Bluehawk (Conventional Fighter)

Description
The MSF-42 Bluehawk is a conventional military aircraft that was produced by Majesty Metals and Manufacturing in the Magistracy of Canopus. The aircraft's conception is something of a corporate mystery, due to it being mechanically identical to the Outworlds Alliance's ASF-23 Protector.

The Bluehawk is deployed as a conventional ground support aircraft, using its weaponry to support BattleMech, infantry, and armored forces.

Since its debut in 3019, the aircraft has seen service with its near-sister aircraft in planetary air militias across the Major Periphery States and the border worlds of the Federated Suns and Draconis Combine.

Some Air Forces have used the Bluehawk simultaneously with the Protector to confuse enemies with the two vehicles' similarities.

Weapons and Equipment
For its principal role as a ground attack aircraft, the Bluehawk is armed with a pair of 10-tubed Long Range Missile launchers, one in each of its wings. The launchers have been given two tons of ammunition to share. For close support the Bluehawk sports three nose mounted machine guns with a half ton of ammunition.

The aircraft is protected by three tons of Standard Armor, and also includes three tons of fuel for its Turbine Engine.

Related Aircraft

 * ASF-23 Protector