This is a great bit of kit for Albedo and many other sci-fi miniatures games, we'd like to make a multi-media/multi-option kit as part of the ACP164 initial release, and are now trying to judge the demand for such a kit. We have it listed on our Backerkit pre-order site as a stretch-goal. If you'd be interested in owning one (or more) of these kits, please pop over and place a pre-order. You will not be charged for it until the end of January, and then only if we get pre-orders for 40 (which is the minimum number that is needed to tool up for the kit).
Background
The AV2 or Aero 2 was the first general-issue Aerodyne. This was a stretched and updated version of the Aero 1, capable of carrying ten critters and with a crew of two. In use as a troop carrier, the eight-critter squad was able to be comfortably accommodated, with space for cargo and hangers-on if required. In a pinch, about 20 critters could cram in, but this put the Aero at the outer edge of its flight envelope and was officially discouraged.
At the Battle of Beii, the Aero 2 crews suffered heavy losses. The element of surprise and madcap flying was not enough to save them from ILR fire, and it was clear to EDF technical command that a practical solution was required. Consequently, the Aero 2 was removed from service as a troop carrier and replaced by the Aero 3, which was armored to protect the crew from small-arms fire, and fitted with countermeasures and sensors to detect and defeat incoming missile fire.
The Two continued its active career, though, as the best examples were armored and refitted to become gunships. These early support vehicles mounted eight PML tubes on pylons, as well as a pair of 30mm cannon in ventral blisters. Fitted with the same sensor pack as the transport version, the Gun Twos filled a gap in the range of support available, but were hampered by the need to set down to reload the missile tubes.
Although other Twos soldiered on for most of the war in supporting roles, by the time of OP Sundowner, all the surviving examples had been cascaded to training units, being replaced in front-line service by the much more capable Aero 3 model.
The Aero 3 incorporated a newer, more powerful engine, better protection for the passengers, and a new armored, single-seat cockpit for the pilot, replacing the side-by-side seating arrangement used in earlier models. AI and better computer support made the second pilot position redundant, which further reduced the operating weight and thus increased the hauling capacity.
A new blister turret on the nose of the gunship model contained better sensors, as well as a pair of compact 20mm autocannon and a laser designator. Removal of the 30mm blisters allowed the fitting of more missile tubes, which enabled the crew to provide a more flexible tactical response, as well as reducing the need to fly directly over the target to deliver ordnance.
These designs would serve the EDF well for the rest of the war. The modern Aero 4 is directly descended from the Three, with minor upgrades to the AI and avionics.
The gunship variant has undergone several major changes, resulting in the Aero 8 model, which replaces the autocannon with a pair of pulse-laser turrets. Once again, Aero 3 variants now serve in second-line roles, including training, and can commonly be seen in corporate use (minus the armor plate and weaponry).
