The plans for the NB2 Orca were given to Arixo by Pacifica as an act of good will, after a mysterious December 30th attack on Albuquerque by a pair of planes bearing Pacifica markings. It was something of a hollow gesture, since the floatation equipped Orca is basically worthless in the desert southwest. 
     The Orca is a light bomber/fighter, but an enormous one, only one or two steps below full fledged bombers. The designers kept its weight down a bit to give it greater speed; using two Wright Tornado engines, the Orca averages 250 mph, speedy for a craft its size. It is not very maneuverable, however, and attempts to minimize the floatation pontoons to reduce wind resistance only caused more problems. The Orca is a float-plane that can barely float, and landings must be made at a very oblique angle. However, there have been few instances of Orcas actually sinking, especially since they usually land much lighter than they left, having dropped off their heavy bomb cargo. 
     This is the Orca's claim to fame, its ability to carry 1,700 lbs worth in bombs in the specially designed bomb-bay, built something like a nautilus shell, allowing for more storage in less space. The Orca's bombardier compartment, located under the main cockpit, allows for great accuracy, though it is very difficult to bail from without falling face first into the pontoon directly beneath it. But with 1,200 lbs of armor protecting it, hitting the silk isn't always a concern. A greater problem is the Orca's light armament, consisting only of two .60-caliber cannons and two .30-caliber machine guns. Ten hardpoints for rockets help make up for this, but still, no Orca flies without escort from better armed and more nimble fighters, such as Boeing's own Sandhill.  
     Almost all Orcas are under control of  Pacifican militias, and are seen frequently harassing northern Hollywood towns and villages, some considerably far inland, evidence of the Orca's large fuel tanks.