Vertibird | |||||||||||||||||
The two generations of Vertibirds compared | |||||||||||||||||
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Vertibird is a designation for a series of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) craft. These multipurpose tiltwing aircraft were developed by the United States military and rapidly became the primary gunship and transportation aircraft of the military.[1]
The VB-02 Vertibird was primarily used by the Enclave in post-War America, but since its defeat, Vertibirds have seen limited use from both of the New California Republic and the Brotherhood of Steel for transport of VIPs or for special missions.[1]
History
The original Vertibird was developed by the United States as a multipurpose tiltrotor aircraft. Following the success of what became known as the VB-01 Vertibird, the military commenced work on a superior model, hoping to improve on virtually every aspect of the original: Better armor, better weapons, better speed and cargo capacity, everything. When the Great War struck in 2077, the XVB02 Vertibird was still in prototype phase, scheduled to enter full military service in 2085.[1] Limited trial runs were developed and pressed into service, including winterized models during the last stages of the Anchorage Reclamation[2]
At least two distinct versions of the Vertibird were created: a transport design, with a large glass canopy, six non-retractable landing struts, a spacious cargo bay and seven bladed rotors for extra lift, and a gunship, with a heavily armored hull, four rotor blades, four retractable landing struts and better armament.[3]
Vertibirds of both types have appeared in the hands of the Enclave after the War, indicating the development cycle reached a stage allowing to reliably produce the aircraft. These were used extensively in field operations on the West Coast, which include trading with the Salvatore family of New Reno,[4] capturing of test subjects for the FEV Curling-13 research programme from Arroyo and Vault 13[5] and more. Around 2242, the Chosen One stole the Vertibird Plans from the Navarro base, making it possible that the Vertibird plans ended up in the hands of various factions of the wasteland. The destruction of the oil rig later that year has likely destroyed a large number of aircraft in Enclave's service. When the Navarro military base was later conquered by the NCR, Vertibirds stationed at the base were put into service in the Republic's armed forces.[6]
In 2277, Enclave forces that relocated to the Capital Wasteland deployed a large fleet of Vertibirds to support their ground operations in the region. These gunships were used in a decidedly military capacity. When the Enclave suffered a defeat at the hands of the Lone Wanderer, supported by the Lyons' Brotherhood of Steel, a large number of these aircraft were destroyed, both during the attack on Project Purity and the subsequent conquest of Adams Air Force Base.[7]
Variants
VB-01 Vertibird
VB-02 Vertibird
Behind the scenes
Cut content
Enclave Air Force insignia, from the destroyed Vertibird texture map
When destroyed, the wreckage uses a slightly different texture set, including rotor markings and the emblem of what is likely to be the Enclave Air Force.
Design background
- The name "Vertibird" is the trademark for a toy helicopter playset popular in the 70's.
- Many design aspects of this aircraft appear to be inspired by the hovering insect, the dragonfly. For example, the six legged landing gear and twin bulges in the forward fuselage.
- The technical concept of wingtip-mounted, tilting engine-pods with rotors featuring a diameter between a classic aircraft propeller and a helicopter's main rotor has been used in several real-world-designs like the experimental aircrafts Bell XV-3, Curtiss-Wright X-19 or Bell X-22.
- A prominent tilt-rotor aircraft in current military service is the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey which is operated by both the United States Marine Corps and the United States Air Force.
Vertibird Designation
The designation "VB-02" would, in real-world US military usage, indicate that it is a bomber aircraft. As the Vertibird's primary roles appear to be transport and ground attack, the "VB" prefix seems to be simply intended as an abbreviation of Vertibird. In post-1962 US Department of Defense nomenclature, the transport variation's designation would probably be CV-2, meaning "cargo/transport VTOL, design number 2", with the gunship variant being "AV-2", meaning "Attack Purposed VTOL, design number 2".
Gallery
Fallout 2
Enclave soldiers in front of a Vertibird.
Fallout 3
Brotherhood of Steel Vertibird landing on mobile base crawler.
A gunship Vertibird outside Arlington Library.
Winterized Vertibird in flight.
A Winterized Vertibird landing in Operation Anchorage.
Cockpit of a Gunship variant.
Controls for the Gunship.
Troop section of a Gunship variant.
Inside of the Vertibird.
Fallout 3 Vertibird concept art.
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
Concept art by Adam Adamowicz
Fallout: New Vegas
- Crashedvertibird.jpg
Enclave Vertibird in Remnants Bunker
Bear Force One, unique Vertibird used to transport NCR President Aaron Kimball
GECK view of the Enclave Vertibird
Fallout 4
Gameplay revel at E3 2015
Concept art reveled at E3 2015
Appearances in games
Vertibirds appear in Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Museum of Technology Vertibird placard: "This is a scaled model of a prototype military transport vehicle being developed by the U.S. Military. The XVB02 "Vertibird" is a VTOL ("Vertical Take Off and Landing") craft with an extremely durable armored fuselage and can be armored with a variety of offensive weapons and defensive countermeasures. This is the most advanced aircraft of its kind ever developed, and the military hopes to press them into service by 2085."
- ↑ A winterized Vertibird can be seen during the Anchorage Reclamation simulation, dropping off troops.
- ↑ Appearance of the craft in Fallout 2, Fallout 3, and Fallout: New Vegas.
- ↑ Help guard a secret transaction taking place in the desert.
- ↑ Events of Fallout 2.
- ↑ Vertibirds appear at Long 15, while another is used as Bear Force One by the NCR President.
- ↑ Events of Fallout 3.
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