It was christened the Rayador, the Argentine name for the bird known in English as the Black Skimmer. And a skimmer this truly was, a Boeing 727, now barely recognizable, converted into a troop carrying Ekranoplan. The horizontal tailplanes were remounted as canards, with the numbers 1 and 2 engines attached to the tips. The outer wing panels were mounted as the outsize tailplanes dictated by the unusual characteristics of Ekranoplan aerodynamics. Floats were attached to the remaining stubs, mounted on large fences which reduced the drag of the now low aspect ratio wings. Capable of transporting 100 full equipped troops, they were designed to be used in the roughest ways imaginable, charging across rough seas for take-off and landing, and forcing their way onto shingle beaches to disgorge their soldiers quickly. The powerful reverse thrust would be used to back off the beach and return rapidly for re-supply. For self defence air to air missiles were slung on pylons under the canards.

Details of the coup that installed Mucholoco as dictator of Argentina are still sketchy, but in his lust for conquest he made two literally fatal errors. His first was to discount Chilean interest in Argentine affairs, as if they had forgotten about their old rival. His second was to commit his entire armed forces to the operations against Britain, with nothing left for domestic security. His personal guard was composed of retired reservists with more appearance than substance, and this left him extremely vulnerable.

Just a few days before operations were to begin the British government was contacted by Chile, and the news was shocking. An Argentine invasion of the Falklands was about to take place, with a swiftness that was unheard of in the history of combat. Casting aside diplomacy and legalities, the Prime Minister of Great Britain made an equally swift decision - get rid of Mucholoco immediately.

As the first Rayadors were streaking across the south Atlantic, three SAS 'bricks' crossed the border from Chile to Argentina. Within hours they were well on their way to Buenos Aires, just as the first engagements began between Argentine and British forces on the Falkland Islands. Two Rayadors were engaged and destroyed en route, but five managed to land safely. Any hope of a successful invasion was short-lived however, as it soon became clear that there was nothing but confusion at headquarters. Orders and counter-orders monopolized communications, until any semblance of an organized operation fell apart. It was plain that Mucholoco was no longer in command, and probably dead.

At 10 Downing Street the door to the Prime Minister's office flew open without the customary knock. "We have received a message from our operatives in the field Sir!" The Prime Minister looked up inquiringly. The General permitted himself a satisfied grin as he read the decoded message in his hand, "Operation Log-off successful, Latin Pimp has left the game."

Dave