as they entered the downtown. "Starbucks runs thier operations in DC from there - 141 stories, if I remember correctly."

As the aircraft flew deeper into the heart of downtown, the skyscrapers grew in density until literal canyons of steel and glass were all around them.

Erikson chuckled to himself. "To be honest, I'm not sure if they've yet solved the whole football vs. soccer dispute. I mean, officially they still call it soccer, but there are people, hardcore soccer fans generally, who insist they refer to it as football. The problem which then occurs is that the term "football" for soccer conflicts with the other "football." Arguments will start, and occasionally will end up as riots. I'm sure you know, soccer fans are a good deal more likely to start a riot than fans of other sports, nobody's really figured out why that is."

"Didn't the Duntovostok Police Department ask us about if it was possible to retrofit a crop-duster plane to spray tear gas?" McMurray asked.

"That's right, they did. Two years ago, I believe it was, just after the National Cup for soccer, there was a huge riot in the West Borough. Police were firing tear gas canisters into the crowds to try and get them to break up, but once the gas cleared, a few hundred more rioters would show up and take their place. After some time, the police ended up running out of tear gas, so they had to just wait until morning when the rioters got tired and went home."

"But yeah, both kinds of football are relatively popular in our country, as are the ones you mentioned," McMurray continued. "Hockey is big, mostly since in most parts of the nation it gets cold enough during winter so that all but the very large bodies of water can freeze over. Other winter-related sports are pretty popular as well, skiing and snowboarding, ice racing, that one is a pretty recent one but it's growing fast."

Anderton winced as rioting came up, but seemed happy as the topic was changed.

"I love hockey," said Haskins, smiling as a pair of air taxis (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=416101) flew by outside. "You can't pry me away from the TV when playoff season starts."

"So, where to now?" asked Berkeley. "It's getting a bit late."

"Yes, it's been quite a long day," said Anderton, looking over at her ChevRockian guests. "We can have dinner down at the waterfront if you'd like, but we've arranged accomodations for you as well at the Downtown Hilton as well, so it's fine if you'd rather retire for the night instead."

"Dinner sounds good to me," said Goodspeed, "as long as it's not inconvenient for you."

"Oh, I could definetly eat right about now," said Erikson.

McMurray noticed his cellphone was buzzing, so he pulled it out to check his messages.

"What's the word, Bill?" asked Fredricks.
"Well...Gilliam says that they've finished the first production prototype for the CP-850, and that they're about 95% finished with the CP-900 super-jumbo. Second, Chevrokian Airways has ordered 35 of the '900 and 50 of the '850, despite that we haven't even released them yet. Evidently they intend to open a route between Duntovostok and Lexa Doig International using our planes."
"That's good to hear," said Murtov.

"Excellent," said Anderton. "Excellent. Mr Goodspeed, it's not an inconvience at all - to the contrary, I've quite enjoyed our time together."

"So, what will we be having this time?" asked Haskins.

"The waterfront has a real collection of fine restaurants," he explained to Goodspeed as Anderton talked to her pilot through an intercom.

"They're probably the shortest buildings in the city, too - have to be, to preserve the beaches."

"We'll be dining at the Ambassade bord de mer," said Anderton. "They have a very impressive collection of wines there. I do hope lobster and steak au poivre would be to your liking? I've heard thier lobster is simply fantastic."

"Mr. Murtov, good news I hope," said Berkeley as Murtov ended his cellphone call.

"Quite so," he started, "from what I've heard, they have finished building the production prototype for our CP-850, that's the Valkyrie-based airliner, and they're very close to completing our super-jumbo, the CP-900. I imagine we'll be doing the rollout for those sometime after we return. Ah yes, also, one of our nation's carriers has placed orders for both aircraft, and they intend to start a route from our capital to Lexa Doig International."

"That's fantastic," said Anderton as the Osprey banked gently. "There's a highspeed maglev train line from Passchendale to the airport. One can literally go from the downtown here to the airport in less then an hour."

"I'm sure the CP-850 will do the runs well," said Haskins, as the Osprey weaved its way through the skyscrapers. "The Valkyrie, as a bomber anyways, is capable of moving at one hell of a clip."

"Do you think that CSA would be able to convert the CP-850 into a luxury government transport?" asked Anderton. "A VIP transport of such high speeds, capable of transporting government ambassadors and outfitted with a high quality communications suite would be very attractive to my government's Department of Foreign Affairs."

"Absolutely," McMurray said, "it can be built to serve as a VIP transport. Actually, originally, our government had contracted us to modify a few standard Valkyries to serve as an emergency VIP transport, the one we flew here in is pretty much like that. It's the standard Valkyrie, just with most of the combat stations removed and a few extra seats fitted."

"Needless to say, they then started asking about building a Valkyrie with a larger fuselage for greater passenger capacity, which is what became our CP-850-100. It's a good deal longer than than the B-70, about 71 meters nose to tail, and with our standard passenger configuration, seats 100. From what we understand, this is the same as the Concorde can seat, though one of the advantages is that we designed the '850 to have a larger fuselage than the Concorde, so there's a bit more room for the passengers. The other advantage, being that the '850 is quite a lot faster, plus is more fuel efficient."

"Fuel efficency is always a plus, but we are most attracted to the CP-850 by its speed," said Anderton as the Osprey, reaching its destination, began to land. "That was the primary reason why the Concorde was chosen as our government transport originally."

The Osprey had landed in the parking lot of the Ambassade Bord de Mer, taking off again as the group stepped onto solid ground.

"There it is up ahead," said Anderton, pointing to a glass walled five story building a short distance away. As the group approached, the federal agents that were posted about the restaurant became more visible.

"Lady Anderton," said one man, approaching in a dark suit. "Please, come this way - a table on the patio has been prepared for you."

"Most excellent," nodded Anderton as the group followed the man through the restaurant. As they made thier way through the elegently decorated dining floor, Anderton was careful in pretending not to notice as a number of federal agents hustled a prominent rap star and his entourage out of the restaurant.

"Well, isn't this a nice view?" said Berkeley as they came to the outdoor patio deck. The skyscrapers of the Passchendale skyline were visible on the other side of the harbour, while the ships of the bay were seen docked in the city piers.

"So," said Anderton as she took her seat. "How much do you suppose a VIP CP-850 might sell for? Any ideas yet?"

Anderton was interupted as a group of waiters brought around a number of appetizers.

"Crab cakes!" said Haskins, chuckling. "I love these things."

"Let's see, price..." McMurray was thinking, "well, the baseline airliner version is gonna be probably around $340 million USD. I don't believe we have a price set in stone for a VIP transport version, probably would depend on the equipment installed."

"We should probably get ahold of Willmar Electronics later," added Murtov. "They build the radars and communications equipment for our AWACS planes, it'd be a good idea to see if they've got anything new we can use for a VIP '850."

"I imagine they do," said Goodspeed, "last I heard they were developing equipment for the AWACS version of our B-76. Alot of it would likely be useful for a VIP '850."

The main dishes, lobster and steak au poivre arrived as Anderton considered what the rather pricey cost of a government CP-850 might amount to.

"Well, I'm sure that whatever you decide, it will perform quite well. CSA has proven itself already to us, and we have the utmost confidence in your abilities. All of the CSA aircraft the military has purchased has reportedly operated excellently. I'm no expert on the matter, but even I can see quality aircraft when I see them, and your aircraft, gentlemen, were designed and built with quality worksmanship."

"Say," saked Haskins, cutting into his steak with a knife. "How long will you gentlemen be in town?"

"A few days, I should think," McMurray said. "I was thinking, we've got an assembled unit of the AN/APG-108 in the cargo hold of the converted Valkyrie we flew in on, and perhaps tomorrow we might work on installing in on one of your Beholder prototypes."

"Well, I think you'll find the accomodations at the Hilton to be pretty good," said Haskins as he cut another piece from his steak.

"We don't anticipate any problems installing the AN/APG-108, but it would be good to have you around to troubleshoot," said Berkeley, putting down her wine glass. "The two Beholders we saw at the production facility will be moved overnight to Lexa Doig International Airport, so we can start right away tommorow morning."

The meal was pleasant, as the Colonials and ChevRockians alike chatted amoung themselves, enjoying the expertly prepared cuisine.

There was a pause in the conversation, however, as a bulletridden cargo freighter slowly pulled into Passchendale Harbour.

"Ack, looks like pirates got some good shots in," said Haskins, turning around to look at the ship. "Looks like fifty cal, sprayed right across her port side, looks like an RPG got her near the bridge."

"Piracy has been a growing problem for us," explained Anderton. "Not in the areas close to our waters, ofcourse, but further out. It seems like the Pacific is becoming more and more of a pirate's hunting ground these days. We provide patrols on the most travelled trade lanes, ofcourse, but it continues to be a thorn in our side. Has ChevyRocks encountered any trouble of this sort?"

There was a pause. The CSA team were glancing at each other, wondering who would respond.

"Well," Erikson began, "we haven't had such a problem with pirates, specifically. There was one incident, about a year ago or so, that would relate to this. Our Vice President was on one of the Air Force's bombers, observing as they were conducting a training mission. He never made it back, however. This particular radical group, whose legitimate front was for political purposes, shot down his plane with a surface-to-air missile. Nobody's really sure how they got a hold of it."

"Then," said McMurray, "they organized, and hijacked several cruise ships." He paused, it was not a particularly easy topic to discuss. "On some of the cruise ships, they only held the crews hostage, made them into slaves pretty much. It was found later on two of them, none of the normal passengers survived. Unfortunately, the ships practically disappeared for several months, until they turned up in the Enterian Sea, east of the Irathrian continent. There, they caputred three of our oil rigs, with similarly bad results for the civilians on board. Only two survived, they were able to get into a helicopter and flew north to one of the Transylvanian colonies in the area."

"Fuckin' anarchists," proclaimed Goodspeed.

"Turned out it was the same group," continued McMurray. "Three of the ships were running supplies for the others...stuff bought off the black market. Their luck was starting to run out, however. Not too far away, there were two of our Navy's battlegroups, which were patroling waters around our territory in the region. They were dispatched to intercept the cruise ships and bring in the anarchists. They didn't even have to fire a shot, they just ran the ships out of fuel."

"Meanwhile, a small group of Marines had been deployed to retake the oil rigs. Similar results, no shots were fired. With the exception of them firing canisters of gas onto the platforms, not sure of the specifics but it put everyone to sleep within seconds. The other two hijacked ships had been anchored nearby."

"In the end, the Navy sent some fleet oilers to refuel the cruise ships. Then they transfered the prisoners to the cruise ships and put them under armed guard, which was about the only convenient part of the whole damned mess. Once they got them back to the mainland, then the trials began. Of course they were found guilty of all sorts of things; multiple counts of murder, hijacking, terrorism, conspiracy to overthrow the government, so on. Alot of people called for the death penalty for the group's leaders, but it was theorized that was probably what the anarchists would have wanted. In the end, the sentence was life in prison without parole, for the lot of them."

"That's the worst case of terrorism we've had in our country. There was a pretty serious crack-down afterwards, and they seem to have helped fix the problem for our immediate ocean territory. Most of our current issues come from minor attacks on oil rigs abroad, occasionally they'll go after tankers and merchant ships, but since after the big attack, our oil platforms and merchant ships tend to be armed enough so that if someone does try and attack, they usually don't live to make the same mistake twice. That doesn't stop the pirates of course, it just means they have to find new recruits."

"From what I hear, the Navy put out some major contracts to the ship yards in our country for light combat ships, so that they can escort the merchant ships to their various destinations."

"Light combat ships are a wise investment," nodded Anderton solemnly. "Terrorism, piracy, rape and murder... sometimes, I wonder where our little blue planet is headed."

"If I'd have had my way, those terrorist scumbags would have been lined up against the wall and shot," said Haskins, contempt in his voice. "Warfare, I can understand, but the indiscriminate killing of innocent civilians like that? No, that's just barbaric. That's what seperates a soldier from a terrorist, and what makes a terrorist an animal."

The table was silent as waiters arrived, taking away thier mostly finished main courses and replacing them with plates of fresh fruit and bowls of exotic soup.

"We... we all face the enemy in different ways," said Berkeley, leaning back in her seat. "The enemy isn't always the same, but it's how we react that counts. I think... I think that the people of ChevyRocks did the right thing. It satisfies the human urge for revenge to kill the terrorists, rip them limb from limb, but then, can you not say that it is they who have forced you to become a dealer of death? Can it not be said that you have become a murderer?"

"Murder can be justified in some cases," said Haskins. "Those weren't people anymore. Those were animals - they gave up the right to life the moment they decided they were going to kill innocents to prove a point."

"We're all people," said Berkeley. "Some of us are just misguided, is all. Blood is blood, and all the peoples of the world bleed from thier wounds."

"Aw, come on, don't give me that," said Haskins. "Can you believe this?"

"Well," started McMurray, "it's an ongoing debate, of course. I believe the idea behind the life sentence was that they would actually suffer, but psychologically rather than physically. They'll never get out of prison, as I recall they put most of them in solitary confinement too. They also be sure to keep things out of the room with which the prisoners could use to commit suicide, which is pretty much the easy way out."

"I heard there were appeals, though," said Goodspeed. "Some of the families of the victims are now pushing for them to change the sentence to the death penalty. I should point out, for the most part in our country we don't use the death penalty except for those who commit extremely violent crimes; dismembering of the victim, death by torture, nasty stuff like that."

"What they were saying on the news is that just recently some information has been found that there were a few cases with the anarchists involving especially violent murders. What I understand, some of the prisoners provided this information after they had been tried and sentenced, in exchange for better treatment. I think all that meant was that they might get a TV or books, or some other form of entertainment."

"You know I've heard most of them are better off in prison than they were in the anarchist group," said Murtov. "They'll at least get three square meals a day and a roof over their heads."

"Say," added Fredricks, "I heard that if they change some of the sentences to the death penalty, that there's several TV outfits that want to televise their executions on Pay-Per-View."

"I'd like to see them get that past the RCC," said Erikson. "Even with Pay-Per-View, I don't know if they'd allow it." He paused to take a sip of wine. "While we're on the subject, how is the situation with broadcasting freedoms in the Democratic Colonies? Back home, they generally will only allow the programs with excessive cursing, violence, nudity, etc. on the channels which people have to pay to recieve, and to many people this makes sense. Though, of course, there are still people who want it to be removed alltogether."

"Television broadcasting regulation is regulated through a tiered system here," said Anderton, her hands clasped infront of her.

"There are multiple tiers, in which certain things such as violence, sex, nudity, and so on are permitted or not permitted. So, for instance, Tier One broadcast channels are to remain child friendly, while Tier Six channels are free to broadcast mature programming at any time during the day. Most, if not all televisions sold in the Democratic Colonies are fitted with control systems allowing parents to restrict what tiers thier children watch, so it generally works out."

"Until the little buggers get old enough to go online," said Haskins, "but hey, the internet's always been the wild west of parental control."

"Ah, gee, that reminds me," said Berkeley, smiling. "It's getting a bit late, isn't it? My kids are probably waiting for me to come home and tuck them in."

"Kids?" asked Haskins. "I didn't know you were married."

"Divorced," said Berkeley snippily.

"Well, it has been quite a day," said Anderton. "Mr. McMurray, gentlemen, is there anything else you'd like to see before we retire for the night?"

An aide, sitting quietly a table away, summoned the party's transportation as the group's last dishes were cleared away.

"I believe that should be enough for today," McMurray said. "What do you guys think?"

"Ooh, after a good meal like that, I'm practically falling asleep," said Erikson. "That happened to me last Christmas, 8 o'clock at night, and I was out like a light."

"Yeah, sleep sounds good about now I'd agree," said Goodspeed.

"All right then, yeah, I that'll be all for today," McMurray concluded.

"Excellent," said Anderton, rising from the table. "Our transportation should be in the here momentarily."

The air was brisk and slightly chilly as the party made thier way to the once again cleared parking lot.

Wind from spinning rotors tore and blew at the men and women as a trio of helicopters landed before them.

"Sirs, I am ready to take you to the Hilton Hotel," said an aide loudly as he approached the ChevRockians. "If you'll please come with me, we can be on our way."

"Maids and a security detachment will be waiting for you there," explained Anderton. "If there's anything else that you need for the night, anything wrong with your accomodations, just contact the front desk, they'll know who you are."

"It was a pleasure meeting you," said Berkeley, raising her voice to be heard as she shook Goodspeed's hand. "We'll see you in the morning!"

The trio of helicopters took flight as soon as thier passengers boarded, each bound for different destinations within the City of Passchendale.

"What do you think of them?" Haskins asked Berkeley, as thier helicopter made its way through the cityscape.

"They certainly know what they're doing, that's obvious," said Berkeley. "If we're not careful, they'll end up doing more business with the government then we do."

"Ah, come on, the Legislature wouldn't let that happen. The Senate needs the pork deals to keep thier voters working and themselves elected," replied Haskins.

"Anything's possible," said Berkeley. "We shouldn't become complacent. Detroit auto companies thought that the Americans would always buy thier own, and look at what happened to them in the 80s and 90s."

"Sir, we've reached the Montana Highrise Complex," came a voice filtered through the helicopter's intercom.

"Looks like this is my stop," said Haskins, unbuckling his seat belt. "I'll see you in the morning."

"See you in the morning."

Lexa Doing International Airport, City of Passchendale

The morning sun struggled to shine down on the tarmac, its light diluted by the thick layer of smog that hung over the city and its surrounding areas.

"What is this, the 16th smog alert day this month?" asked Haskins, leaning with his back against the hood of a utility truck.

"It's expected to clear up later today," said Anderton, scanning the horizon for the soon to arrive ChevRockians.

"So why no breakfast this morning with the CSA gents?" asked Haskins, leaning his head back.

"I thought they might like some time alone, to discuss anything that they felt that they couldn't say infront of us. I arranged for the Hilton to provide a suitable breakfast."

"Well, if you think that's best," said Haskins. "By the way, did you see where Ms. Berkeley went to? She was here a few minutes ago."

"She's talking with the technicians and getting the Beholders set up," said Anderton, stiffening as a helicoptor made its way to thier position.

"Look sharp," the diplomat instructed Haskins. "Our guests have arrived."

"About time."

The rotorwash from the helicoptor blew a steady wind at the technicians and engineers scattered outside of the hanger on the cordoned off section of the airport facility.

"Good morning," said Anderton as the ChevRockians made thier way onto solid ground. She raised her voice to be heard over the gradually slowing helicoptor engines.

"I hope you found your accomodations suitable," she contined, as Berkeley arrived beside her. While Haskins and Anderton were dressed in business suits appropiate for a boardroom, Berkeley was clad in a crisp white engineer's jacket over a technical jumpsuit.

"Good morning," said Berkeley. "We had a pair of Beholders flown in overnight, they're just in the hanger there. We've prepared them for the installation of the AN/APG-108 - it should be a relatively painfree procedure. Just some power bolting and electronic connections, without any welding whatsoever. We have a few experts from Hewlett Packard here today incase the Beholder's computer systems don't get along with the RADAR, but HP says they don't expect any touble."

A trio of utility trucks, small cranes mounted on thier chasis, drove into the oversized hanger even as Berkeley spoke.

"Oh, we've instructed your crew aboard your CP-850 to taxi here to save you some effort," said Anderton, pointing some distance away from the hanger as the high speed transport taxiied towards them.

"I hope that's alright."

"Quite alright," said McMurray. "In any case, we would've had to bring the cargo over here, plus this'll give them some more practicing at taxiing a Valkyrie before the production airliner version is released."

The great, white Valkyrie rolled down the taxiway, and came to a stop nearby the hangar. Out came the two CSA test pilots, Thomas McConnel and James Cooper, climbing down the long ladder down from the nose of the plane; another quirk of the B-70.

"You know Bill," said McConnel, "this may be one of the smoothest finished airports I've ever been at."

"Probably due to the weather," McMurray responded. "I'd bet their weather here is alot more consistent year-round." He turned to Berkeley. "Back home, the temperature typically gets up to 35 degrees Celsius and down to negative 34, and every so often there's years where it gets especially hot or cold. So even with great engineering and quality, the airport tarmac, as well as many of the roads, end up kinda..." he trailed off, while making wave motions with his hand. "At the airports, to deal with the heat we've got slight gaps between large patches of tarmac to deal with expansion, which you can do because the tires on planes are alot bigger than cars. Course with the roads, sometimes when it gets really warm outside, they'll buckle and break."

"Didn't you have that happen with your car, Sig?" asked Goodspeed. "What was the bill for that one?"

"Oh jeezz," Erikson said. "Whole width of the damn road buckled, quite alot of vehicles ate it from that. I was driving my old T-450 Coupe when I hit it. Luckily the thing was built like a tank, the only damage it got was the tires and wheels, plus the dent in the roof from my head hitting it on the rebound. That hurt."

"All right, now let's check what we brought with; 1 AN/APG-108 - fully assembled, 1 AN/APG-108 - partially assembled, oh good we'll be able to fit both of the Beholders, 8 AIM-12 Lightning - fully assembled," McMurray said, reading down the list.

"Oh, I hope that won't get us in trouble, having missiles at a civil airport," said Erikson. "Couple times back home they gave us hell when we'd take this Valkyrie to an airport, until we showed them that we had permission to be there. Some of them apparently weren't aware that it doesn't any combat capability anymore."

"Oh, there won't be any trouble whatsoever," Anderton assured Erikson. "The Federal Government has notified the airport authority about our activities here, there won't be any suprises."

"We should be able to install the completed RADAR into one of the Beholder's right away," said Berkeley as a truck mounted crane carried one of the RADARs into the hanger.

"We had hoped to conduct a 'live' test today with the aircraft in flight, but the Department of Defense nixed the idea," said Haskins, watching the utility trucks and technicians as they worked. "We're just going to install everything, and see what the aircraft computer thinks of it all - run a few electronic exercises. The birds won't go airbourne today, unfortunately."

The group watched as a Lightning missile was hoisted up and mounted onto a Beholder's pivoting wingmounted pylons. Once the missile locked into place, another technician hopped out of the cockpit of the aircraft, holding a palmtop computer.

"Ah, I'll be back in a moment," said Berkeley as an engineer in a labcoat joined the two technicians, who now looked puzzled as they examined the palmtop's display.

"So, Mr. McConnel, what do you make our city so far?" asked Haskins as Berkeley made her way over to the Beholders. "You gentlemen didn't eat dinner with us, but surely, the good Lady Anderton made sure you weren't too bored during your stay... didn't she?"

"I reserved seats for our guests at the theatre," replied Anderton. "The Phantom of the Opera, wasn't it, gentlemen? I do hope you enjoyed it."

"Well, I'm normally not a huge fan of plays," said McConnel, "but I thought it was a pretty good performace."

"Quite so," said Cooper. "The city itself is very impressive, and as Tom pointed out, the airport is very-well built as well."

"I had pointed that out, mostly because I used to be a commercial pilot before I came to work at CSA. I tend to notice the details about airports many people don't pay attention to," said McConnel. "A few years back CSA had started to branch out into commercial aircraft, they were looking for pilots who had a great deal of experience in commercial aviation, and my name was one that came up. I liked the idea of still being involved in commercial aviation, but what was best was that I would be testing out brand-new new planes rather than trolling around in the same-old stuff. I was reluctant to leave Chevrokian Airways, but finally I decided that I had put in 20 good years there, and senior management there thought it would be a wise move. In any case, I still may be dealing with them in the near future; when we start up production of the CP-850 and CP-900, as they've already got orders for both planes."

"Well, I certainly think it was a wise career decision," said Anderton. "I can see how the experience of people like you have helped CSA become the company that it is today."

"Hey, Berkeley, how's it look?" asked Haskins as his associate returned, a clipboard in her hands.

"No problems with the Lightnings, but we're having some trouble getting the computer to recognize the AN/APG-108," she said. "The team is mounting the other Lightnings now - they're about half done already - and there aren't any problems."

"Can you get the RADAR recognized?" said Haskins, "Or are we - "

"One of the Hewlett Packard reps is online with thier corporate headquarters now," interupted Berkeley. "We gave them the diagnostic readout, they're having a look at it. Hopefully, it's just a stupid 2 line error in the syntax or something."

"Well if it's something big, the Feds are going to be mightily pissed," said Haskins. "I mean - this isn't, this isn't our fault, right?"

"No, I - "

"Ms. Berkeley! I have a software patch right here for you," said a young man as he ran up to the group. He was holding a flash memory card with a tight grip, as if his very career depended on it and its contents.

"Have you given it to Dr. Neil and Mr. del Rocco?" asked Berkeley as she pulled a wireless headset from her jumpsuit pocket and put it on.

"Yes, ma'am," said the young computer representative. "They're about to install it right now."

"You'll have to excuse me," said Berkeley to the group as she once again left them to return to her work.

"I'm sure they have it figured out," said Anderton.

"Well, I hope so," said Haskins.

"I have to admit, gentlemen," said Anderton, watching as Berkeley climbed into the cockpit of one of the Beholders. "We in the DC Government are curious as to what the Government of ChevyRocks thinks of us. With the business have been conducting business with you and your firm, it's quite shocking really to realize that the governments of our two nations have had no formal contact! We don't have an embassy or an ambassador, nothing of the sort. I was hoping you might be able to provide some insight - I understand that your company works quite closely with the Government of ChevyRocks?"

"I hope there aren't too many problems with installing the radar set," said McMurray.

"Anyhow, I've heard from our CEO, he's a pretty good friend of our President, that they had a plan to open an embassy here," McMurray said. "They heard good things about your country, mostly through our company, and this may have been part of the reason. They may not have gotten to the plans to carry this out, sometimes our government can be a bit slow, unfortunately. We'll definetly make suggest to them that they speed up the process a bit to open an embassy here, it would be very beneficial to do so."

"Well, that's good to hear," said Anderton.

"Woah, looks like they're about done," said Haskins as the two Beholders slid out of the hanger, carefully taxiing out onto the tarmac and infront of the group.

"How's it look?" Haskins asked as Berkeley made her way over.

"Excellent!" said Berkeley excitedly. "The software's good to go, the AN/APG-108s are interfacing perfectly, the electronic checks are rock solid, the computer simulation results are fantastic! The fit is perfection!"

"Mr. McMurray," said Berkeley as she shook his hand proudly, "you've built one hell of a RADAR!"

"Well, thank you very much," said McMurray. "I am very pleased to hear that, and I am sure the rest of our team is pleased to hear that as well. This is the first radar set we have designed in-house, so it is very good to hear that it is performing well."

"We aim to please," said Murtov. "I'm sure that once this news gets out, the Chevrokian Defense Department will be pushing us to build these radars for that fighter project we're working on for them...what was that? The...the..."

"The Kingfisher," McMurray said. "They asked us to investigate the feasibility of an amphibious interceptor capable of Mach 3, due to our prior experience with amphibious military aircraft, the Dash-75 series."

"A high speed amphibious interceptor?" asked Anderton curiously. "I can't speak on behalf of my government at this time, but certainly, I think we would be interested in such an aircraft. Our Navy operates a system of mid-ocean resupply facilities, you see, and an amphibious interceptor would serve to improve thier self defense capabilities greatly."

"I have no doubts that you'll achieve the speeds you're aiming for," said Berkeley. "CSA's expertise when it comes to amphibious aircraft has already been well showcased."

"I must extend my gratitude, and the gratitude of my government for your assistance here," said Anderton, as a pair of aides wielding champagne flute glasses and a bottle of champagne in a bucket of ice approached.

"Vintage 1947 from the northern yards of the Champagne region of France," said Anderton as the sparkling substance was poured for the group.

"Foreign Secretary Jaeger arranged for six bottles of the vintage from his personal stock to be transported from the capitol," she said as she raised her glass. "One for us to share together, and the other five for you to share with whom you wish."

She smiled broadly as she tapped her glass against Mr. McMurray's.

"We have met success here today, gentlemen, and much promise remains for the future. May this be the shape of things to come."

"Thank you very much," McMurray said. "I think we have all much enjoyed our stay here, and I too hope our partnership shall remain well into the future."

(OOC: I may add more to this post later tonight, for now I'm off.)

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The Democratic Colonies, as always, continues to be impressed by the fine works of Chevrockian Strategic Aviation, and would like to expand our inventory of KB-75B Hydrotanker (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788770&postcount=18) aircraft. While our current inventory numbers 600 Hydrotankers, sufficent for most operations, our current attempts to colonize the distant land of Terra Recedentia (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=492701) has prompted our government to prepare to create a "chain" of mid-flight refuelling aircraft that would allow, should an urgent need arise, aircraft to travel from the Democratic Colonies non-stop to the distant Terra Recedentia settlement.

To this end, and to further the reach of FUDC military aircraft world wide, the Democratic Colonies would like to place an order for 1,400 KB-75B Hydrotanker (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=10788770&postcount=18) aircraft for a sum of $70,280,000,000.

Thank you,
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To: Neil Jaeger, Democratic Colonies, Department of Foreign Affairs
From: Jonathon Gilliam, CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation
Subject: Aircraft Orders

Thank you once again for the interest in our company's product line. During recent experience with production of the Dash-75 series of planes, which includes the KB-75, we have created several methods with which to speed up production without reducing the quality of the final product. Additionally, the new robotic manufacturing equipment we have purchased, which our engineering team noticed while helping set up production for the AN/APG-108 and AIM-12 in your nation, has further increased our rate of production.

Therefore, your order for one-thousand four-hundred (1,400) of the KB-75B Hydrotanker, will be delivered at the rate of one-hundred forty (140) planes every six months, with the final planes arriving no later than five years from now. If necessary, this can be broken up into smaller groups of deliverys in smaller intervals of time, if any KB-75s are needed sooner than six months from now.

Lastly, we were recently informed of your interest regarding our upcoming Valkyrie-based CP-850 airliner, and it's use as a governmental VIP transport. We are planning to begin flight testing soon of the first production prototype, and if you like, we would be pleased to give a tour of the plane and discuss how we may configure the interior and systems of the plane to meet your government's needs.

Sincerely,
Jonathon Gilliam
CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Official International Communique
From the Office of Neil Jaeger, Democratic Colonies, Department of Foreign Affairs
To the Office of Jonathon Gilliam, CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

Our government is satisfied with the timetable you have laid out, and would be delighted to tour the upcoming Valkyrie-based CP-850 airliner. Our current long range diplomatic transport needs are being met with a fleet of retrofitted Concorde aircraft, which while serviceable, are limited in thier capabilities.

High Diplomat Kendra Anderton, one of the most trusted and valued members of our organization and a close friend of mine, is eager to tour the CP-850 and is confident that the aircraft will be of the same high quality that all of the aircraft of Chevrokian Strategic Aviation have demonstrated.

Lady Anderton will be departing to meet with your representatives along with her administrative assistance staff and a small protective detail as soon as a location for her reception is selected.

Thank you,
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To: Neil Jaeger, Democratic Colonies, Department of Foreign Affairs
From: Jonathon Gilliam, CEO, Chevrokian Strategic Aviation

We have set up a reception at the government terminal of Duntovostok International Airport, in our capital city, Duntovostok. From there we will take a short trip by plane to our headquarters outside of Red River Falls, where we will be giving a quick tour of our R&D facility, before moving on to the CP-850 itself.

60,000 Feet Above Sea Level

The pure snow white of the Concorde's skin was often complained about for being too maintenance intensive, too easy to dirty, but it gave the diplomatic transport an air of elegence as it soared far above the weather that might have meant turbulance for a lower flying aircraft.

A squadren of of interceptors cut through the air infront of the Concorde, thier wings swept back with fuel tanks hanging from thier bellies. They would not have been able to make thier journey were for it not for the aerial tankers that sated the thirst of thier engines periodically.

As the skies of ChevyRocks approached, the interceptors banked gently as one, reversing thier direction and returning on the way from which they came. Thier charge had been safely delivered, and so thier task was complete.

"This is FUDC Diplomatic 14" crackled a radio transmission as the Concorde, now sans escorts, continued into ChevRockian airspace.

"Requesting vector to Duntovostok International Airport, requesting permission to proceed at best speed."

"Roger, FUDC 14, we have you on our scope. Turn left heading 040, proceed on course. Switch over to Duntovostok Center on 113.375."

As the time passed, the Concorde's fast track was being monitored by the ATC center in Dunvotostok, which controlled the airspace at the nearby international airport, as well as in the nearby area to all the smaller airports. Conveniently, this flight could also be used to determine if anybody on the ground was being disturbed by the supersonic speed and the sonic booms.

"FUDC 14, this is Duntovostok Center. Descend and maintain FL180, reduce speed to subsonic and proceed on course. Expect vectors for the ILS runway 31 Right approach. Contact Duntovostok Approach on 113.485."

At about the same moment, the reception was being set up in the government terminal. The CEO Jonathon Gilliam was present, as well as Chief Engineer William McMurray, who had not too long before traveled to the Democratic Colonies to help set up production facilities, and also the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Curtis Thompson. Additionally, there were a few members of the press, not a major showing though.

The Concorde was now near the airport, and the tower issued put out one more transmission before landing.

"FUDC 14, turn left heading 350, descend and maintain 3,300 until established on the localizer. Cleared to land, runway 31 Right, number 1 for landing."

(OOC: If you're wondering, I've been playing a good amount of MS Flight Simulator recently, which is where I got all these phrases for the ATC.)

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To whom it may concern;

The Centralized Mountain States of Snefaldia has recently begun to shift the defense paradigm of the nation toward modern aerospace defense. The Tuhran Bel has allocated resources toward updating and expanding our existing airforce, and accordingly we are seeking military suppliers to assist in this endeavor.

What we seek are recommendations for updating out nation's airforce. The Air Force is the largest and most integral military branch of Snefaldia, and it is essential to our nation's defense that we have updated mechanics.

If it is possible, we would like to contract with Chevrokian Strategic Aviation to take part in a five-year plan to update and expand out aerospace military capabilities. The details of such a contract would of course be worked out later, but we are interested to gauge support.

We await your honorable response.

By the Tuhran Bel;

Raam O
Minister for the Airforces

OOC: Basically, what I'm looking for is a package deal to flesh out my airforce, since it's the most important part of our military... in case you didn't catch that already. Any details we can work out over TG.

OOC: Whoa, back from the dead. I'm actually slowly working on a new storefront at the moment, with alot of new/different products and also with a different name. I can get a basic list of products in a few hours, if you're willing to wait. Some of them won't have specifications yet, but you'll at least be able to see what I'll have available.

OOC: Ach, didn't realize the last post was from last year... I'm not a gravedigger, I promise!

A basic list would be pretty cool... if you want to do it RP style that's fine by me, specifications aren't necessary right now as I'll be able to link to your storefront once it's ready.

OOC: Don't worry about the gravedig, no problem at all. It's just that I was a bit suprised by somebody actually wanting to buy stuff from me, given how long it has been since it last happened.

OOC: We're just casting a wide net, hoping we'll get some foreign contractors to do the job. The extent of Snefaldia's air traffic is usually zeppelins.