Voltrovian Fighter Aircraft Tender

[Voltrovia]

The Voltrovian Ministry of Defence is seeking a capable, competent and high-quality design that can augment its planned purchase of its regional collaborative jet fighter, the Sceptre Fighter Jet. This tender is seeking aircraft who can outperform, match, or effectively support the Sceptre A variant (whose capacities can be seen here on a very incomplete storefront: viewtopic.php?f=6&t=276310) and who are designed for the same landbased (carrier-compatible,STOL and VTOL aircraft will be looked on favourably but this is not the fundamental brief) multirole profile and are of high enough overall quality to warrant purchase.

The tender will operate through an open tender of any aircraft whose designers wish to put it forward being posted here, with capabilities or link to capabilities, otherwise it will not be considered, alongside a short justification of why Voltrovia should purchase the aircraft.

After one RL day a shortlist will be presented, whose constituents will be expected to negotiate (will all be made clear closer to the time) and organise their programmes more effectively.

A final decision of the winner and runners-up (who will get less orders but still many) will be made most probably by the end of the working week, possibly earlier.

We wish all participants the best of luck and note that we are considering spending as much as 1% or more of our GDP on this long-term procurement project, meaning that victorious bids may be worth hundreds of billions of vortios, or dollars. Any bidder must have the capacity to manufacture possibly more than a thousand aircraft ON-TIME!

Any parties interested in purchasing the Sceptre A or other variants should please make that known to the Greater Mercaterian Trade and Exports Consortium.

[Feebland]

Feebland Aerospace (FA) has decided to enter the StormBird Multi-role Fighter into the competition. A highly capable fighter, the StormBird has been in service with the Feebland Air Corps and Feebland Navy since 2007. It is available in a single-seat (C), double seat(B), and carrier-capable (M) versions. The engines are designed with environmental friendliness in mind; they burn bio-fuel and feature carbon scrubbers to eliminate 99% of harmful emissions, all without impacting performance.



General characteristics

• Crew: 1–2
  
• Length: 15.27 m (50.1 ft)
  
• Wingspan: 10.80 m (35.4 ft)
  
• Height: 5.34 m (17.5 ft)
  
• Wing area: 45.7 m² (492 ft²)
  
• Empty weight:
  
  • C: 9,500 kilograms (21,000 lb)
    
  • B: 9,770 kilograms (21,500 lb)
    
  • M: 10,196 kilograms (22,480 lb)
• Loaded weight: 14,016 kg (30,900 lb)
  
• Max. takeoff weight: 24,500 kg (C/D), 22,200 kg (M) (54,000 lb)
  
• Powerplant: 2 × Feebland Electric AE-90 turbofans
  
  • Dry thrust: 50.04 kN (11,250 lbf) each
    
  • Thrust with afterburner: 75.62 kN (17,000 lbf) each
• Fuel capacity: 4,700 kg (10,360 lb) internal
  
• Fuel type: Biofuel from sugar cane, beets, or corn. Can also burn standard jet fuel, kerosene, AvGas, or diesel.

Performance

• Maximum speed:
  
  • High altitude: Mach 1.8 (1,912 km/h, 1,032 knots)
    
  • Low altitude: Mach 1.1 (1,390 km/h, 750 knots)
• Range: 3,700+ km (2,000+ nmi)
  
• Combat radius: 1,852+ km (1,000+ nmi)on penetration mission
  
• Service ceiling: 15,235 m (50,000 ft)
  
• Rate of climb: 304.8+ m/s (60,000+ ft/min)
  
• Wing loading: 306 kg/m² (62.8 lb/ft²)
  
• Thrust/weight: 0.988 (100% fuel, 2 EM A2A missile, 2 IR A2A missile) version

Armament

• 1x Feebland Armory 30mm cannon
• 14 hardpoints for a combination of bombs, missiles, gun pods, drop tanks, cargo pods, and buddy refueling systems.
  
  Cost
  
  • C version: $90.8 million NSD
  • B version: $97.6 million NSD
  • M version: $104 million NSD

[Pharthan]

Voltrovian Defense Ministry
Voltrovia

We at Halcyon Arms would like to present for your approval the F/A-33 Wolf, our main carrier-based multirole fighter. Pharthan pilots and others over the world have love the Wolf for it's maneuverability and speed; through the use of thrust-vectoring and variable pitch canards and wing-tips, the Wolf is capable of performing all tests necessary to label it as a "hyper-maneuverable" aircraft, while still maintaining super-cruise ability.

The Wolf qualifies as a stealth fighter, with a forward RCS the size of a bird, and can carry a great deal of it's ordnance inside of internal bays. Through use of it's avionics, the Wolf can perform limited on-scene AWACS duties for it's comrades, able to swap out at a moment's notice should another receive damage or run low on ammunition and be a more viable AWACS aircraft in it's stead at a safer stand-off distance.

The Wolf is meant as an overall multi-role fighter, superb in the area of air-to-air combat and very capable of strike-warfare.

We would also like to present the F/A-70 Panther II as a carrier-based interceptor. Capable of higher speeds and stealthier than the Wolf, the Panther is more dedicated in air-to-air roles, though is a capable strike fighter as well. It is not as maneuverable as the Wolf, but still maintains a good degree of it.

Unlike many competitors, such as the F/A-22 Raptor, the Panther and Wolf are designed from the bottom up to be maneuverable, rather than shoe-horning it in through thrust-vectoring. This, combined with simplified maintenance procedures and excellent quality-control, the Wolf and Panther have higher up-front costs, but operating costs are made to be as low as is possible and, should they be used for a great length of time, will in the end be cheaper to fly.

Very Respectfully,
Tyler Jacobs,
CEO of Halcyon Arms

[Virana]

---

Sender(s): Melinda Mushaf, Director of Global Solutions

To the esteemed and honorable representatives of Voltrovia,

United Aerospace Defense Systems, or UNADS, is a global aerospace and security company headquartered in the United Republic of Emmeria. We provide advanced solutions to our customers through our employees' innovation, performance, and unmatched integrity. As a global security, aerospace, and information technology company, UNADS serves the United Republic Department of Defense, federal executive agencies, and international government and some commercial customers by providing cutting edge products, services, and platforms.

We received notice of your request for proposals for carrier-capable fighter jets with advanced capabilities for use with Voltrovia to supplement the Spectre A fighter jet in a multirole capacity. We believe the UNADS F-29 Super Viper Joint Dominance Fighter, a 5th generation stealth multirole fighter, fits your requirements fairly well. Allow me to address each requirement individually.

• Carrier or STOVL capability
  The F-29C "EMLAR" (electromagnetic launch and arrested recovery) variant of the F-29 is capable of carrier landings. Using an integrated retractable arrestor hook and enlarged wings with folding wingtips (for storage in volume-restricted carrier hangars) for increased low-speed lift, the F-29C has a very low minimum landing and takeoff speed that allows it to land on or take off from short carrier runways (with the help of arrestor wires and a carrier catapult, respectively).
  
  However, development of operational carriers with integrated electromagnetic or steam powered catapults is expensive. Many navies in the world prefer to utilize short or vertical takeoff aircraft on carriers without catapults or on amphibious assault ships. The F-29B STOVL (short takeoff, vertical landing) model is ideal for this role. As a supersonic high-performance fighter, the F-29B is a far better option than the conventional, outdated Harrier jumpjet for this role. It utilizes a state-of-the-art turboshaft lift fan and rear vectored thrust to provide stabilized vertical flight.
  
  Should carrier capability not be required, the F-29A is a conventional version of the fighter that eliminates extraneous measures and focuses solely on performance. It requires standard airfield-length runways and does not contain the ability to land vertically, but it is by far the most agile variant of the series.
  
  The F-29 series was designed with the requirements of the United Republic Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps, as well as the requirements of over seven international partners. As such, the variants consist of ideal compromises optimized for their specific roles, resulting in a highly effective multirole fighter.
• Multirole capability
  The F-29's design was optimized from the start to fit a flexible multirole profile with a focus on versatile strike capacity. Its airframe is built to enhance cruise and maneuver capabilities in the transonic regime, a flight envelope ideal for this role. The F-29's APG-90 SCAN low-probability of intercept AESA array contains numerous functions to perform long-range aerial combat and perform multiple ground attack roles, utilizing agile beam steering, synthetic aperture mapping, ground moving target identification, and a host of other methods to excel in these missions. The aircraft features a highly sophisticated sensor suite, including advanced electro-optical sensors providing situational awareness infrared search-and-track, that boost its capability to perform in any role. With a powerful sensor fusion computer, the aircraft can combine all data from all sensors and datalinks and display it to the pilot with little need for interpretation, allowing pilots to make difficult tactical decisions in combat.

The F-29 is a multirole fighter that serves an imperative role in Emmerian air defense strategy, combined with a number of legacy 4th and 4.5 generation fighters as well as the air superiority-focused F-31 Wyvern. Over 60,000 F-29s have been built for almost 50 countries worldwide, who utilize the F-29's advanced capabilities to provide themselves a decisive advantage in aerial warfare.

The individual flyaway cost for an F-29 is around $85 million Universal Standard dollars, a price accomplished through the economies of scale principle. However, nations purchasing the F-29 also pay for an export license, pilot and maintenance technician training, maintenance equipment, logistics, and a performance-based logistics plan. As such, the cost of purchasing the F-29 can be found here.

The federal government of the United Republic of Emmeria can authorize defense contractors to compete in international defense acquisition programs, providing sophisticated products to nations with similar objectives and defense goals. After a review, the United Republic Defense Security Assistance Agency (DSAA) has issued an arms export license to UNADS and other defense contractors responsible for the F-29 to allow us to participate in this competition.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Melinda Mushaf
Director of Global Solutions
United Aerospace Defense Systems

1 Attachment: F-29 specifications

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (1 pilot)
• Length: 15.65 m (51.35 ft)
• Wingspan: 10.7 m (35.1 ft) (F-29A/B); 13.12 m (43.04 ft) (F-29C unfolded); 10.5 m (34.45 ft) (F-29C folded wingtips)
• Height: 4.3 m (14.11 ft)
• Wing area: 47.7 m² (513.44 sq ft²) (F-29A/B); 69.4 m² (747.02 ft²) (F-29C)
• Empty weight: 14,502 kg (31,972 lbs) (F-29A); 15,588 kg (34,366 lbs) (F-29B); 15,547 kg (34,275 lbs) (F-29C)
• Loaded weight: 23,470 kg (51,743 lbs) (F-29A); 24,556 kg (54,137 lbs) (F-29B); 24,515 kg (54,046 lbs) (F-29C)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 31,800 kg (70,107 lbs)
• Powerplant: 2× Bahar & Carter F151 multi-axis fluidic thrust vectoring turbofans (F-29A/C); 2× Bahar & Carter F152 multi-axis fluidic/conventional thrust vectoring turbofans with turboshaft
  • Dry thrust: 71 kN (15,961 lbf) each
  • Thrust with afterburner: 97.5 kN (21,918 lbf) each

Performance

• Maximum speed:
  • At altitude: Mach 1.61 (1,970 km/h; 1,230 mph) (tested to Mach 1.7)
  • Supercruise: Mach 1.02 (1,240 km/h; 770 mph)
• Ferry range: 4,200 km (2,270 nmi) with two external fuel tanks or conformal drop tanks
• Combat radius: 1,000 km (650 nmi) on internal fuel
• Wing loading: 377.12 kg/m² (77.24 lb/ft²) (F-29A)
• Thrust/weight: 0.85 (F-29A) (1.17 with loaded weight and 50% fuel)
• Maximum design g-load: -3.0/+9.0 g (F-29A); -3.0/+7.0 g (F-29B); -3.0/+9.0 g (F-29C)

Armament

• Guns (one of the following; none on F-29B STOVL, must be installed externally):
  • M61A2 Vulcan 20 mm 6-barreled rotary cannon
  • GAU-22/A Equalizer 25 mm 4-barreled rotary cannon
  • GAU-8/C Avenger 30 mm 4-barreled rotary cannon
• Hardpoints:
  • 4× under-wing hardpoints (2 per wing)
    • 2× AA/AS hardpoints (wet; 1 per wing) rated for 2300 kg
    • 2× AA/AS hardpoints (1 per wing) rated for 1150 kg
  • 2× near-wingtip single-load hardpoints (1 per wing) rated for 150 kg (A2A ordnance only)
  • 2× ordnance bays
    • 1× roof-mounted hardpoint per bay, rated for 1150 kg
    • 1× roof-mounted hardpoint per bay, rated for 300 kg (A2A ordnance only)
    • 1× door-mounted hardpoint per bay, rated for 300 kg (A2A ordnance only)
• Missiles
  • Air-to-air missiles
    • AIM-120 AMRAAM
    • MBDA Meteor
    • AIM-9X Sidewinder
    • IRIS-T
    • AIM-132 ASRAAM
    • Joint Weapons Program - AAMs
      • AIM-11X Python XSRM
      • AIM-145C Medusa XMRM
      • AIM-160 Golden Eagle XLRM
      • ASM-140 XASM
  • Air-to-surface missiles
    • AGM-158 JASSM
    • AGM-154 JSOW
    • Brimstone/MBDA SPEAR
    • Joint Air-to-ground Missile
    • Storm Shadow
    • SOM
    • Joint Strike Missile

Avionics

• Rayzero AN/APG-90 SCAN AESA radar and RWR (175 km against 1 m² targets for radar; 350 km for RWR)
• UAE Systems AN/ASQ-144 STRIKE remote operated targeting unit
  • LANTIRN low-altitude night operations subsystem
• AN/AAQ-38 electro-optical Distributed Aperture System missile warning and situational awareness system
• Southard-Ackerman AN/ALQ-43 SPECTRA defensive aids system
  • Radar and laser warning receivers
  • Southard-Ackerman AN/ASQ-392 electronic warfare system

[Voltrovia]

Preliminary Statement Prior to Shortlist Announcement

The Voltrovian Government is pleased to announce that upon negotiations with the Greater Mercaterian League (GML, comprised of Voltrovia, Melicizen and Tovratis) that a substantial portion of the GML Sovereign Wealth and Assets Fund has been allocated to purpose of an augmentation to the under-development Sceptre.

In addition to our original 500 billion vortio+ fund, a further 2 trillion V$ has been added to the fund, bringing the total amount available for related spending up to as much as 4 trillion dollars while also making this a GML-wide procurement program.

Stipulations regarding expense, domestic manufacturing, industrial expertise and repair and upgrade facilities have been included with this grant which therefore requires nations entering the tender to provide detail on how technology, manufacturing and capacity to repair (etc.) could be transferred.

To clarify: the GML is not looking for every single inch of the aircraft's design to be transferred (although that is most certainly something which was alluded to favourably in the agreement) but does feel that independence over aviation matters is fundamental.

Clarifications required at this stage from UNADS (and by extension Praxis and your government) - would a domestic manufacturing license be able to cover all of the CURRENT GML at the same 2 trillion dollar expense? (same implicit question over unified purchase goes to all other nations with similar set ups) and would your government be interested in allowing the prototype F-31 into the tender as the GML meeting found it to be extremely desirable and the Tovratian government (whose technical, technological and design expertise are key to the current Sceptre development) in particular were very interested in being a partner or aiding in some way in what appears to be a dynamic development. It appears to answer our augmentation requirements even if it is superiority-based and our governments would happily present a compelling as to our financial, moral and ideological applicability as to its purchase (waiving an overall DML requirement MIGHT VERY RELUCTANTLY be possible for the F-31, even if we were to be a partner on the project,as per your outright refusal or possible acceptance.

All negotiations on liveries,etc., will be deferred until later in the process.

All export restrictions/downgrades should be removed from final bids - only fully capable craft are acceptable. Cooperation in projects is also an option that we would like to pursue.

Conference of the Three Nations [GML]
Maltrovis
Voltrovia
Greater Mercateria

Final Statement on Shortlist will be given in approximately six hours time.

OOC: The sums being dealt with may be very large, but not murderous for a number of reasonably resource-rich nations with enormous trade wealth and very good balance of payments - all over a long period. Plus, the Tovratians have a dream about the GML commanding the skies.

[Anikatia]

To: Voltrovian Ministry of Defence
From: Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation.

To the esteemed representatives of Voltrovian Ministry of Defence ,

We would like to suggest to your nation, our combat proven and in production Aymovski Ay-05 Carrier Capable Multirole Fighter. We have a selection of variants to suit all needs and budgets. We have sold over 3000 of this type worldwide!

In addition we wish to bring to your attention the latest version the Ay-05NG (Next Generation) a substantial development of this type with supercruising ability, thrust vectoring, and while not complete stealth incorporates radar absorbent material(s) and special coatings making radar reflecting surface is 4-5 times smaller than of basic Ay-05 thus achieving enhanced survivability. It represents the 4++ generation of Anikatian fighter aircraft technology.

The Ay-05NG is able to supercruise within the Mach 1 range. Our Ay-05 is built for ease of maintenance and proven this with it's service in many air forces around the world. That is why among other reasons the single engine design was chosen allowing for even lower costs in long term maintenance and they are very simple to remove from the aircraft for servicing. We believe a Hi-Lo mix concept is valid here with your Sceptre fighter jet as the "high" and our Ay-05 as the "low" that effectively supports the Sceptres.

For any additional information please feel free to contact us at any time, we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Isaac Yevseyev
Chief Executive Officer,
Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation

General Characteristics

• Crew: One / Two (UB)
• Length: 15.04 m (49.34 ft)
• Wingspan: 11.03 m (36.18 ft)
• Height: 4.90 m (16.08 ft)
• Wing area: 38.05 m² (409.57 sq ft²)
• Empty weight: 6,580 kg (14,506 lb)
• Loaded weight: 13,460 kg (29,674 lb)
• Maximum takeoff weight: 16,450 kg (36,266 lb)
• Powerplant: 1x Bulgakov K56E-117S-OVT thrust vectoring control (TVC) turbofan
• Dry thrust: 83.8 kN (8,545 kgf, 18,839 lbf)
• Thrust with afterburner: 132.2 kN (13,481 kgf, 29,721 lbf)

Performance

• Maximum speed:
  • At altitude: Mach 2.1 (2,231 km/h, 1,386 mph)
  • Supercruise: Mach 1.01 (1,237 km/h, 768.6 mph)
• Ferry range: 3,456 km (1866 nmi) with external fuel tanks
• Combat range: 1,280 km (691.1 nmi)
• Wing loading: 353.939 kg/m² (72.492 lb/ft²)
• Thrust/weight: 1.00 (1.27 with loaded weight & 50% fuel)
• Max Maneuvering Load Factor: -4.0 / 10 g
• Armament
  • Guns (one of the following):
    • Esk-20k cannon with 120 round 20mm or
    • Esk-30-K1 cannon with 120 rounds 30 mm
  • Hardpoints: 9 total (8× under-wing, 1× centre-line) with a capacity of 5,800 kg
  • Missiles
    • Air-to-air missiles
    • 70-100 Km range beyond visual range active missiles
    • Imaging infrared short range missiles
    • Air-to-surface missiles
    • Air to sea missiles
    • Anti radiation missiles
    • Laser guided weapons
    • Runway penetration bombs
    • General purpose bombs
    • Training bombs
    • Others:
    • Countermeasures (Flares, Chaff)
    • Up to 3 external drop tanks (2× under-wing 1,100 litres, 1× under-fuselage 800 litres for extended range/loitering time)
    Avionics
    -AKI/RAL K05R-NG-M3 all-weather multimode active electronically scanned array (AESA) Radar system (detect aerial targets sized 5m² at ranges up to 200 km+ ;can track 30 aerial targets in the track-while-scan mode, and engage six targets simultaneously in the attack mode.)
    
    • Tagirbekov General Industries Tgk-77M sophisticated multi-channel Infrared search and track (ISRT) sighting system,
    • Rykovatia Weapon Systems Rtk-6QMP Datalink communications system
    • Dietrich Osterhagen Electrics Limited ODEL-16QP electronic warfare suite
    • RAL-05KPG Rakovski RWR

[Voltrovia]

The Final Shortlist as outlined in the original plan of the Tender is now complete:

Due to difficulties regarding the sourcing of information from various entities some of the following aircraft may be summarily withrawn:

Aircraft Accepted for Phase 2 (please see thread for more details regarding specific planes):

(GMTEC) (shadow bid)
(Sceptre A)

UNADS
FF-29 A (Parachute-retarded landing alongside normal capabilities)
FF-29 C (Parachute-retarded landing alongside EMLAR)

Praxis
F(F)-31 (Parachute-retarded landing alongside normal capabilities)

Halcyon Arms Aerospace Divison
F/A-31 Wolf
F/A-70 Panther II

ANKITEC
Ay-05NG

Note: Parachute-retardation on landings is now a design requirement.

Our Apologies and Thanks to all those who did not meet the required standards of Phase 2 for their participation.

[Virana]

Preliminary Statement Prior to Shortlist Announcement

The Voltrovian Government is pleased to announce that upon negotiations with the Greater Mercaterian League (GML, comprised of Voltrovia, Melicizen and Tovratis) that a substantial portion of the GML Sovereign Wealth and Assets Fund has been allocated to purpose of an augmentation to the under-development Sceptre.

In addition to our original 500 billion vortio+ fund, a further 2 trillion V$ has been added to the fund, bringing the total amount available for related spending up to as much as 4 trillion dollars while also making this a GML-wide procurement program.

Stipulations regarding expense, domestic manufacturing, industrial expertise and repair and upgrade facilities have been included with this grant which therefore requires nations entering the tender to provide detail on how technology, manufacturing and capacity to repair (etc.) could be transferred.

To clarify: the GML is not looking for every single inch of the aircraft's design to be transferred (although that is most certainly something which was alluded to favourably in the agreement) but does feel that independence over aviation matters is fundamental.

Clarifications required at this stage from UNADS (and by extension Praxis and your government) - would a domestic manufacturing license be able to cover all of the CURRENT GML at the same 2 trillion dollar expense? (same implicit question over unified purchase goes to all other nations with similar set ups) and would your government be interested in allowing the prototype F-31 into the tender as the GML meeting found it to be extremely desirable and the Tovratian government (whose technical, technological and design expertise are key to the current Sceptre development) in particular were very interested in being a partner or aiding in some way in what appears to be a dynamic development. It appears to answer our augmentation requirements even if it is superiority-based and our governments would happily present a compelling as to our financial, moral and ideological applicability as to its purchase (waiving an overall DML requirement MIGHT VERY RELUCTANTLY be possible for the F-31, even if we were to be a partner on the project,as per your outright refusal or possible acceptance.

All negotiations on liveries,etc., will be deferred until later in the process.

All export restrictions/downgrades should be removed from final bids - only fully capable craft are acceptable. Cooperation in projects is also an option that we would like to pursue.

Conference of the Three Nations [GML]
Maltrovis
Voltrovia
Greater Mercateria

Final Statement on Shortlist will be given in approximately six hours time.

OOC: The sums being dealt with may be very large, but not murderous for a number of reasonably resource-rich nations with enormous trade wealth and very good balance of payments - all over a long period. Plus, the Tovratians have a dream about the GML commanding the skies.

[OOC: Sorry for the late reply. I've been busy all day. ]

---

Sender(s): Melinda Mushaf, Director of Global Solutions

To the esteemed and honorable representatives of Voltrovia,

Allow me to respond individually to your queries. The $2 trillion domestic manufacturing costs cover domestic production of each individual variant of the F-29. That cost covers relatively expensive export licenses covering the F-29's sophisticated technology, the construction of specialized facilities to build technologically sensitive parts, and restrictive security measures for the safe production of this sensitive technology. Due to the fact that all three variants use many similar parts, the cost of purchasing such a license for all three variants combined is less than that of purchasing a license for each of the three separately. Parts that do not contain sensitive technology are outsourced and contracted to firms in the country where the fighter is built, thus most of the aircraft is built locally.

Additionally, the F-31 is available for export, but United Republic federal law bars the dissemination of domestic manufacturing licenses or foreign development funding for the F-31 under Amendment 295 to U.R. House of Representatives Resolution 2266: Defense Appropriations Act of 1998. Domestic manufacturing licenses to this fighter are not available even to close U.R. security partners. This is a decision made by members of the United Republic House of Representatives, and it does not fall within UNADS's jurisdiction. We apologize to representatives of the Voltrovian or Tovratian governments for the inconvenience this may have caused.

In addition, UNADS is one of the F-31's development partners (alongside the prime contractor, Praxis). We would like to inform you that although it is capable of dropping air-to-ground ordnance (up to 2 1000 lb bombs internally) and contains avionics suited to provide ground target tracking, its flight profile is far from ideal for a multirole fighter specifically designed to perform both air superiority and versatile strike missions, and its takeoff and landing speed are too high for carrier landings. For these reasons, we do not think the F-31 is applicable for the GML program, but this is ultimately up to the GML program's executive board. It is important to note that due to U.R. federal law governing export restrictions, GML partners will need to purchase the F-31 on an aircraft-by-aircraft basis.

We noted that drag chute-compatible aircraft are now a design requirement. The F-31 can be retrofitted with a drag chute that fits with its stealthy profile, and it is often used in colder environments in the United Republic that may contain icy runways. The FF-29, a specialized version of the F-29, features an integrated drag chute, and was designed specifically for UR ally Finorskia, an Arctic country.

Non-negotiable export prices are listed on each fighter's product page. We await further requests for information from participating nations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Melinda Mushaf
Director of Global Solutions
United Aerospace Defense Systems

[Voltrovia]

Prior to Phase 3's cessation some time tomorrow all nations shortlisted are required to produce a justification and response similar to UNADS's above.

The GML (all three nations) announce their separate decision to make what amounts to a Statement of Intent as to the prospective purchase of the F-31 - this is of no bearing to the Multirole Augmentation Tender and will be clarified at a later date (the F-31 is not yet withdrawn from this competition until the Statement of Intent where all will be revealed is made and responded to).

Clarifications:
Other Bidders - please respond to GML enquiries.
UNADS - we enquire once more as to whether the GML can purchase the manufacturing licences as one or as three nations (2 trillion or 6 trillion, this question does not concern the composition of costs).

OOC: Apologies for the slightly hurried nature of some of my posts, I was in a hurry earlier this week. DML and repair and upgrade sovereignty is still of great importance.

[Anemos Major]

OOC: Apologies for the late post - I've been on a bit of a short hiatus from GEaT, and I missed this thread entirely. I understand you've already entered phase three of the competition, but would it be too late to submit a proposal for tender?

[Voltrovia]

I am advised to inform all participants that while domestic manufacturing is government policy of intent, regulations regarding the complete transfer of data regarding the aircraft (full blueprints, parts makeup, manufacturing processes, total domestic capacity for repair an upgrade as well as self upgrade, OOC: This ISN'T reverse engineering but I want absolute sovereignty over the vehicle) as well as the right to resale (less important, can be with support of original nation only if really necessary, we won't sell it to non-moderates if at all) is stipulated under various pieces of legislation, those being unavoidable being the Information Sovereignty Act 2011(Voltrovia), the Air Force Act 2013 (Melicizen), the Defence Regulations Act 2013 (Melicizen), the Armed Forces Act 2013 (Tovratis) and the Trade and Import Act 2012 (Tovratis, Board of Trade, use of import not imports references regulatory nature) which would each require amendments to the acts, a virtually impossible move.

Please attempt to answer whether the queries above during the next several hours,

The Voltrovian Legate
World Assembly

[Voltrovia]

It is with jubilation that I am pleased to announce the entrance into the GML of three further nations - Manchovia, Mayerton and Thurbistan - they will not put forward much money to this program but will be privy to the joint DML setup requested prior to this wonderful announcement (meaning that 2 trillion would cover joint manufacturing in six nations, for example, if approved by example nation, i.e. UNADS)

They will operate in the tender alongside parliamentary legislation noted in the previous statement.

OOC: These can be treated as one nation, 3 controlled by me, 3 controlled by a friend - their are no proliferation security concerns.

[Virana]

[OOC: You're moving the competition way too fast. You should give people adequate time to respond, rather than jumping to the next phase every few hours. When only one of the several competitors responds to your shortlist, you're moving too fast.

Oh, even though he's late, you should let Anemos compete. You won't be disappointed.]

[Voltrovia]

OOC: Phase 3 is going to take a long time - worry not, this will take some more form, I am merely trying to get the rocket off the launchpad.

Anemos has been greenlighted.

I am generally more composed RP-wise, this will certainly be worth participation, I can assure you.

[Voltrovia]

The GML wishes to issue two clarifications to the participants:

1. Resale, etc. would only be in the case of war to an ally, or some such extreme measure. It would not be negatively proliferated, if at all, and GMTEC is barred from claiming that non-GML goods are from the GML by law (OOC: no posting on the storefront whatsoever, this was ambiguous).

2. Domestic manufacturing would not be absolute by any measure - preliminary analysis calls for aircraft to be built in a set of tranches to organsise production:

TRANCHE A: Primarily in the Participant Nation, Secondarily in the GML.

TRANCHE B: Primarily in the GML, Secondarily in the Participant Nation.

TRANCHE C: Virtually all in the GML, some elements in Participant Nations if strictly necessary.

This concept is likely to define final purchase and payment agreements and each tranche would currently hold approximately a third of all aircraft produced (OOC: equates to AT LEAST half pay direct over thousands of aircraft, which is not that bad at the end of the day).

We thank you for your participation and wish all a Merry Christmas.

Greater Mercaterian League Joint Policy Bureau - Aviation Policy Unit
Silviratis
Tovratis
Greater Mercateria

[Voltrovia]

On the Late Submission to the GML-wide Fighter Aircraft Tender

1.The M.Cs 82/C Illusion and the M.Cs 82/F Fleet Illusion has been accepted into Phase 2 as originally suggested.

1.The GML requests as to whether the M.Cs 82/ND Illusion ND is available for a very limited export run (build entirely by Anemos due to its sensitivity and with a resale ban and limited tech transfer due to legitimate security concerns regarding that type,etc.)?

Yours Faithfully,

James E. Harriford
Deputy Executive of the Greater Mercaterian League
Maltrovis
Voltrovia
Greater Mercateria

[Anemos Major]

Imperial State Armaments Export Authority | Holy Office of War, Alimentyr Palace, Citadel Circle, Anemos Rei, Administrative Sector of Anemos Rei and Fyrkondierikan

To - Relevant Parties, Ministry of Defence, Voltrovia
Cc - James E. Harriford (Deputy Executive, GML), Marshal Ilyrein Telvanyr (Marshal of the Arsenal, Mordensyr)
From - Martialyr Classys Dreise Emeryr Malmentyr Eq.Fi, Directoryr, Imperise Directoratyr Exrecounise dei Armamentyr Etatei
RE - Voltrovian Request for Tender, Fighter Aircraft Contract

To those directly concerned or their representatives besides;

This message is sent in response to your RFT, issued on the 23rd of December, 2013. Our sincere apologies regarding the tardiness of this response.

Upon consideration of the particulars of your nation and associates within the Greater Mercaterian League, the State Armaments Export Authority has been directed by the Minister of War to submit the M.Cs 82 Multirole Fighter for your ministry's further consideration. A high performance fighter aircraft designed for an unrivalled array of potential missions in its land and carrier based iterations, the M.Cs 82 brings the best of classical design together with cutting edge technology and capabilities to create an aerodynamically superior, electronically sophisticated statement of power with ease that will, without doubt, satisfy your militaries' every requirement and then some.

As part of the M.Cs 82's basic design, and as per the Imperial Air Force's initial Request For Information, the Illusion has eschewed short-take off or landing capabilities in favour of creating a larger and more powerful fighter capable of outperforming virtually any opponent in the air. It is our belief that, though use of the aircraft across a number of naval platforms may require minor changes of configuration and alterations, the superiority of the fighter's basic capabilities in comparison to an equivalent aircraft designed to provide STOVL capabilities makes it a considerably more favourable option to those nations intending to procure an aircraft for use not only aboard vessels, but in wide-ranging, land and major carrier based roles.

Concerning the two issues of domestic production and the limited release for export of the M.Cs 82/ND, the Ministry of War has indicated that private correspondence would most likely be more appropriate given the sensitive nature of the subject at hand.

The premier, fully carrier and land-operations capable, multirole aircraft of its time, the M.Cs 82's flowing, aerodynamic design is a testament to its place as an effortless statement to your nation, your contemporaries and your foes alike; that you are not only defended, but defended by power beyond the wildest dreams of those arrayed against you. Proving itself countless times in the defence of the Anemonian state and the many nations which have procured it since its release for export, it is a battle-proven hunter of the sky, seas and land alike, flying faster, further and better than all those before it. The Illusion is no mere fighter - its superiority is inherent in everything from the fighter's sweeping lines to the individual modules that make up its combat radar. Not only serving and fulfilling your every requirement, it will surpass your every expectation; a fact we are confident that, as with each and every one of our past customers, you will come to see.

Any further queries should be directed to our offices via telegram or public correspondence, either on this channel of communications or at our main storefront here. Information concerning the M.Cs 82 has been enclosed below.

With regards,

Third Marshal Sir Emeryr Malmentyr, Knight of Duchy Fierei - Directing Officer, Imperial State Armaments Export Authority
101(011)-2057
Room 1022 North, Alimentyr Palace Annex Building
Citadel Circle, Ceneralyr Coronei
Metropolitan Area of Anemos Rei and Fyrkondierikan

---

[Virana]

I am advised to inform all participants that while domestic manufacturing is government policy of intent, regulations regarding the complete transfer of data regarding the aircraft (full blueprints, parts makeup, manufacturing processes, total domestic capacity for repair an upgrade as well as self upgrade, OOC: This ISN'T reverse engineering but I want absolute sovereignty over the vehicle) as well as the right to resale (less important, can be with support of original nation only if really necessary, we won't sell it to non-moderates if at all) is stipulated under various pieces of legislation, those being unavoidable being the Information Sovereignty Act 2011(Voltrovia), the Air Force Act 2013 (Melicizen), the Defence Regulations Act 2013 (Melicizen), the Armed Forces Act 2013 (Tovratis) and the Trade and Import Act 2012 (Tovratis, Board of Trade, use of import not imports references regulatory nature) which would each require amendments to the acts, a virtually impossible move.

Please attempt to answer whether the queries above during the next several hours,

The Voltrovian Legate
World Assembly

[OOC: Just letting you know, I've retconned the F-29's name from "Super Viper" to "Warrior". This is a change a long time coming. Sorry if it causes any inconvenience. ]

---

Sender(s): Melinda Mushaf, Director of Global Solutions

To the esteemed and honorable representatives of Voltrovia,

We sincerely apologize for our misunderstanding regarding your query regarding domestic manufacturing licenses. If you desire the aircraft to be produced in all three countries, separate facilities must be constructed in each country and thus will require separate licenses for each individual country. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Additionally, transfer of all aircraft information may not be possible. While blueprints for various parts are provided to the Voltrovian government, UNADS and other contractors responsible for producing specific parts for the F-29 would strongly prefer to directly award contracts of their own to Voltrovian and other firms in the countries purchasing the fighter to produce said parts. This would allow UNADS to ensure a competitive process as per Emmerian industrial standards and allow for competitive prices for UNADS and therefore for the countries purchasing the fighters. This process can be conducted in cooperation with the host government.

It is important to note that technologically sensitive parts, such as the AESA radar and vital sensors and computers, may not be contracted to firms aside from those qualified by UNADS. As such, domestic manufacturing licenses will normally involve UNADS and Emmerian companies responsible for these technologically sensitive parts to construct independent manufacturing facilities in the host nation. While these can primarily be staffed by local employees, the particular details on the parts cannot be disseminated to individuals without extremely stringent security clearances (that are only issued to United Republic citizens). As such, these facilities require extensive security and must be managed by an UNADS or other Emmerian individual. This is necessary to ensure technology security for highly sophisticated and sensitive elements of the F-29.

Additionally, the F-29 upgrade program is centralized within the Emmerian defense industry, with upgrades conceived and planned early on and the F-29 left plenty of room for technological growth in order to facilitate long-term service through 2030. While Voltrovian and other participating firms may suggest or request modifications, and they may support the modifications through funding or play a more direct role in the development of modifications and upgrades (the scale of which is determined on a case-by-case basis), it is against both UNADS policy and U.R. federal law to allow foreign nations to illegally modify equipment without consultation. This law is necessary not only to ensure the safety and security of both foreign and Emmerian military personnel, but also to more efficiently integrate such modification programs into effective upgrade packages for the entire world's F-29 fleet.

Finally, countries are not allowed to resell the F-29 in any capacity without consulting appropriate Emmerian bodies (that being the Defense Security Assistance Agency, the federal agency responsible for approving foreign military sales). Third-party reselling of material violates U.R. federal law, as it bypasses the stringent and controlled process for selectively approving and denying foreign military sales. Although Emmerian officials understand that Voltrovian or other participating nations may apply a similarly strict process, it is impossible for U.R. officials to definitively verify the authenticity of all facets of this process as per Emmerian arms export standards. These laws do not fall within the jurisdiction of UNADS, and are set by United Republic Congress to govern and restrict foreign military sales to ensure global security and liberty.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Melinda Mushaf
Director of Global Solutions
United Aerospace Defense Systems

[Voltrovia]

Official Statement on the Cessation of Phase Three of the Greater Mercaterian League Fighter Aircraft Tender
_____________________________________________________________________________________


ORIGINAL: SECRET (SC - 04) | REVISED A [THIS VERSION]: CONFIDENTIAL (SC - 02) | REVISED B: PROTECTED (SC - 01) - AUTHORISED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
_____________________________________________________________________________________


From: Greater Mercaterian Trade and Exports Consortium (Aerospace - Fighter Aircraft Tender Management Office)
To: The Government of the United Republic of Emmeria, United Aerospace Defense Systems, Melinda Mushaf (Director of Global Solutions - UNADS), Praxis, The Government of Anemos Major Imperise Directoratyr Exrecounise dei Armamentyr Etatei, Third Marshal Sir Emeryr Malmentyr (Knight of Duchy Fierei - Directing Officer, IDEAE/ISAEA), The Government of Anikatia, Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation, Isaac Yevseyev (Chief Executive Officer - Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation), The Government of Pharthan, Halcyon Arms, Tyler Jacobs (CEO - Halcyon Arms), The Greater Mercaterian League Executive Council
Cc: The Government of Tovratis, Ministry of Trade and Industry (Tovratis), Ministry of Defence Lord Windmore (HM Lord Chancellor, Tovratis), The Office of The Prime Minister (Tovratis), The Government of Melicizen, The Office of the Sultanate and Premier (Melicizen), Office of The Grand Marshals of The Armed Forces (Melicizen), Government of Voltrovia, Office of The Grand Duke (Voltrovia), Office of The Prime Minister (Voltrovia), Office of the Chancellor (Voltrovia), Ministry of Commerce (Voltrovia), The Governor of The Bundesbank Voltrovians, The Government of Manchovia, The Office of The King of Manchovia (Manchovia), The Council Extraordinaire (Manchovia), The Government of Mayerton, The Government of Thurbistan, GML Press Office, Greater Mercaterian League Joint Policy Bureau - Aviation Policy Unit, Intergovernmental Committee on Saint Mungo's Day
Notes: URGENT, SPECIAL, to be distributed throughout relevant sections of government and industry, concerning various military aviation issues, composed of heavily related elements and largely revolving around the GML Fighter Aircraft Tender, DO NOT TAMPER, DO NOT BEND (if hard copy)
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Phase Three of the Fighter Aircraft Tender hereby begins upon the distribution of this Statement to relevant parties and participants, and will operate within the parameters detailed within this statement.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Abstract:

Phase 3 of the Tender will involve the detailed analysis of the combat records of the prospective bidding aircraft as well as the in-depth examination of the caveats and stipulations of any conclusive purchase agreement on a case-by-case basis. Alongside the regime of specific queries to be outlined below, all participant entities are fully expected to outline final positions on resale, right to upgrade, maintenance and repair rights and any usage limitations as specified by the final clarifications made clear in this Statement even if such representations have already been made (particularly with regards to the right to resell and/or upgrade, which as detailed only applies to the requirement for a lack of an absolute ban, binding consultations being entirely within the spirit and intent of this program. A full explanation of the prospective manufacturing scheme, whether it be via outsourcing, tranches or local manufacturing, is expected as well).

Full statements or restatements on parachute-retarded landings are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on AWACS capabilities are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on ECM capabilities are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on RCS capabilities are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on arms compatibility and/or transfer (if limited, notifications are required) are required in addition to the above.
While STOL is the only design requirement, full statements and restatements on STOL as well as any STOVL and VTOL capabilities of the accepted Aircraft are required (please note, the STOL capacity is the only critical requirement, the others merely illustrate the extent or scope of its abilities)
Full statements or restatements on the overall specifications and abilities of the Aircraft, and the referencing and analysis of those specifications, are required in addition to the above.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Specific Queries Regime:

Participant Aircraft are expected to respond to each individual enquiry, made as supplementary measures to the aforementioned key points, in turn and specifically.

Here follows a list of Participant Aircraft which has been accepted for Phase 3 of the Tender (listed in a unspecific order) and the queries regarding those specific bids:


(Greater Mercaterian Trade and Exports Consortium)


(Sceptre A)

(- An immediate and complete statement regarding the Aircraft’s compatibility with stated scenarios regarding [CENSORED])


Halcyon Arms


F/A-33 Wolf

- The GML officially requires a full exposition of all positions regarding aforementioned points, previously mentioned points and compatibility and effectiveness in role scenarios presented (multirole, carrier-compatibility,etc.) as well as a restatement of previously outlined responses in this regard.

- Responses to critical queries are necessary to continue the participation of this Bid


United Aerospace Defense Systems


UNADS FF-29 "Warrior" A

- Alongside the aforementioned reclarifications a further clarification regarding what shall now be termed the 'Competitive Procurement Regime' (all DML-related enquiries regarding specific absolute domestic manufacturing are no longer required under the existence of the CPR) of outsourcing and parts manufacturing as well as the new UNADS position regarding re-export/sale policy (see Re-Export/Re-Sale)


UNADS FF-29 "Warrior" C

- Alongside the aforementioned reclarifications a further clarification regarding the Competitive Procurement Regime of outsourcing and parts manufacturing as well as the new UNADS position regarding re-export/sale policy (see Re-Export/Re-Sale)

- A full exposition of the capabilities of the EMLAR System in general as well as its specific relevance to AWACS and ECM

- More extensive detail on limited transfer of technology and capacities regarding EMLAR


Imperial State Arms Export Authority


M.Cs 82/C 'Illusion'

- An analysis of the STOVL capabilities of the base type

- A full statement on the maneuverability and strike capacities of the Aircraft in relation to each other and to the M.Cs 82/F 'Fleet Illusion'

- A statement on repeated G-load tolerance in combat


M.Cs 82/F 'Fleet Illusion'

- A full statement of compatibility with steam catapults, the specifications of the type and the overall maneuverability and in particular G-load tolerance in relation to the M.Cs 82/C 'Illusion'

- Clarification on operation at sea and any STOVL, VTOL and STOL capabilities in particular

- A complete analysis of the naval strike and attack capabilities of the Aircraft as well as its capacity for land-based strike

- In reference to maneuverability and structural integrity fears regarding the naval type, a full statement on G-load capabilities and stresses is required


Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation


Ay-05NG

- A more complex and detailed review of the strike capabilities of the Aircraft

- A referencing and application of speeds the aircraft is capable of achieving and its performance at these various speeds

- Performance at high-altitude

- Performance in naval operations

- Application and applicability of the Hi-Lo Concept
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Clarifications


Positions in Law Regarding Domestic Manufacturing and the Transfer of Technologies

The legislation that exists across the GML regarding legal positions on very large importation contracts run by governments have a single unitary purpose that is entirely legitimate – to ensure benefit on a fiscal and economic level.
These pieces of legislation are by no means absolute and tranche-based, outsourcing-reliant, AOPA structured programs and other such programs are all entirely compliant with positions in the law. The same level of application remains in place with regard to technology transfers.
Not only are there some semblance of exemptions for special contracts, there is also no minimum or maximum stipulation, leaving it to the Participant Nations to negotiate a fair and cohesive approach to Domestic Manufacturing that satisfies all requirements.


Re-Export/Re-Sale

The GML requires only the provision for re-export, not its unconditional right to do so – unless directly stated (see F-31 ‘Wyvern’) the GML must be able to transfer the Aircraft within its own membership (non-applicable for any future members without Participant Nation consent) freely and without consultation but would happily agree to any re-sale restriction requested to be imposed, so long as the possibility of resale exists.


Transfer of Technology and Sensitive Material

The GML, as has been made clear on numerous occasions throughout this process, desires by requirement Aircraft whose capability has not been uneccesarily reduced by export restrictions. The capacity of the goods exported is absolute and non-negotiable.
However, with regards to associated technology transfers, the term that permeates much of law is ‘functional’ (or similar) levels of data and information. While the full domestic capacity to maintain and repair the aircraft is an obvious tenet of functionality, the capacity to reverse-engineer, gain access to critical or sensitive data, or perform substantial upgrades entirely in domestic facilities (using Participant Nation technology, and without their consent or aid) is not part of a cohesive, effective contractual agreement regarding aircraft, nor is it realistic or aware in any way.
This supposed stipulation for more than entirely functional data (working blueprints, etc., excluding most sensitive technologies, form what the GML feels is and requires as a reasonable example of functional data), functional data however legitimately being a critical stipulation as outlined, is not, has never been and will never be a component of GML policy.


Transfer of Experts on Manufacturing, Training and Tactics

All nations are expected, as outlined somewhat in prior statements, to present full plans, proposals and their own requirements for the transfer and integration of specialists and experts to GML-wide manufacturing, repair, flight training and strategy and tactics formulation facilities.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Saint Mungo’s Day

The decision regarding the application of liveries to specific aircraft is still pending but the GML has decided that each Participant Nation should send a single Aircraft (fully liveried in either Manchovian or Voltrovian national colours), to be piloted by either their own pilot/s or GML pilots, to be transported and returned to the Participant Nations at the GML’s expense, for the much celebrated flyover of military aircraft (said to be protected by Mungo’s patronage of those who must fight against bullies, this rather tenuous link is buttressed by local support and respect for Saint Mungo) in the predominantly Protestant regions of south-eastern Voltrovia and major conglomerations in Manchovia on the 13th of January, Saint Mungo’s Day.

Further information regarding this event will be released closer to the time, but participants are advised to ready repainting and transport in both directions (at GML expense).
_____________________________________________________________________________________


The following Aircraft are constituent of a Statement of Intent Regarding Aircraft which the Greater Mercaterian League Intends to Purchase [as a result of their merit, separate to the ongoing and far larger GML Fighter Aircraft Tender]
_____________________________________________________________________________________


F-31 'Wyvern'


The Greater Mercaterian League hereby announces its intent to purchase a very great number of aircraft to equip all regional militaries as internally decided on by the organisation and its constituents (see Provisions of Understanding).

Therefore the GML submits this Statement, outlining its intents and the caveats and tenets of such a Purchase, to UNADS and the Government of the United Republic of Emmeria:

The GML intends to acquire, pending the approval by Emmerian appropriate authorities (which would make this a mutually binding document and necessitate the immediate wiring of Funds from Bundesbank Voltrovians), 3215 Aircraft in Flyaway Condition with With Weaponry or Compatible Weaponry at the Total Expense of an Estimated 610.85 Billion NSD


Provisions of Understanding


To be constructed under a limited Competitive Procurement Regime exclusively within and at under the control of the United Republic and to be transferred on the Understanding that no sale or transfer of Aircraft shall take place outside the current GML (nations exiting the organisation would lose this exemption by default) where Aircraft can be transferred freely between nations.

It would also be Understood that the following would exist:

Sovereignty of Maintenance and Repair, with the reserve option to use U.R.E. facilities alongside Limited Sovereignty of Upgrade, primarily to be conducted in the U.R.E. and secondarily in the GML.

The transfer of design, manufacturing and flight experts to train and advise GML militaries and their industrial-complexes.

The limited transfer of functionally required data regarding the aircraft, barring the transfer of sensitive data or information considered by the GML and U.R.E. (as well as Praxis) to be improper for this transaction (but not excluding the transfer of particularly advanced sections of the aircraft, on the Understanding that they will not be tampered with in order to reveal or gain sensitive data or technologies not considered for direct transfer.

That the cost of arms compatibility is included in the expense.

The Understanding that the U.R.E. would be capable of delivering the entire export run within Thirty Months to the absolute Levels of Quality offered or face penalties not yet formulated.

The Assurance and Understanding that the aforementioned Understandings would be mutually binding.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


F/A-70 'Panther' II


The Greater Mercaterian League hereby announces its intent to purchase a large number of aircraft to equip all regional militaries as internally decided on by the organisation and its constituents (see Provisions of Understanding).

Therefore the GML submits this Statement, outlining its intents and the caveats and tenets of such a Purchase, to Halcyon Arms and the Government of Pharthan:

The GML intends to acquire, pending the approval by Pharthanian appropriate authorities (which would make this a mutually binding document and necessitate the immediate wiring of Funds from Bundesbank Voltrovians), 2435 Aircraft in Flyaway Condition with With Weaponry or Compatible Weaponry at the Total Expense of an Estimated 219.15 Billion NSD


Provisions of Understanding


To be constructed under a limited Competitive Procurement Regime, with specific and high emphasis on the involvement of GML corporations and entities, within the participant nations of the Greater Mercaterian League and the United Republic and to be transferred on the Understanding that no sale or transfer of Aircraft shall take place outside the current GML (nations exiting the organisation would lose this exemption by default) where Aircraft can be transferred freely between nations.

It would also be Understood that the following would exist:

Sovereignty of Maintenance and Repair, with the reserve option to use Pharthanian facilities alongside Limited Sovereignty of Upgrade, primarily to be conducted in Pharthan. and secondarily in the GML.

The transfer of design, manufacturing and flight experts to train and advise GML militaries and their industrial-complexes.

The limited transfer of functionally required data regarding the aircraft, barring the transfer of sensitive data or information considered by the GML and Pharthan (as well as Halcyon Arms) to be improper for this transaction (but not excluding the transfer of particularly advanced sections of the aircraft, on the Understanding that they will not be tampered with in order to reveal or gain sensitive data or technologies not considered for direct transfer.

That the cost of arms compatibility is included in the expense.

The Understanding that the Pharthan Bid would be capable of delivering the entire export run within Thirty Months to the absolute Levels of Quality offered or face penalties not yet formulated.

The Assurance and Understanding that the aforementioned Understandings would be mutually binding.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


M.Cs 82/ND (Nuclear Strike)


The GML announces its intent to continue private communications with the Government of Anemos Major regarding this matter.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
End of Document - Right to Modification Reserved


OOC: I owe several people telegrams so this is why they haven’t received them!! The GML uses archaic terms such as Bundesbank Voltrovians, which was the formal dialectic name of the Bank of Voltrovia (who will be paying for this) some years ago. The same applies to the plural Vortios vis a vis the singular Verta and the more modern Vertas when describing plurals in currency.
If you haven’t noticed terms considered of importance legally and deal-wise have been capitalised.
Tender-wide and specific queries have been raised, please reply to all of them in full.
ANKITEC - Application and applicability of the Hi-Lo Concept is not a negative question in any way, merely seeks info, previous usage, expert transfer…
UNADS – Direct DML is dropped in exchange for local contracts…
This tome makes extensive use of clause grammar and bountiful amounts of bracketing – if I have not written something very clearly or appear to contradict myself please contact me without hesitation.
While the drawing of a dedicated livery of a national flag or colours for St. Mungo’s Day (sporadic RP event, v. important in the southeast though you know) would be very kind, just *saying* that you have designed such a livery will be absolutely fine with no relation whatsoever to any final decisions. More data about St. Mungo’s day later.
Upon acceptance of non-tender related purchase proposals – they will take effect (wiring of finances from Bundesbank Voltrovians, delivery of batch, etc.) - please TG objections (if any?!).

[Pharthan]

Official Statement on the Cessation of Phase Three of the Greater Mercaterian League Fighter Aircraft Tender
_____________________________________________________________________________________


ORIGINAL: SECRET (SC - 04) | REVISED A [THIS VERSION]: CONFIDENTIAL (SC - 02) | REVISED B: PROTECTED (SC - 01) - AUTHORIZED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
_____________________________________________________________________________________


From: Greater Mercaterian Trade and Exports Consortium (Aerospace - Fighter Aircraft Tender Management Office)
To: The Government of the United Republic of Emmeria, United Aerospace Defense Systems, Melinda Mushaf (Director of Global Solutions - UNADS), Praxis, The Government of Anemos Major Imperise Directoratyr Exrecounise dei Armamentyr Etatei, Third Marshal Sir Emeryr Malmentyr (Knight of Duchy Fierei - Directing Officer, IDEAE/ISAEA), The Government of Anikatia, Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation, Isaac Yevseyev (Chief Executive Officer - Anikatian International Trade and Export Corporation), The Government of Pharthan, Halcyon Arms, Tyler Jacobs (CEO - Halcyon Arms), The Greater Mercaterian League Executive Council
Cc: The Government of Tovratis, Ministry of Trade and Industry (Tovratis), Ministry of Defence Lord Windmore (HM Lord Chancellor, Tovratis), The Office of The Prime Minister (Tovratis), The Government of Melicizen, The Office of the Sultanate and Premier (Melicizen), Office of The Grand Marshals of The Armed Forces (Melicizen), Government of Voltrovia, Office of The Grand Duke (Voltrovia), Office of The Prime Minister (Voltrovia), Office of the Chancellor (Voltrovia), Ministry of Commerce (Voltrovia), The Governor of The Bundesbank Voltrovians, The Government of Manchovia, The Office of The King of Manchovia (Manchovia), The Council Extraordinaire (Manchovia), The Government of Mayerton, The Government of Thurbistan, GML Press Office, Greater Mercaterian League Joint Policy Bureau - Aviation Policy Unit, Intergovernmental Committee on Saint Mungo's Day
Notes: URGENT, SPECIAL, to be distributed throughout relevant sections of government and industry, concerning various military aviation issues, composed of heavily related elements and largely revolving around the GML Fighter Aircraft Tender, DO NOT TAMPER, DO NOT BEND (if hard copy)
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Phase Three of the Fighter Aircraft Tender hereby begins upon the distribution of this Statement to relevant parties and participants, and will operate within the parameters detailed within this statement.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Abstract:

Phase 3 of the Tender will involve the detailed analysis of the combat records of the prospective bidding aircraft as well as the in-depth examination of the caveats and stipulations of any conclusive purchase agreement on a case-by-case basis. Alongside the regime of specific queries to be outlined below, all participant entities are fully expected to outline final positions on resale, right to upgrade, maintenance and repair rights and any usage limitations as specified by the final clarifications made clear in this Statement even if such representations have already been made (particularly with regards to the right to resell and/or upgrade, which as detailed only applies to the requirement for a lack of an absolute ban, binding consultations being entirely within the spirit and intent of this program. A full explanation of the prospective manufacturing scheme, whether it be via outsourcing, tranches or local manufacturing, is expected as well).

Full statements or restatements on parachute-retarded landings are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on AWACS capabilities are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on ECM capabilities are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on RCS capabilities are required in addition to the above.
Full statements or restatements on arms compatibility and/or transfer (if limited, notifications are required) are required in addition to the above.
While STOL is the only design requirement, full statements and restatements on STOL as well as any STOVL and VTOL capabilities of the accepted Aircraft are required (please note, the STOL capacity is the only critical requirement, the others merely illustrate the extent or scope of its abilities)
Full statements or restatements on the overall specifications and abilities of the Aircraft, and the referencing and analysis of those specifications, are required in addition to the above.
_____________________________________________________________________________________


Specific Queries Regime:

Participant Aircraft are expected to respond to each individual enquiry, made as supplementary measures to the aforementioned key points, in turn and specifically.

Here follows a list of Participant Aircraft which has been accepted for Phase 3 of the Tender (listed in a unspecific order) and the queries regarding those specific bids:

Halcyon Arms

F/A-33 Wolf

- The GML officially requires a full exposition of all positions regarding aforementioned points, previously mentioned points and compatibility and effectiveness in role scenarios presented (multirole, carrier-compatibility,etc.) as well as a restatement of previously outlined responses in this regard.

- Responses to critical queries are necessary to continue the participation of this Bid

Response to Query:
In the Realm of (the below), the F/A-33 Wolf is:
Parachute-retarded landings: Able to be equipped
AWACS capabilities: Semi-capable; Limited data-transfer and AWACS capabilities in assistance of aircraft with like 'Link' systems, which can be modified, with long-range forward-and-rear-facing radars..
ECM capabilities: Equipped with limited onboard jamming capabilities
RCS capabilities: Size of small bird on forward profile
Arms compatibility and/or transfer: Outfitted for NATO arms and external NATO arms and cruise missiles, modifiable as necessary with proper adapters
STOL/STOVL/VTOL: STOL only.
Specifications: Specifications
Additional Notations: Vectored Thrust, Vectoring Canards/Wingtips; Classified as a "Hypermaneuverable" aircraft, internal rotary missile bay

F/A-70 'Panther' II

The Greater Mercaterian League hereby announces its intent to purchase a large number of aircraft to equip all regional militaries as internally decided on by the organisation and its constituents (see Provisions of Understanding).

Therefore the GML submits this Statement, outlining its intents and the caveats and tenets of such a Purchase, to Halcyon Arms and the Government of Pharthan:

The GML intends to acquire, pending the approval by Pharthanian appropriate authorities (which would make this a mutually binding document and necessitate the immediate wiring of Funds from Bundesbank Voltrovians), 2435 Aircraft in Flyaway Condition with With Weaponry or Compatible Weaponry at the Total Expense of an Estimated 219.15 Billion NSD

Provisions of Understanding

To be constructed under a limited Competitive Procurement Regime, with specific and high emphasis on the involvement of GML corporations and entities, within the participant nations of the Greater Mercaterian League and the United Republic and to be transferred on the Understanding that no sale or transfer of Aircraft shall take place outside the current GML (nations exiting the organisation would lose this exemption by default) where Aircraft can be transferred freely between nations.

It would also be Understood that the following would exist:

Sovereignty of Maintenance and Repair, with the reserve option to use Pharthanian facilities alongside Limited Sovereignty of Upgrade, primarily to be conducted in Pharthan. and secondarily in the GML.

The transfer of design, manufacturing and flight experts to train and advise GML militaries and their industrial-complexes.

The limited transfer of functionally required data regarding the aircraft, barring the transfer of sensitive data or information considered by the GML and Pharthan (as well as Halcyon Arms) to be improper for this transaction (but not excluding the transfer of particularly advanced sections of the aircraft, on the Understanding that they will not be tampered with in order to reveal or gain sensitive data or technologies not considered for direct transfer.

That the cost of arms compatibility is included in the expense.

The Understanding that the Pharthan Bid would be capable of delivering the entire export run within Thirty Months to the absolute Levels of Quality offered or face penalties not yet formulated.

The Assurance and Understanding that the aforementioned Understandings would be mutually binding.

In Regards to the Purchase and related necessities of the F/A-70 Panther II Interceptor:

We at Halcyon Arms are pleased to inform you that your order has been approved in full. We are also pleased to inform you that training costs, as always with Halcyon Arms, are included, and we invite those pilots you will be designating for the initial flights of your aircraft to attend our flight schools along side Pharthanian pilots in training; they will be initially used to fill empty spots in our Air Forces flight-classes to gauge areas of strengths and weaknesses in your pilots to develop a more dedicated training program. Following this, your pilots will fill classes dedicated to training of your pilots more specifically.
This evaluation will also be used to provide your nation with simulators. Due to the large size of your order, we will provide a dozen simulators free-of-charge, as well as the necessary software to develop your own with the supervision of Halcyon Arms representatives.

In regards to Restricted and Sensitive Data:
All data Halcyon Arms deems to be Restricted and Sensitive, to include necessary schematics, technical manuals, training manuals and programs, et cetera, will all be transferred in both hard-copy and digital formats via armed guard on board our personal charter aircraft, where the appropriate facilities will be able to reproduce the necessary manuals and data for reproduction and distribution as necessary.

In regards to Maintenance:
The GML will be provided with necessary manuals to perform the regular Preventative and Corrective Maintenance items involved in the upkeep of the F/A-70 Panther II, and GML technicians will be provided training from both instructors and senior F/A-70 Panther crew technicians on the performance of these maintenance items. Repair parts will be provided for the first five years of the aircraft's life, starting upon delivery of aircraft.
Those maintenance items deemed more in-depth and requiring Halcyon Arms technicians will be at the financial expense of the GML; for these, Halcyon Arms and Pharthan Air Force technicians may be flown to the site of the aircraft, or the aircraft may be flown/shipped to Pharthan for service.

Very Respectfully,
Tyler Jacobs,
CEO and Representative of Halcyon Arms.

[Voltrovia]

To all relevant parties,

A polite and non-intrusive reminder that GML responses to the participant nations initial Phase Three submissions will begin on the 13th of January (Saint Mungo's Day in the GML), and, perhaps more importantly, that those responses are likely to be based almost entirely on the submissions regarding the Cessation of Phase Three document (which themselves are obviously required even in a preliminary form prior to the 13th of January).

Yours Faithfully and Happy New Year,

The Delegates of The Silviratis Conference, Silviratis, Tovratis, Greater Mercateria

OOC: Happy New Year

Please see and respond to the thread prior and in particular to the St. Mungo's Day celebrations explained in my last post.
If you wish to make a livery then then you can choose between Voltrovian and Manchovian colours for use:

Voltrovian colours are grey, purple, red and gold.

Manchovian colours are red and white.

To *say* you have designed a livery is more than sufficient. To actually create one is very kind but strictly optional.

Please respond before the 13th of Jan (the legendary St. Mungo's Day).

[Pharthan]

Delegates of the Silviratis Conference,

For your St. Mungo's Day Celebrations, Halcyon Arms will be providing four of each of it's entered fighters painted in the requested livery; the F/A-70s have been decorated in simple Manchovian colors, while the F/A-33 Wolfs are far more decoratively and brightly painted in the Voltrovian colors. We hope these are to your liking.

((OOC:I've been busy, so I haven't really done much with the presentation other than the aircraft themselves.))

[Voltrovia]

The GML is highly pleased to announce that following the highly successful St. Mungo's Day flyovers and parades, which were enjoyable and effective opportunities for the display of various aircraft, that it will seek to recover full statements with regard to Phase Three from all participants as soon as is possible.

It is the intention of the GML to conclude the tender and purchase a very large number of aircraft in several weeks time or more.