FEN CA M500 'Hornet' Light Helicopter +++

Although not as popular as the larger Cloud Rider, the M500 Hornet produced by FEN Commercial Aircraft is still widely used by Morts Media crews and many are known to favour it for its small size and manoeuvrability. Based on another old military design the M500 was originally conceived roughly 250 years ago as a light reconnaissance craft and gunship and many are known to still be in service on company War Worlds such as Satan's Tear and Charlie's Point even though official production has ceased. Due to its simple construction and easy manufacture FEN CA also found the design to be an ideal basis for a low cost news helicopter for use in the skies over Mort and as a result the M500 was resurrected and production of the commercial model began in 930. The compact cabin has space for three passengers in addition to the single pilot, allowing a small media crew to be carried, as well as a limited amount of cargo beneath the seats and in the rear lockers provided. The Hornets cabin is fitted with four access doors, but due to its short length these hinge open rather than slide and since these can't be opened in flight they are often removed altogether to allow cameramen to have an unrestricted view, despite the obvious hazards. Due to the lack of space for crew it is also not uncommon for additional automatic cameras to be mounted in pods on the M500s landing skids or fuselage. Many of the helicopters also carry a remote control camera fitted in a trainable turret under the nose and operated via a HUD, this often being mounted in tandem with a high powered spotlight. Lightly armoured the Hornet uses a system of ballistic polymer and flak mesh panels attached to a strengthened tubular airframe with addition ceramic armour being placed round its vital systems such as its flight electronics, reactor and control systems, although, unfortunately, not the crew compartment. This allows the aircraft to take considerable punishment and there have been many instances of M500s remaining airborne even after significant amounts of their outer fuselages have been ripped away. The modular design of the helicopter also makes it easy to repair, a fact that makes it popular with the smaller media companies, with damaged panels being simple to patch and replace allowing damaged M500s to be swiftly brought back to operational status. Power comes from a compact 30,000 hour unit while FEN CA outfit all models with UV/IR night flying systems, trainable spotlights and an onboard communications uplink. Although smaller and more basic than other designs, the Hornets extreme durability and low purchase cost has kept it popular for many years and should do so for many years to come.