The AH-42 Comanchero is built off of the same basic frame as the MH-42 Comanche. However, instead of transporting troops, the Comanchero is designed as an assault gunship. To accommodate the changes, the internal troop bay was stripped out. In its place, an enlarged engine was added, as well as structural support for the wing-mounted weapon pods.

Currently, there are three different weapon pods offered. These pods can be changed to suit the current mission of the Comanchero. However, the most common and versatile combination is to have one of each type mounted on each wing. This allows a wide choice in engagement options as well as considerable firepower. In addition to the wing-mounted weapon pods, the nose turret is retained from the Comanche and two missile launchers are added.

The resulting speed, maneuverability, VTOL capability, and firepower, make the Comanchero a deadly foe as well as welcome support for ground troops. The Comanchero has been very popular with mercenary companies and other military units.

Model Type: AH-42 Comanchero
Class: Military VTOL Assault Gunship
Crew: Three: One pilot, one co-pilot/gunner, one gunner/comm-tech.
MDC by location:

[1] Missile Launchers(2) - 110
[1] Weapon Pods(6) - 120
[1] Nose Cannon(1) - 100
[1] Retractable Landing Gear(3) - 80
     Wings(2) - 200
     Main Thrusters(2) - 175
     VTOL Thrusters(4) - 115
     Reinforced Pilot's Compartment - 100
[2] Main Body - 375

Notes

1. Each of these items is small and/or difficult to strike. Any attacks must be called shots and are -3 to strike.

2. Depleting the MDC of the main body completely destroys the craft.

Speed

Flying: Hover stationary up to a maximum speed of Mach 2.5 (roughly 1650mph/ 2655kph)
Flying Range: Effectively unlimited with occasional cooling stops. The craft will need to rest for 2 hours after traveling at over 50% engine output for more than 20 hours.
Maximum Altitude: 30,000 feet (9144 m)

Statistical Data

Height: 18 feet (5.5 m) tall
Width: 50 ft (15.2 m)
Length: 85 feet (25.9 m)
Weight: 14 tons fully loaded.
Cargo: A small area that holds 3 suits of armor, 5 Assault Rifles, 5 LALWs, 2 Mini-missile Launchers, and 10 assorted grenades.
Color: Typically light grey, dark grey, dark blue, camouflage, military green, or Midnight Black.
Power System: Nuclear, average energy life is 20+ years.
Cost: 36 million credits.

Special Systems

1. Nose Vulcan Laser Turret (1): The nose turret contains a devastating Iron Heart style vulcan laser system. It consists of six rotating laser cannons capable of cycling through six shots per second. The turret can rotate 130 degrees to each side, 15 degrees up, and 45 degrees down from center.

Range: 4000 feet (1212 m)
Damage: 3D4x10 MD (burst)
Rate of Fire: Burst
Payload: Unlimited

2. Medium Range Missile Launchers(2): Under each wing on the outside of the fuselage is located a missile launcher containing three medium range missiles. Any type of missile can be used, but they are typically air-to-air or air-to-ground. It is possible, however, to carry specialty missiles such as anti-runway, top-attack anti-armor, or deployable minefields.

Range: Varies with type. (Use new missile/bomb tables)
Damage: Varies with type. (Use new missile/bomb tables)
Rate of Fire: 1, 2, 4, 6
Payload: 3 per wing (6 total)

3. Wing-Mounted Weapon Pods(6): Each wing can carry three weapon pods. Virtually any combination can be used. However, to retain stable flight, the pods must be mounted symmetrically. Thus at least two pods of any type must be mounted.
1. Weapon Pod I: Mini-Missile Launcher(2): This pod contains a rack of mini-missiles.

Range: Varies with type. (Use new missile/bomb tables)
Damage: Varies with type. (Use new missile/bomb tables)
Rate of Fire: 1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 18, 36
Payload: 24 per launcher (48 total)

2. Weapon Pod II: Auto-Cannon(2): One rapid-fire auto-cannon is mounted per pod. These are heavy-duty assault weapons with a high rate of fire and a long range. Both auto-cannons can be linked together to fire simultaneously at the same target.

Range: 2 miles (3.2 km)
Damage: 2D4x10 MD (single) or 4D4x10 (linked)
Rate of Fire: Singly or linked
Payload: 150 bursts per gun
Note: Unless performing a strafing run, there is a -2 to strike with these weapons.

3. Weapon Pod III: Laser Pulse Cannon(2): These are long range high powered assault weapons used for strafing, fire suppression and assault. Both laser cannons can be linked together to fire simultaneously at the same target.

Range: 6000 feet (1800 m)
Damage: 1D6x10 MD (single) or 2D6x10 (linked)
Rate of Fire: Single or linked
Payload: Unlimited
Note: +2 to strike

4. Anti-Missile Chaff/Flare Dispenser(1): This is located in the tail of the craft. When tailed by missiles, clouds of chaff and flares are released to confuse or detonate the missiles. However, each time the system is engaged, the system fires off one chaff and 1D4 flares. (The system uses the same effects as the TRIAX(^TM) model.)

Effects: roll percentile dice to determine results.

Percentile Roll	Effect
01-50	Enemy missile or missile volley detonates due to the chaff or flare - the threat is over.
51-75	Enemy missile or missile volley loses track of real target and veers away in the wrong direction (may lock onto another nearby aircraft).
76-00	No effect! Missiles still on target!!

Payload: 20 chaff, 40 flares

5. Standard Equipment: Long-range communication, radar, and radar tracking same as robot vehicles plus the following:
1. Enhanced Radar: Can Identify and simultaneously track up to 65 different targets. Range: 500 miles (800 km).
2. Life Support and G-Force Suit: Pilots wear standard-issue GDF flight suits. These provide not only an independent air supply for the pilot, but both the upper and lower g-suit promote blood circulation even during high-G maneuvers, thus decreasing the possibility of pilot black- or brownouts.
3. Pilot Ejection System: The craft contains a standard ejection system. Each crew member is ejected individually from the craft. Each ejection seat contains a standard survival kit, a break-apart assault rifle, and five grenades.

[ TRIAX^(TM) is a trademark owned by Kevin Siembieda and Palladium Books Inc. ]

Artwork by Mike Faller (hell_storm@hotmail.com).
Slightly edited by Chris Curtis.

Designed by Chris Curtis (curtis@thepentagon.com) and Brian Melcher (melcher@iname.com).