Three epic new maps set in the USA provide the setting for huge armored warfare. The conflict spreads near the Pacific Ocean in a battle for the Alaskan port of Valdez in Operation Midnight Sun, where Chinese forces are attempting to secure much-needed fuel from the pipeline. Meanwhile, tensions will escalate in Operation Harvest as the MEC army begins their march East towards the U.S. Capital. Can American forces stall the advance long enough for reinforcements to arrive? Finally, Operation Road Rage has MEC forces infiltrating deep into the USA, using the highways to move quickly towards key industrial sites that are dangerously near civilian areas.

Fantan Q-5

This Chinese ground attack jet was developed for superior combat performance at low and super-low altitudes. Development on the jet fighter bomber lasted 11 years. While its main role is close air support for troops attacking land targets, it can also engage enemy fighter jets. The Q-5 is based on the Soviet MiG-19, a favorite of the People’s Liberation Army, and has mid-mounted wings that hold one 20mm cannon each. The single-seat aircraft has a 9.8 meter wingspan and twin turbojet engines with afterburning capable of pushing the plane to supersonic speeds. It has a ceiling of nearly 16,000 meters and a combat radius of 600 km.

A-10

The same tough hide, “grunting” machine guns, and odd looks that earned this jet fighter the nickname “Warthog” have made it one of the most popular aircraft in the U.S. Air Force. The A-10’s main role is close air support of ground forces. The single-seat plane with twin turbofan engines has wide, straight wings that make it highly maneuverable at low speeds and altitudes. If your enemy happens to get a lucky shot off, the Warthog’s special titanium armor can withstand a direct hit from armor-piercing and high-explosive projectiles. Its main gun is an exceptionally powerful 30mm, 4,200-rounds-per-minute cannon that sounds like a pig grunt.

Su-39

This is the latest version of the Russian Su-25 ground attack jet. The plane is known for being easy to fly, cheap to produce, and very effective against ground, sea, and air targets. It has a 14.36-meter wingspan and can reach 975 kph under the power of its two turbojet engines. Its service ceiling is 10,000 meters. Upgrades from the Su-25 “Frogfoot” aircraft include improved survivability, navigation enhancements, and the ability to carry new precision-guided weapons. The aircraft comes armed with a 30mm cannon and a variety of air-to-ground weapons, making it effective in close air support and anti-tank missions.

EC-635

When European forces need a light utility helicopter to scout enemy lines and report back in a hurry, they call on the EC-635. Its twin engines allow pilots to infiltrate hostile territory quickly, assess the situation, and report back. Standard fuel tanks give the EC-635 a range of 620 km. The copter’s versatility, low weight, and quiet operation make it suitable for training, utility, transport, and search and rescue (SAR) missions in addition to reconnaissance. The copter comes armored and armed, allowing it to protect itself when it comes under enemy attack.

WZ-11

This is the attack variant of the Chinese Z-11 lightweight utility helicopter. Like the EC-635, the Z-11 was designed for reconnaissance, training, scout, and SAR missions. Little is known about the military version of this versatile helicopter, its development having been kept secret by the People’s Liberation Army. What is known, or at least reported, is that the first WZ-11 flew in December of 2004. It has a three-blade main rotor and a single turboshaft engine. Having been developed from a civilian utility helicopter, the WZ-11 is said to under-perform when compared to contemporary attack helicopters.

Little Bird

The OH-6A served on scout missions beginning in the Vietnam War. Recognizing the need for a reliable light attack vehicle, the U.S. Army added gun and rocket/missile capabilities to this helicopter to create the Little Bird. The copter provides air and ground support to special operations forces at an un-refueled range of 250 nautical miles. Modifications to the Little Bird’s single turbine engine and main rotor over the years have resulted in improved power and maneuverability. Rumor has it the helicopter is set to be modified again with an even more powerful engine and an upgrade to a six-bladed rotor.

Tactical air offensives and effective recon are the keys to winning this historic conflict. To contain and eliminate the domestic threat, Players will need every ounce of muscle from their tank busting ground assault aircraft, and the finesse of the radar-equipped scouting choppers.

Battlefield 2: Armored Fury will be available this Spring exclusively via the EA Downloader at http://downloader.ea.com and will retail for $9.99USD.

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