Gaiaterra: Elysea's Conflict/Cardinal Transport Copter

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The Cardinal Transport Copter is the oldest, but still the primary transport helicopter used by the Alliance of Hawke alongside the newer and heavier Nighthawk transport. This helicopter planned to be voiced by Awkwafina

History
"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."

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The Alliance identified a requirement for a new helicopter to serve as a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), instrument trainer, and general utility aircraft. The Alliance determined that current helicopters were too large, underpowered, or too complex to maintain easily. In November 1963 V.C., 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 and despite it resembles the Aquila's Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters (some Aquilans said that one was a knock-off of their design), was faster, cheaper, and more reliable. On the 23rd of December, 1964 V.C., the Armies of Hawke announced their decision, selecting the Cardinal. The Armies of Hawke 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 or the Mi-8, 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 armor, which Cardinal pilots prize above everything. In order to mount the spectrum target designators, the door guns on older models had to be removed (save for the Ferelden-Europan Alliance, who prefers a transport that can defend itself.) But the use of the designators, some argue, far surpasses the abilities of the guns.