Gnat

Zagreb Aircraft Company Z-18 'Gnat'


Year of Service Entry: 2113

Crew: 1 (Pilot)

Length: 4.5

Wingspan: 3.2m

Height: 1.9m

Empty Weight: 1,033kg

Loaded Weight: 1,500kg

Max. Takeoff Weight: 1,600kg

Powerplant: 2x Romakhi Ion Electric Jet Engines, 4x VB-35 Vectoring Lift Fans, 1x B-74 Lifting Fan

Maximum Speed: 326mph

Range: 560nmi

Combat Radius: 280nmi

Ferry Range: 780nmi

Service Ceiling: 19,000ft

Rate of Climb: 4,500t/min

Armament: None


The Z-18 'Gnat' is a light, single-occupant reconnaissance and surveillance extension platform utilised by the Rothan Republic Military. This small, lightweight, and unarmed quincopter can be readily deployed from the bed of a transport truck or makeshift field pad, in order to scan the surrounding area. Gnats are also commonly utilised as facility patrol vehicles, operating in pairs. While base models are unarmed, Z-18U variants have been equipped with add on weapon packages, restricted to small machine guns or single-use missile launchers. While armoured against small arms fire, the Gnat is not designed for sustained combat, relying on its speed, agility, and small radar signature in order to evade threats. A comprehensive ECM system, in co-ordination with pyrotechnic countermeasures in flares and chaff, help to increase survivability rates. The vehicle is roughly comparable to the Escean HRS-77 'Swift' in role, albeit offering more protection thanks to its enclosed, pressurised cockpit, allowing the pilot to comfortably operate in hazardous environmental conditions. 

Aside from military usage, the Gnat is widely deployed through Rothan and friendly state emergency services, as well as commercial ventures requiring cheap, easy-to-maintain surveyance craft.