Zandovian Air Force

*Not to be confused with the Zandovian Naval Air Force, or the General Air Defense.*

The **Zandovian Air Force (ZAF)** is the primary branch of the Zandovian military associated with the conduction of aerial operations, and the maintenance of aerial craft, and the equipment needed to operate them. The Zandovian Air Force operates abroad, in most circumstances, and rarely conducts domestic operations, though it has the capacity to.

The ZAF is based in Pauvilles, with it's largest base, Craft-Maple Airbase doubling as a center of operations.

## Sub-Branches

Like the Zandovian Navy, the ZAF is split into several different sub-branches, each with it's own specialized mission statement, task(s), and equipment.

#### Zandovian General Aerial Assault Branch

The Zandovian General Aerial Assault Branch (GAAB), colloquially known as the 'Fighter Corps,' is the main sub-branch associated with the operation and maintenance of the ZAF's aircraft that are generalized as 'fighters.' The GAAB generally does not operate aircraft that are designed to elusively provide ground-support, but may operate aircraft with the ability to do so. The GAAB operates aircraft that are, at it's basis, designed either to engage or intercept other aircraft, or to attack and deliver a payload to a precise point.

#### Zandovian Ground Support Aerial Assault Branch

The Zandovian General Ground Support Assault Branch (GSAAB) is the sub-branch with the purpose of operating missions to support land-based operations, either by delivering direct support via precision attacks or strafing, by providing reconnaissance, and/or by patrolling a moving gland force.

The GSAAB is perhaps the most famous for its ability to destroy armored vehicles, especially tanks, and for it's ability to neutralize precise targets from kilometers away, even individuals.

#### Zandovian Helicopter Corps

The Zandovian Helicopter Corps (ZHC) is the sub-branch primarily associated with the operation and maintenance of all helicopter-based aircraft and equipment. The ZHC regularly conducts missions abroad, delivering humanitarian aid, moving equipment, or moving individuals.

The ZHC has been greatly reduced over the past 50 years, as the Zandovian Air Force is looking to move entirely to plane, tiltrotor, or otherwise aircraft that generate lift and thrust through jet engines exclusively, or through proprotors. Nevertheless, the ZHC is capable of operating as an attack force, or as a ground-supporting force.

#### Zandovian Bomber Corps

The Zandovian Bomber Corps (ZBC) is the sub-branch tasked with the maintenance and operation of bombers, and the equipment needed to operate them. The ZBC operates mainly high-altitude aircraft which deliver various payloads to a target. The ZBC works closely with the GSAAB to provide close air-support to ground forces, but is independent from this sub-branch, as it split off in 1979.

The ZBC largely is inactive, but new aircraft and equipment are regularly designed and tested, should the need arise to use them. Additionally, testing and training exercises are conducted on the regular, sometimes daily.

#### Zandovian Unmanned Operations Corps

The Zandovian Unmanned Operations Corps (ZUOC) is the sub-branch that deals with all unmanned aerial operations, and in the maintenance of the equipment needed to launch and maintain said unmanned aircraft. The ZUOC primarily operates drones, but also operates autonomous helicopters, and other offensive aircraft, such as fighters or bombers.

The ZUOC was established in 2032, with the intention of transitioning the entirety of the Zandovian military aircraft into an unmanned system