Scorpion

Specifications
Use	Helicopter gunship
Production Code	A-22
Manufacturer	Northco-Applefish

The Northco-Applefish A-22 Scorpion is probably the North’s number one attack helicopter, often referred to in the South as the “Gear’s Nightmare.” Pilot folklore says that Heavy Gears that survive fights with an A-22 will start to tremble and shake when they hear recordings of the helicopter’s characteristic low-key “whup-whup-whup.” The kill ratio of A-22s versus Gears is often as high as 25 to 1. Its only drawbacks seem to be the high cost of fuel and the time-consuming maintenance involved with such an advanced and complex aircraft.

Armed with deadly anti-tank missiles and rocket pods, the A-22 can also be fitted with a wide assortment of anti-vehicular and anti-infantry weapons (anti-aircraft missiles, incendiary rockets, airburst missiles, etc.). Some versions also have enhanced ECM capabilities, as well as ECCM pods, but these are rather uncommon.

The helicopter is equipped with a double cockpit that allows a gunner/electronics operator to concentrate on delivering accurate fire, ensuring that any enemy forces it meets will think twice before attacking. It can survive encounters with heavily armored ground forces it happens to runs into, and incapacitate them at the same time. Generally called upon by units that have been overrun by the enemy, Scorpion pilots are considered by many to be some of the least sane people in the Northern armed forces; an image that some of the pilots enjoy and encourage.

Usage

Many of the existing A-22s are fielded by the Northern Guard, almost all of them in the Air Wings of the Border divisions. At least 250 A-22 Scorpions are stationed on the Badlands border. Another 200 or so are scattered through the different city-states’ defense forces as air support for armored regiments, or in their own cavalry units.

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