Shipbucket

Howdy, all! America the Divided is an AU where the US implodes in 1993 after decades of slowly worsening civil strife and an inconclusive 1992 presidential election. Lower levels of government take over in some areas, while others are administered by ad-hoc governments and military authorities. Large swaths of territory remain embroiled in conflict and anarchy, while stable nations are beginning to emerge elsewhere.



This thread was originally just for my works, but a few other people have created shipbucket art for the setting so I figured I'd repurpose the threat and keep everything under one roof. Enjoy! Or don't, you do you.

===Old non-canon OP=== Submarines


The three Lion-class submarines are modifications of the Sweedish Näcken-class boats, originally built in the late 1970s. All three vessels have undergone changes similar to the experimental modifications applied to the Näcken in 1987, adding a 26-foot hull stretch to accommodate a closed-cycle Stirling engine. Increasing underwater endurance from a few days to a few weeks, the upgrades also updated the boats' combat suites, bringing them in line with modern submarines and allowing them to fire torpedoes sourced from the French DCNS group.

Capital Ships


The TS Alamo, while not yet complete, is slated to become the first of Texas' three Joint Support Ships. Originally designed as the amphibious assault ship USS San Antonio but never built due to the war, the designs were acquired by the Republic of Texas and updated to reflect supply chain considerations and new threat outlooks. She will be a multipurpose command vessel capable of supporting amphibious assaults, humanitarian operations, fleet replenishment, and maritime patrol efforts.

Escort Ships


The El Paso-class of multi-mission destroyers will, when complete, form the core of the fourth Texan navy. Equipped with a multi-role VLS, two antisubmarine helicopters, and up to 24 anti-ship missiles, the class punches well above its weight, further aided by the SAMPSON radar and a stealthy design. The lead ship TS El Paso was built in France and commissioned in 2005, while the 5 follow-on ships were built in Texan yards.


The Brownsville-class frigates all started their lives as Oliver Hazard Perry-class ships of the United States Navy. Acquired by the Republic of Texas in various ways, they were modified and a small VLS forward to help them better counter with Cuban missile boat swarms.


The as-yet-unnamed 2030 Escort will supplement and eventually replace the El Paso-class ships now in service. Designed by Austal and slated to be built at the company's Brownsville shipyard, the vessels will feature the latest advancements in military technology.

Patrol Vessels


The Nueces County-class of high-speed patrol vessels were designed from the beginning for versatility. Able to operate effectively not only as offshore patrol vessels, their primary role, but also as troop transports, fast attack craft, and humanitarian vessels, these vessels form the backbone of the Fourth Texas Navy.


The TS Reliant is one of Texas' four Reliant-class corvettes. The Reliants were originally Avenger-class minesweepers inherited from the United States Navy, but they have been extensively refit to serve as patrol vessels. In their new role, they are equipped with additional weaponry forward and a helicopter landing pad (but no hangar) aft.


The Vanguard-class corvettes began their lives in US Coast Guard service as 110-foot Island-class patrol boats. In Texan service, these sturdy boats have traded in their RHIBs and tow bitts for anti-ship missiles and a Sea Chaparral launcher to help defend Texan interests from the Cuban threat.

Auxiliaries


The TS Statesman is one of six Pioneer-class minesweepers operated by Texas. The Pioneers were originally Avenger-class minesweepers inherited from the United States Navy, and have seen little change since then.


The TS Rio Grande is an underway replenishment ship operated by Texas. Purchased from the Royal Australian Navy, the vessel was originally constructed in the 1970s as a civilian oil tanker. She has sailed under many flags, and is expected to serve the Republic of Texas until the JSSs enter service in the late 2020s/early 2030s.


The Padre Island-class of high-speed hospital ships support Texas' humanitarian operations in and around the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Equipped with advanced medical facilities, a high top speed, and large aviation facilities, these ships can quickly respond to even the most severe disaster situations.

Awesome! Question:

1) Is BB-35 the honorary flagship of the RoTN?

Suggestion:

Take the never-completed USS Dallas (Boston-class CA) and have her completed for the RoTN under the name TS Sam Houston.

_________________

MS State Guard - 08 March 2014 - 28 January 2023

The Official IJN Ships & Planes List

#FJB

Well, of course! Sadly not in any operational capacity. That's not to say I didn't think about it, though.

As for the USS Dallas...I don't think it'd still be around for me to finish by the 1990s/2000s. And besides, I've already got something (extremely cursed) planned as the TS Sam Houston:

NICE! Truly worthy of the name Sam Houston!

(And glad to see BB-35 is still around, even in a honorary capacity. *Votes for her at least getting to fire her main guns each year during the Independence Day celebrations.* )

_________________

MS State Guard - 08 March 2014 - 28 January 2023

The Official IJN Ships & Planes List

#FJB

The Republic of Texas Air Force began life as the Texas Air National Guard, which grew throughout the late 1990s as it became responsible for an ever-increasing number of former federal assets. By 2000 it had become the tenth most powerful air force in the world, and as of 2003 it operates nearly 800 fixed-wing aircraft.

Fixed-Wing Aircraft

All of the crewed fixed-wing aircraft operated by the Republic of Texas Air Force from 2000 to 2020. Not all aircraft were in service at the same time, and several of the aircraft on this sheet are shown next to their replacements—the EP-3L and the EC-130J, for instance. One aircraft of particular note is the VC-32A in the top right corner, two of which are in service. Known as "Lone Star One" and "Lone Star Two" respectively, their obnoxiously Texan paintjob hides an advanced communications suite and a sophisticated array of defensive measures. Both aircraft also have extra internal fuel tanks, allowing them to make non-stop flights to Europe and Asia.

Nice!

_________________

MS State Guard - 08 March 2014 - 28 January 2023

The Official IJN Ships & Planes List

#FJB

Helicopters and Tiltrotors

All of the crewed rotary-wing aircraft operated by the Republic of Texas Military Department from 2000 to 2020. Like the fixed-wing sheet, not all aircraft were in service at the same time. Unsurprisingly the majority of the vehicles here are manufactured by Bell, with fully eight of them being variants of the UH-1 Huey.

No longer canon/user not participating in AU.

_________________
Projects:
Panelbucket - Aircraft Avionics and Instrument Panels in 15px=1cm: http://shipbucket.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=10389
Clyde's Eagles - Cessna Aircraft since 1945: http://shipbucket.com/forums/viewtopic. ... 7&p=204669
Im Schatten des Adlers - An Alternate History Timeline: http://shipbucket.com/wiki/index.php/Ca ... des_Adlers

West Florida



West Florida, officially known as the Republic of West Florida is a Federal presidential constitutional republic along the Gulf Coast of the former United States of America. The government is descended from the various military bases in the region forming a defense league between them to preserve some basis of American Government in the South of the USA. The region was effectively ruled by a military council with a puppet president. The government is still highly dependent on the military for general national support as much of the national population was once military or former military population. West Florida at one point used to extend from Tallahassee to New Orleans, however, New Orleans asked for personal independence to form their nation, and Tallahassee was too far from the centralized Gulf Coast.

West Florida is effectively "Mini America" as the government spends heavily on weapons due to militarized rebel PMCs in New Afrika to the north. West Florida is allied with Texas, New Orleans, and Conch Republic, while also retaining excellent relations with the remnant USA. West Florida economically seized much of New Orleans's oil fields off the coast through shell companies, causing New Orleans to be dependent on West Florida both Economically and Militarily, especially after Hurricane Katrina.

Link to my West Florida Shipbucket wiki for more details: http://shipbucket.com/wiki/index.php/West_Florida

West Floridian Armed Forces in 2022

West Floridian Navy

Moss Point Class LPD x1
Placeholder
Modified ex-USS Harpers Ferry converted to a Landing Platform Dock.

Victory Class Frigate x0 (1x Under Construction, 4x On Order)

The Victory-class Frigate is a modified version of the German/Brazilian A100 Tamandaré program. The Victory-class will replace the Seminole (GP) and (AAW) variants. Each ship costs approx. $562m and are to be built at the Pentagon Shipyards in Pascagoula. The Ships have been armed with a Mk 41 8-cell VLS, 4x NSM missile canisters, 1x OTO 76, 1x Phalanx CIWS, 2x 12.7 mm cannons, 2x triple torpedo tubes, and 2x GP .50 cal weapons.

Seminole Class Frigate x5

The Seminole class frigate is a class of 5x ex-Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates handed over to the West Florida Navy. Due to budgetary concerns, only 3x of the units regularly made it to sea and the SM-1MRs of the other two ships were transferred to the active vessels. However, in the late 2000s with the rise in piracy in waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the 3x vessels were upgraded with a pair of Bofors 40mm/L70 mounts on both sides of the ship to better ensure 360° anti-surface combat capabilities. In the late 2000s, the other 2x Seminole class were put into service with a modernization program at Ingalls Shipyard, causing the West Florida Navy to put designations for different vessels in the class. The original 3x were deemed the Seminole (GP) while the 2x upgraded were to be the Seminole (AAW). However, this designation caused mild controversy in the ranks of the naval branch as both systems have roughly the same count of anti-aircraft capabilities. The Seminole (GP) sees regular service in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea with several encounters with Cuban and Venezuelan frigates shadowing the type. The Seminole (GP) will be the first vessel replaced by the Victory class frigate with that expected to begin in 2024.


The Seminole (AAW) class frigate is a subclass of 2x ex-Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates handed over to the West Florida Navy. These 2 frigates were initially laid up in the '90s and part of the 2000s due to budget prioritizing the service of the 3x frigates already in service. in the mid-2000s however, Cuban aggression in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico proved ample reason for the West Floridian Navy to place the 2x ships into service. However, with their SM-1MRs taken to be used on the other three vessels, the WFN opted for an extensive upgrade with VLS to launch the RIM-162 ESSM via a Mk 41 system, a platform over the old Mark 13 missile launcher fitted with an autocannon for anti-surface combat, and finally armed with Harpoon AShM missiles for anti-shipping roles. Unlike her sisters, the two vessels were not upgraded with the Bofors 40mm/L70 mounts. The upgraded type was deemed the Seminole (AAW), although this designation caused mild controversy in the ranks of the naval branch as both systems have roughly the same count of anti-aircraft capabilities.

Independence Class Corvette x1 (3x Under Construction, 3x On Order)

The Independence-class corvette is a West Floridian-designed vessel aimed for low-intensity operations and a maritime security role. The corvette's design originated out of Swiftships 75-Meter corvette design, culminating in the Swiftships 90-Meter Corvette (C1400 corvette on the market). West Florida opted to procure the 90-meter design due to seakeeping and hull stability differences. The lead ship of the class is WFN Independence (C-05), with West Florida procuring 7x corvettes to replace the Vermilion Bay class corvettes. West Florida is also looking at procuring an OPV-derived design of the type, although that would be armed with a 30mm instead of the OTO 76. The class has been widely successful in exports, with Egypt (3x in service), Malaysia (6x ordered) Nigeria (2x in service), Philippines (1x in service, 2x on order) currently operating the type, as well as Taiwan operating the derived Ta Chiang class. West Florida is offering the C1400 to Ukraine, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

Hurricane Class Patrol Boat

The Hurricane class patrol boat is 5 ship class of former Louisianan Naval units that surrendered to the West Floridian Navy in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The Hurricane class were produced in Bollinger Shipyards in Louisiana originally for the United States during the 1990s, however were ceded to Louisiana due to lack of availability to transfer to the USN. After West Florida inherited the vessels in 2005, they saw regular service, replacing the trio of Asheville class gunboats acting in an offshore patrol role. In 2015, the boats were upgraded with RIM-116 (RAM) missile launchers to standardize and upgrade the AAW capabilities from the previous Stinger missile. Although the Hurricane class can be fitted for the AGM-176 Griffin PGM, none of the class has been fitted for them, with the stockpiles being limited.

Defiant 140 Class Patrol Boat

The Defiant 140 class patrol boat is a West Floridian-derived variant of the popular Damen Stan Patrol 4207 class. The Defiant 140 is a specialized version, focusing primarily on offshore patrol against naval threats such as pirates or drug & arms smugglers. There are currently 7x Defiant 140s planned in total, with 5 in service and an additional 2 under construction.

P-200 Class Patrol Craft x17 (A further x2 Under Construction)

The P-200 is a part of the Century Series patrol boats developed by Swiftships Co. in West Florida. The Century Series has been widely sold across the world including Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia. The P-200 is the 22-meter version of the series, with an emphasis on speed and agility. The type is quite popular for green-water patrol efforts, including service in the Qatari Coast Guard, as depicted in the image

Navarre Class Submarine

The Navarre class submarine is a joint venture between Saab Kockums and PT Marine for the procurement of 3x A26-derived attack submarines for the West Floridian Navy. There are currently 3x units on order, with 1x in sea trials while the remaining 2 members of the class are currently under construction. The Navarre class is designed to complement the S2 midget submarine in the Gulf of Mexico, however, it is expected to be able to deploy into the Caribbean and the Atlantic Ocean. West Florida initially ordered 4x units to counter Cuba's 3x Type 035s and Venezuela's pair of Type 209s, however, due to cost overruns the order was reduced to 3x.

S2 Class Submarine

The S2 submarine is a joint developed project between the Republic of Korea and West Florida. The midget submarine project originated in Korea to complement their Jang Bogo class submarines currently in service. Although North Korea had been swiftly defeated, the threat of the Chinese and Russian Navies persisted, so a small-ranged midget sub would be apt for the shallow water around Korea. West Florida around this time was studying options as well for a cheap ranged fleet of submarines. West Florida would purchase 4x of the S2 class for use in the Gulf of Mexico.

IB Sextante

The Sextante is the lone icebreaker of the WFN. Based on RV Laurence M. Gould design, Sextante was seized by the government after the original owner declared bankruptcy in 2016. She is based in Punta Arenas, Chile where she services the West Floridian Palmer Station in Antarctica.

Riverine Squadron

Display of a Riverine squadron of West Florida, with a mixed composition of both Army and Navy compositions, with Army Aviation in the form of a UH-1 command unit, a pair of UH-60s, and army soldiers on board the CB90s. The Navy utilizes the CB90 fast assault craft, capable of operating 20x soldiers in each boat for deployment operations. In the riverine assault structure, the Navy also uses the CB90-120 howitzer, the Swedish-Finnish SSG120 dual 120 mm mortar system used for mobile artillery use along rivers. Included in the composition are 7x RHIBs used for patrol operations when a CB90 is not required, often in cases for locating missing persons or in narrow rivers.

West Florida set up these joint task forces to help patrol the dozens of inland waterways that make up West Florida, with patrol in the Apalachicola, Mississippi, Mobile, and Pearl Rivers, as well as the various bays, inlets, and coastal regions. The Riverine Services are one of the most regularly deployed units, protecting West Florida from drug smuggling, pirating, arms trafficking, and basic civil duties such as SAR, patrol, and hurricane/natural disaster response.

West Floridan Coast Guard
Vigilance Class OPV x0 (3x Under Construction, 1x On Order)

A modified derivative of the Independence Class Corvette, the Vigilance class is designed for counter-narcotics and anti-piracy roles in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. Designed to replace the Reliance class, the Vigilance class will be forward deployed in Key West, Yucatán, and Puerto Rico as part of efforts to counter illegal efforts. She differs from the Independence Class with the removal of the fore OTO 76, the removal the amidship NSM AShM missiles in place of cargo capacity, the replacement of the Phalanx CIWS with SATCOM sensors, and adding more extensive firefighting equipment.

West Floridan Naval Aviation

De Havilland HU-25B MPA x2 in service

After the collapse of the United States in the '90s, West Florida inherited the x2 De Havilland E-9A Widget surveillance aircraft based at Tyndall AFB. The aircraft were pressed into service with the West Floridian Air Force initially thanks to their capable AN/APS-143(V)-1 Airborne Sea Surveillance Radar. In 1999, the West Floridian Naval Aviation branch of the West Floridian Navy was officially established. Although having spent limited time flying with the WFAF, the pair of E-9As were transferred to the WFN alongside the former US Coast Guard HU-25s. The West Florida Naval Aviation patrol squadrons of VP-1 and VP-2s were based at the newly transitioned NAS Hurlburt Field (formerly Hurlburt Field AFB). In 2005, the E-9A designation was dropped and changed to HU-26A in line with the HU-25 designation of the former USCG units. In 2017, the WFN signed a MoU with De Havilland Canada for the procurement of 4x additional MPA-D8 units, these units would be designated HU-26Bs due to their similarity to the HU-25As. The HU-26A has seen service across the Caribbean typically in a counter-narcotics role, but also a key unit for searching for lost vessels and overboard sailors thanks to its powerful sea-search radar.

De Havilland HU-25B MPA x1 in service (x3 On Order)

In 2017, the WFN signed a MoU with De Havilland Canada for the procurement of 4x additional MPA-D8 units to replace its aging HU-25D patrol units. The DHC-8 was chosen as the primary choice thanks to its great fuel efficiency and compatibility with the current HU-26As in service. A total of 4x units are set to be procured, with the first arriving at NAS Hurlburt Field in 2019. The official retirement of the HU-25D is set for June 2020, of which by that time the third new HU-26B will have arrived.

General Atomics MQ-9MPA Sea Guardian x4

4x MQ-9MPAs were procured from California's General Atomics back in 2019 with the intent to help bulk up West Florida's ISR and maritime patrol aircraft force. The MQ-9MPAs are commonly forward-deployed to Yucatán or to Conch Republic to help locate drug & arms smuggling boats, as well as submarines from hostile powers such as Cuba, South Florida, and Venezuela. Carrying an advanced Leonardo Seaspray 7500E V2 AESA radar & two pods carrying a total of 16x sonar buoys, the Sea Guardian is a part of West Florida's developed drone program to help alleviate the manpower issue for manned aircraft.

West Floridan Air Force

CICFA Pegasus (~70-80 planned)
Placeholder
West Florida joined the CICFA (Compagnia Internazionale Congiunta per Futuri Aerei) organization to help design and purchase a next-generation fighter aircraft. The WFAF is seeking 70-80 fighters to replace its aging F-16 Block 40 airframes, as well as replacing its Block 60+s in subsequent years. The group is composed of Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and West Florida. Given the order total of 70-80 units, as well as possibly another 20-30 to replace the F/A-15 Dagger, West Florida's PAI is set to assist in the production of the Pegasus.

General Dynamics F-16C/D Block 60+ x40


The mainstay combatant of the West Floridian Air Force, Block 60+ have a vital role in protecting the skies of West Florida. Upgraded in West Florida by PAI starting in 2015, the F-16 Block 60+ has a total of 40x units in service comprising the 100th and 103rd squadrons. The Block 60+ upgrade included conformal tanks, upgraded avionics, better radar, structural upgrades, better ground targeting, and better EW capabilities. The Block 60+s will be replaced after the 101 and 102 receive the CICFA Pegasus 6th Generation fighter, with the Block 60+ estimated to be replaced starting in 2040-2045.

General Dynamics F-16C/D Block 40 x40

he mainstay fighter of the West Floridian Air Force for 30 years, the F-16C/D Block 40 has a long and tough history with the WFAF; with the type serving during Operation Grand Calhoun, striking Anniston Army Depot, Fort Stewart, and Maxwell AFB. Although controversial, even in the eyes of the remnant USA, the West Floridian Ministry of Defense saw it as a necessary preemptive strike to prevent New Afrikan communist rebels from seizing hundreds of thousands of arms to use against West Florida.

The F-16C/Ds have seen regular service into the 21st century, often intercepting Cuban MiG-29s, striking New Afrikan targets, and participating in various exercises & training missions. West Florida conducted several studies to modernize the Block 40s, conducting an upgrade of their electronics in the late 2000s to dozens of the fighters in the 101st and 102nd squadrons. However, using scrapped USAF plans for a 5th generation fighter in the 1990s with a heavily reduced RCS, West Florida used a new type of RCS-reducing paint, reducing the F-16's cross-section by 15%. The program was however scrapped due to its cost proving to be too expensive.

In 2012 West Florida launched a program to replace the F-16 Block 40, with numerous bids attempting to secure the order of 40x aircraft initially. However even after dozens of offers had come in, West Florida opted to upgrade half of their fleet to Block 60+ standard in Texas. Only half of the active fighter force was modernized however due to cost overruns with the A-29 & F/A-15 programs. The CICFA Pegasus is set to replace the F-16 Block 40 by 2035 fully.

McDonnell Douglas F/A-15 Dagger x36

A PAI-upgrade of inherited F-15Cs using in IAI assistance and F-15E technology. Designated as F/A-15F "Dagger" due to the change in role to a Multirole Strike Fighter, the F/A-15F is the strike force of the WFAF able to carry up to 22,000 lb of external fuel and ordnance, more than a B-29 or almost three times a B-17's conventional payload. The F/A-15 upgrade came as a shock to some nations as it seemed to confirm a delivery system for a West Floridian nuclear weapon, however, the weapon or confirmation of the ability has never been proven...

Embraer / PAI EMB 314 Super Tucano A-29A x24 (x16 on order)

Entering the 2010s, West Florida desperately needed a COIN/Training aircraft to replace the OV-10 and AT-34C that were currently serving as the primary WFAF Counter-insurgency aircraft. The OV-10 was increasingly becoming more limited to flying while the AT/T-34C which was serving as a COIN and trainer was becoming increasingly dated. A competition was held, in which the Embraer Super Tucano secured the highest number of points. A total of 24x A-29As would be initially purchased with an option for 16x more selected in 2019 to go ahead. The Super Tucano would be built at the joint Embraer-PAI plant in Mobile, Alabama.

Northrop Grumman E-2 Hawkeye x2
Placeholder
Purchased from Conch Republic

Lockheed Martin EC-130J x4

Several old C-130Hs were upgraded to J status but also upgraded with several internal and external changes. The EC-130J is an ELINT/SIGINT platform utilizing the MC-130's increased operational sensor system, the AC-130's battle management center, and the P-3's internal sensors. The upgrade was made possible with a partnership with Elbit Systems.

Fairchild C-26 Metroliner x3
Placeholder

Pilatus PC-12 x1

ex-New Orleans Air Force VIP PC-12, She was transferred to West Florida control after New Orleans collapsed post-Hurricane Katrina. She would be put in reserve before being modified in Sweden to be a reconnaissance/ISR aircraft.

Airbus A330 2x (x1 on order)

3x A330 MRTTs were purchased to replace the aging KC-135E. the WFAF designation for the Aircraft is KC-30B.

Lockheed Martin KC-130 Hercules x3
Placeholder
KC-130s used to refuel the F-16C Blk 60+

Lockheed C-141 Starlifter x4
Placeholder

Xi'an Y-20/C-34 Perseus 0x (5 on order)

One of the most controversial orders of the West Floridian Air Force was the decision to replace the C-141 Starlifter in the 2010s. As part of the Emerald Coast Defense Expo 2018 (EXDE 2018), the WFAF held discussions and trials with the Antonov An-70, Airbus A400M, Kawasaki C-2, and Xi'an Y-20 for the years leading up to the purchase, with the various nations vying for an order of 4-5x units. Ultimately, the combination of a larger payload and a generous loan offer led to the selection of China's Y-20 as the winner of the competition. Antonov and Airbus filed lawsuits alleging bribery, forcing an independent investigation into the selection, however, the court ruled that both Xi'an & the WFAF had acted in legal business practices. Although the WFAF would select the Y-20, it demanded an upgraded specification with the integration of the Pratt & Whitney PW2000 instead of the Soloviev D-30KP-2/Chengdu WS-18 engine. The first unit is currently conducting trials in China and is set to be delivered in 2023.

Lockheed Martin C-130J Hercules x8

The C-130J is the primary transport aircraft of the WFAF. The C-130J however is different than OTL, as the C-130J of West Florida is derived from newer-built C-130H hulls gutted and refitted with brand new avionics, engines, propellers, and an entire overhaul of their basic structure. Italy assisted with the basic upgrade package, to allow for commonality between the C-27J and the C-130 for those who operate both aircraft types.

Alenia C-27[J] Spartan x0 (x6 on order)

The C-27J Spartan was procured out of the need to replace the aging Aeritalia C-27As that West Florida inherited from the Panama Squadron of the USAF. A tender was placed for the procurement of 6x C-27Js to replace the C-27A, however, due to budget cuts to fund the F-16 Block 60+ modernization, the order was reduced to a total of 5x units. The first C-27J is expected to arrive in early 2024, with the first unit currently under construction.

Aeritalia C-27A x5
Placeholder
ex-USAF C-27As from Panama evacuated to West Florida at the time of collapse

Beechcraft C-12 Huron x9

Small transport aircraft

McDonnell Douglas C-9 x3
Placeholder

Embraer Lineage 1000 x1 (x2 on order)
Placeholder
Government's VIP

Dornier 328 x2
Placeholder

Dassault Falcon 7X x2
Placeholder
Gift from the Emir of Dubai for entering OPEC

Sikorsky S-76 x5
Placeholder
Government VIP heli

McDonnell Douglas T-45 Goshawk

During the collapse, the United States had only just become the slow modernization replacement of its TA-4J and T-2 Buckeye naval training aircraft with the brand new BAE Hawk-derived T-45 Goshawk. Several units from NAS Meridian were relocated to the NAS Pensacola as part of the Gulf Coast Defense Force's recall mission, however, these units would sit in hangers for the duration of the Collapse. It was not until the early 2000s that the West Floridan Government was approached by the Texan government seeking to exchange all 30x of their T-45s for the 80x T-38 & TA-4Js that the West Floridan Air Force currently possessed in service and storage. This "swap deal" was accepted as a cheap effort to modernize the training systems of the WFAF, and benefited also from the existing training infrastructure from NAS Pensacola that was already preparing for the type's arrival before the collapse.

The T-45s would arrive via cargo vessels where they then would be converted into working service with the assistance of BAE engineers from the United Kingdom. In the 2010s, the aircraft was converted into T-45B status, getting rid of the carrier break and CATOBAR bar launcher, as well as a modernization of interior electrical systems & wing hardpoints to allow for combat stores to be embarked. The T-45 however does not see active combat service, instead it is in the advanced training role alongside the Super Tucano at Whiting Field. The T-45 was eventually selected to be the representative Blue Angels flight demonstration team, reviving the squadron after their F-18s were delivered to Brazil in the 1990s alongside the WFN Forrestal (now NAe Recife).

Embraer EMB 314 Super Tucano (A-29B) x20 (x20 on order)

Entering the 2010s, West Florida desperately needed a COIN/Training aircraft to replace the AT/T-34C that was serving as a COIN aircraft and trainer. A competition was held, in which the Embraer Super Tucano secured the highest number of points. A total of 20x A-29Bs would be initially purchased with an option for 20x more selected in 2019 to go ahead. The Super Tucano would be built at the joint Embraer-PAI plant in Mobile, Alabama.

PAI T-1A Skylark
[
The Skylark was developed as a basic trainer with the assistance of Chile's ENAER seeking to replace the aging T-41 Mescalero and T-34Cs. Although the Super Tucano replaced the higher-end role of the T-34C/T-38, a lower-end basic trainer was needed as a generic training platform. The Skylark is currently in production at PAI's manufacturing site in West Florida, although as part of the partnership with Chile, some components are produced by ENAER. West Florida is expected to place a series of orders, becoming the generic training aircraft for the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

Yucatán F-16 pilots are expected to move their training pipeline from the T-34C to the T-1A once the aircraft is delivered in significant numbers.

Beechcraft King Air T-44C x5
Placeholder
Twin-engine trainer

Cessna T-41 Mescalero x32
Placeholder
Early trainer

TH-57 Sea Ranger x12
Placeholder
Helicopter Trainer, units taken from Navy stores

PAI MQ-12 Scorpion x10 (CLASSIFIED on order)
Placeholder

Bayraktar TB2 x3, x21 on order

Purchased from Turkey in 2018 for combat against New Afrikan PMCs, After the initial trio proved effective against an Afrikan PMC with the TB2 destroying the front and back of the convoy, it paired perfectly with the AH-64 Apache that then wiped out the rest of the convoy. Video of the incident was released on social media which was widely shared by Turkish posters promoting the effectiveness of the TB2 with attack helicopters against an enemy threat.

PAI RQ-7 Shadow x4
Placeholder
Recon. drone

PAI RQ-44 Hydra x6
Placeholder
Based on irl Hydra Technologies Ehécatl

West Floridian Army

Boeing AH-64D Apache x48

Initially inheriting ~120-150x AH-64As, West Florida could only operate a fraction of this number for a series of years, yet unlike other nations, West Florida was able to easily find and train pilots due to the presence of both the ex-Army helicopter training base Fort Rucker and the Navy's Whiting Field. The AH-64A was in service as part of the West Florida Army Aviation (WFAA) and used as the Army's primary airborne anti-personnel aircraft. However, the Army would utilize Air Force roundels as a means of distinguishing West Florida's AH-64s from the multitude of regional enemies who operate the Apache. The AH-64A would be upgraded in the 2010s to AH-64D status with the AN/APG-78 Longbow system. In total ~60 Apaches would take service with the WFAA, however, 2x would be lost to accidents and 1x to friendly fire.

PGTC C7A1 Jaguar x132
C7A1 MBT

Seeking to augment the M1A2WF and replace the M1A1, the Army launched a tender for the customized modern tank incorporating 4th generation MBT capabilities. Italy's modernized Ariete MBT was the selected competition winner and in late 2015 began construction at the SM Army Production Plant in Gulfport. The C7A1 would be rolled out in April 2016, marking the first of an initial order of 150 units. The order of C7A1s would be reduced to 132 in 2019 due to the development of the upgraded C7A2 variant, upgrading certain systems such as the engine, barrel stability, and crew accommodation. The Army has placed an order of 430 for this C7A2 upgraded version.

The Jaguar would see mild export success to Oman and Thailand, nominally out-competed by secondhand Abrams and T-80s from American and Soviet leftover nations. The Jaguar is a regularly promoted joint Italian-West Floridan product and requires both nations' signatures for export permission, with Italy in charge of promoting it to European, MENA, and SSA regions; West Florida would be in charge of promoting it to Asia, as well as North & South America. Italy itself would procure the C7A2 to augment its upgraded Ariete MBT, beating out the Leopard 2A8 and K2 Black Leopard.

General Dynamics M1A2WF Abrams

The M1A2WF is an upgraded variant of the M1A1. The upgrade was conducted with German and Israeli consultation, who suggested refurbishing the main gun, interior modification for crew comfortability, upgrading the engine, better communication units, and integrating the Israeli NINOX 66 drone for reconnaissance during combat and to help adjust firing. As of 2022, 247x tanks have been upgraded from M1A1 to M1A2WF standard, with the rest of the M1A1 (~150 units) in reserve for spare parts.

The M1A2WF is bolstered by introducing the C7 Jaguar MBT, with both units utilizing upgraded engines, Rh-120 main armament, and proper standardization for more humid conditions that un-upgraded M1A1 Abrams have issues with.

M113V

West Florida inherited hundreds of M113s of various variants during the period of collapse. Although West Florida utilizes the Bradley IFV for the most common roles of military use, the M113 fills the backline roles. The M113 is expected to be replaced by the indigenously-built LAV-series APC.


Other/Retired Equipment of West Florida


West Floridan Navy

Forrestal Class Aircraft Carrier x1 (Sold to Brazil)

The USS Forrestal was based in NAS Pensacola before the US collapse, as it was preparing to be deployed as a training carrier for the USN. However, as the United States began to internally collapse, the Cubans issued an ultimatum to the US for the complete withdrawal of the US from Guantanamo Bay. The US dispatched the USS Forrestal to serve as the host for equipment transfer from the base. Once the withdrawal was complete, she headed back to NAS Pensacola where it was expected she would offload the units and then make her way to conduct her conversion work. In 1994 however, the US was in the middle of splitting between various nations, so the Forrestal would remain in Pensacola as a lack of necessity to secure her safety, as the region was under full US military control. She would remain in Pensacola for several years, including after West Florida's independence in 1996, where she would serve as a storage facility for military equipment from Guantanamo and from West Florida. In 1998 a Chinese Businessman sought to buy the vessel for $10 million and turn it into a casino in Hong Kong, however, when negotiations were opened, the Brazilian government stepped up and put in a bid for $15 million, and officially purchasing the vessel. She would be transferred to Brazil officially in 1999 where she would be retrofitted in Brazil with both components of a Wasp class and European systems. The Forrestal would be renamed NAe Recife and continue service to this day with a combined loadout of F/A-18s, AF-1s, S-2s, and KC-2s.

Resolution Class OPV x1 (Retired)

The Resolution class OPV is a modified upgrade of the Hamilton-class cutter of the US Coast Guard. This is a one-ship class as the USCGC Chase was the only Hamilton class within the region at the time. she would be eventually rearmed with harpoons, ASW torpedos, and various small arms t fill a more frontline role. She would be taken out of service in the 2010s and sold off to Bahrain.


West Floridan Air Force

General Dynamics F-16A/B "Fighting Falcon"

In the Collapse of the United States, the Gulf Coast Defense Force activated its emergency functions of the Southeast Air Defense Sector (SEADS) for a full evacuation of all non-safe air bases that may be under threat of being seized by hostile forces. This notably included most of West Afrikan regions and South Florida that were considered "hostile regions" at the time due to the Black Revolution and the Floridian Divorce attempt by Miami. The F-16s of the 93rd, 134th, 157th, and 159th Fighter Squadrons arrived in few numbers but arrived nonetheless.

Around x60 F-16A/Bs arrived in various states of quality and differing blocks. Due to a preference of the Gulf Coast Defense Force for using the newer and more readily available F-16C/D, the F-16A/B often received very little flight time and were often relegated to rotting away in the corner of various airfields. Out of the three squadrons West Florida former F-16A/Bs, two of Block 10s, One Block 15, and one of ADFs, they would all officially retire in 2012 to cut costs and free up the aircraft to be used as spares. Both Block 10 squadrons, the 97th and 98th Fighter Squadrons, would be retired in 1999 and 2000 respectively, They would be upgraded and sold to Yucatán in the early 2010s as part of West Floridian efforts to counter Cuban militarization in the region. The ADF & Block 15 squadron would also retire in the early 00s and be shipped to Texas where they were exchanged for material support for the F-16C/D fleet.

No F-16A/B received any combat action, as they served in a primarily air-defense role due to their outdated systems and lack of ground attack capabilities. Some were rumored to have been used as escorts during the preemptive bombing strikes of Operation Grand Calhoun against former US Army assets that were unable to be moved to safe locations, however, this has been yet to be confirmed by the WFAF.

Northrop F-5W x34 (Retired)

West Florida was allocated 2 squadrons worth of older F-5Es in storage to be transferred to other nations as excess equipment, however as the collapse of America occurred, they held back the F-5s and instead sent them to one of their few remaining allied territories of West Florida. After independence, West Florida kept the F-15s as a cheap air defense unit, although they were modernized with the assistance of the Brazilians who helped with the integration of new technological advancements and a refueling probe for refueling capabilities. the F-5s were sold off to Brazil and Chile in 2008 as spares.

Northrop T-38C Talon x30

Primary jet trainers for the WFAF, around 50x were inherited by various means during the collapse of the United States. The aging trainer was transferred to Texas as part of the "swap deal" alongside the TA-4J in exchange for the T-45A. The specific jet shown participated in training with the Taiwan and Yucatán during the early 2000s.

Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

The West Floridian Air Force inherited several KC-135Rs as part of the collapse, with them being used as a 'workhorse' of the WFAF strategic assets. The WFAF utilized their KC-135s to help transport cargo and for sustained combat operations, including during Operation Grand Calhoun where it refueled returning F-16s, F-15s, A-4s, and AC-130s from their targets.

The WFAF however began suffering from a lack of spare parts from their KC-135s and half of the fleet was forced into retirement to act as spare for the remaining 3 units. In 2019 West Florida ordered a trio of A330 MRTTs as a replacement, with the KC-135 fleet being retired from WFAF service in 2021 after the arrival of the second KC-30A.

F-16EW Buzzard

In the aftermath of the F-16 Block 60+ deal with the West Floridian Air Force, Texan companies Lockheed Martin & Texas Instruments composed a conceptional electronic warfare variant of the F-16 Block 60+ that the WFAF could procure for service against Cuban coastal radar stations. The offer was a private venture and primarily a conceptual project to propose the idea similarly to the Texan Air Force for their own electronic warfare needs. The design was depicted at the Emerald Coast Defense Expo 2024 (EXDE 2024) with various nation's schemes depicted upon the aircraft, including that of West Florida, as seen above.

The Lockheed Martin officials unveiled their concept, equipped with wingtip AN/ALQ-218s, NGJ-MB Mid-Band Jamming Pods, Increased SATCOM connectivity, and Electronic Warfare terminals in the airframe itself. Additional modifications include the modernization of AGM guidance systems and localization trackers. The F-16EW's strike package comes in the form of 2x Enclosed Weapons Pods (EWP) on the wings, each able to hold 2x AIM-120 AMRAAMs & 2x AGM-88G AARGM-ER. Using the EWPs allows for the F-16EW to reduce its RCS; and add a total of 6 additional hardpoints, allowing the aircraft to conduct self-defense and anti-radiation targeting roles.

Much like the Block 60+, the F-16EW utilizes conformal fuel pods with a probe-capable attachment to allow for probe & drogue refueling operations. The use of conformal tanks also frees up additional hard points. However, the wingtip AN/ALQ-218s take over the ability to place AMRAAM or Sidewinder missiles on the wingtips. Although it is unlikely the WFAF will procure the type, as the electronic warfare role currently is filled by the EC-130J and RC-26B, the concept may prove useful for other operators.

F-16N Striker

Much like the F-16EW Buzzard, Texan companies Lockheed Martin & Texas Instruments designed a potential anti-surface warfare-specific variant of the F-16 Block 60+ that the WFAF could procure for service against Cuban and Venezuelan naval units. Although standard F-16s could operate Harpoon missiles, Lockheed Martin was targeting the possibility of offering a squadron of units to the West Floridian Navy akin to how European nations utilized fast-deploying aircraft in the Baltic Sea against Soviet threats.

Unlikely to be procured out of lack of need, the F-16N would be conceptualized at the DCI 2023 defense conference in Dallas in a slide presentation with the aircraft in various schemes for various nations including Brazil, Singapore, Taiwan, Texas, Turkey, & West Florida. Notably, the West Floridian variant mimics the VFA-204 unit, a former F/A-18 operator under West Floridian Navy jurisdiction until the squadron's retirement in 1997 and subsequent sale to Brazil. However, the slide show image mistakenly showed the F-16N with a WFAF roundel instead of a WFN roundel.

_________________
Worklist:
- Solkriet - My Personal AU: http://www.shipbucket.com/forums/viewto ... 14&t=10834
- America the Divided - Joint-Project between Minepagen and I http://www.shipbucket.com/forums/viewto ... =14&t=9855
- Occasionally the Random pop-ups of my Abyssinia or Hong Kong AUs

"The word Br*t?sh is a horrible term I never want to hear from you again, We do not tolerate that dehumanization".

when california

_________________
It's not about "Why," it's about "Why not?"