- Yes (Air tree)
- Yes (Helicopter tree)
- No
Hello everyone, and welcome to my first suggestion!
Today, I have decided to suggest the BGM-34B Firebee UCAV, as it provides America with an exciting CAS platform at a battle rating of 9.3-10.3g.
Development
The BGM-34B is the USAF’s first Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle, beginning development in 1971 as an answer to the SA-2 Guideline SAM systems in Vietnam. The project’s advantages was twofold, first it would inherently have a small RCS and make it harder to target with radar and take the pilot out of danger. The original development of the BGM-34A showed great promise. But it was unfortunately too tedious to use in combat.
Thus, a new variant, the BGM-34B was developed, which no longer required a counterweight for suspended ordinance due to it having larger control surfaces and an improved flight control system, adding certain aspects of FBW systems. The B variant also gained two permanently attached noses:w One nose with a FLIR for help with acquisition of targets for AGM-65s, much like the USMC ARBS system; One containing a laser targeting pod. The laser pod gave it the ability to self designate bombs such as the Paveway I series, specifically the SPASM.
Development progressed into late 1974, where the C variant was developed, adding a new ECM nose, A recon nose and an electronic warfare nose at the expense of the laser designation nose. It also gained suspended countermeasures.
The project was eventually cancelled due to it technically being a strategic weapon in the SALT II treaty, as under the treaty technically it was defined as a cruise missile, further compounded by issues like the air force not believing in pilotless planes yet.
Implimentation
Due to a lack of resources, I'm not sure the C got the laser designation nose. If it were added, it would require the SPASM, which is basically a Mk-81 Paveway with a rocket motor like the AGM-123A.
But what about landing?
For landing, my best idea is to create an area similar to the rearming zone in bullet hell near the airfield, where you can safely J out without consequence and then respawn. This is best since it works for GB and AB and helps with immersion, as you can pretend a helicopter came to recover the Firebee like real life. However, the way that if you J out safely on the airfield in ground, meaning you've technically "died" and now need to get the spawn points again, could be an issue.
Obviously, if you have a better idea, please discuss.
Suspended armament
Spoiler
| Type | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| AGM-65 |  |
 |
|
| GBU-8 HOBOS |  |
|
|
| SPASM(Mk81) |  |
|
|
| ALE-38 |  |
|
|
| AGM-45 Shrike |  |
|
|
| Drop tanks |  |
|
Specifications
spoiler
| Length | 8.69 m (28 ft 6.2 in) |
| Wingspan | 4.42 m (14 ft 6 in) |
| Weight | 2270 kg (5000 lb) |
| Speed | 760 km/h (472 mph) |
| Ceiling | 15000+ m (50000+ ft) |
| Range | 1400 km (875 miles) |
| Engine | Continental J69-T-41A |
| Thrust | 8.5 kN (1920 lb) |
Sources: