S.H.I.E.L.D. Air Cavalry
 SHIELD Air Cavalry Insignia |
Originally conceived as part of the Agency's 'Integrated Civillian Surveillance' operations, the Air Cavalry was the first operational division of SHIELD to be issued the Mk IV Hovercar as standard field equipment, ending the Director's monopoly on the vehicle, but finally allowing the R&D division free reign to adapt and refit the first real production run of the craft in a variety of designs and with a range of equipment previously unecessary in the MK IV's role as an 'Executive Transport'. Although initially serving in a support role, the varied design of vehicles proved invaluable in the field and ICS teams soon found that they were being called upon to perform a number of functions - particularly as special tactical support in the traditional 'SWAT' function. |
| The
intrinsic camouflage of the ICS vehicles (initially
intended to prevent discovery of surveillance
teams by enemy forces) soon proved to be one of
their greatest assets, allowing them to move
freely in all areas, under all conditions and
Field Agents would often request an ICS Hovervan
as close support during assaults on covert Hydra
or AIM implacements within urban areas. If the
operation should require heavier weapons, an ICS
vehicle dubbed the 'Battle Bus' was available,
based on a Chrysler MPV and equipped with
encapsulated missile pods and twin heavy
disruptors in a rear-mounted turret. The success of the new wave of vehicles and crews in the field quickly led to a re-assessment of the Hovercars and their role, resulting in the formation of the Air Cavalry as a seperate division in it's own right, re-equipped for combat operations and tasked as the agency's rapid reaction force with their duties extending to include paramilitary operations and police action. |
 Base Commander Fury's personal Hovercar in conventional and hover modes at ground level. |
 SHIELD Hovercars engaged in urban combat in 'morphed' mode. |
The enlarged division was soon issued with the latest model of the Hovercar, known as the MK V. This new design was originally manufactured in only two variants: a saloon version, based on a BMW body and capable of holding four crew and a sportscar version, based on the distinctive Dodge Viper at Director Fury's request to replace his older MKIV, which had been based on a Ferrari Berlinetta. The new vehicles feature much heavier weapons than previous models, with missile launchers and energy cannon replacing the previous machine gun and rocket systems. Air Cavalry operations are usually limited to on-world missions, although SHIELD R&D is currently engaged in experiments with the Hummer chasis to provide a modular system for transport through the Stargate for off-world use. |
