Here’s the converted Van Nuys from COACC page 55 into a decoy UCAV “Combat” being a stretch in this case.

Anyway for your comments.

Van Nuys Class Decoy Unmanned Combat Arial Vehicle

Modifications by Ewan Quibell 2020-11-18

Updated 2020-11-18

CraftID:	Van Nuys Class Decoy Unmanned Combat Arial Vehicle, TL6/8, Cr 33,500 original TL6, Cr 12,315 conversion TL8 parts UPP=xxx02x
Hull:	6/15, Displacement=6.6, Loaded=1.5 tons, Airframe=Simple STOL
Power:	4/10, Internal Combustion=0.25 Mw, Duration=4 hours 15 minutes
Loco:	Light Propeller, Thrust=1 ton, Minimum Speed=75 kph, Cruise=190 kph, Top=255 kph, Agility=2
Comm:	Radio=Regional (500 km) x2
Sensors:	Video Recorder
Off:
Control:	Simple Panel=Slave x1, Basic Mechanical x3, Electronic Linked x1 NHR Basic Function 100 Robot Brain CPU=Linear x7, Storage=Standard x20 FundLogic=LowData, FundCmd=LimitedBasic Software=Navigation-1, Propeller Aircraft-1,
Accom:	Simple Cockpit x2 (with chairs removed)
Other:	Fuel=0.318 klitres, Cargo=10 klitres, ObjSize=Small, EmLevel=None

The modified Van Nuys Cass is a medium altitude short endurance decoy Unmanned Combat Arial Vehicle (UCAV), more commonly known as a drone, capable of remotely controlled or autonomous flight operations. Although classed as a Combat UAV saying it’s a combat UAV is a stretch. The modified Van Nuys’ job is essentially to get blown up. Converted by Flag Bearer Industries (FBI) of Riftgate to provide a decoy drone capability for the Home County (Riftgate) Army COACC.

FBI licensed the NHR 100 Robot brain to allow for autonomous operation for this UCAV design. To create the decoy UCAV the standard Van Nuys has it’s original TL6 radio removed and replaced with two TL8 Regional ones. A video camara is positioned to view out of the port side cockpit position. The passenger and crew chairs are removed and a radio-controlled remote flying machine installed on the starboard side cabin floor that is mechanically connected to the rudder controls, joystick and throttle, and electronically connected to the instrument panned, the radio controls, the radios, video camera and the NRH 100 Robot Brian. The rest of the plan stays the same. The conversation costs Cr 12,315, most of which is the Robot Brain and software, and leaves the UCAV 3.5kg lighter than the original Van Nuys, although with no noticeable difference in flight capabilities. Any flightworthy small aircraft can be converted in this way to into a decoy UCAV. FBI chose the Van Nuys due to the sheer number of them available cheaply on the 2^nd hand market.

The operation capabilities of the Van Nuys UCAV are minimal, however there is no need for them to be any more. The mission of the decoy UCAV is to fly towards enemy air defences with the intention that it is engaged by those air defences, thus highlighting their position allowing other UCAV’s with precision strike capabilities to destroy them.

Normal operations of the Van Nuys is that it is remote piloted to the expected position of the enemy air defences so that it can act and appear as through it is a treat. Once engaged by those air defences it is set to autonomously fly home. There is no expectation that the decoy will indeed make it back to base in fact the expectation is that it will be destroyed by the air defences.

Best regards,

Ewan

For the fallen in the cause of the free:

"When I go home I will tell of them and say,

For our tomorrow, They gave their today."

My spelling is entirerly due to dyslexia, typos, and poetic license