User:Impurest Cheese/EV-23 Emergency VTOL

Origins

 * The EV-23 Emergency VTOL or Hawk Moth as it was commonly referred to was one of the last rotor wing aircraft in mass production. Many people believe it was the sense of nostalgia that Bell Utility Helicopters forgetting that they also

manufactured the TV-89 Transport VTOL that used a similar system to that utilized by the D77H-TCI Pelican. In truth Bell was probably worried that the Turbo Fans may interfere with the work that the Hawk Moth was designed for which was to combat fire. With the Pelican Dropships that would usually do this kind of work the Hawk Moth were all being used for combat a substitute would be required.


 * Equipped with a 2 ton Aquarius Bomb the Hawk Moth was deployed be several governments to aid in the suppression of fire and evacuation of wounded personnel due to fires. In 2548 the government of Ferrus II would buy a large number of EV-23s. The excuse provided to Bell was the high intensity volcanic fires that occurred on the planet. The real purpose was to acquire vehicles that they could convert for use by the URF who were secretly in charge of the planet.

Military Upgrades and Service

 * The EV-23 along with it's cousin the TV-89 would eventually be purchased by the URF in 2548. The reasoning behind this was that the Hawk Moth was already equipped to tackle with high intensity battles that could last for months. The only modifications required was a change of weaponry. The Aquarius Bomb would be replaced with an 80mm Guided Munitions Launcher which could be used to attack ground based targets such as tanks and armoured vehicles. In addition the .50 Calibre Cannons could also be used against vehicles and aircraft as well as infantry. Both Weapons were stolen UNSC weapons that would be used on the AV-14 Attack VTOL allowing both craft to fill similar roles.


 * Rumours of the corrupt government on Ferrus II began to creep into UNSC controlled space in 2554. Diplomats were sent to access the situation but didn't make it off the planet their convoy bombed by the newly armed Hawk Moths. In retaliation Operation BALISTA was launched and the UNSC spent several months in the mud of the planet facing regular attacks by the EV-23s. Originally a symbol of hope the Hawk Moth was now feared by the troops on the ground especially the armoured regiments who were the main targets of the EV-23.

Turbo Fan vs Traditional Rotor

 * While most other VTOL's were using the Turbo Fan/Jet Engine combination the EV-23 was using the archaic turbo prop powered by a pair of Stallion 1007 watt engines. When it was just a fire suppression helicopter the Rotor was more favoured then the Turbo Fan as it fanned the fire more then the Rotor powered VTOL. In battle the Hawk Moth would have a chance to literally come face to face with the UNSC Hornet. The turning circle of the Hornet was better although the Hawk Moth was faster. The fire power of the Hornet was greater then the Hawk Moth so the UNSC often came off better in most confrontations. The main disadvantage of the rotor of the EV-23 was that it could be caught in overhead cables. Despite this the Hawk Moth was responsible for six of the twenty four Hornet kills in Operation BALISTA.

UNSC Remarks

 * When I first saw the EV-23 flying overhead I was confused that an emergency craft would be in an active fire area. Then I watched as it blew up the Scorpion that we were following and understood."


 * "I couldn't believe that the Hawk Moth was a military vehicle. The same craft saved me from a firestorm on Hybarus when I was five."