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The Royal Sovereign Monarchy of Keskinen.
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Keskin Overseas Territory Military Forces
These forces, while technically a part of the Royal Sovereign Military, are more independent than most other forces in Keskinen primarily due to the massive distance from the nation, and even the mainland Zakadian continent. They maintain a relatively higher state of readiness and act as the early warning system for any aircraft and vessels coming across the Adran Ocean as both sonar warning nets and many high-altitude radars are based on these islands.Based on the islands of Meren Sydan and Meren Loisto, they also keep secure the Alliance of Nations for Mutual Protection headquarters base on Meren Loisto as well as the Ikkala Naval Base on Meren Sydan. These units were recently brought up to modern standards for the most part, including the forward deployment of two Royal Sovereign Navy Destroyer Squadrons to each naval base. Additional units are being considered for deployment, including the newly retired Tench-class diesel submarines, however this is unlikely. These bases are also the only two that have never had a permanent posting of a Carrier Task Group.
Medium Tanks
Leopard 1A5
The Leopard project started in November 1956 in order to develop a modern tank to replace the Army's aging fleet of M47 and M48 Patton tanks, which, though just delivered to the recently reconstituted army, were rapidly becoming outdated. On 25 July 1957, the detailed specifications were released; the new design needed to weigh no more than 30 metric tons, have a power-to-weight ratio of 30 horsepower per ton, be able to withstand hits by 20 mm rapid-fire guns on every side as well as to operate in a battlefield contaminated with chemical weapons or radioactive fallout, the then-standard baseline for combat with the Warsaw Pact. In addition, the main armament had to consist of a 105 mm caliber weapon, carrying at least as many rounds as current Mikoy tank designs. Mobility had priority, while firepower came second; armour was seen as less essential, as it was believed that no real protection against hollow charge weapons was possible anyway.
In 1980, a research program was undertaken to study further improvements to the Leopard 1, providing it with a completely modern fire control system and fully effective night/bad-weather vision system. The decision was made to base the upgrades on the earlier models, which were no longer competitive. The turrets were again modified for the 1A5, both in order to store all of the new equipment, as well as to move more of the ammunition into the rear of the turret, as opposed to the left side of the driver where it had previously been stored. After trials, the Krupp-Atlas Elektronik EMES 18 fire control system, which was developed from the EMES 15 used on the Leopard 2, was selected in December 1983. The EMES 18 included two new sights on the top of the turret, and no longer required the "bumps" as did the earlier optical systems. A crucial part of the upgrade was the introduction of more effective ammunition, including new APFSDS rounds. The Leopard tank could also be fitted with bolt-on lexan armour panels, which have increased the effectiveness of the armour. These "modified" tanks have proved themselves in the field. In addition to their primary armament, they mount three MG-42 machine guns, one coaxially, one at the commander's hatch and one at the loader's hatch.
M35 2½-ton Medium Cargo Truck
The standard troop truck of the Overseas Territory Garrison, it offers tremendous capability in an average-sized package. An M35A2 cargo truck with a 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) PTO-driven Garwood front winch is 112 inches (2.8 m) tall, 96 inches (2.4 m) wide and 277 inches (7.0 m) long, and 13,030 pounds (5,910 kg) empty (13,530 pounds (6,140 kg) empty when equipped with the front mount winch, according to dashboard dataplates). The standard wheelbase cargo bed is 8 feet by 12 feet (2.4 x 3.6 m). The M35A2 was available with a canvas soft top or a metal hard top. Metal hard-top configurations are most often found on vehicles that have been equipped with cold-weather gear, including additional insulation in the cab, as well as engine coolant or multifuel-fired cab personnel heaters. Additionally, some have been modified to feature retractable metal roofs, which allows the crews to slide them down in extreme heat.
The M34/M35 series of trucks came in wide array of variants and subvariants. As noted engine differences could be noted by the A1, A2, or A3 suffix, but additional suffix letters were also sometimes added. These letters had different meanings depending on what variant to which they were applied. Multiple variants are in service on the islands, including the M35 Long Bed Cargo, M36 Extra Long Bed Cargo, M48 Tractor, M49 Gasoline Tanker, M50 Water Tanker, M59 Dump Bed, M60 Light Wrecker, M108 Crane Truck and M109 Shop Van Truck.
The Humvee seats 4 with an available fully enclosed metal cabin with a vertical windshield. The body is constructed from lightweight and rust-resistant aluminum, instead of conventional steel. It has all-wheel drive with an independent suspension and helical gear-reduction hubs similar to portal axles which attach towards the top rather than center of each wheel to allow the drivetrain shafts to be raised for a full 16 in (410 mm) of ground clearance. The body is mounted on a narrow steel frame with boxed rails and five cross members for rigidity. The rails act as sliders to protect the drivetrain which is nestled between and above the rails. Raising the drivetrain into the cabin area and lowering the seats into the frame creates a massive chest-high transmission hump which separates passengers on each side and lowers the overall center of gravity compared to most trucks where the body and passengers are above the frame. The vehicle also has disc brakes on all 4 wheels, and 4-wheel double-wishbone suspension. The brake discs are not mounted at the wheels as on conventional automobiles, but are inboard, attached to the outside of each differential. The front and rear differentials are Torsen type, and the center differential is a regular, lockable type. Torque-biasing differentials allows forward movement as long as at least one wheel has traction. It runs on specialized 37 × 12.5 radial tires with low-profile runflat devices. Some HMMWVs are equipped with an optional central tire inflation system (CTIS), which enables pressure to be lowered for soft ground or raised for hard pavement. While it is optimized for off-road mobility, it can drive at highway speeds of 55 mph (89 km/h) at maximum weight with a top speed of 70 mph (110 km/h).
In Keskin service are the M997A2 Ambulance, M998A1 Troop Carrier, M1037 Shelter Carrier, M1043A1 Armament Carrier, M1097A2 Troop/Shelter Carrier and the M1097 Avenger.
Raytheon MIM-104D/F Patriot
The MIM-104 Patriot is a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, the primary of its kind used by the Royal Sovereign Army and several allied nations. The heart of the Patriot battery is the fire control section, consisting of the AN/MPQ−65 Radar Set, the AN/MSQ-104 Engagement Control Station (ECS), the OE-349 Antenna Mast Group (AMG), and the EPP-III Electric Power Plant. The system's missiles are transported on and launched from the M901 Launching Station, which can carry up to four PAC-2 missiles or up to sixteen PAC-3 missiles. A Patriot battalion is also equipped with the Information Coordination Central (ICC), a command station designed to coordinate the launches of a battalion and uplink Patriot to the JTIDS or MIDS network.
The MIM-104C PAC-2 missile was the first Patriot missile that was optimized for ballistic missile engagements. The GEM series of missiles (MIM-104D/E) are further refinements of the PAC-2 missile. The PAC-3 missile is a new interceptor, featuring a Ka band active radar seeker, employing "hit-to-kill" interception (in contrast to previous interceptors' method of exploding in the vicinity of the target, destroying it with shrapnel), and several other enhancements which dramatically increase its lethality against ballistic missiles. The first seven of these are in the larger PAC-2 configuration of a single missile per canister, of which four can be placed on a launcher. PAC-3 missile canisters contain four missiles, so that sixteen rounds can be placed on a launcher. The missile canister serves as both the shipping and storage container and the launch tube. Patriot missiles are referred to as "certified rounds" as they leave the factory, and additional maintenance is not necessary on the missile prior to it being launched.
The PAC-3 upgrade has effectively quintupled the "footprint" that a Patriot unit can defend against ballistic missiles of all types, and has considerably increased the system's lethality and effectiveness against ballistic missiles. It has also increased the scope of ballistic missiles that Patriot can engage, which now includes several intermediate range. However, despite its increases in ballistic missile defense capabilities, the PAC-3 missile is a less capable interceptor of atmospheric aircraft and air-to-surface missiles. It is slower, has a shorter range, and has a smaller explosive warhead compared to older Patriot missiles.
The system uses twin autocannons, firing 35×228mm NATO-standard ammunition. It was originally designated 353 MK and is now designated as the KD series. The same KD series 35mm cannons are used in the Leopard 1 based Gepard and Type 74 tank based Type 87 SPAAG and T-55 based Marksman self-propelled anti-aircraft guns (SPAAG). The system could be paired with the off-gun (remote) Super Fledermaus fire control radar, which in the late 1970s was upgraded to the Skyguard system. The weapons was aimed either directly, by way of an advanced sighting system, or automatically, by locking onto the target with radar. Early models carried 112 rounds ready to fire, and an additional 126 stored on the chassis as reloads. Later versions with automated reloading carry 280 rounds total. A typical engagement burst is 28 rounds.
In 1980 an upgraded model, the GDF-002 was produced, which featured an improved sight, and the ability to be directed by an off-gun digital control system. A few years later a third version of the system was being produced, the GDF-003, which was broadly similar to the GDF-002, but included some enhancements like self-lubricating weapons and integrated protective covers.
In 1985 a further upgraded model was produced, the GDF-005, which was introduced, featuring the Gunking 3D computer-controlled sight with an integrated laser range-finder and digital control system. The GDF-005 also introduced an automated ammunition-handling system, which eliminated the need for the two reloaders, reducing the crew from 3 to 1.
These guns operate in either stationary positions atop bunkers with nearly unlimited ammunition feeding, trailers towed behind trucks or as the Gepard SPAAG.
130 TK 53
This weapon is the large artillery system of the Royal Coastal Artillery and as such is stationed at critical points near large ports or inlets and along and at both ends of the Karajo Straits. They operate in batteries of four within the defense cell, often as high up as they can be emplaced without silhouetting them against the sky.
As they are an artillery system built to track moving targets, they feature automatic gun laying drives that direct the gun based on the laser or radar range-finder mounted on these turrets. Information is also fed back to the command building and double checked to ensure first-hit capability. The guns are able to fire out to 20 miles at a sustained 6 rounds per minute, slower than the 120mm system due to the fact that, while loaded automatically, the shell and powder are loaded separately.
The casemates and barbettes of these turrets are nearly impenetrable, solely due to the fact that they were blasted into solid bedrock and then reinforced with concrete and steel. Additional protection includes the capability to immediately reoccupy the turret following a nuclear strike, provided the turret hasn't been breached or destroyed. This allows Keskin forces to effectively defend their sectors even in this event.
These guns provide the bulk of the firepower for each gunnery center along the Keskin coast, with each center providing and receiving data from eight guns. As they have a slightly shorter range than the 130mm guns, they are traditionally located closer to the shore. These guns are a sliding breech-block design and feature, unlike other heavy guns, water-cooled barrels that enable the gun to fire up to a blistering 25 rounds per minute.
Like the 130mm guns, they have an automatic tracking drive once they identify a target. They are fed data from a pair of search radars and a targeting radar that are located behind the battery under an armored hatch. Targeting data is fed from the radar center to the turrets, including an automatic compensation that takes into account the radar's distance behind the battery.
To protect the gun system from ground shockwaves and overpressure in case of a nuclear detonation, the barrel is lowered into its storage position in a special "ground attachment fork" and the turret is hydraulically lowered and anchored to its foundation. The muzzle is automatically sealed when the barrel is lowered into storage position. During a nuclear attack, the turret crew may not stay in the turret because of the initial radiation, but they may reoccupy it and be ready to fight immediately after the attack thanks to a special liner which reduces induced radiation to such a point that it is safe to immediately reoccupy the turret.
Missile Systems
340-MJtO-77 "Harpoon"
7.62-TKIV-85
The 7.62-TKIV-85, short for 7.62 Tarkkuuskivääri 85 (7.62 sniper rifle 85) is a bolt-action designated marksman/sniper rifle used by the Keskin Defence Forces. It is based on the Mosin–Nagant rifle, using the same (in some cases antique) receivers. The Keskin Army has produced such rifles since the nation was founded. The Mosin–Nagant bolt-action rifles were modified in 1984 by Valmet who also manufactured new barrels for these rifles. The rifles were assembled in 1984–1985 by Keskin Ground Defence Forces (KGDF) Asevarikko 1 ("Arsenal 1") in Kuopio, Finland.
Though the 7.62 TKIV 85 sniper rifle has been modified extensively compared to the standard Mosin–Nagant rifle, the use of the old receivers in these rifles makes them arguably the oldest small arms in current use by any military. Some of the parts used may date back as far as the 1890s.
Another exclusive feature of the 7.62 TKIV 85 is its 7.62×53mmR chambering. No other currently used military firearm is chambered for this unique Finnish cartridge. The PKM machine guns and other Russian firearms in Finnish service are chambered for the 7.62×54mmR cartridge. The standard operating procedure calls for the use of 7.62×54mmR cartridges in 7.62 TKIV 85 rifles only in emergency situations when 7.62×53mmR ammunition is not available. The reason for this is the bullet diameter difference of 7.85 mm (0.309 in) in the 7.62×53mmR versus 7.92 mm (0.312 in) in the 7.62×54mmR. Some 7.62×53mmR rounds were also loaded with an intermediate 7.88 mm (0.310 in) diameter bullet.
The Rk 62 (also 7.62 RK 62 and M62; Rynnäkkökivääri 62 or "assault rifle 62") is an assault rifle manufactured by Valmet and Sako. It is the standard issue infantry weapon of the Keskin Defence Forces. The Rk 62 was designed in 1962 and is based on the Polish licensed version of the Soviet AK-47 design. The Rk 62 uses the same 7.62×39mm cartridge as the AK-47. Between 1965 and 1994 350,000 M62 rifles were produced jointly by Valmet and Sako. It is the basis of the IMI Galil, an Israeli-made assault rifle with many similarities.
The Rk 62 has a three-pronged flash suppressor, and a groove for a specially designed knife bayonet, which can be used alone as a combat knife. The Rk 95 Tp is a more modern, improved version of the Rk 62. One of the most distinctive features of the Valmet rifles, including the M62 and all subsequent variations, is the open-ended, three prong flash suppressor with a bayonet lug on its lower side. In addition to the flash suppression, the end can quickly cut barbed wire by pushing the muzzle onto a strand of wire and firing a round - noisy but effective. In August 2015 the Finnish Defence Forces announced that they will gradually modernize existing RK 62 rifles. An option for mounting a top rail for telescopic sights and night vision devices will be added to all rifles; likewise the barrel will get an attachment point for tactical lights and lasers. The upgraded model will be known as RK 62M.
The Heckler & Koch MP5 (from German: Maschinenpistole 5, meaning machine pistol 5) is a 9mm submachine gun of German design, developed in the 1960s by a team of engineers from the German small arms manufacturer Heckler & Koch GmbH (H&K) of Oberndorf am Neckar. There are over 100 variants of the MP5, including a semi-automatic version.
The MP5A4 (fixed stock) and MP5A5 (sliding stock) models, which were introduced in 1974, are available with four-position trigger groups. The pistol grips are straight, lacking the contoured grip and thumb groove of the MP5A1, MP5A2, and MP5A3. The selector lever stops are marked with bullet pictograms rather than letters or numbers (each symbol represents the number of bullets that will be fired when the trigger is pulled and held rearward with a full magazine inserted in the weapon) and are fully ambidextrous (the selector lever is present on each side of the trigger housing). The additional setting of the fire selector, one place before the fully automatic setting, enables a two or three-shot burst firing mode.
This weapon is issued to rapid response teams of the Jaeger regiment as well as being the standard weapon of the military police. When issued to Jaegers, it is equipped with a EOTech 553, a vertical foregrip and a silencer, rendering the gun extraordinarily quiet.
The Walther P99 is a short recoil-operated locked breech semi-automatic pistol that uses a modified Browning cam-lock system adapted from the Hi-Power pistol. The P99 has a glassfiber-reinforced polymer frame and steel slide assembly. It can be broken down into its main parts or field stripped with a take down catch without the help of tools.
It uses an internal striker as opposed to an external hammer, with a red-painted striker tip that protrudes from rear of the slide when the gun is cocked, as well as a loaded chamber indicator on the right side of the slide. A redesigned second generation P99 was presented in 2004, incorporating a modified trigger guard that eliminated the "ski hump", which is clearly visible in the accompanying first generation images. This was done to address some users' comfort concerns regarding the previous style. The first generation P99 pistols had a slide release at the left side of the frame, second generation guns may have optional ambidextrous slide stop release levers. Walther also took the opportunity to redesign the slide so the user could grip it more easily, and notably, change the proprietary accessory rail to a Weaver type. Some models built in 2005 and all later models received one more design change, an elongated magazine release.
This pistol is used only by Jaegers, the Civil Guard and military police units. It fires the 9mm Parabellum round, carries twenty rounds of ammunition and most pistols mount laser modules on the frame-built Picatinny rail. It is the standard pistol of the Civil Guard, Jaegers and Special Operations forces.
Production of the first postwar variant of the MG 42 chambered in a standard NATO caliber (designated the MG 1) was launched in 1958 at the Rheinmetall arms factory as requested by the Bundeswehr. Shortly thereafter, the machine gun was modified, receiving a chrome-lined barrel and sights properly calibrated for the new round; this model would be named the MG1A1 (known also as the MG 42/58).
A further development of the MG1A1 was the MG1A2 (MG 42/59), which had a heavier bolt (950 g, compared to 550 g), a new friction ring buffer and was adapted to use both the standard German continuous DM1 ammunition belt and the American M13 disintegrating belt. Further improvements to the weapon's muzzle device, bipod and bolt resulted in the MG1A3. Simultaneously, wartime 7.92×57mm MG 42 machine guns that remained in service were converted to chamber the standard 7.62×51mm NATO round and designated MG 2.
This is the standard machine gun on Leopard-series tanks, UH-1-series helicopters, heavy weapons platoons and gun tower emplacements. It is fired using either a 50- or 100-round non-disintegrating link belt that may or may not be installed into a drum.
The 12.7-RSKK-2005 is the standard heavy machine gun of the Royal Sovereign military. In use with the Keskin military since just before the 2nd Cataclysm, it has remained in service since then. In its current form, the ground mounted weapon uses a heavy barrel and relies on the action of the gun firing to feed it which allows a firing rate of 500 rounds per minute. The aircraft use version of the weapon uses an electro-mechanically boosted feed system as well as a lighter barrel that allows the rate of fire to double to 1,000 rounds per minute. The ground version is used not only with Army vehicles but also on warships, most commonly in a twin mount, while the air version is used as a tail-ramp gun in CH-53 Stallion helicopters.
This weapon is mounted on several armored vehicles, mostly those that need the additional firepower where it is mounted over the commander's hatch. In service, several different ammunition types are used; M33 standard ball, M17 tracer, M8 API, M20 API-T, M962 SLAP-T and the M903 SLAP (Saboted Light Armor Penetrator). It is standard practice for mounted infantry to use combinations of ball and tracer in a 4-1 set-up, that is 4 M33 ball rounds then one M17 tracer, armored units use the same scheme for M8 API and M20 API-T. The only unit that use M962 and M903 rounds are gunners of helicopters, as they are lighter and allow them to carry more.
Bell AH-1Z Viper
The AH-1Z Viper is a twin-engine attack helicopter based on the AH-1W Super Cobra, that was developed as part of the H-1 upgrade program. The AH-1Z features a four-blade, bearingless, composite main rotor system, uprated transmission, and a new target sighting system.
The AH-1Z incorporates new rotor technology with upgraded military avionics, weapons systems, and electro-optical sensors in an integrated weapons platform. It has improved survivability and can find targets at longer ranges and attack them with precision weapons. The AH-1Z's new bearingless, hingeless rotor system has 75% fewer parts than that of four-bladed articulated systems. The blades are made of composites, which have an increased ballistic survivability, and there is a semiautomatic folding system for storage aboard amphibious assault ships. Its two redesigned wing stubs are longer, with each adding a wing-tip station for a missile such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder. Each wing has two other stations for 2.75-inch (70 mm) Hydra 70 rocket pods, or AGM-114 Hellfire quad missile launchers. The AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar can also be mounted on a wing tip station.
In 1996, the Royal Sovereign Separate Division (Jaegers) launched the H-1 upgrade program by signing a contract with Bell Helicopter for upgrading 100 UH-1Ns into UH-1Ys and upgrading 180 AH-1Ws into AH-1Zs. The H-1 program created completely modernized attack and utility helicopters with considerable design commonality to reduce operating costs. The UH-1Y and AH-1Z share a common tail boom, engines, rotor system, drive train, avionics architecture, software, controls and displays for over 84% identical components.
Over the years new avionics and radios, in addition to modern door guns and safety upgrades, have greatly increased the UH-1N's empty weight. With a maximum speed of approximately 100 knots (190 km/h) and an inability to lift much more than its own crew, fuel and ammunition, the UH-1N, while useful, is limited in its utility.
The Y-model upgrades pilot avionics to a glass cockpit, adds further safety modifications and provides the UH-1 with a modern FLIR system. However, the biggest improvement is an increase in engine power. By replacing the engines and the two bladed rotor system with four composite blades the Y-model will return the Huey to the utility role for which it was designed. Originally the UH-1Y was to have been remanufactured from UH-1N airframes, but in April 2005 approval was granted to build them as new helicopters.
Although dimensionally similar, the three engine CH-53E Super Stallion or Sikorsky S-80 is a much more powerful aircraft than the original Sikorsky S-65 twin engined CH-53A Sea Stallion. The CH-53E also added a larger main rotor system with a seventh blade.
The CH-53E can transport up to 55 troops or 30,000 lb (13,610 kg) of cargo and can carry external slung loads up to 36,000 lb (16,330 kg). The Super Stallion has a cruise speed of 173 mph (278 km/h) and a range of 621 miles (1,000 km). The helicopter is fitted with a forward extendable in-flight refueling probe and it can also hoist hose refuel from a surface ship while in hover mode. It can carry three machine guns: one at the starboard side crew door; one at the port window, just behind the copilot; and one at the tail ramp. Upgrades to the CH-53E have included the Helicopter Night Vision System (HNVS), improved .50 BMG (12.7 mm) GAU-21/A and M3P machine guns, and AAQ-29A forward looking infrared (FLIR) imager.
The CH-53E and the MH-53E are the largest helicopters in the Western world, while the CH-53K now being developed will be even larger. They are fourth in the world to the Russian Mil Mi-26 Halo single-rotor helicopter and the enormous, twin transverse rotored Mil V-12 Homer, which can lift more than 22 tons (20 tonnes) and 44 tons (40 tonnes), respectively and the Mi-26's single-rotor predecessor Mil Mi-6, which has less payload (12 tonnes) but is bigger and has a higher MTOW at 42 tonnes.
Surface Combat Vessels
Turva-class Guided Missile Destroyer
This class is a copy of the American Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. A Collective Protection System makes the Arleigh Burke class the first Keskin warships designed with an air-filtration system against nuclear, biological and chemical warfare. Other NBC defenses include a "countermeasure wash down system". Their AEGIS Combat System differs from a traditional rotating radar that mechanically rotates 360 degrees for each sweep scan of the airspace. Instead, Aegis uses a passive electronically scanned arrays, which allow continual tracking of targets simultaneous with area scans. The system's computer control also allows centralization of the previously separate tracking and targeting functions. The system is also resistant to electronic counter-measures. Their standalone Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers give them an anti-ship capability with a range in excess of 64 nautical miles (119 km; 74 mi). Like the Kotimaa, it mounts a VLS package with 96 cells with the following armament:
16x BGM-109 Tomahawk Land-Attack Missile
20x RIM-66M Medium-Range Surface to Air Missiles
20x RIM-162 Short-Range Surface-to-Air Missile Packs (80 missiles)
20x RIM-174 Very-Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles
20x RUM-139 VL-ASROC Missile
The Harpoon package is maintained on this class, plus a 5"/64cal naval gun for short range surface action, two Phalanx CIWS, two 25mm M242 Bushmaster autocannons as well as two Mark 32 Lightweight Torpedo Launchers. The combination of weaponry allows these ships to engage a wide variety of aircraft, surface targets and submarines in cooperation with the MH-60R Seahawk LAMPS helicopters.
These vessels, once the standard in the regular Keskin Navy, still have time to serve in the defense of the nation. While officially retired in the late 1990's, they were transferred out to the Overseas Territory as patrol ships.
The vessels were designed as fast attack crafts, but designated "missile boats" in the Finnish Navy, as to tone down their offensive capabilities. They were armed with up to eight RBS-15 SSMs, one dual-purpose Bofors 57 mm gun, two SAKO 23 mm double-barreled anti-aircraft guns and two depth charge racks. During the late 1990s, the class was due to undergo a mid-life upgrade through 2006–2008 but this was rejected because of budget constraints. The ships were decommissioned from front-line Keskin service, eighteen of them were deployed to the KOST and Helsinki and Turku were used for testing purposes before they were scrapped in 2011. The remaining members of the class are expected to be maintained and upgraded, with the next potential overhaul period beginning in 2018.
These ships, first adopted by the Federated Island Republics of Mikoyansk, are completely unknown to the world in Keskin service. Three of them were purchased in 2009 from the Federation and delivered to Keskin waters clandestinely. They often operate within 2,500nmi from the Overseas Territory where they function as signals interception ships. Despite this "official" designation, they are publicly classed by the Sovereign Navy as hydrographic survey vessels and as such, they also mount an incredibly powerful sonar under the bow. Also mounted are a pair of "Don-2"
Additional equipment mounted includes a sweep radar jammer, high and low frequency radio transmitter/receiver/interceptor, high-frequency direction-finding receivers as well as the capability to intercept encrypted transmissions though not necessarily decoding them. For defensive purposes, they mount two quadruple cell launchers for the SA-N-5 Grail (Western Designation: 9K32 Strela-II) with two twin M2 12.7mm heavy machine guns on the bridge wings, as well as stanchion mounts around the ship for single- or twin-mounted MG3 medium machine guns around the ship. For that role, the ships keep 18 machine guns, as well as rifles for each member of the crew and submachine guns for the officers.
A class specifically designed to look like a container ship...until it was attacked by pirates or a foreign navy. Most people would say that they appeared to be relatively unladen in terms of containers, yet they sat very deep in the water. The reason for this was they were, in fact, bristling with armaments. Across her bow, the top twenty containers, ten across and two deep, were in fact quad-packed launch tubes for 80 lethal 3M14VM Klub-V supersonic cruise missiles, with a range of 4,000km. Behind a container fence, in the main stack, the outer three containers on each side contained guns and radars for the Skyshield Air Defense system, an extremely accurate and lethal anti-aircraft and anti-missile system while the inner four rows carry 20 eight-cell vertical-launch system cells and pop-up tracking and targeting radars for the S-300 long-range anti-aircraft missiles. Someone familiar with the wars of old might have called these ships "Commerce Raiders", and it was not a far off term.
Maintaining a crew of nearly 200 men, using "containers" near the bridge as barracks, they were originally designed to combat Triuvian pirates in the Veditevian Sea. When this became unnecessary, they were assigned to the Overseas Territory as their missiles could strike most nations across the globe and remain relatively hidden.
Air Superiority Fighters
Saab Dynamics T-39E Gryphon
These aircraft are the primary air superiority fighter of the Royal Sovereign Air Force and have been since 2006. The introduction of the aircraft was not without scandal however, as the aircraft were only picked after it was revealed that it's competitors had rigged their bids. It is also unique in that it is the only single-engine combat aircraft currently in service.
They were conceived as being capable of both dogfighting and long-range interception of targets. At interception loading of two short-range air-to-air missiles and seven long-range air-to-air missiles, the thrust to weight ratio of the aircraft is well above 1, which allows the plane to reach its maximum service ceiling within a minute. The aircraft features a modular engine and radar that greatly improves the reliability and ease of maintenance of the aircraft. Included as part of the aircraft are a total of ten hard points, six on the wings, three on the fuselage and one reserved for targeting pods. Also mounted is a Mauser BK 27mm autocannon with 150 rounds of ammunition for air combat maneuvering. Primary armament can consist of a variety of ordnance, primarily air-to-air but some air-to-ground weapons can be carried as well. Carried aboard are the Raven ES-05 AESA radar which gives 175 mile coverage over a 300-degree arc to the front and the Skyward infrared-search-and-track (IRST) sensor. Both of these sensors are integrated and operate on the "best sensor dominates" principle, further tracking can be transmitted to the aircraft by satellite downlinks transmitting returns from more powerful radars.
There are two variants in use, the E variant as an air-superiority fighter and the F variant, an attack aircraft, with two crewmen, a pilot and a weapon system officer, primarily used as a means of delivering anti-ship missiles if necessary. A total of 192 of this type of aircraft are in service with the Overseas Garrison.
Kaivanto Aviation Works NP-82F Raven
These aircraft are the primary bomber of the Royal Sovereign Air Force. Built extremely durable with a swing-wing configuration, they combine the payload of a bomber with the speed and maneuverability of a fighter, if necessary. The NP-82F is the most current NP-82 variant produced for the Air Force, with a modern, but less expensive, Mark IIB avionics system. The RSAF approved development of the variant in 1982, with the F variant entering service in 2002.
The NP-82F's Mark IIB avionics suite used a simplified version of the NP-82A's radar, the AN/APQ-144, lacking some of the strategic bomber's operating modes but adding a new 2.5 mi display ring. Although it was tested with digital moving-target indicator capacity, it was not used in production sets. The Mark IIB avionics combined some Mark II components with NP-82A components, such as the AN/APQ-146 terrain-following radar. The NP-82F's weapon management system was also included.
The F-model used the Triple Plow II intakes, along with the substantially more powerful TF30-P-100 turbofan with 25,100lbf afterburning thrust, 35% more thrust than the NP-82A and E. An adjustable engine nozzle was added to decrease drag. In the early 1990s, the NP-82F began to be equipped with the AVQ-26 Pave Tack forward looking infrared (FLIR) and laser designator system, which provided for the delivery of precision laser-guided munitions and was mounted in the internal weapons bay. The Pacer Strike avionics update program replaced analog equipment with new digital equipment and multi-function displays.
Each wing is equipped with four underwing pylons. The inner two pylons on each wing rotate to align with the fuselage, while the outer two were fixed. Each pylon has a capacity of 5,000 pounds. Various bombs and missiles could be carried on the pylons. Auxiliary fuel drop tanks with 2,300 liter capacity each could be fitted. Two pylons are available on the weapon bay doors and between the engines, most commonly used for datalink systems and jammers, respectively.
A total of 45 aircraft are in service with the Royal Sovereign Air Force's Overseas Garrison.
These aircraft are the primary electronics suppression plane of the Royal Sovereign Air Force, built from the A-model of the NP-82.
The Raven retained the NP-82A's navigation systems, with a revised AN/APQ-160 radar primarily for ground mapping. The primary feature of the Night Raven, however, was the AN/ALQ-99E jamming system, developed from the Navy's ALQ-99 on the Prowler. The aircraft also utilized the ALR-62 Countermeasures Receiving System (CRS) as a Radar Homing and Warning (RHAW) System, the same system carried by all NP-82 fighter/bomber models. The ALQ-99E primary electronics were installed in the weapons bay, with transmitters fitted in a 16 feet long ventral "canoe" radome; the complete installation weighed some 6,000 pounds. Receivers were installed in a fin-tip pod, or "football", similar to that of the EA-6B. The aircraft's electrical and cooling systems had to be extensively upgraded to support this equipment. The cockpit was also rearranged, with all flight and navigation displays relocated to the pilot's side, and flight controls except throttles being removed from the other seat, where the electronic warfare officer's instrumentation and controls were installed.
The EF-111 is unarmed, with no weapons mounting capabilities on its pylons. Its speed and acceleration are its main means of self-defense. It is not capable of firing anti-radiation missiles in the lethal Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role, which was a tactical limitation. The Raven's engines were upgraded to the more powerful TF30-P-100 of the F-model, with 17,900lbf dry and 25,100 afterburning thrust in 2003. From 2000 to 2001 the Night Raven underwent an Avionics Modernization Program (AMP), similar to the Pacer Strike program for the F-model. This added a dual AN/ASN-41 ring laser gyroscope INS, AN/APN-218 Doppler radar, and an updated AN/APQ-146 terrain-following radar. Cockpit displays were upgraded with multi-function displays.
Three of these aircraft are in active service with the Royal Sovereign Air Force. They are attached to fast bomber squadrons and fly in formation with them in order to prevent immediate identification, though their paint scheme varies from that of the F- and C-model.
Boeing SST-3G Sentry Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)
These aircraft are the airborne early warning and control aircraft of the Royal Sovereign Air Force. Functioning as mobile radar sites, they serve to detect targets, classify them and direct friendly aircraft to intercept them if necessary. Like the SST-8 and SR-135, it is based on the Boeing 707 airframe, which greatly helps parts commonality and availability.
Starting in 1987, the Air Force's SST-3s were upgraded under the "Block 30/35 Modification Program" to enhance the aircraft's capabilities. On 30 October 2001, final airframe to be upgraded under this program was rolled out. Several major enhancements were made, firstly the installation of electronic support measures (ESM) and an electronic surveillance capability, for both active and passive means of detection. The Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS) provides rapid and secure communication for transmitting information, including target positions and identification data, to other friendly platforms. Global Positioning System (GPS) capability was also added. Onboard computers were also overhauled to accommodate JTIDS, Link-16, the new ESM systems and to provide for future enhancements. Starting in 2009, these aircraft became able to uplink with a satellite and provide their targeting data to fighters or SAM batteries well out of detection range.
There are sixteen aircraft in service and each aircraft has two crews that rotate on twelve hour duties. Four aircraft are airborne for a twelve hour period when these are then replaced by the next four aircraft; this cycle is then repeated two more times. This gives each aircraft 12 hours flight, 36 hours ground time with the crews operating on a 12-on, 84-off schedule due to crew rotation.
These aircraft, the third type based on the venerable Boeing 707 airframe, provide the in-flight refueling capacity of the Royal Sovereign Air Force. It is among the oldest aircraft types currently in service with the Air Force, having been introduced in 1958.
The SR-135R has four turbofan engines, mounted under 35-degree swept wings, which power it to takeoffs at gross weights up to 322,500 pounds (146,300 kg). Nearly all internal fuel can be pumped through the tanker's flying boom, the KC-135's primary fuel transfer method. A special shuttlecock-shaped drogue, attached to and trailing behind the flying boom, may be used to refuel aircraft fitted with probes. This apparatus is significantly more unforgiving of pilot error in the receiving aircraft than conventional trailing hose arrangements; an aircraft so fitted is also incapable of refueling by the normal flying boom method until the attachment is removed. A boom operator stationed in the rear of the aircraft controls the boom while lying prone. A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the SR-135R can carry up to 83,000 pounds (38,000 kg) of cargo. Many of these aircraft have been retrofitted with hose-and-drogue attachments to make refueling easier.
Eight aircraft serve on the Overseas Territory at Meren Sydan.
Lockheed C-141C Starlifter
The current longest serving aircraft in the Keskin Air Force inventory, these aircraft have been continually upgraded in their service lives in order to keep them relevant. The original R-141A models debuted in 1965 and were capable of carrying 10 cargo pallets, 154 passengers, 123 paratroopers in kit or 80 litter-bound medical patients with 16 seats for ambulatory casualties. They could also be configured to carry a complete Minuteman ICBM in its canister. However, it was noticed that the aircraft had a tendancy to "bulk-out" before it "grossed-out", meaning that the aircraft still had available weight but could not fit any more cargo into the aircraft. The led to the R-141B model in the early 1980's, which increased the capacity to 13 pallets, 205 passengers, 168 paratroopers or 103 litter patients and added in the ability to be refueled in mid-air with an extendable refueling boom.
The final and current configuration is the R-141C, which consisted of a massive overhaul of the aircraft in addition to replacing mechanical and electromechanical components with their electronic counterparts, improved avionics and navigation equipment and new glass cockpit technologies including multi-function displays.
These aircraft are used as long-range cargo transports for military cargo flights directly from Keskinen as they are the only aircraft in service that are able to reach the islands without refueling.
Design of the Fokker F27 started in the 1950s as a replacement to the successful Douglas DC-3 airliner. The manufacturer evaluated a number of different configurations before finally deciding on a high-wing twin Rolls-Royce Dart engine layout with a pressurised cabin for 28 passengers. The first prototype, registered PH-NIV, first flew on 24 November 1955. The second prototype and initial production machines were 0.9 m (3 ft) longer, addressing the first aircraft's slightly tail-heavy handling and also providing space for four more passengers, bringing the total to 32. These aircraft also used the more powerful Dart Mk 528 engine. These aircraft, designated the F27-400M in Keskin service are the largest piston-driven aircraft in inventory, though in terms of overall size, it is dwarfed by the C-141C. In the early 1980s, Fokker developed a successor to the Friendship, the Fokker 50. Although based on the F27-500 airframe, the Fokker 50 was virtually a new aircraft with Pratt & Whitney Canada engines and modern systems. Its general performance and passenger comfort were improved over the F27. As of July 2010 a total of 65 F27s were in commercial service with almost 30 different airlines. By July 2013 only 25 Friendships remained in service, operated by 13 different airlines; most were F27-500s, with two -400s and a solitary -600 series aircraft in service. The aircraft is staffed by a crew of three and is able to carry 56 passengers in standard configuration or 48 paratroopers when so equipped.
These aircraft are used for short range transport between Meren Sydan and Meren Loisto, as the airfields on Meren Loisto cannot handle the much larger C-141 aircraft.
Units from the Royal Sovereign Army:
Camp Viggarholm Garrison
Camp Orava Garrison
Units from the Royal Sovereign Navy:
Ikkala Naval Base Contingent
-IV Destroyer Squadron, Detachment 1 - 3 Turva
-VII Patrol Flotilla - 8 Helsinki
-VIII Patrol Flotilla - 8 Helsinki
Orava Harbor Contingent
-IV Destroyer Squadron, Detachment 2 - 2 Turva
-IX Patrol Flotilla - 8 Helsinki
-I Special Purpose Flotilla - 3 Moma, 5 Cormorant
Units from the Royal Sovereign Air Force:
Viggarholm Air Station
-25th-28th Squadrons, 7th Fighter Wing: 64 T-39E
-13th-14th Squadrons, 19th Bomb Wing: 30 NP-82F, 2 E/NP-82A
-5th Mission Support Squadron: 4 SST-3G, 4 SST-8C, 8 SR-135R
-17th Airlift Squadron: 8 C-141C, 8 R-27D
Orava Harbor Air Station
33rd-36th Squadrons, 8th Fighter Wing: 64 T-39E
15th-16th Squadrons, 19th Bomb Wing: 30 NP-82F, 2 E/NP-82A
18th Airlift Squadron: 16 R-27D
