Price a Karnov. (Probably the most common chopper in the setting, even the invading clans end up using them.)
Karnovs
550,000 for the standard (6 ton capacity)
570,000 for the upgrade, now with machine guns (7 ton capacity, slightly slower)
1,770,000 (BA model, fusion engine, 2ERML, ECM, 8 ton capacity)
Cavalry Infantry model
986,944 (by my math, Fusion engine, 3ML, 3MG, 4 ton capacity)
For comparison, a Maxim upgrade rigged for BA is 1,230,000 or 1,350,000 depending on the field or factory upgrade, which yank different pieces of equipment to free up extra weight.
For a hovercraft more in the weight class of the VTOLs? A Blizzard (LRM-5, ICE, 6 ton capacity) is 288,125 C-Bills. That is more restrictive, Trinity Alliance, Mercenaries, and WOB.
as for 'gimme's there's always a risk,but options for zip-line deployment (for non jump suits/infantry) and air-drop (for jump conventional and jump capable suits) are available if you're a little nervous about getting shot at.
again, there's always a trade-off, and there are so MANY rules that before you try it, you're advised to look them up and do some thinking ahead of time.
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