Grumman Chevalier

Following the success of the Avenger series, Grumman Aircraft Engineering saw a chance to expand into other markets. Their solid reputation for building dependable aircraft gave them the clout necesary to enter the executive transport market, and the Chevalier is an attempt to capitalize on this.

Built to cater to executives wanting fast and safe intercity travel, no effort has been spared to make the Chevalier safe and reliable. At the same time, a too high price tag would have cut off potential customers, so a balance had to be truck. The Chevalier is unable to compete with autogiros for inner city travel. But for longer trips, the three-seat cockpit offers quick and economical travel in comfort and safety. The normal complement is pilot, executive and either a secretary (for business trips) or the executive's wife or lady friend (for pleasure cruising). The rearmost seat is for the executive; the middle seat can be installed facing to the rear, to allow the passengers to talk more freely.

Yes, it is possible to talk to each other without using a radio in the Chevalier; the cockpit has been specially designed to muffle engine noise.

Essentally, the Chevalier is a scaled-down Avenger. It uses the same engine (but only a single engine), the same basic frame and many construction details are the same as well. Not originally intended for combat, the craft is still fitted with some defensive weaponry. Four of the same Sperry-Browning 30 caliber Zephyr guns used in the Avenger fit in the original model, and up to two additional 40 caliber guns can be fitted, at the cost of a passenger seat each.

The engine is the same Feldman-16s that is fitted in the Avenger. This accounts for the Chevalier's rather lacklustre performance. The engine had to be geared very high to allow the speed required for executive travel. This results in a sluggish acceleration, and the engine may even cut out at low speeds or if put under stress.

The Chevalier was built for travel, but the reasonable price and versatility means many of them have been used for escort and patrol duties as well. It is a favourite with company militas in the Empire State, and employed by the coast guard, customs and other services that want a cheap, reliable and combat worthy aircraft. Many are also sporting planes used by the scions of rich Manhattan families. It is not often used in first-line militia units.

Modeling

Built out of a Stuka fuselage and fins with Zero wings. The fear fuselage and the wings have been cut down. The rest is paint. The original model is from Games Collection, Milano, Italy.

Included here is a list of the relevant Special Characteristics of the plane, a design complexity, and a price calculated from these values.

Base Complexity		14
Maintenance Light		+1
Low Flight Ceiling		-1
Comfortable Cockpit		+1
Inferior Engine		-1
Total		14
Cost	$7.700