This time Dr Forbidden looks at HCS plans for a strategic bomber.
Its no secret that the HCS are wanting a strategic bomber, its something they have wanted for a long time. Ten years ago they developed an experimental aircraft called the B-3, a horrific Mach 3 hog with mediocre range and payload. Of course the reason why was that the B-3 wasn't a bomber at all. It was an experimental aircraft to explore hypersonic flight. For propaganda reasons a bomber was made out of it and around 8 were produced for the 1st Heavy Attack (Bomber) Regiment of the HCS.
Its thought these aircraft were quietly reverted back into research aircraft once the propaganda zeal had dimmed, the aircraft certainly had a limited usefulness as a bomber but the HCS continue to seek a strategic bomber, its almost like the Holy Grail of their portfolio. The question is why?
Actually a strategic bomber is a very useful asset for a force like the HCS which nowadays is mostly restricted to garrison and anti-insurgent duties. A long range aircraft that can deliver a useful payload especially if it can be done at high speed. The HCSAF have published a requirement for a "continental" range Mach 2.2 aircraft with lo-visability and hi-survivability. The key is the aircraft also is to have an anti-shipping role and this is where a bomber could be very useful.
Several planets in the Clone Empire have large water masses and piracy and rebel shipping are a growing problem. Existing anti-shipping assets like the A-19B and A-84 are decent types but lack the range to attack some targets in the deep ocean on planets like Aquaworld and even Cloneworld. A supersonic bomber able to reach these targets would be a very useful indeed.
