Cardinal Transport Copter

**Key Features** | »Armoured pilot seats (optional)»Bench seat (x2)»Spectrum Target Designator»Self-sealing fuel tanks»Record player w/ subwoofers

*"Hear that? Those are the whirling wings of freedom, buddy. In a minute or two we'll either be reinforced or shipped home - either way, it's the sound of safety."*

- Attributed to Sgt. Robert Pryce, Allied Peacekeeper, sometime during the Vietnam War

## Tactical Analysis

* **Transport engaged**: A straightforward but useful addition to Allied air power, the Cardinal can carry a squad of infantry into the action. Cheap enough to buy in bulk, the Cardinal will enable you to move your infantry with far more speed than your enemy is prepared for!

* **Designation set**: Without its target designator, the helicopter would just be a simple air taxi for the infantry. With it, it can support the offensive efforts of the Allied war machine, especially as it can share targeting data with Guardian Tanks using their target designator for maximum effectiveness. It can also switch to firing a salvo of EMP rockets, which does no damage but shuts down vehicles and structures similar to the Von Eslings Blackout missile.

* **Fragile bird**: Of course, without any door guns, the Cardinal is incapable of defending itself on its own and relies heavily on its escorts for protection. Losing the Cardinal with a full squad inside is a serious blow, so be sure to keep them safe and sound.

* **Non-combatant**: Peacekeeper Cardinal pilots prefer to rely on their trusty Longbow Liberator escorts for protection and prefer to focus on getting safely to their destination. Thus, they are not interested in mounting any weapon systems on their helicopter.

## Operational History

**May 14th, 1969**
Outside Hue, Vietnam

*"Get down, idiot! You want your head blown off?!" Sgt. Melissa Fitzgerald roughly shoved a young Defender back into his foxhole, not moments before an RPGL blast detonated about ten metres away. Small bits of shrapnel pinged off her faceplate or embedded itself into the ground around her, and she dropped as low as she could, scanning the treeline for the Vietcong assaulting her position. Out from the trees came intermittent muzzle blasts, various automatic weapons keeping their position well suppressed and preventing them from firing back. The gunfire was definitely getting closer; in minutes they'd be overrun.*
*Suddenly, the staccato of the enemy rifles and the shrieking of the launchers gave way to a new and much more welcome sound, as from above the clearing descended four Cardinal helicopters, their door guns unleashing torrents of lead into the attacking force. Enemy fire dropped off immediately in the face of the surprise assault, allowing the surviving defenders an opportunity to fire unopposed into the thick jungle, driving them back or leaving their lifeless forms sprawled in the foliage.*
*As the Defenders cheered and the last enemy silhouette dropped away, Sgt. Fitzgerald couldn't help notice the graffiti adorning the side of the helicopters that saved her unit.* "Welcome home, chaps." *Well, that about summed it up.*
The Allies identified a requirement for a new helicopter to serve as medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), instrument trainer and general utility aircraft. The Allies determined that current helicopters were too large, underpowered, or were too complex to maintain easily. In November 1963, revised military requirements were submitted to the Peacekeeper divisions.

Only two helicopter designs were submitted; the R-11 *Blackjack* by Global United Helicopters, and the **UHN-1 Cardinal** by Pelican Helicopter Plant #1. The Blackjack was capable of carrying more troops than the Cardinal, and mounted an impressive 7.62mm minigun. The Cardinal, while having a smaller troop capacity, was faster, cheaper and more reliable. On the 23rd of December, 1964, the Peacekeepers announced their decision, selecting the Cardinal. The Peacekeepers were soon proven right in their choice.

The spectrum target designators and simple bench seats allow the Cardinal to perform as a frontline observation aircraft, as well as an all purpose transport. Also unlike the Twinblade, the Cardinal's simple design allows it to nearly instantly deploy, and pick up infantry. This allows a skilled Cardinal pilot to effectively harass tank formations. In mass aerial operations, the Cardinal has been known to take a leading position in any formation, deploying entire brigades of combat infantry in hours while supporting attack craft with the spectrum designator.

Infantry that are transported often complain about a safety protocol meaning that they cannot fire out. However, these features would compromise speed and armour, which Cardinal pilots prize above everything. On account of weight & maneuverability, n order to mount the spectrum target designators, the door guns on older models had to be removed (save in Vietnam, where survivability is above all else.) But the use of the designators, some argue, far surpass the abilities of the guns.

## Behind the Scenes

The Cardinal is based on the UH-1 Iroquois multipurpose helicopter, better known as the Huey.

## Just the Stats

 **Armour Type** | Thin-Skinned

 **DPS** | N/A