S.H.I.E.L.D. Aircraft & Vehicles

Air Transport

S.H.I.E.L.D. maintains extensive aerial forces for operations around the globe, making the maximum use of the Helicarrier's mobile flight deck for a wide variety of operations autonomously and in support of other SGC teams.

Combat Aircraft

Primary Fighter Support and Combat Air Patrol is provided by two squadrons of F-22A Raptor aircraft - HCF57 'Silver Ghosts' and HCF98 'Sky Raiders'. An auxhiliary wing of F-117 Nighthawk 'Stealth fighters' is held in reserve for special operations and 'Black' missions.

Recently an evaluation wing of X-301A interceptors has been added to the inventory and are undergoing flight, systems and weapons tests under the supervision of the Research and Development Division

Ground support for field operations is provided by a squadron of AV-8 Harriers - HCF106 'Lowriders', along with a wing of captured Goa'uld 'Death Gliders', commonly referred to as the 'Snake Hunters'

Transports

The Helicarrier Transport Squadron consists of 2 wings of UH-60 'Blackhawk' helicopters, a wing of MH-53 'Pave Low' modified rotorcraft and one wing of C-130 'Hercules' transports. A wing of V-22 'Osprey' VTOL aircraft are maintained for troop transport and special operations and a modified Learjet is maintained for use by the 'Executive' officers as a high-speed courier and VIP transport.

For intra-orbital duties and off-world operations, a pair of 'Teltac' transports are berthed aboard the Helicarrier in specially-designed launch cradles near the rear of the main flightdeck.

Hovercars

A feature of the SHIELD inventory almost from the agency's inception, the hovercar was originally conceived to be the Director's personal vehicle, but proved so successful it was adopted as a light general purpose personnel carrier. In addition to it's VTOL capabilities, the vehicle's concealed armament provided a useful feature, both for defence and in support of ground operations.

In recent years, with advances in design and construction, the hovercar has become the preferred transportation for the 'Air Cavalry', SHIELD's fast-response unit. Ideally suited for urban combat, the latest model hovercar, known informally as the "Mk V" is constructed in a number of bodyshells, from sedans to sportscars to MPV's to blend in with it's environment.

Ground Transport

In addition to the hovercars, SHIELD maintains a pool of conventional vehicles for ground transport, this motorpool is split between a small number of vehicles in storage on the Helicarrier and the bulk of the inventory, which is maintained and stored at the SGC's Transport Section at the Cheyenne Mountain Facility.

For field operations, SHIELD uses a fleet of modified HMMWV 'Hummers', similar to the familiar vehicles used by the US armed services. SHIELD Hummers feature hybrid diesel/electric powerplants, light armoured bodyshells with additional reactive armour around the crew compartment and a gymbaled weapons mount behind the drivers cabin, usually equipped with a Barret 'light .50' machine gun or the 'Dragon' missile launcher system.