MiM-31 Karyovin

## MiM-31M Karyovin

The **MiM-31M Karyovin** (**МиМ-31М Каревин**) is a conventional strike fighter used by the UEDF, AUL and EBSIS.

## Background

The MiM-31 Karyovin first saw service during the Global Civil War. Designed as a strike fighter with a secondary air-to-air combat capability, it was first employed by the then Soviet Union. It proved to be successful in the role, and was widely exported to Soviet Bloc and allied countries, and then proliferated more as the Civil War continued to escalate. Its appeal was aided by its rugged construction and STOL capabilities, which gave it added versatility.

During the Global Civil War, MiM-31s were used on fronts as far afield as New Zealand and Wyoming. One of the largest users was the North-East Asian Cooperative Alliance for Prosperity (NEACAP), which used them in engagements across the Pacific Rim. The MiM-31 often faced off against the F-203 Dragon II, another common design of the period. While the F-203 was the superior fighter, the MiM-31 performed better in engagements than its role would have suggested. However, there were also those cases, such as with the Internationalist Coalition, where both aircraft served alongside each other.

Following the formation of the UEDF, the MiM-31 was adopted as its main strike fighter. This came in the form of the MiM-31M model, which was upgraded with Robotechnology-derived improvements to the engines, materials, electronics and weapons systems. While widely deployed, this variant was still only intended to be used as an interim design. Many upgraded MiM-31Ms were also used by the Anti-Unification League, having somehow been 'acquired' from UEDF manufacturers. The result was that MiM-31s were used by both sides of the conflict.

Most of the UEDF's MiM-31s were destroyed on the ground during the Rain of Death. Production resumed during the Reconstruction; even though the fighter was now technologically obsolete, new production sped up rebuilding. The fighter found a second life during this period, where it was used in counter-insurgency operations against Zentraedi Malcontents and other groups that lacked access to modern Mecha. It also became the primary attack aircraft of the newly formed Eurasian Bloc of Soviet Independent States, who had also resumed production. The EBSIS would eventually become the largest post-war user of the design.

While the UEDF's fleet were retired by 2020, the the MiM-31 survived in the inventory of the EBSIS, its allied states as well as various other countries. It saw action in the brush wars of the 2020s, where it was generally being used against opponents that lacked access to Mecha or other Robotechnology weapons. Those remaining in service by 2031 were destroyed during the Invid Invasion, with none surviving today.

## Capabilities

As a strike aircraft, the Karyovin performed superbly. The craft was rugged enough to survive enemy fire while also being reliable enough for sustained operations. While it could operate in a secondary air superiority role to a decent degree, it lacked the acceleration of a dedicated fighter such as the F-203. The Karyovin also possessed good STOL and rough-field operations, which added to its appeal both for the AUL and then post-Rain of Death operators who often had to make do with poor conditions. However, it still lacked in performance compared to pure Robotechnology craft.

During the course of its long life and many different operators, the Karyovin's electronics fit varied wildly. Most models used an advanced multi-mode radar with both air to air and air to surface modes for target identification and tracking, as well as weapons guidance. Other systems included a laser designator and IRST. Typically the Karyovin had only a conventional radio communications system, but many models underwent upgrades during their lifetimes.

The skin of the Karyovin is composed of an advanced titanium-steel alloy. The armor on the aircraft stops all small arms fire, provides fair protection against heavier infantry weapons, such as a 12.7mm machinegun round, and poor resistance to light mecha-mounted weaponry, such as the Zentraedi 22.3mm HE autocannon round. The armored 'bathtub' in the Karyovin's pilot compartment stops all small arms fire, provides good protection against heavier infantry weapons, such as a 12.7mm machinegun round, and fair resistance to light mecha-mounted weaponry, such as the Zentraedi 22.3mm HE autocannon round.

## Weapons and Equipment

* **4-Barrelled 35mm Autocannon:** Mounted under the front of the fighter ahead of the main intake. Fires Armour-Piercing Incendiary Ammunition for use against ground targets.

* 6 underwing hardpoints. Equipped to carry a variety of ordinance including guided missiles, bombs and rockets. Updates during the craft's life allowed it to carry ordinance from a wide variety of different manufacturers and sources. Typical UEDF loadout was six **AMR-2 Renegade** Air to Surface missiles. Typical late-era EBSIS loadout was six **Стервятник** (**Stervyatnik**) missiles.

* 1 centerline hardpoint for drop tanks and other equipment.

## Variants

* **MiM-31:** Initial production model.
* **MiM-31U:** Twin-seat trainer model.
* **MiM-31M:** Robotechnology-enhanced model featuring new avionics, engines, weapons and other systems; used by UEDF, AUL, EBSIS and other states.
* **MiM-31UM:** Twin-seat trainer variant of MiM-31M.

## Game Statistics

* **Required Rank:** 1

* **Designation:** MiM-31M

* **Stats**
	+ **Armour – Light:** 4
	+ **Structure – (type):** 15
	+ **Hardware Points**: Basic
	+ **Speed** – **Flight:** 2000 kph / 3.5 km / 350 Ground Units

### Weapons

* **Autocannon:** The Karyovin is armed with a 35mm Autocannon under the nose. This weapon fires heavy shells and is designed for use against ground targets. It inflicts x5 Light damage to targets and has a range of Long. [L1][H]

* **Wing-Mounted Weapon Hardpoints:** The Karyovin can carry a compliment of weapons under its wings. Pick one from the following options. [H]
	+ **Tactical Missiles:** The Karyovin can carry Tactical Missiles under the wings. This weapon can only be used as a part of an Equipment Suite. [H]
	+ **Bomb Racks:** The Karvoyin carries four racks of Smart Bombs under its wings. These racks release guided 'smart' bombs that glide towards their target, inflicting x2 Mecha-Class damage on a hit. They have a range of Short and attacks with Bombs may be used a total of 2 times. [H][B10]
	+ **Rocket Pod:** Launches a spray of unguided rockets for close air support. Creates a Cone area of attack at Medium Range. Less effective against fast-moving targets. The Rocket Pods can be used up to twice. These weapons inflict Mecha-class damage. [C]

* **No Melee:** The Karyovin cannot engage in melee except to make Ramming attacks.

### Features

* **Atmosphere Only:** The Karyovin can only be used in an Earth-like atmosphere.

* **Generic:** The stats for the Karyovin can be used to represent other conventional fighters.

### Equipment Suites

* **Tactical Missiles:** The Karyovin carries six air-to-surface missiles for use against various targets. These weapons can be used up to Long range and inflict Mecha-class damage. This Equipment Suite can only be used if the Tactical Missiles option is chosen above. Make a weapon attack at up to Long range. [B5]
	+ **Equipment Required:** Tactical Missiles
	+ **Uses:** 2
	+ **Skill:** 4

## Notes

* Design Notes
* Image Gallery