Raptor (Generals)

The Raptor was the USA's primary all-purpose attack aircraft during the war against the GLA. A relatively light and fast aircraft, the Raptor was armed with four missiles that could be used against either ground or air targets.

The US Navy as well as the Air Force used the Raptor, although the Navy aircraft was generally modified to be lighter (with only two missiles) for use on aircraft carriers. Raptors are also rumoured to have been modified to carry single large bombs a la the Aurora in rare cases, and used as dive bombers.

Air Force General Granger helped to develop a new generation of Raptors dubbed 'King Raptors', that included a number of notable improvements in design.

Upgrades

 * Laser-Guided Missiles - Improved the accuracy of the Raptor's missiles, and thus generally increased the damage done.
 * Countermeasures - In the latter stages of the conflict all USA aircraft were able to be upgraded with Countermeasures, improving their chance against enemy anti-aircraft units (in particular missiles).
 * Advanced Training

Tactics/Counters
Raptors excelled at destroying unprotected enemy vehicles, but were highly vulnerable to anti-aircraft fire, especially from weapons such as the Quad Cannon. The inherent vulnerability of the Raptor inspired the development of the King Raptor. Although the enemy during the GLA conflict rarely used aircraft, the Raptor proved more than adept at taking them down.

Notable Events
Navy Raptors aboard the USS Ronald Reagan assisted greatly in the removal of GLA forces from coastal areas; however, many of the aircraft were subsequently lost when the Reagan was sunk by the GLA. Tales abound of desperate pilots attempting to take off from the deck of the sinking Reagan (which was cut in two), only to plummet into the sea.