Cavalry

Introduced in 3054, the Cavalry Attack Helicopter was one of a number of VTOLs developed to fight the Clans by Michaelson Heavy Industries. Designed for hit-and-run engagements rather than front-line combat situations, due in part of its ammunition supply running low in prolonged battles, when used correctly the Cavalry attracted a reputation for flawless service with both halves of the sundered Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth prior to and during the FedCom Civil War. The Cavalry has since seen service in both former FedCom States and minor-nobles among the Chaos March.

While capable of speeds up to 162 km/h, the Cavalry doesn't rely on this alone for protection and has been noted for carrying 3.5 tons standard Star Slab/3 armor. While the rotor is no less fragile than other VTOL designs, the craft can handle a direct hit from a Clan-tech ER PPC on the nose and keep flying.

Weapons and Equipment
The aircraft's main armaments consist of an array of short-range missile launchers. Principally, a six-tube launcher mounted in the front, with three additional two-tube launchers co-axed to it. The six-tube launcher has been given only 15 rounds of ammunition, while the smaller two-tube launchers have 50 missiles in a shared ammo bay.

Variants

 * SRM : This 3055 variant increases the SRM-2 Launchers count to four. However, to accomplish this, its armor reduced considerably. BV (1.0) = 717, BV (2.0)= 509


 * Infantry : In this variant, introduced in 3063, the 110 Rated ICE engine is replaced with Fusion Engine. This allows for 4 ton Infantry Bay, three forward mounted Medium Lasers, and three Machine Guns with half ton of ammunition for them. BV (1.0) = 744, BV (2.0) = 615


 * LRM : This variant, also introduced in 3055, changes the SRM-6 and two SRM-2s for an LRM-10 launcher. BV (2.0) = 487


 * TAG : This configuration, first seen in 3059, completely removes the primary armament and equipped the vehicle with an LRM-10 launcher and a TAG. BV (2.0) = 495


 * CADENCE RAIN : The CADENCE RAIN Cavalry copter was designed during the Jihad to deliver the new CORAL INTENT Infiltrator battle armor to the battlefield. Designers started by removing the existing armor and replacing it with Vehicular Stealth Armor and Guardian ECM Suite. A four ton infantry bay carries a squad of battle armor. To improve survivability, a VTOL Jet Booster was added to allow the CADENCE RAIN copters to temporarily double their cruising speed. The existing weapons were removed and replaced with three Magshots. Though insufficient to destroy 'Mechs and heavy vehicles, they're able to drive off enemy battle armor and infantry forces. BV (2.0) = 568


 * Cavalry Infiltrator : Similar to the CADENCE RAIN version, this variant produced by Cal-Boeing of Dorwinion carries a pair of Magshots in a VTOL Chin Turret. It retains the Stealth Armor, Guardian ECM, and VTOL Jet Booster of CADENCE RAIN, along with the four ton Infantry Bay. BV (2.0) = 446

Design Quirks
The Cavalry Infiltrator variant is subject of the following Design Quirks:
 * Easy to Maintain
 * Hard to Pilot