"Flyin' High." -Unofficial motto of the Hermes.

Lore

Overview

The D-15H Hermes is Lykania’s next-generation jet-powered VTOL transport aircraft, designed to bridge the gap between conventional fixed-wing cargo planes and rotary-wing assets. Named after the Greek messenger of the gods, the Hermes embodies speed, versatility, and rapid deployment capability. With its high-mounted tilt-duct engines and sleek fuselage, it can take off and land vertically in confined spaces, yet cruise at jet-like speeds for strategic deployments. The Hermes is capable of transporting troops, light vehicles, and supplies deep into contested areas, drastically reducing Lykania’s reliance on traditional airfields.

Background and Development

TThe Hermes project was conceived in the wake of the Cascadian Uprising, which revealed the vulnerability of Lykania’s forward-deployed airstrips. Seeking an aircraft capable of operating from roads, clearings, and urban zones while maintaining the speed and range of a jet transport, the LKAF commissioned Drakon Dynamics to develop a solution. Designated XV-15H during development, the Hermes was the first fully jet-powered VTOL transport designed in Lykania. Engineers overcame major challenges with vertical lift control, thermal management, and center-of-gravity stability, eventually opting for oversized tilt-duct nacelles and reinforced fuselage spars to handle the stress of vertical operations. The first prototype flew in late 2019, followed by a second prototype in early 2020 that tested expanded payload capacities. During this phase, Drakon also produced a single gunship variant, armed with dual 25 mm cannons, rocket pods, and guided missiles for potential close-air-support operations. While the test aircraft proved capable, the concept was deemed unnecessary given Lykania’s already extensive ground-attack fleet, and the sole example was disassembled sometime between 2020 and 2025. Drakon also offers private transport models, equipped with a pressurized passenger cabin, luxury seating, and advanced communications systems. Currently, only the Emperor of Lykania and the Head of Taluva possess this VIP variant.

Operational History

The first production Hermes was delivered to the 6th Tactical Mobility Wing in February 2024, immediately entering operational service. Its early missions included clandestine troop insertions in Naragonia, high-speed medevacs during the 2024 Operation Snow Angel, a rescue op after Superstorm Helena, and joint training exercises with Nevera and Andarissia, where its ability to use short or vertical takeoff modes impressed observers. By late 2024, the Hermes had begun to replace older rotary-wing transports in Lykania’s rapid reaction units, allowing them to deploy troops and equipment further and faster than before. Its versatility made it a favorite for special operations forces, who often operated it from unprepared roads and remote mountain plateaus. In addition to domestic use, Lykania approved limited exports of the D-15H to Tarania and the United States of Laurentia, both of which have since integrated the Hermes into their own mobility and special forces wings. As of mid-2025, the LKAF operates 24 D-15Hs, with a planned expansion to 48 aircraft by 2028. Drakon continues to evaluate potential upgrades, including improved engines with greater hot-and-high performance, extended-range fuel tanks, and modular mission kits for electronic warfare or search-and-rescue roles.

Gameplay

Damn, did I finish this thing quickly... Guess that's what happens when you let obsessions take over, lol. Anyways, I recently got back into Black Ops 2 and, let me tell you, I fell in love with all of the tech again. Stealth choppers, Lodestar and MQ drones, CLAW Units, and, as evidenced by the Hermes, the VTOL Gunship. So, yes, the Hermes is inspired by the VTOL from BO2. It isn't an exact replica, since the VTOL did have some pretty funky takes, like a tail-mounted engine alongside its main two engines. But I'd say about 90% of the Hermes was inspired by the VTOL. Anyways, that's all I have. Just another out-of-boredom build. Hope you enjoy it! Gotta put this out there, though. It can be a little funky to fly. You use the VTOL throttle to rotate the engines. At max VTOL, you can take-off vertically. The craft has a tendency to lean backwards. It won't flip backwards and crash, but the takeoff isn't 100% vertical. Giving it some guidance with Pitch usually does it for me. While in VTOL mode, it acts somewhat like a helicopter. If left unattended, it'll continue to climb and it'll want to start spinning. You can fix the spin with Yaw. As for how to hover, feathering the throttle usually lets you find that sweet spot where you can somewhat hover. 0 VTOL tilts the engines forward. This mode gives you the max speed and maneuverability, but it isn't properly balanced and the plane leans forward, causing you to drop. I usually like to play with around 25-50% VTOL, since that allows the craft to fly forward while either maintaining or gaining altitude, meaning all you have to do to fly is give it some roll. Alright, that should be about everything. AG. 1 gives you lights, AG.7 opens the rear door. Enough yapping, enjoy! "CORDIS DIE!"