Maquis SIM Project/Fighters/VAQ-09
Attack Reconnaissance Squadron (VAQ) 09
"Jokers"
Aircraft
The EA-6B Prowler was a twin-engine, mid-wing aircraft manufactured by Northrop Grumman Aerospace Corporation as a modification of the basic A-6 Intruder airframe. Designed for carrier and advanced base operations, the Prowler was a fully integrated electronic warfare system combining long-range, all-weather capabilities with advanced electronic countermeasures. A forward equipment bay and pod-shaped faring on the vertical fin house the additional avionics equipment. It was the United States Navy's and the United States Marine Corps's primary electronic warfare aircraft. The primary mission of the aircraft was to support strike aircraft and ground troops by interrupting enemy electronic activity and obtaining tactical electronic intelligence within a combat area. Since the retirement of the EF-111 Raven in 1995, it was the only aerial radar jammer in the Department of Defense arsenal. It was utilized in practically every US combat operation and frequently loaned to the United States Air Force.
The Prowler had a crew of four, a pilot and three Electronic Counter-measures Officers (known as ECMOs). Powered by two non-afterburning Pratt & Whitney J52-P408 turbojet engines, it was capable of speeds of up to 950 km/h with a range of 1,840 kilometers. Since EW operations are very demanding, the Prowler was a high-maintenance aircraft and also undergoes more frequent equipment upgrades than any other aircraft in the Navy. Although designed as an electronic escort and command and control platform for strike missions, the EA-6B was also capable of attacking surface targets on its own especially radars, SAM launchers, and other enemy defenses. The AGM-88 HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile) was the main offensive strike weapon of the Prowler. In addition, the aircraft was highly capable of conducting electronic intelligence (ELINT) collection.
Spacecraft and Mission
Attack Reconnaissance Squadron NINE (VAQ-09) is made up of nine Brazos style Maquis Ju'Day Raider Class starships. These modified transports have been outfitted with weaponry and a variety of other mission specific equipment. Primarily, the mission of VAQ-09 includes communications intrusion, deception and jamming of hostile units in and around the Badlands. Utilizing special jamming equipment, ships of VAQ-9 can even use the sensors of hostile units against themselves by projecting "ghost" images of themselves, mirroring positions of the hostiles themselves, and generally any means necessary to ensure that they are looking anywhere except where Maquis assets are actually positioned.
A typical tactical ploy for VAQ-09 upon detecting a hostile presence near a Maquis asset is to project the sensor ghosts of greater numbers. The squadron of nine Ju'Days become four to five fold prompting the the hostile unit to flee or tempting them to pursue. Either way, the tactic is to ensure the "joke" is on them and at the end of the day, the hostile winds up with nothing. VAQ Squadron's Raiders have had Cloaking technology added in order to assist with the stealth needed to assist them in their redirection techniques. Five Type-9 Shuttles have also been fit with modified sensors, as well as having their engines tuned to make their "signatures" appear as larger craft, enhancing the diversionary effect.
Even though intrusion, deception, and jamming are their weapons in their collective arsenal, they are more than capable of carrying out offensive missions when the need arises. VAQ-09 carries an "attack" designation and can be used at neutralizing hostile defenses clearing the path for other Maquis assets to exploit and attack harder more valuable targets.
Brazos Style Specifications & Deck Plans
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