Viracocha

B-38 Viracocha

Background The B-38 Viracocha is a modified version of the Airbus A380, and is capable of carrying almost 150 tonnes of weaponry, usually cruise missiles in a series of bomb-bays along the fuselage, and also on underwing pylons.

The Viracocha is currently in service with the Shildonian Flying Corps. strategic bomber forces, and is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional weapons. For reasons of national security, a comprehensive list of weapons capable of being fired by the Viracocha, but evidence gathered from past missions using the aircraft indicate that it can use the CALCM, the SHOC and the ACM. There are also reports from several intelligence agencies that at least two units using the Viracocha have been conducting training in the maritime strike role, though this has never been proven. During the Neo Portugal conflict (see the section on Operational Uses of the Viracocha, below), the Portuguese Navy claimed that anti-radiation missiles had been fired at several of their ships operating in the Atlantic, though it is not known whether these were fired by Viracochas or by some other aircraft in the Shildonian Flying Corps. inventory.

Operational Usage The Viracocha saw it's first operational usage during the conflict with Neo Portugal. This conflict arose after the Neo Portugese government launched an illegal invasion of their Spanish neighbours. It was decided by the Shildonian Government that an illegal act such as this would not be tolerated, especially due to Shildonia's proximity to the conflict, and amidst fears that Neo Portugal may turn its sights on Shildonia itself. The first strikes of the war were fired by Viracocha's operating from bases in the Shildonian mainland, and assisted by in-flight refuelling. Targets included power stations, airfields, and the residence of the Neo Portuguese president. Later in the conflict, Viracocha's launched cruise missiles at Neo Portugal's ports, in the hope of destroying the enemies ability to resupply its fleet operating of the Neo Portuguese coast. When the Neo Portuguese attacked the Shildonian mainland with cruise missiles, Viracocha's (along with other aircraft from the Shildonian Strategic Air Command) carrying nuclear warheads were scrambled to retaliate, until it became clear that the missiles did not carry nuclear warheads. Nevertheless, the fact that the Shildonian Government was so willing to carry out a nuclear strike was doubtless an important factor in the Neo Portuguese governments descision to surrender, and cease it's invasion of Spain.