The Aerospatiale SA-9 Kestrel Gunship is a multirole rotorwing aircraft and the successor of the SA-2 Samson. It offers superior sensor equipment, weaponry and a more advanced engine system compared to its predecessor.
Specifications[]
The Kestrel is noted to be much heavier than the Samson. Performing a dual-role as both a utility and attack tiltrotor, the Kestrel was designed to replace both the Samson and the Scorpion Gunship in a single airframe[2].
To accomplish this, the Kestrel boasts a larger and lighter rotor system for increased output and efficiency. Moreover, it is also heavily armed, mounting a pair of twin autocannons, a pair of tri-linked rotary cannons, missiles, and volley-firing rocket pods which provide greater defenses[2]. Up to three MBS-22A Sentry machine guns could also be placed on manned mounts if needed: one on each main door and a third on the rear ramp.
One important technological breakthrough for the Kestrel is its inclusion of magnetic cancellation units which allow full operability in areas with concentrations of intense magnetic fields, negating the negative side effects that plagued the older Scorpion and Samson[2].
Operational history[]
A Kestrel Gunship was deployed to escort a Mag-Lev Jungle Train that was attacked by Jake Sully and his raiding party. Neytiri fired arrows at its door gunner and its pilot, sending the gunship crashing to the ground. A second Kestrel approached and fired at the raiding party, injuring a few of the warriors before being destroyed by a TOXON-81 missile launcher fired by one of the mounted warriors.
During Miles Quaritch's mission to find Jake Sully and his family, Kestrel Gunships deployed him and his recom team to the forest to hunt them down.
References[]
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