15mm ARVX-1C Arapaho

Optimized for lower-intensity conflicts, the ARVX-1C is an Arapaho variant integrating the Bell 609CSC cannon package into the ARVX-1B. The 35mm caseless rotary autocannon offers similar terminal performance to HEDP PGRS rounds for far lest expense, at the expense of precision, range, and the ability to fire flechette rounds. Additionally, its ammunition load lasts longer with short bursts, while long bursts yield far greater volume of fire than available with either PGRS or LAGMs.

In order to withstand the muzzle blast of the cannon, the ARVX-1C's electro-optical sensor turret is relocated to the left side of the fuselage, reducing its coverage. For the same purpose, light armor plate is installed on the right forward fuselage. The cannon ammunition bin replaces a fuel cell, slightly reducing the ARVX-1C's range and endurance. The minigun is removed, but the internal weapons bays are retained.


Operationally, it is fairly common for two or three ARVX-1Cs to be blended into each gunship platoon, where they are often in demand for escort and LZ suppression. The C-model is a depot-level refit, not a field-installed kit, but numerous requests are made for modular autocannon installations for the Arapaho. Trials with a single-barrel autocannon pod are ongoing, though the system is limited by its small ammunition capacity and a podded .338 heavy machine gun is anticipated to be more efficient.