Talk:AFOH/@comment-14850713-20161226164245

IC:

Due to the cost of the aerospace fleet build-up (with new and much larger ships coming into service plus a new strike fighter), overseas interventions (Europe and U.S.) plus the fielding of new weapons, some programs have suffered a reduction in budget allocation. One example is the Falken VTOL gunship which, although much more advanced and capable than the F4U Corsair, is currently not seen as an urgent requirement. This means that for now only frontline units deployed in war zones will get the new aircraft.

Other units are getting an upgraded Corsair, which underwent a service life extension program (SLEP) and received new systems that vastly improve its capabilities. Key to this is an advanced detection and targeting pod codenamed "Cyclops", which enables the pilot to see further using radar, electro-optics and infrared. To improve performance, the Corsair gets a larger and more powerful radial engine, while range and payload are increased (without sacrificing maneuverability) with a new wing with internal fuel tanks, made possible by the removal of the 6 0.50 calibre/12.7mm machine guns. These latter are replaced by 2 x 25mm cannons in wing-mounted pods. The new wing also enables carriage of the ATAAM missile (8) and 20 guided rockets (2 pods of 10).

The improvements ensures that the Corsair (dubbed "Corsair X") will soldier on for many more years.

OOC: Got inspired by my RP post announcing the replacement of the Corsair by the Falken. Plus, this may be of use once we discover the Srikrirn home world.