Flight trials began today on the latest iteration in Red Bear's ongoing development of gravimetric vehicles, this time focusing on an air effect vehicle with enhanced aerodynamic properties that is capable of true flight, as opposed to the ungainly - and officially prohibited - higher altitude 'lollops' attempted by some of the more adventurous gravpanzer commanders.
Named for its inelegant nose, the Snaggletooth was developed from the air-frame of an Alexandrian Cobra helicopter purchased by the ESB Group. Adapted and enlarged to house a modified gravimetric engine and the formidible 70mm autocannon of a Snark, the Snaggletooth is intended to move silently, swiftly and pack a powerful punch. So powerful, in fact, that test pilots have discovered that the blast recoil of the 70mm can result in a sudden and violent in-flight deaceleration. Whilst this can be compensated for by a rotation of the gravimetric repulsion vectors to maintain equilibrium, the optimum firing position, if the effect of retaining accuracy on target is desired, is from a static or loitering flight profile. Whilst this is not necessarily ideal, it does suit the kind of stealthy pop-up attacks favoured by the attack helicopter pilots who will be the natural choice to pilot this formidable gravimetric air vehicle once it enters into service with the Imperial Forces.
With its greatly reduced Passive Ionic Guidance profile, engendered by the near silent running operational noise volume of the Gravimetric Engine, the Snaggletooth is a capable low-altitude intruder well suited to acting as a scout and pathfinder for larger formations. It is also expected that its handling characteristics and ordnance will make it an attractive option for the Imperial Navy's fleet air arm, still scarred by the reputational and budgetary mauling it received over the F-35 SVTOL procurement debacle.