Interceptor Fighter Briefing |
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FIGHTER BRIEFING
TOG Fighters
Commonwealth Fighters
KessRith Fighters
SECTION 1 -- TOG FIGHTERS
ARCUBALISTA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 96 tons
Cost: 4,340,925 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400, 1 x 450
Thrust: 13 (Compensator Limit 14)
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 70
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/2 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
5/2 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
The ARCUBALISTA is the product of a six-year joint development effort between
the Imperial Navy and Nitor AeroSpace. Originally conceived as an inexpensive
high-acceleration courier for fleet-to-planet liaision work, the ARCUBALISTA
project has become a bloated pork barrel for Nitor and various members of the
TOG Naval Procurement Board. The ship's mission profile has been changed four
times to justify the "gold plating" given this light fighter. In contrast to
the MARTIOBARBULUS' case, various Senators of all ranks have seriously questioned
the Procurement Board's actions, and applied so much pressure that the low-cost
FUNDA has been approved for limited production. The FUNDA is currently being
evaluated for many of the same missions that the ARCUBALISTA was intended for,
and it seems likely that the ARCUBALISTA will see only limited use with recon or
anti-recon units in the most active areas of the Commonwealth Front. In general,
the ARCUBALISTA has the same advantages and disadvantages of the LANCEA, only
more so in both cases. In an operational recon mode, only very poor luck or
foolishness on the part of an ARCUBALISTA'S pilot will ever put this phenomenally
fast fighter under effective attack. In a straight-up fight as part of a tactical
recon or anti-recon mission, however, the ARCUBALISTA'S very light weaponry is a
severe handicap.
ARCUS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 231 tons
Cost: 5,598,775 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpits: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 600
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 6 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 110
Right Forward 80 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 80 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 100
Aft 60 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/5 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
7.5/5 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
MDC 8 1 Forward 8 8 8 - -
MDC 8 2 Forward 8 8 8 - -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
5/2 Laser 1 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 2 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 3 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
Hardpoint Turret - - - - -
The ARCUS is a standard TOG ground attack and atmospheric fighter, first
introduced in 6805. They are used exclusively by Imperial Legion fighter
support wings - which can lead to a variety of problems! Since their primary
job is to support their Legion, ARCUS crews receive little or no training in
deep-space operations, and the always turf-conscious Imperial Navy does as
little as possible to add to their experience. On those occasions where
Legion and Navy fighter units have worked together, the results have usually
been disappointing unless there are commanders on both sides willing to put
inter-service rivalries aside. The ARCUS' weapons are optimized for atmospheric
operations and ground support; its heavy armor and shielding make it a tough
opponent for enemy aerospace defense Centuries, and give it much better
survivability than its Navy counterparts. Its heavy hardpoint allows it to
carry HELL missiles, thus freeing a Legion's Prefect from total dependence on
the Navy to deliver these powerful weapons. This feature of the ARCUS has
proven useful in more than one case in which the Navy was otherwise occupied at
a critical moment, and has added another point of contention between the services.
CASTRA PRAETORII
Nationality: TOG
Class: Small Outpost Station
Mass: 10,000 tons
Cost: 48,220,750 talents
Crew: 19 + 46 support + 12 passenger
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 2309 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? 6 Single-Ship Hangar Bays = Each rated for 300 tons or less
Repair Facilities
Cargo Bay = 115 tons: 60 tons General Supplies (3 months),
the remaining cargo is used for Missile Reloads
Internal ECM
Engines: NA
Thrust: NA
Fuel/Endurance: 90 tons -- 90 days
Fuel for fighters = 35 tons
Streamlining: NA
AntiGrav: NA
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Side 1 Variable 10 10 Side 1 100
Side 2 Variable 20 20 Side 2 100
Side 3 Variable 30 40 Side 3 100
Side 4 Variable 40 60 Side 4 100
Side 5 Variable 50 120 Side 5 100
Side 6 Variable 60 240 Side 6 100
70 400 Turret 1 100
80 700 Turret 2 100
90 1250 Turret 3 100
100 2200 Turret 4 100
110+ N/A Turret 5 100
Turret 6 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
7.5/6 Laser 1 Turret 1 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 2 Turret 1 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 1 Turret 1 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 2 Turret 1 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 3 Turret 1 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 3 Turret 2 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 4 Turret 2 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 4 Turret 2 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 5 Turret 2 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 6 Turret 2 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 5 Turret 3 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 6 Turret 3 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 7 Turret 3 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 8 Turret 3 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 9 Turret 3 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 7 Turret 4 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 8 Turret 4 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 10 Turret 4 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 11 Turret 4 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 12 Turret 4 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 9 Turret 5 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 10 Turret 5 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 13 Turret 5 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 14 Turret 5 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 15 Turret 5 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 11 Turret 6 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 12 Turret 6 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 16 Turret 6 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 17 Turret 6 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 18 Turret 6 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC-G 1 Side 1 8 8 - - - 6
MDC-G 2 Side 2 8 8 - - - 6
MDC-G 3 Side 3 8 8 - - - 6
MDC-G 4 Side 4 8 8 - - - 6
MDC-G 5 Side 5 8 8 - - - 6
MDC-G 6 Side 6 8 8 - - - 6
All of the warring nations maintain stations similar to TOG's CASTRA PRAETORII
series. They are used as outposts, capable of supporting a few fighters and
keeping watch on an area of space to give early warning of small craft raids
or capital ship movements. TOG's version is distinguished by its six MDC-Gs,
providing all-around anti-missile defense, but which require six extra gunners
to man them at a slightly higher cost than its Commonwealth counterpart.
CINGULUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Small Corvette
Mass: 1000 tons
Cost: 21,934,650 talents
Crew: 7 + 2 passengers
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 5381 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? Yes (100 EP)
Accessories/Cargo? TOT for all Forward 7.5/4 Lasers
Cargo = 5.5 tons
Engines: 3 x 1700
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 60 tons -- 30 days
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes (50 EP)
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Forward Variable 10 1 Forward 100
Right Forward Variable 20 2 Right Forward 90
Right Aft Variable 30 4 Right Aft 80
Left Forward Variable 40 6 Left Forward 90
Left Aft Variable 50 12 Left Aft 80
Aft Variable 60 24 Aft 100
70 40 Turret 100
80 70
90 125
100 220
110 385
120 675
130 1180
140 2065
150 3615
160+ N/A
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
MDC 8 1 Turret 8 8 8 - - 6
MDC 8 2 Turret 8 8 8 - - 6
MDC 8 3 Turret 8 8 8 - - 6
5/3 Laser 1 Turret 6 5 4 3 - 11
5/3 Laser 2 Turret 6 5 4 3 - 11
7.5/4 Laser 1 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/4 Laser 2 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/4 Laser 3 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/4 Laser 4 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
MDC 8 4 Forward 8 8 8 - - 6
Ext. Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - - 0
Ext. Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - - 0
5/3 Laser 3 Aft 6 5 4 3 - 11
5/3 Laser 4 Aft 6 5 4 3 - 11
The CINGULUM is the most common class of TOG Corvette in service. First
commissioned over 75 years ago, CINGULUMS are typically assigned to escort
small interstellar convoys or to provide courier service in border areas.
Operating alone or in pairs, these ships shuttle back and forth endlessly
between systems, stopping only long enough to rotate crews and take on
supplies. Duty aboard the average CINGULUM has been described as long
stretches of boredom punctuated by intense periods of tedium. Life on the
front lines is rather more active, but there are few complaints -- being
shot at is a sovereign remedy for boredom!
While the majority of CINGULUM crews will never fire a shot in anger, some
are unfortunate enough to have their ships requisitioned by Lictor External
Affairs (EA) or Internal Security (IS), or even by an Overlord wishing to
travel without attracting attention. These missions are never boring or safe.
An EA mission might call for a deep penetration of Commonwealth space to pick
up an agent and his equipment from a planet. The CINGULUM'S FTL ability,
firepower, and ability to absorb damage make it an excellent ship for this
type of mission. For an IS agent, the fact that CINGULUMS are so common
throughout TOG means that he can travel throughout the Empire without ever
attracting attention. The CINGULUM'S durability and firepower also serve it
well in this type of mission, for many a corrupt official, making a last
desperate attempt to save himself, has attacked a Lictor or even an Overlord.
CUSPIS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 141 tons
Cost: 4,241,475 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 100
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 100
Aft 60 Aft 90
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/4 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
NPC 16 Forward 1 4 9 16 -
EPC 18 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
Introduced in 6789, the CUSPIS was originally intended to use the ill-fated
NPC/EPC weapon designed for the VERUTUM. In fact, the CUSPIS was to have been
merely a larger version of the VERUTUM with upgraded armor and larger engines.
At the time of the Almach scandal, the CUSPIS' development was in an advanced
stage. Rather than cancel the project, the Naval Procurement Board decided to
continue, but made modifications in the basic airframe so that the CUSPIS could
carry a standard EPC and NPC. The resulting fighter was much stubbier than the
VERUTUM; in addition, a bridged twin tail was added to give greater stability in
atmospheric operations. Despite its age, the CUSPIS has not outlived its
usefulness, and many TOG pilots compare it favorably with the more glamorous
SPICULUM.
CWTP
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter (Experimental)
Mass: 153 tons
Cost: 4,093,850 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 950
Thrust: 6 (Compensator Limit 7)
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 70
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 50
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 50
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 50
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 50
Aft 40 Aft 70
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
Cone Laser 7.5/6 Forward 15 12 8 - -
5/6 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 -
5/6 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 -
Heavy Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Heavy Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Heavy Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Because of Globetech's delay in completing its design for a combat weapons
test platform for the TPP and MDC-G, the Procurement Board decided to develop
its own. Rather than create a totally new ship or modify one that was currently
operational, the Board reactivated a number of obsolete PUGILISTA Class medium
fighters which had been mothballed at the Imperial Navy's gigantic "graveyard
depot", Sargassum V, some forty years before. After updating the avionics and
replacing the ships' original weaponry with a variety of lasers and hardpoints,
the CTWP was born. A large underbelly rack was also installed, from which new
weapons under test could be slung. These are very much ad hoc installations,
which is why modularized weaponry hasn't made a wide appearance on the fighting
fronts. A few squadrons of CWTP have been assigned to various sectors of both
the Commonwealth and KessRith Fronts. One of these squadrons is currently
attached to the Death Express; reports indicate that its CWTP are equipped with
Cone Laser systems, although another source states that 7.5/10 lasers were used
on at least one occasion. Since the CWTP is exactly what its name implies, it
always flies with a powerful escort and tends to attack targets that will not be
heavily defended in order to minimize the risk of losing the CWTP and any new
technologies it may have aboard. With this in mind, its hardpoint usually carries
an ECM pod, while its heavy hardpoints carry sensor pods and decoys in addition to
TGM Mark II missiles to be used if retreating. Naturally, Commonwealth and Renegade
Legion Intelligence are eager to capture a CWTP or the wreck thereof, although this
has not yet happened.
DEFENSOR
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 182 tons
Cost: 4,460,325 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 110
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 80
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 80
Aft 60 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/2 Laser 1 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
7.5/2 Laser 2 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
NPC 16 1 Forward 1 4 9 16 -
NPC 16 2 Forward 1 4 9 16 -
EPC 14 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
MDC-G Forward 8 8 - - -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
First produced in 6650, the DEFENSOR is the oldest TOG fighter type on active
service, although it has been progressively modernized and has had its original
MDC 8 replaced by the MDC-G. It has been kept in service to commemorate the
role DEFENSORS played in the foundation of TOG. During the riots that occurred
on Terra after the bombing of the Senate in 6680, many military units refused
to fire on the unarmed civilians demanding a return to the Republic. One of
these rebellious units was the 182nd Heavy Infantry Legion, commanded by Simon
Constantin, son of Grand General Constantin. When the 182nd marched on New Rome,
intending to arrest Ivanolo Buntari and restore the Republic, it was the
intervention of a Praetorian Guard Fighter Wing's DEFENSORS that prevented
Constantin's men from breaking through to the capitol. Shortly thereafter,
another DEFENSOR squadron got Buntari out of harm's way and aboard a loyalist
warship in orbit, although five of them were shot down in the process. Once
loyalist forces had crushed the 182nd and the other mutinous units, all of the
surviving rebels were summarily crucified -- and Constantin's drawn-out agonies
were broadcast to the entire Galaxy as a warning to others. As a mark of
gratitude, Caesar Buntari decorated the survivors of the Praetorian fighter wing,
and all Praetorian fighter wings were subsequently given DEFENSORS as their
primary fighters. Though they have since received more modern craft, all
Praetorian wings maintain an extra squadron of DEFENSORS in memory of the
"glorious battle of New Rome".
FULMAN
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 132 tons
Cost: 3,819,150 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 90
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 50 Aft 90
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/5 Laser 1 Forward 8 7 6 5 -
5/5 Laser 2 Forward 8 7 6 5 -
MDC-G Forward 8 8 - - -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
The FULMAN has been recently deployed in limited numbers in an attempt to
respond more effectively to Commonwealth and Renegade Legion rear-area raids
without pulling first-line fighters away from the battle front. The
requirement is thus for a fighter that has capabilities near to those of a
SPICULUM, while being considerably less expensive as more must be produced to
cover wider areas. Given the grossly larger economic capacity of TOG vis-a-vis
the Commonwealth and Renegades, the question of cost is clearly a canard. A
better explanation of the desire to cut costs lies in the constant complaints
by Senators about the size of their districts' naval support quotas, which they
maintain could be better spent at home on "civic improvements" (which are more
immediately profitable to themselves, as well as politically useful). To at
least seem responsive to such concerns, the TOG Naval Procurement Board went
through the motions of producing the FULMAN, making sure to award the contracts
in the districts of some of the more vocal Senatorial critics. Politics aside,
the FULMAN'S single advantage over the SPICULUM is its MDC-G, which makes it
somewhat more survivable. However, its lower speed, lighter protection, smaller
missile load and inability to carry HELL missiles makes the savings that it
offers a questionable bargain at best.
FUNDA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 74 tons
Cost: 3,077,550 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400
Thrust: 10
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 50
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 30
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 30
Aft 40 Aft 50
Weapons:
Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
1.5/6 Laser Forward 7 6 - - -
EPC 14 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
The FUNDA is the result of the Aquilo Corporation's attempt to develop a ship
to replace the LANCEA. Aquilo began this project in 6824 on its own initiative
after hearing of the ARCUBALISTA project, without any Imperial Navy R&D; funds.
Once completed, the prototype FUNDA was submitted to the Navy for review. While
all parties involved admitted that the ARCUBALISTA'S higher thrust and better
protection gave it certain advantages, Aquilo pointed out that the FUNDA'S close-
range firepower was 50% higher than the ARCUBALISTA'S, that it carried 50% more
hardpoints, and that 3 FUNDAS could be purchased for the cost of 2 ARCUBALISTAS.
The Navy was still determined to have the ARCUBALISTA, however, and Aquilo was
politely turned away. Aquilo called in all the political favors that it could to
avoid financial ruin. Since the "high-low" fighter purchasing issue was emerging
strongly at this time, and given the support of Illustris Senator Sunmee Lee, the
Procurement Board reluctantly gave Aquilo a limited contract to produce FUNDAS for
combat evaluation purposes. What happens next with this fighter is likely to be
determined more by internal TOG politics than by its merits on the battlefield.
GLADIUS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 210 tons
Cost: 5,296,500 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 450, 1 x 400
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 100
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 50 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
MDC 10 1 Turret 10 10 10 10 -
MDC 10 2 Turret 10 10 10 10 -
Hardpoint 1 Turret - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Turret - - - - -
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 2 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Ext. Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The GLADIUS is a two-man TOG fighter found in many attack squadrons. Its name
is derived from the short sword carried by most ancient Roman Legionnaires,
following the TOG tradition of naming all two-man fighters after ancient Roman
hand-wielded weapons.
The GLADIUS is a newer design that was introduced in 6820. Its weapons mix,
along with its acceleration and defensive equipment, reflects current TOG
tactical doctrine. Although the GLADIUS has less survivability in combat than
the Commonwealth's FLUTTERING PETAL, it does project excellent firepower over
a long range, can carry an impressive array of missiles, and has a high
acceleration for its weight class.
TOG doctrine calls for periodic rotation of crew members within a GLADIUS
squadron, so that no pilot flies an undue number of missions with the same
weapons operator. According to the official explanation, this is meant to
spread expertise evenly throughout the squadron and discourage unseemly
familiarity between enlisted weapons operators and flight officers. A rumor
has been traveling through many border GLADIUS squadrons that each squadron
has a Lictor IS agent posing as a weapons operator, and that the rotation
policy was created to give him the opportunity to check on the loyalty of
each pilot. Lictor IS, which normally refuses to discuss its operations,
emphatically denies that it is conducting such a program.
ICTUS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 181 tons
Cost: 5,017,550 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 550
Thrust: 6 (Compensator Limit 7)
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 110
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 100
Aft 60 Aft 110
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 3 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 4 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
In 6922, the Imperial Navy decided to create a new attack fighter by modifying
the SPICULUM. By adding extra armor and weapons to a well-tried airframe, they
hoped to get an easily-produced variant that would use most or all of the
logistic and ground support of the SPICULUM, thus saving design time and the
expense and difficulty of setting up another logistic pipeline for the new
fighter. Unfortunately for TOG, the prototype fell into Renegade hands when its
test pilot defected; the ship eventually became the Commonwealth PEACEKEEPER.
For security reasons this design was immediately cancelled, but the Naval
Procurement Board was still determined to have its new attack fighter -- and now,
one that could beat the PEACEKEEPER as well! After four years of design work,
the prototype ICTUS was ready and was immediately taken into service. The ICTUS
bears only a slight outward resemblance to either of its forebears, although many
of the control systems and structural components are the same. While this
commonality does simplify manufacturing and logistics somewhat, the benefits are
not as great as had originally been hoped for. Tactically, ICTUSES are used to
support SPICULUM squadrons if close combat is expected, since their very different
weapons suites complement each other well. The ICTUS is also replacing the
MARTIOBARBULUS in many TOG fighter units along the Commonwealth Front; as always,
the KessRith Front will get the newer fighter after a considerable delay, except
for certain elite units.
IDIS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 114 tons
Cost: 3,757,925 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 70
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/4 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 2 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
The IDIS is the fighter that replaced the PILUM in front-line TOG squadrons,
and was designed as a response to the Commonwealth PENETRATOR. While it has
better protection, higher overall firepower and much greater missile
capabilities than the PILUM, the IDIS is no faster than the ship it replaces,
which is a sore point with its pilots. Moreover, its weapons are optimized
for close-range fighting, which can put it at a disadvantage compared with the
PENETRATOR'S more balanced approach. On the whole, the IDIS is an improvement
over its predecessor, but it is not the definitive ship for its role.
LANCEA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 70 tons
Cost: 2,670,650 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 350
Thrust: 10 (Compensator Limit 11)
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 40 Forward 50
Right Forward 30 Right Forward 40
Right Aft 30 Right Aft 40
Left Forward 30 Left Forward 40
Left Aft 30 Left Aft 40
Aft 40 Aft 50
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/1 Laser 1 Forward 4 3 2 1 -
5/1 Laser 2 Forward 4 3 2 1 -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
Introduced in 6819, the LANCEA is TOG's standard light reconnaissance and
interceptor fighter. Like the Commonwealth's CHEETAH, the LANCEA's main claim
to fame is its speed. In a reconnaissance role, the lasers are replaced with
hardpoints and mounted with a variety of ordnance or surveillance equipment.
With 11 Gs of acceleration, a high-thrust LANCEA is one of the fastest
fighters in the galaxy.
Like the CHEETAH, the LANCEA usually performs reconnaissance missions by
jumping into a solar system aboard a carrier corvette, making a high speed
pass through the system, then rendezvousing with the carrier to be taken back
to its base.
The LANCEA's low cost means that it can be formed into special anti-
reconnaissance squadrons whose mission is to stop just such tactics. A stripped-
down LANCEA is perfect for this kind of mission: it can intercept a CHEETAH
effectively and fire up to five missiles at it. Such missions are infrequent,
however, and some squadrons sit for over a year before they get a crack at a
CHEETAH.
TOG has used this inactivity in an imaginative way. Because its LANCEA
reconnaissance pilots operate alone and without direct squadron supervision, they
need an uncommon mixture of self-discipline and self-reliance. The "marginally
incorrigible" pilots at flight school are assigned to LANCEA units. The first
few tours are always with anti-recon squadrons, where the time spent waiting for
a mission can be used for instilling the necessary discipline. After the pilot
has achieved the necessary mixture of adherance to orders and creative thought,
he is assigned to a recon squadron. Consequently, anti-recon squadrons have the
reputation of being the strictest and dullest units in TOG, while the recon
squadrons are the most flamboyant.
LEGATI
Nationality: TOG
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 230 tons
Cost: 5,867,750 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpits: Human/Naram/Ssora type w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400, 1 x 350
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 6 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 100
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 100
Aft 60 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/4 Laser Forward 8 7 6 5 4
5/4 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
EPC 14 1 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
EPC 14 2 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
7.5/3 Laser 1 Turret 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Turret 7 6 5 4 3
NPC 16 1 Turret 1 4 9 16 -
NPC 16 2 Turret 1 4 9 16 -
External Hardpoint Turret - - - - -
The LEGATI is a classic example of an ad-hoc design that nonetheless turned out
to be effective. During the Fourteenth KessRith Supression Campaign, the
increasing use of Firewall reactive armor by K-R ships had made TOG's missile-
heavy fighters a great deal less effective than they had been hitherto.
Moreover, the tactics that were needed to defeat the reactive armor -- i.e.,
"scrubbing" it off with DFMs -- brought TOG fighters close enough to be rammed,
which the KessRith fighters did with appalling regularity. One answer was to
build fighters fast enough to dodge ramming attempts, like the PILUM; another
was to drop the reliance on missiles, which was another matter entirely.
Luckily, another solution appeared in the form of the LEGATI, which was about to
enter service as a multi-passenger space-to-surface courier. The passenger
compartment was gutted and replaced with a turret, and the hull was blistered to
take energy weapons. A single hardpoint was carried more as a gesture to tradition
than anything else. Rushed into production after such major revision, the LEGATI
suffered from an inordinate number of mechanical problems which were never
adequately dealt with and which required constant maintenance. Single LEGATIS
were attached to attack squadrons so that their energy weapons could be used to
strip away the KessRith fighters' Firewall, leaving them open to missile attack
once more. Once the purpose-built GLADIUS fighters came into service, the stop-
gap LEGATIS were to be relegated to second-line duties. However, their performance
in a strike role on the Commonwealth Front some years later has kept these ships in
service despite their tempermental systems.
LUDICRUM SECUNDUS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 86 tons
Cost: 2,763,775 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 700
Thrust: 8
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 40 Forward 60
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 50
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 50
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 50
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 50
Aft 40 Aft 50
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/4 Laser Forward 7 6 5 4 -
1.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 - - -
1.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 - - -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The LUDICRUM SECUNDUS is a derivative of the Imperial Navy's high acceleration
trainer, the LUDICRUM PRIMUS. The training version has no shields or weaponry,
and can reach accelerations in excess of 13 Gs. The PRIMUS is known as a
forgiving craft -- highly stable, easily maintained because of its relatively
simple technology, and an excellent platform for training pilots in high-G
maneuvers. These desirable characteristics have made the SECUNDUS a good choice
both as an advanced combat trainer and a "starter ship" for those worlds within
TOG space that are still not up to the Galactic standard of technology and
maufacturing expertise. For example, once the relatively-backward Eaon
Protectorate had been pacified after its forcible annexation, the first fighters
produced locally were of the LUDICRUM SECUNDUS class. An additional bonus from
TOG's point of view, and one which is inevitably pointed out by Renegade propaganda,
is that the LUDICRUMS are no match for first-line TOG fighters should rebels try
to use them against their masters.
MANUBALISTA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 80 tons
Cost: 3,160,475 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 3 x 250
Thrust: 9 (Compensator Limit 10)
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 40
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 30
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 30
Aft 50 Aft 30
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/2 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
TPP 9 Forward 9 6 1 - -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
The MANUBALISTA was placed into production as a result of the delays in the
TELUM project. Because those delays were preventing combat testing of the
Thorium Plasma Projector and Mass Driver - Gatling systems, the TOG Naval
Procurement Board was open to unorthodox suggestions. One came soon enough
from an aerospace design firm headed by retired Wing Commodore Frazier Graf,
heroic victor of the aerial campaign on Saguntum III against Sesutra Kenderson's
hard-fighting 121st Legion. Graf promised to deliver a prototype light fighter
armed with a TPP within 6 months of signing a contract, and to absorb the
initial costs himself. Banking on Graf's legendary reputation and experience,
the Naval Procurement Board approved the proposal. The first MANUBALISTA duly
appeared on time, and went into testing at once. To the surprise of everyone
except Graf, the ship was virtually free of the teething troubles common to most
new fighters, and moreover received rave reviews from its test pilots, who reaped
the benefits that derived from the fact that the designer had actually flown in
combat himself! Impressed enough to refrain from meddling with the design, the
Board approved the MANUBALISTA for mass production after only three months. Since
that time, it has been built in limited numbers as a supplement for the standard
LANCEAS.
MARTIOBARBULUS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 193 tons
Cost: 4,671,800 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 600
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 60
Right Forward 30 Right Forward 50
Right Aft 30 Right Aft 50
Left Forward 30 Left Forward 50
Left Aft 30 Left Aft 50
Aft 40 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
MDC 10 1 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
MDC 10 2 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The MARTIOBARBULUS, or MARTY, as it is known by its pilots, is the result of an
attempt by a committee to design a light fighter. The result was that TOG got
a reasonable jack-of-all-trades heavy fighter, and the Commonwealth got one of
its most devastating intelligence failures.
The initial specifications, released in 6826, called for a single-seat light
fighter built around a small mass driver cannon. As called for in the regulations,
this fighter's name was to derive from a missile weapon carried by the ancient
Romans. The Roman martiobarbulus was a small lead dart with feathers as stabilizers
that Legionnaires could throw with great accuracy. This image fitted in well with
the fighter's intended weaponry and weight, and so the fighter became the
MARTIOBARBULUS.
The Commonwealth Royal Intelligence Service (RIS) was aware of this pattern of
naming one-man fighters. They also noticed that the relative weights of TOG fighters
tended to conform with the relative weights of the Roman weapons from which they
took their names. In 6819, after finding out the name and studying past TOG designs,
the RIS had predicted accurately that the LANCEA would be a light fighter, armed
with two small lasers and three hard points. When the RIS found out the operational
name for the new fighter project, and discovered that the design committee was looking
at mass drivers, they expected a fighter lighter than the LANCEA, armed with one or
two small mass drivers and three to four hard points.
The RIS' prediction was accurate for the ship the committee was supposed to design. As
new mission requirements were added to the MARTY's specifications, however, the ship
began to grow in size. After prototype testing, the MARTY was sent for field testing
to a Flight patrolling a quiet system. Commonwealth Intelligence officers discovered
where the new MARTIOBARBULUS was being field tested. Although they had not yet
penetrated TOG security sufficiently to confirm their predictions about the MARTY's
capabilities, they were confident enough to plan a daring and elaborate raid aimed at
wiping out the newly equipped Flight. Suffice it to say that the hunters became the
hunted. Of the 30 Commonwealth fighters sent on the mission, only five made it back to
tell the tale.
METEORUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Gunship Corvette
Mass: 1000 tons
Cost: 23,381,000 talents
Crew: 4
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? Yes -- 6708 EP allocatable
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? TOT for all Forward 7.5/6 Lasers
Engines: 3 x 2000
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 24.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes (50 EP)
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Forward Variable 10 1 Forward 110
Right Forward Variable 20 2 Right Forward 90
Right Aft Variable 30 4 Right Aft 80
Left Forward Variable 40 6 Left Forward 90
Left Aft Variable 50 12 Left Aft 80
Aft Variable 60 24 Aft 80
70 40 Turret 110
80 70
90 125
100 220
110 385
120 675
130 1180
140 2065
150 3615
160 6325
170+ N/A
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 3 Forward 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 4 Forward 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 5 Forward 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 6 Forward 10 9 8 7 6 23
Heavy Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - - 0
Heavy Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - - 0
Heavy Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - - 0
Heavy Hardpoint 4 Forward - - - - - 0
TPP 20 1 Turret 20 16 9 3 - 85
TPP 20 2 Turret 20 16 9 3 - 85
NPC 16 1 Turret 1 4 9 16 - 10
NPC 16 1 Turret 1 4 9 16 - 10
Autoloader Turret - - - - - 0
7.5/4 Laser 1 Aft 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/4 Laser 2 Aft 8 7 6 5 4 18
Heavy Hardpoint 5 Aft - - - - - 0
Heavy Hardpoint 6 Aft - - - - - 0
MDC-G Aft 8 8 - - - 6
Even though the attention of most of TOG's public -- and that of its ruling class,
for that matter -- is concentrated on the Commonwealth War, the centuries-old
conflict between Terra and the KessRith Empire still grinds on in the shadows.
The K-R Front is the "hard school" for TOG leaders, troops and crews, where one
either fights well or doesn't get a second chance. While the lack of attention at
home keeps the laurels from the brows of K-R Front veterans, it does allow for
experiments in technology, tactics and strategic concepts that would otherwise
never be allowed by the traditionalists at TOGSOG -- as long as the bills aren't
unduly high in resources or manpower.
The METEORUM is a product of one of these new concepts. In 6812, Admiral Piter
De Vries was given command of the 49th Strike Fleet and ordered to take T'Valoren,
a heavily-defended KessRith county capitol world. As part of the reorganization
and re-equipment of the 49th Strike into the First Operational Maneuver Group,
Zacinthus Aerospace (a subsidiary of the famous Zacinthus Naval Yards, designers
of the ULTOR Class Battleship) proposed the use of "gunships" -- corvettes used
in traditonal fighter roles -- for the heavy fighting that was sure to come at
T'Valoren. While standard corvettes were inferior ton-for-ton to fighters because
of their FTL Drive and associated systems, a corvette that sacrificed FTL capability
and endurance for heavy weaponry and high speed offered many advantages. With the
strong support of De Vries' Chief of Staff, Lar Waffing, ZA rushed the METEORUM
prototypes through design and into production while tactics were being worked out to
use them most effectively. The space superiority that the 1st OMG's fighters rapidly
gained when the campaign began at last was due in no small part to the gunships.
The prototype METEORUMS could outrun many KessRith fighters, outgun all but entire
squadrons of them, and when used en masse inflicted significant damage on capital
ships and installations at a relatively low cost. With the successful conclusion of
the T'Valoren campaign, the final version of the METEORUM went into full production
on Zacinthus. The METEORUM is often seen in the strike role, as its heavy firepower
and ability to carry HELL missiles makes it more effective than small fighters when
attacking orbital stations. It can be used as a space superiority fighter if the
situation calls for it, and usually operates in squadron strength when doing so.
The role that has gained the METEORUM an unpleasant reputation among the KessRith,
however, is that of an ambusher. Like their Commonwealth allies, the KessRith will
try to recover wrecked capital ships insofar as possible to offset TOG's greater
productive capability. TOG does not have to do this, but they will often fight for
"graveyards" to keep the K-R salvage teams out. One or more METEORUMS, carrying
Sensor pods and ELS pods on a rear heavy hardpoint, will lurk for days in the debris
field left after a battle, waiting to strike at any unwary KessRith ships that appear.
Because of this tactic, and because of its prominent stabilizer/radiator fins, the
METEORUM has been nicknamed the Shark by both its crews and foes. To date, METEORUMS
have not fought on the Commonwealth Front; however, with the arrival of Grand Admiral
De Vries and the 1st OMG in the Alaric Grand Dukedom, the first clash is only a matter
of time.
ONAGRI
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 140 tons
Cost: 4,100,275 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? TOT for Forward Lasers
Engines: 1 x 1000
Thrust: 7
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 100
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 80
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 80
Aft 60 Aft 90
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/1 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
7.5/1 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
7.5/1 Laser 3 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
7.5/1 Laser 4 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Ext. Hardpoint Aft - - - - -
The ONAGRI is one of the more unusual fighters in TOG's arsenal today. The
original version of the ONAGRI was combat-tested at the same time as the
SPICULUM; it lost the competition to become TOG's main front-line medium
fighter because of its lower thrust, short-ranged 3/4 lasers, and inability
to carry HELL missiles. MGY Aerospace, unwilling to write off the years of
work and multi-million talent R&D; effort that had gone into the ONAGRI,
went back to the drawing board. The 3/4 lasers were replaced with 7.5/1s,
which required slightly less tonnage and power, and which had more than double
the range. The six small hardpoints were replaced by two external heavy
hardpoints and an internal heavy hardpoint, giving the ship the ability to
carry a large conventional missile load, up to three HELLs, or weapons pods.
To avoid task overloading in the latter configuration, a TOT weapons
synchronizer was provided for the laser battery. An aft-facing hardpoint
typically mounts an ECM pod, but "tail-chaser" missiles have been used on
occasion. With these improvements, MGY resubmitted the ONAGRI for
consideration, and the Naval Procurement Board approved it for production as
a strike fighter to supplement the SPICULUM. Despite the Board's intentions,
there have been cases where pod-carrying ONAGRIS have found themselves pressed
into service in a space superiority role; probably the best-known example is
that of the Winged Hammers squadron (IFS-20116), assigned to the battleship
INS KRAKEN during Operation Areopagus.
PHARETRA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Carrier Corvette
Mass: 3000 tons
Cost: 32,344,750 talents
Crew: 7 + 6 support + 7 passenger
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 6818 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? Yes (300 EP)
Accessories/Cargo? Multi-Ship Hangar Bay = up to 780 tons of small ships
Cargo Bay = 10 tons General Supplies, 40 tons Missile Reloads
Engines: 1 x 6000
Thrust: 2
Fuel/Endurance: 76 tons --30 days
Fuel for fighters = 60 tons
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes (150 EP)
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Forward Variable 10 3 Forward 60
Right Forward Variable 20 6 Right Forward 60
Right Aft Variable 30 12 Right Aft 60
Left Forward Variable 40 18 Left Forward 60
Left Aft Variable 50 36 Left Aft 60
Aft Variable 60 72 Aft 60
70 120 Turret 60
80 210
90 375
100 660
110 1155
120 2025
130 3540
140 6195
150+ N/A
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
5/6 Laser 1 Turret 9 8 7 6 - 19
5/6 Laser 2 Turret 9 8 7 6 - 19
5/6 Laser 3 Turret 9 8 7 6 - 19
Autoloader Turret - - - - - 0
In 6794, in reaction to the increasing number of fast raids launched by
Commonwealth and Renegade carrier corvettes, TOGSOG (the TOG Strategy and
Operations Group) decided that two could play at that game. The Naval
Procurement Board sent design specifications for a carrier corvette to Edo, a
well-known manufacturer of civilian cargo ships. The project coordinator,
Jubal Promi, informed Edo that several other firms were also submitting designs
and that competiton would be stiff. Promi also warned Edo that the Carrier
Corvette Project had a high security classification, and as a result he could
not reveal the names of the competitors. For a large up-front fee and a cut
of the profits, however, Promi promised to insure that Edo's design won the
contract. Thinking of the enormous profits that could be made at the Navy's
expense, Edo agreed without hesitation. Acting on Promi's inside information
about their competitors, Edo eventually lowered their price to the bone, and
then some. After the review process was completed, TOGSOG awarded the contract
to Edo, and the PHARETRA went into production. The financial strain on the
company was so great, however, that soon Edo was on the edge of bankruptcy, and
its executives were forced to ask the head of the Naval Procurement Board to
renegotiate their bid. During these negotiations, it became apparent that Edo
had never had any serious competiton. Promi had exploited the project's security
classification and Edo's own dishonesty to force the PHARETRA's cost down as well
as to line his own pockets. He was "severely reprimanded" and ordered to pay
half of the talents received from Edo to the Navy -- and then reassigned as
coordinator for the MARS Class Battlecruiser project. Despite its sordid genesis,
the PHARETRA has become the standard carrier corvette throughout TOG space. Its
major drawback is its single engine; while this means that the drive must take a
great deal of damage before losing thrust, it also means that once it fails there
is no thrust at all. The engine's huge power requirement also reduces the pilot's
range of power options. PHARETRAS usually carry a squadron of SPICULUMS, although
LANCEAS are sometimes used for operational recon missions.
PILUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 148 tons
Cost: 4,169,800 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 3 x 350
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 40 Forward 80
Right Forward 30 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 30 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 30 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 30 Left Aft 60
Aft 40 Aft 80
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/4 Laser 1 Forward 8 7 6 5 4
7.5/4 Laser 2 Forward 8 7 6 5 4
MDC 8 1 Forward 8 8 8 - -
MDC 8 2 Forward 8 8 8 - -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The PILUM, nicknamed the Flying Wing, is a medium TOG fighter introduced in
6779 during the Fourteenth KessRith Suppression Campaign (6775 - 6783). In
the brutal fighting around the major fortress system of K'chan'thak, many
KessRith pilots attempted to slow the TOG onslaught by ramming their targets.
They hoped that if they each took at least one ship with them, the cost would
be too great for TOG to bear. The TOG pilots who re-equipped with the PILUM
felt that it was under-armed for a medium fighter, but its higher thrust gave
them the edge they needed to avoid the K-R ramming tactics, and there were few
complaints thereafter.
Currently, the PILUM is assigned to second-line interceptor and attack squadrons
throughout the Empire. While the SPICULUM has replaced it in many front-line
squadrons, the PILUM will continue to see service with TOG for a long time to come.
SAXUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 75 tons
Cost: 3,064,525 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 3 x 250
Thrust: 9
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 50
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 30
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 30
Aft 60 Aft 40
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
3/1 Laser 1 Forward 3 2 1 - -
3/1 Laser 2 Forward 3 2 1 - -
NPC 9 Forward 1 6 9 - -
External Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
External Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
External Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
The SAXUM is the LANCEA'S predecessor. First introduced in 6790, the fighter
currently serves in second-line and reserve squadrons of the Imperial Navy and
Legions. Unusually in this age of design-by-committee, the SAXUM was designed
by one man -- Admiral Whitworth Armstrong. Unlike the somewhat similar case of
Wing Commander Graf, designer of the MANUBALISTA, Armstrong had never flown a
fighter or indeed been in combat at all during his entire career. His genius
lay in programming artificially-intelligent computers, which was of great value
to TOGSOG on the strategic level during the Fourteenth KessRith Suppression
Campaign. When Armstrong turned his computer to the problem of fighter design,
however, the results were less than satisfactory. Many of the underlying
assumptions of Armstrong's programming were simply wrong, but no one in TOGSOG
challenged him because of the prestige he enjoyed based on his earlier
achievements. Actual combat experience showed that the SAXUM was badly under-
armed, while its speed wasn't sufficient to make up for its inability to fight.
After this setback to his career, Armstrong was put back to work in those fields
he was expert in, while the Naval Procurement Board began looking for a new light
fighter. Luckily for TOG, the SAXUM had appeared late enough in the Fourteenth
KessRith Suppression Campaign to miss most of the heavy fighting, in which SAXUM
losses were likely to have been very high even against the weak KessRith AUTUMN
LEAF light fighters. Today, raiding Commonwealth and Renegade Legion pilots look
forward to a fight with SAXUMS, knowing that the ship's limitations make it an
easy kill.
SERCURIS
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 140 tons
Cost: 4,457,550 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpits: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 300, 1 x 400
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 100
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 80
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 80
Aft 60 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/2 Laser 1 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
7.5/2 Laser 2 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
EPC 18 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
7.5/2 Laser 3 Turret 6 5 4 3 2
7.5/2 Laser 4 Turret 6 5 4 3 2
The SERCURIS is one of the smallest ships ever to carry turreted weaponry. It
was produced in an attempt to get the advantages of 360-degree weapons coverage
on a significantly smaller and cheaper hull than the GLADIUS, LEGATI or SPATHA.
While the SERCURIS does meet some of these objectives, its main failing is its
two-weapon turret -- and, as noted in the case of the FULMAN, the cost issue is
largely a sop thrown to various Senators by the Imperial Navy. All indications
are that this class will enjoy only a short production run. Presently,
SERCURISES are usually seen in company with ONAGRI or IDIS fighters in a strike
role, or deployed in homogeneous groups for space superiority fighting.
SICA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 112 tons
Cost: 3,367,050 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 800
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 70
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 40 Aft 70
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
EPC 18 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
The SICA is an obsolete medium fighter nearing the end of its operational life,
only seen in rear-area TOG squadrons. By today's standards, its weaponry is
barely adequate, although its speed is average and its protection reasonably
good for a fighter of its class. While the SICA rendered useful service for
TOG on the KessRith Front, its somewhat dubious claim to fame is in having
been the victim of one of the more spectacular industrial sabotage operations
ever conducted by the Renegade Underground. Sandra Reese, a senior quality
control inspector at an orbital SICA production facility and a Renegade agent,
began a subtle sabotage campaign in 6740. During an inspection of the laser
crystal growth tanks, Reese contaminated the chemical mixture, which led to
premature burnouts and crystal cracking among front-line SICAS built in Reese's
factory. A Lictor IS investigation discovered what had happened; security
around the crystal production facilities was tightened, and suspicion began to
focus on Reese. Her Renegade cell leader first urged, then ordered, Reese to
stop for fear of exposure, but she refused, whereupon the cell leader cut all
contact with her as required by his standing orders. Nothing daunted, Sandra
found another way to strike at TOG; she programmed automatic welding equipment
to do a faulty job on certain high-stress struts, and then programmed the quality
control check equipment to overlook the poor welds. When SICAS from the suspect
factory began to break up under stress for no obvious reason, the Lictors moved
in for the kill. Reese was arrested and publicly crucified after intensive
interrogation, which failed to turn up her Renegade comrades. While privately
deploring her lack of revolutionary discipline, the Renegades publicly hailed
Sandra Reese as a heroine and credited her with the destroyed SICAS as though she
had destroyed them in battle -- which in a sense she had.
SPATHA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 228 tons
Cost: 5,641,750 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpits: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejectors
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400, 1 x 350
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 6 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 100
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 100
Aft 70 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
MDC 12 Forward 12 12 12 12 -
7.5/5 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
7.5/5 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
5/4 Laser Turret 7 6 5 4 -
5/2 Laser 1 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 2 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 3 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 4 Turret 5 4 3 2 -
After squadrons equipped with the GLADIUS had fared poorly in close-range
encounters with Commonwealth and Renegade FLUTTERING PETALS and AVENGERS, the
Imperial Navy decided to commission a new heavy fighter built for close combat.
Ironically, the design they chose, the SPATHA, was submitted by Incingo
Spaceyards -- a firm that employed a number of KessRith slaves and plebians on
its design staff, explaining the odd appearance and unusual design concepts of
the SPATHA. Many of Incingo's competitors complained vigorously at giving the
contract to a "politically unreliable and Xeno-tainted" source; however, the
excellence of the SPATHA vis-a-vis its competitors -- and a promise of thorough
Lictor supervision -- convinced even the unhappy Naval Procurement Board to go
ahead with production of the SPATHA. Interestingly enough, the KessRith THISTLE
FLOWER, which bore a striking resemblance to the SPATHA, made its debut less
than six months after the SPATHA was first seen on the Commonwealth Front. This
led to an ongoing and acrimonious dispute between Imperial Naval Intelligence
and the Lictors as to the genesis of the THISTLE FLOWER, and a redoubling of
security at Incingo's main facility. For now, the SPATHA is teamed with the
GLADIUS in a way similar to the SPICULUM - ICTUS pairing -- i.e., to provide the
close combat firepower that the primarily missile-armed fighter lacks.
SPICULUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 127 tons
Cost: 4,115,300 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 550
Thrust: 8 (Compensator Limit 12)
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 100
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 80
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 80
Aft 50 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/5 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
7.5/5 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Say "fighter" to any TOG citizen and the image that immediately comes to mind
is the SPICULUM. Sleek and deadly looking, the SPICULUM is a publicist's dream.
Any telecast of a battle has the obligatory shot of a SPICULUM flying through
the fiery debris of an exploding Commonwealth ship. With all of this hype,
cynics would automatically assume that the SPICULUM is a mediocre fighter, but
the reverse is true. The SPICULUM has tremendous acceleration, good defensive
systems, good secondary armament, and carries a considerable punch in the form
of missiles. The high speed, light secondary armament, and heavy missile load
is the result of current TOG tactical doctrine and fighter deployment.
TOG assigns the majority of all fighters to planetary system defense forces.
Intercepting incoming raiders and stopping smuggling operations are these ships'
primary tasks. To achieve an interception, high acceleration is necessary to
react to course changes by the incoming target. Even then, more often than not,
the interceptor ends up in a stern chase with its target. Most TOG fighters
replace conventional weaponry with numerous hardpoints to achieve the necessary
acceleration. Once a target is intercepted, a salvo of three to five missiles
is fired at long range in hopes of crippling the target. Once the intruder is
crippled, the fighter can finish it off with its secondary armament.
TOG point defense doctrine calls for a fighter to engage an enemy well away from
its own installation, to fire a salvo of missiles, to return to its installation
to rearm, and then to go back and hit the enemy again. High acceleration with a
large missile load allows this tactic to work. One of the main drawbacks to this
doctrine is that a SPICULUM is unable to engage in sustained dogfights with other
fighters. The TOG High Command has taken this factor into its calculations,
however, and still feels that the fighter's advantages outweigh its disadvantages.
TELUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 121 tons
Cost: 3,372,025 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 70
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 60 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
TPP 16 1 Forward 16 9 4 1 -
TPP 16 2 Forward 16 9 4 1 -
MDC-G Forward 8 8 - - -
Heavy Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Heavy Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The TELUM project began in 6824 when the TOG Naval Procurement Board wanted a
new fighter with which to combat test Globetech Weapon Systems' Thorium Plasma
Projector and Mass Driver Cannon - Gatling. Globetech had been producing
replacement parts for the VERUTUM for 50 years as a result of acquiring a
small production facility for those parts at the time of the Almach scandal,
and now saw a chance to vertically integrate its operations to produce entire
fighters instead of subcomponents. With the Board's approval, Globetech began
work on modifying a VERUTUM to take the new weapons; however, the inexperienced
design staff made so many errors that the project fell far behind schedule,
thus delaying the combat tests. Eventually, the Board allowed Globetech to
keep working on the TELUM with an eye towards eventual limited production, but
also put the CWTP and MANUBALISTA into production to get the TPP and MDC-G into
action as soon as possible. The first TELUMS did not appear on the Commonwealth
Front until 6829, but their pilots soon found that the wait had been worth it.
With its mix of powerful short-range weapons and large missile load, plus its
MDC-G, the TELUM is quite effective despite its relatively small size and lower-
than-usual thrust rating. Unfortunately for their pilots, however, TELUMS have
to date mainly been used in support of TORMENTA Class fighters, which presents a
variety of tactical and operational problems.
TORMENTA
Nationality: TOG
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 159 tons
Cost: 4,476,275 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 110
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 70
Aft 80 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/2 Laser 1 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
7.5/2 Laser 2 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
NPC 20 Forward 3 9 16 20 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Like all too many TOG weapons, the TORMENTA is a jobs program by another name.
The class was commissioned after heavy political pressure was brought to bear
on the Naval Procurement Board at the behest of LeBaron Manufacturing, an
important military supplier in the Mochov District. LeBaron was able to avoid
bankruptcy after several poor business decisions by securing a single-source
contract from the Imperial Navy for the TORMENTA, even though the Navy neither
needed nor particularly wanted the fighter. The Navy's reasons for unhappiness
were good ones: the TORMENTA was unable to operate in atmosphere at all, which
severely limited its utility. While it had good energy-weapon firepower, its
dearth of hardpoints meant that it had to be teamed with missile-carrying
fighters to be effective against fighters that could outrun or outrange it, and
the only readily available choice seemed to be the TELUM. This meant that any
carrier operating such mixed units would have nothing but medium fighters that
were as slow as heavy fighters -- not an appealing prospect. Nonetheless, the
TORMENTA was deployed as ordered, and so far has done reasonably well so long as
its opponents are not able or willing to run or use transatmospheric maneuvers
against it.
VERUTUM
Nationality: TOG
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 99 tons
Cost: 2,530,800 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 300
Thrust: 6 (Compensator Limit 7)
Fuel/Endurance: 3 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 60
Right Forward 30 Right Forward 50
Right Aft 30 Right Aft 50
Left Forward 30 Left Forward 50
Left Aft 30 Left Aft 50
Aft 50 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/2 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 0
5/2 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 0
EPC 14 Forward 14 7 3 1 0
NPC 16 Forward 1 4 9 16 0
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The VERUTUM is an older light fighter that entered service in 6775 just before
the Fourteenth KessRith Suppression Campaign. TOG needed a light fighter to
replace several outdated single-engine designs; many companies bid for the
project, but a radical prototype from the Almach Shipyards, championed by
Illustrus Senator Curtius Lewis, won. The Almach design utilized a novel
concept of combining an EPC and an NPC into one weapon, with lower power and
tonnage requirements than two separate systems. Almach claimed that this
allowed the VERUTUM to carry more armor and to attain greater accelerations
than any fighter of its class. Additionally, the price Almach was quoting for
the ship was very attractive. Separate weapons, engine, and survivability
tests of the prototype seemed to support all of Almach's claims. At the strong
urging of Illustrus Senator Lewis, the normal field testing requirements were
waived, and the VERUTUM went into full production. Very soon, reports started
to filter back that the VERUTUM'S acceleration was not up to specifications,
but this anomaly was put down to the inexperience of the green pilots. More
disturing were reports that hits that the armor should have absorbed easily
would rip through the fighters like lightning bolts. The VERUTUMS were grounded.
An Imperial Investigation Board, under the charismatic leadership of Illustrus
Senator Lewis, found that the explosions were caused by sloppy and faulty
maintenance by the ground crews, and that the rumor of insufficient armor
protection was unfounded. Several officers commanding the affected units
protested vigorously at the Board's findings, and called into question Illustrus
Senator Lewis' impartiality. These officers were immediately sacked. One of
these men, the patrician Commodore Reginald Walroma, began an investigation of
his own. Over a period of two years he talked to, bribed, and intimidated people
who were involved with the VERUTUM'S design. Always one step ahead of Lictor
IS with the help of other Illustris Senators who opposed Lewis, Walroma finally
walked into the IS Overlord's office, dropped three pounds of confessions and
tapes on his desk, and let him know that he and "some interested friends" could
be reached at the Capitol. The evidence exposed a massive level of corruption,
fraud, and collusion between Almach and Illustrus Senator Lewis. None of this
was a real surprise to the Lictors, but the level of interest displayed by
Walroma's "friends" made them willing to act. IS agents quietly executed
Illustrus Senator Lewis two weeks later, and gave his estates to Commodore
Walroma as a reward. TOG seized Almach's assets and sold them to other defense
firms. All executives of Almach went to the laser crystal mines. TOG stripped
the thousands of VERUTUMS already built and readapted the airframes to carry more
conventional armament. Slated to be phased out of service since the deployment
of the LANCEA, VERUTUMS are still found in many second- and even first-line
squadrons.
SECTION 2 -- COMMONWEALTH AND RENEGADE LEGION
AVENGER
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 175 tons
Cost: 4,869,250 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 650
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 110
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 40 Aft 110
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/4 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
MDC 8 1 Forward 8 8 8 - -
MDC 8 2 Forward 8 8 8 - -
EPC 18 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
The AVENGER flies with attack squadrons throughout the Commonwealth and often
operates in conjunction with squadrons of FLUTTERING PETALS. The design of
the ship is a many-times modified version of an original TOG ship used by the
Renegade Legions at the time of their defection to the Commonwealth. Although
the ship is streamlined, many AVENGER pilots assigned to fleet operations leave
off the engine and weapons cowlings. Though irate senior officers condemn the
practice, the pilots claim that permanent removal makes maintenance of the engine
systems easier, and thus reduces turnaround time. Many Wing Commanders feel
pilots remove the cowlings just because it makes the ships look faster.
The AVENGER is the only standard Commonwealth fighter that does not have at
least one hardpoint: unless the wing lasers are removed, the AVENGER normally
goes into combat without the benefit of ECM pods. A projected upgrade of the
class may remedy the problem; until it does, however, AVENGER crews will continue
to find themselves running a gantlet of missiles as they try to close for direct-
fire combat. Their heavy armor and fair shielding do, however, save them from
taking undue losses, and once at close range their firepower easily outmatches
that of their usual TOG opponents.
BUMBLE BEE
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 69 tons
Cost: 2,857,550 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 350
Thrust: 10 (Compensator Limit 11)
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 40 Forward 50
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 30 Right Aft 30
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 30 Left Aft 30
Aft 40 Aft 50
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/1 Laser 1 Forward 4 3 2 1 -
5/1 Laser 2 Forward 4 3 2 1 -
EPC 14 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The BUMBLE BEE gets its name from its barrel-shaped hull and ability to maneuver
on anti-gravity while in atmosphere. This class was commissioned by the Joint
Commonwealth/Renegade Fighter Operations Board (JCRFOB) in order to have a light
fighter with performance similiar to that of the CHEETAH, but at a lower cost.
On the whole, the BEE accomplishes this objective, although the percentage
savings are not as great as the percentage loss in performance compared with the
CHEETAH. Despite its odd appearance, the BEE is a highly maneuverable and
reasonably effective ship.
CHEETAH
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 73 tons
Cost: 3,207,450 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 3 x 250
Thrust: 10
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 50
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 20
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 20
Aft 50 Aft 40
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/1 Laser 1 Forward 4 3 2 1 -
5/1 Laser 2 Forward 4 3 2 1 -
EPC 9 1 Forward 9 5 3 - -
EPC 9 2 Forward 9 5 3 - -
Ext. Hardpoint Forward
The CHEETAH is the Renegade Legions' finest light fighter, a pilot's dream
come true. Since its introduction in 6815, the CHEETAH has become the fighter
of choice for operational reconnaissance missions. Carried into a hostile
system aboard an FTL-capable ship, CHEETAHS will make a high-speed pass
through the area carrying Sensor pods in lieu of missiles, rendezvous with
the mothership, and jump out. Most TOG system defense forces do not have many
fighters that can successfully intercept a CHEETAH using such tactics, and
those that can (generally LANCEAS or stripped-down SPICULUMS) will usually
only get a single chance unless the CHEETAH'S pilot gets agressive and turns
to fight. The roles are reversed when CHEETAHS are used in an anti-recon
role, although TOG generally conducts far fewer recon sweeps than the Renegade
and Commonwealth forces unless an attack is being prepared.
As part of a battle between capital ships, CHEETAHS are used for tactical
recon or anti-recon missions, and it is in these situations that the CHEETAH
shows what it can really do. It has enough firepower to defeat many fighters
and enough thrust to run from those it cannot. In the hands of a skilled
pilot, a CHEETAH can defeat TOG fighters up to twice its mass. Skilled pilots
are usually what one finds flying CHEETAHS in any case; with its paper-thin
armor, a pilot who uses armor to make up for his mistakes isn't likely to live
long enough to master this fighter.
CORSAIR
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 123 tons
Cost: 4,120,950 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 8 (Compensator Limit 9)
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 70
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 60
Aft 40 Aft 70
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
First deployed in 6826, the CORSAIR is widely seen as the Commonwealth's
answer to the SPICULUM; many of its components, including its engines, are
either copies or derivatives of those used by the SPICULUM. Despite TOG
propaganda, the Commonwealth is well able to design its own ships and systems,
and in fact its aerospace technology tends to be slightly more advanced than
TOG's. However, Commonwealth designers are not above copying an existing TOG
system if this can save time and money -- and more importantly, the lives of
their fighter crews. Like many Commonwealth fighters, the CORSAIR emphasizes
close combat weapons rather than the heavy missile loads that TOG favors. In
a raiding situation, this gives TOG the advantage; however, when TOG must try
to secure control of an area, the CORSAIR and its brethern have the advantage.
DEFENDER
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 200 tons
Cost: 4,972,250 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 600
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 90
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 80
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 80
Aft 60 Aft 90
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/1 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
7.5/1 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 1
MDC 12 1 Forward 12 12 12 12 -
MDC 12 2 Forward 12 12 12 12 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Fielded in 6720, the DEFENDER is one of the oldest fighter types still in
active use on the Commonwealth Front. The ship's designers, unsure of the
reliability of the then-new EPC and NPC systems, equipped the DEFENDER with
proven 7.5/1 lasers and the largest mass drivers available. Over the years,
and especially in the face of TOG's increasing swing towards missiles, the
DEFENDER has suffered greater and greater losses despite its good shielding
and armor because of its relatively low speed and lack of an anti-missile
system. Various fixes are being discussed by the JCRFOB, but for now the
DEFENDER must soldier on as it has for so long.
DEFIANT
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 174 tons
Cost: 5,592,200 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 450, 2 x 400
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 6 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 100
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 60 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/5 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
7.5/5 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 2 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Safeguard-3 NA - - - - -
The DEFIANT was the result of a call by the JCRFOB for a fighter able to
counter the increasing deployment of TOG missile-heavy fighter classes.
Designed by Reliant Industries, the DEFIANT carried the first Safeguard
system, which is a spaceborne version of a vehicle-mounted antimissile
system. After initial problems with conflicts between the Safeguard's
fire-control computer and a ship's ECM and/or main fire control computer
were ironed out, the DEFIANT went into action in 6828. Its combat debut
was impressive, as the TOG fighters' single-missile attacks were easily
parried and the DEFIANT'S own heavy weaponry did well at close range. A
change of tactics on TOG's part soon made life more difficult for the
DEFIANTS, however; if possible, entire squadrons would salvo missiles in
an attempt to overload the Safeguard system -- and if that failed, the TOG
ships would try to avoid closing in. Increased use of decoy missiles
helped reduce the missile salvo threat, but the DEFIANT could not live up
to the hopes it had raised. Nonetheless, it is a much better fighter than
many of its contemporaries, and can be very effective in the right hands.
DEVIL
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 142 tons
Cost: 4,070,900 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 7
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 60
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/2 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
EPC 18 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
MDC 10 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Safeguard-1 NA - - - - -
The DEVIL was one of the fighters that was designed in response to the JCRFOB
request that eventually produced the DEFIANT; however, its firepower was judged
too weak and its Safeguard system too limited in its interception capability.
In an attempt to recoup its losses, the DEVIL'S manufacturer (Wilmarth Space
Systems of New Born, Rilus V) tried to find a market for their ship. After
some prodding by Grand Duke Massus of Alaric and the involvement of the
Commonwealth Royal Intelligence Service, Wilmarth began producing the DEVIL for
use by the Merchant Races. A mutiny inspired by TOG military advisors had led
to their expulsion from Trader's Paradise, although overall TOG-Merchant
relations remained correct. Taking advantage of this opening to help their
own cause, Commonwealth advisors replaced their TOG predecessors and brought
the DEVILS with them. So that the situation is not a total loss for the
Commonwealth's front-line troops, WSS also builds DEVILS for rear area defense
units, allowing more useful fighters to be released for active duty. This type
of procurement deal is much more common within TOG than within the Commonwealth;
unlike TOG, the average Commonwealth or Renegade officer doesn't take it for
granted, and has no qualms about saying so!
FALCON
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 83 tons
Cost: 2,952,500 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400
Thrust: 9
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 40
Right Forward 20 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 20 Right Aft 30
Left Forward 20 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 20 Left Aft 30
Aft 60 Aft 40
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
NPC 9 1 Forward 1 6 9 - -
NPC 9 2 Forward 1 6 9 - -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
FALCON light fighters patrol many of the border systems of the Commonwealth,
and are also used by the Renegade Legions as a light strike fighter. The
type is slated to be discontinued in the near future, however, because of its
overspecialization at a time when there is a crying need for multi-role
fighters. When compared with a CHEETAH or BUMBLE BEE, the FALCON has less
firepower overall, is only effective within a narrow range band, has inadequate
side protection, and does all of this on a hull that is both heavier and not
much less expensive than those of the standard light fighters. A proposed
FALCON II with larger engines and a more useful weapons mix is rumored, and is
the only form in which this type is likely to continue if at all.
FLUTTERING PETAL
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 245 tons
Cost: 6,076,750 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejectors
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 450, 2 x 400
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 6 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 100
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 100
Aft 60 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
MDC 8 1 Forward 8 8 8 - -
MDC 8 2 Forward 8 8 8 - -
7.5/5 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
7.5/5 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
5/5 Laser 1 Turret 8 7 6 5 -
5/5 Laser 2 Turret 8 7 6 5 -
5/4 Laser 1 Turret 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Turret 7 6 5 4 -
Hardpoint 2 Turret - - - - -
The NA'CTKA MOQUKA, or FLUTTERING PETAL, is a KessRith design that, in several
variants, has become the standard two-man fighter for all forces fighting TOG.
The PETAL'S graceful curves and fragile appearance belie its underlying
ruggedness and awesome firepower. The FLUTTERING PETAL is deployed in fleet
and system-based attack squadrons in areas where action against strong enemy
forces is likely.
The KessRith decision to allow licensed production of PETALS came after
tripartite military coordination talks in 6784, at a time in which the
Commonwealth and Renegades were in great need of a new two-seat heavy fighter
design. The examples provided (designated as FLUTTERING PETAL-BIS by the
Commonwealth Royal Intelligence Service) were classic products of KessRith
design philosophy, but not quite what was wanted. KessRithians believe that
acceleration should be secondary to strong shielding and armor, and that
offensive armaments should be exclusively laser-based. This weapons mix
resulted in a 4G acceleration for the ship, which was deemed insufficient by
Commonwealth and Renegade Legion military leaders. Their demand for higher
thrust and a more balanced weapons mix, in addition to such survivability
features as ejection seats and rescue compartments, led to the version of the
ship that is in use today. The KessRith still use the original version, and
have no plans to change. Despite the amount of reworking that was required,
license-building the PETAL is estimated to have saved at least two years of
design work, not to mention the lives of innumerable crews that might otherwise
have been lost while waiting for better fighters.
FORT OASIS
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Small Outpost Station
Mass: 10,000 tons
Cost: 47,745,500 talents
Crew: 13 + 46 support + 12 passenger
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 2322 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? 6 Single-Ship Hangar Bays = Each holds 300 tons or less
Repair Facilities
Cargo Bay = 290 tons: 55 tons General Supplies (3 months),
remaining cargo space is dedicated to Missile Reloads
Internal ECM
Engines: NA
Thrust: NA
Fuel/Endurance: 90 tons -- 90 days
Fuel for fighters = 39 tons
Streamlining: NA
AntiGrav: NA
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Side 1 Variable 10 10 Side 1 100
Side 2 Variable 20 20 Side 2 100
Side 3 Variable 30 40 Side 3 100
Side 4 Variable 40 60 Side 4 100
Side 5 Variable 50 120 Side 5 100
Side 6 Variable 60 240 Side 6 100
70 400 Turret 1 100
80 700 Turret 2 100
90 1250 Turret 3 100
100 2200 Turret 4 100
110+ N/A Turret 5 100
Turret 6 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
7.5/6 Laser 1 Turret 1 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 2 Turret 1 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 1 Turret 1 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 2 Turret 1 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 3 Turret 1 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 3 Turret 2 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 4 Turret 2 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 4 Turret 2 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 5 Turret 2 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 6 Turret 2 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 5 Turret 3 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 6 Turret 3 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 7 Turret 3 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 8 Turret 3 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 9 Turret 3 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 7 Turret 4 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 8 Turret 4 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 10 Turret 4 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 11 Turret 4 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 12 Turret 4 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 9 Turret 5 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 10 Turret 5 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 13 Turret 5 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 14 Turret 5 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 15 Turret 5 12 12 12 12 - 46
7.5/6 Laser 11 Turret 6 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 12 Turret 6 10 9 8 7 6 23
MDC 12 16 Turret 6 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 17 Turret 6 12 12 12 12 - 46
MDC 12 18 Turret 6 12 12 12 12 - 46
Safeguard-4 - - - - - 30
All of the warring nations maintain stations similar to the Commonwealth's FORT
OASIS series. They are used as outposts, capable of supporting a few fighters
and keeping watch on an area of space to give early warning of small craft
raids or capital ship movements. The Commonwealth's version is distinguished
by its Safeguard-4 system, providing all-around anti-missile defense at a lower
cost in talents and manpower than its TOG counterpart -- something appreciated
by the chronically personnel-starved Commonwealth Armed Forces.
GAUL
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 215 tons
Cost: 5,022,325 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpits: Multiracial w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 650
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 90
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 70
Aft 60 Aft 80
Turret 80
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
MDC 10 1 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
MDC 10 2 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
7.5/4 Laser Turret 8 7 6 5 4
NPC 16 Turret 1 4 9 16 -
The GAUL is a turreted heavy fighter, widely used among those Commonwealth and
Renegade Legion units that cannot be provided with FLUTTERING PETALS. It is
inferior to the PETAL in many respects, but it is faster and costs some 17%
less, and is certainly an improvement over the older DEFENDERS and AVENGERS.
Even though the GAUL uses anti-gravity to maneuver in atmosphere, it is
equipped with folding/variable-angle wings to provide additional stability.
When the GAUL was first deployed, these wings often provided a fatal surprise
for unwary TOG pilots. With its wings extended, long-range scanners would often
misidentify the GAUL as a SPACE GULL. Improved ID software has reduced this
problem for TOG, but it is still traditional for a victorious GAUL crew to "flap
the wings" over a kill, which has given the ship its nickname of Vulture among
TOG pilots.
GUARDIAN
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 106 tons
Cost: 2,644,600 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 450
Thrust: 4
Fuel/Endurance: 3 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 100
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 90
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 90
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 90
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 90
Aft 50 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/2 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 2 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The GUARDIAN is a common point-defense fighter, assigned to protect important
space and ground installations. Though quite painfully slow, the GUARDIAN
packs a tremendous offensive punch and is capable of absorbing damage that
would devastate any other fighter of its class.
The loss of the Grand Dukedom of Alesia was a direct result of the Commonwealth
Navy's catastrophic defeat in the great fleet action near the Varro Cluster in
6783. In its aftermath, the Commonwealth was forced to replenish the Navy's
fighter contingent by stripping local garrisons of their fighters, leaving many
planetary systems without mobile defenses. In an attempt to make up for this as
quickly as possible, the GUARDIAN was rushed into production. Its simple design
and low construction costs meant that many planets were able to mass-produce a
great number locally and deploy them in very little time. Unfortunately, the
ship shows all the faults that one might expect with such a heritage.
The GUARDIAN is a difficult craft to use properly. Its low thrust means that a
deep in-system interception becomes a tricky affair. Many local commanders were
used to deploying high-thrust fighters. They would send their GUARDIANS off
after enemy contacts thousands of kilometers away, only to see the attackers
change course, side-step the GUARDIANS, and then make high-speed attacks on the
Commonwealth targets. Now that the shortage of faster fighters is not so
critical, the situation has improved. Current standard doctrine calls for deep
in-system interceptions by PENETRATORS, CHEETAHS, or AVENGERS, while the
GUARDIANS stay close to their assigned installations and engage only those TOG
forces that come within a few hundred kilometers. For systems with many inviting
targets, this means that only a fraction of their total GUARDIAN forces will
engage the enemy, but a system can afford to have many GUARDIANS.
After 50 years of operational service, the GUARDIAN is nearing the end of its
usefulness. Because of the great number built, however, and their effectiveness
when deployed skillfully, GUARDIANS will continue to see use in system defense
forces for a long time to come.
HAWK
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 200 tons
Cost: 3,790,050 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 800
Thrust: 4
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 90
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 90
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/3 Laser 1 Forward 6 5 4 3 -
5/3 Laser 2 Forward 6 5 4 3 -
MDC 10 1 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
MDC 10 2 Forward 10 10 10 10 -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Safeguard-2 NA - - - - -
The HAWK can be thought of as a "super-GUARDIAN", sharing the strengths and
weaknesses of the ship it was designed to replace. While the HAWK has much
more firepower and survivability than its smaller cousin, it shares the same
basic problem: its low thrust. Like the GUARDIAN, the HAWK is so slow that
it is effectively restricted to point defense or attacks on static targets.
The main reason for the HAWK to be built at all is that many factories that
currently produce the GUARDIAN would have to go out of production for
retooling if they switched to a radically new design. Rather than have no
fighters at all from these sources, the HAWK is being produced in the hope
that the factories will find time to retool in the near future -- and in
the meantime, to have a ship that can do the GUARDIAN'S job more effectively.
KATA CATOR
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 120 tons
Cost: 4,081,000 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 450
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 70
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 70
Weapons:
Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/2 Laser 1 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
7.5/2 Laser 2 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
TPP 16 1 Forward 16 9 4 1 -
TPP 16 2 Forward 16 9 4 1 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The KATA CATOR (literally, "the Hand [or Limb] that Strikes") is a Baufrin
design that is currently in limited production for combat testing purposes.
Like the KessRith FLUTTERING PETAL, the KATA CATOR is a mirror of the culture
that produced it. The Baufrin believe in decentralized, unspecialized
structures; with this in mind, they tend to build a single type of equipment
for each tactical role, rather than multiple types using combined arms tactics.
The KATA CATOR is only the third type of fighter seen in combat throughout the
history of contact between Humans and Baufrin. Earlier types were so obsolete
that they have never been used for anything other than pilot training during
the entire TOG - Commonwealth conflict, although they have occasionally been
seen wrecked on worlds captured by TOG. After much negotiation between Human
and Baufrin leaders in the Commonwealth Parliament, the KATA CATOR has been
modified with multiracial cockpit facilities, and may be taken into service as
part of mixed units if it proves itself in combat.
KENDERSON
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 145 tons
Cost: 4,033,000 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 450
Thrust: 6 (Compensator Limit 7)
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 80
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 80
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/4 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 3 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 4 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
MDC 8 Forward 8 8 8 8 -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The KENDERSON is named for Sesutra Kenderson, the Naram commander of the
Saguntum III garrison, whose determined stand both inspired the Commonwealthers
and Renegades and won laurels for the TOG pilots and legionnaires who finally
defeated her. The fighter is typically used in the same roles as the PENETRATOR,
or in conjunction with it. As with all new fighter types, information about the
KENDERSON was eagerly sought by TOG when it was first deployed. An intact
KENDERSON was captured after its pilot was persuaded to defect with it by Lictor
EA agents; the defector and his family died soon afterward, although which side
killed him is still unclear. While examination of the KENDERSON provided no great
breakthroughs, it was nonetheless a valuable intelligence coup for the EA in its
ongoing struggle with its deadliest competitors -- Lictor IS and Imperial Naval
Intelligence.
PEACEKEEPER
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 140 tons
Cost: 4,284,425 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 8)
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 70 Forward 110
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 100
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 100
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 100
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 100
Aft 60 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 3 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 4 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The PEACEKEEPER started life as TOG's projected SPICULUM - based strike fighter,
and had reached the prototype stage by 6810. In that year, TOG Archikeleustes
Danielle Quabela defected with her ship after negotiations with the Renegade
Underground. In retaliation, her immediate family (captured as the Underground
attempted to smuggle them out of TOG space) were executed and a price was put
on her head. It may be some time before it is collected -- since her defection,
Quabela has risen to become Commodore of the 874949th Athena Fighter Wing in
Birchshire County, and at last report had 239 kills, scored in her original ship
over the intervening years. The PEACEKEEPER typically operates in combined units
with SLINGSHOT or PENETRATOR Class fighters to provide the laser firepower that
both lack, while its good protection and large missile capacity make it a tough
opponent in its own right. It was the loss of the prototype PEACEKEEPER that
led to the development of TOG's ICTUS Class; in memory of this, the battles that
result when fighter squadrons equipped with these two types cross paths tend to
be extremely vicious.
PEGASUS
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Small Corvette
Mass: 1000 tons
Cost: 19,854,125 talents
Crew: 8 + 2 passengers
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 4886 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? Yes (100 EP)
Accessories/Cargo? TOT for all Forward 7.5/4 Lasers
Cargo Bay = 2.5 tons General Supplies, 7.5 tons unassigned
Engines: 2 x 2000
Thrust: 4
Fuel/Endurance: 54 tons -- 30 days
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes (50 EP)
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Forward Variable 10 1 Forward 100
Right Forward Variable 20 2 Right Forward 90
Right Aft Variable 30 4 Right Aft 90
Left Forward Variable 40 6 Left Forward 90
Left Aft Variable 50 12 Left Aft 90
Aft Variable 60 24 Aft 90
70 40 Turret 100
80 70
90 125
100 220
110 385
120 675
130 1180
140 2065
150 3615
160+ N/A
Weapons:
Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
7.5/4 Laser 1 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/4 Laser 2 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/6 Laser 3 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/6 Laser 4 Forward 8 7 6 5 4 18
MDC 8 1 Forward 8 8 8 - - 6
MDC 8 2 Forward 8 8 8 - - 6
5/4 Laser 1 Left 7 6 5 4 - 14
5/6 Laser 2 Right 7 6 5 4 - 14
7.5/4 Laser 5 Aft 8 7 6 5 4 18
7.5/4 Laser 6 Aft 8 7 6 5 4 18
EPC 14 1 Turret 14 7 3 1 - 37
EPC 14 2 Turret 14 7 3 1 - 37
NPC 16 1 Turret 1 4 9 16 - 10
NPC 16 2 Turret 1 4 9 16 - 10
Hardpoint Turret - - - - - 0
The PEGASUS class of corvettes are the latest in a long series of Commonwealth
Small Patrol Class Ships. In addition to typical convoy escort and courier
duties, PEGASUS squadrons will patrol uninhabitable systems within the
Commonwealth's borders. In the last few years, TOG has been establishing
advanced supply bases behind the Commonwealth lines. These bases typically
support a squadron of fighters and their carrier corvette. The carrier will
bring the squadron into a system, launch the fighters to ambush an incoming or
outgoing convoy, and then leave after making rendezvous along a fast parabolic
orbit. Instead of making a long journey back to TOG space, however, the carrier
will return to the supply base, so that the fighters can take on munitions, be
repaired, and then go out again quickly for another strike.
Because there are so few of these bases and so many uninhabitable systems, it is
not feasible to garrison every possible base site. Pairs of PEGASUS corvettes
are assigned to patrol a group of stars, which they visit on a routine basis.
Their high firepower and excellent armor protection ensure that even if they are
attacked by two squadrons of fighters, at least one would be able to escape
destruction and inform the Commonwealth military of the base's location.
PENETRATOR
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 139 tons
Cost: 4,251,825 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 7 (Compensator Limit 10)
Fuel/Endurance: 5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 90
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 40
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 40
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 40
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 40
Aft 60 Aft 80
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
NPC 16 1 Forward 1 4 9 16 -
NPC 16 2 Forward 1 4 9 16 -
EPC 14 1 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
EPC 14 2 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The PENETRATOR, the standard Commonwealth medium fighter, is deployed in attack,
interception, and reconnaissance squadrons. Its standard weapons mix consists
of two NPC 16s mounted high on the upper wings and two EPC 14s carried on the
tips of the lower wings. Though the unique diamond-shape wing configuration
allows the craft excellent atmospheric maneuverability, it also cuts down rear
visibility for the pilot, and has led to its unflattering nickname of Snapping
Turtle.
In an attack mission, the PENETRATOR is capable of closing rapidly with its
target and engaging it at long range with NPC fire, or by using its heavy
hardpoint to carry a HELL missile. This tactic allows the ship to do heavy
damage to installations and other large targets without exposing itself to
short-range defensive fire.
High-thrust variants of the PENETRATOR exchange the NPCs for hardpoints; its
acceleration compensator is already able to handle up to 10Gs of thrust, which
makes the conversion easier. In this configuration, the PENETRATOR is used
for interception, reconnaissance, and other missions requiring high speed,
while still retaining much of its firepower and all of its protection.
The PENETRATOR is a fine all-round fighter, but some pilots are concerned
about the thin side armor. Though well-shielded, the side armor is capable of
absorbing only one hit from most TOG fighters. A solid hit in the side from a
PILUM, GLADIUS, or VERUTUM normally means heavy damage or destruction of the
craft. Because of this weakness, most PENETRATOR pilots use high-speed,
in-and-out tactics rather than engaging in protracted, close-in dogfights.
PERFORATOR
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 148 tons
Cost: 4,808,150 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 600
Thrust: 8 (Compensator Limit 9)
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 90
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 70
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 70
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 70
Aft 60 Aft 90
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
5/4 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
5/4 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 -
The PERFORATOR was designed to do what its name implies -- punch holes in TOG
ships as quickly as possible with large lasers -- and it performs that mission
fairly well. However, the ship's virtues are also its vices. Without a non-
laser weapon to make good on the penetrating damage done by the lasers, it is
likely to be damaged or destroyed itself unless backed up by fighters with
non-laser weapons. Since its role is specialized, the PERFORATOR is unlikely
to form a very large percentage of Commonwealth and Renegade fighter production,
although it will continue for the forseeable future.
PRINCE REGENT
Nationality: Commonwealth (only)
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 300 tons
Cost: 11,002,150 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Human/Naram/Ssora w/ejector
RC? External (Aft)
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? 1 TOT for each pair of Forward NPCs, TPPs, and Lasers.
1 extra set of DCS.
Engines: 3 x 800
Thrust: 8
Fuel/Endurance: 11 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 90
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 70
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 70
Aft 40 Aft 70
Weapons:
Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/10 Laser 1 Forward 11 10 9 8 7
7.5/10 Laser 2 Forward 11 10 9 8 7
EPC 14 1 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
EPC 14 2 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
TPP 16 1 Forward 16 9 4 1 -
TPP 16 2 Forward 16 9 4 1 -
Ext. Hv. Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Hv. Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Hardpoint Aft - - - - -
Safeguard-3 NA - - - - -
First deployed at the beginning of 6834, the PRINCE REGENT is the "aerospace
superiority fighter" that the Commonwealth's fleet carrier pilots have been
promised for so long. It is undoubtedly the most powerful single-seat fighter
in space, and the most expensive. The PRINCE REGENT is the largest fighter
that any current capital ship can operate from internal bays -- more than 50
tons larger than the FLUTTERING PETAL -- and will continue to be so until or
unless carriers with larger launch tubes are built. The fighter makes
extensive use of TOT weapon synchronizers to avoid task overloading the pilot
with its massive battery of energy weapons. Two forward-facing heavy hard-
points give the PRINCE REGENT a devastating strike potential if HELL missiles
are carried, or the ability to carry a wide selection of missiles or pods.
The rear hardpoint is typically used for defensive systems such as ECM pods or
Decoys, although weapons could be fitted at the cost of overloading the pilot.
A Safeguard-3 system is fitted to help ward off the salvoes of TOG missiles
that this ship is sure to draw. To improve its maneuverability, the PRINCE
REGENT mounts an unusually large number of vector thrusters, giving it a
noticable edge over most TOG fighters at critical velocities. While its armor
and shielding are somewhat weaker than that of a FLUTTERING PETAL, the much
greater thrust, maneuverability and firepower of the PRINCE REGENT more than
make up for it.
At present, this fighter is only used by Royal Commonwealth Navy units assigned
to large fleet carriers in theater reserve, and it is likely to be a long time
before they find their way into the hands of anyone else, including the Renegade
Legions. This has caused a certain amount of friction at the higher command
levels, but an agreement has been worked out to divert additional FLUTTERING
PETAL production to the Renegades to make up for it. In the meantime, the proud
possessors of PRINCE REGENTS are justly impatient to try their new mounts in
action against the likes of the Death Express...
PUNISHER
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 183 tons
Cost: 5,357,400 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 550
Thrust: 6 (Compensator Limit 7)
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 100
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 90
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 90
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 90
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 90
Aft 60 Aft 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 2 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
LEPC 18 Forward 4/18 3/9 2/3 1/3 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The PUNISHER was designed especially to carry the new Laser - Electron Particle
Cannon (LEPC). A 5/1 laser and an EPC are fired from a single barrel, timed so
as to allow the laser to penetrate a target's armor, then follow on the same
spot with the EPC to undercut large amounts of armor. The weapon has not worked
as well in the field as in tests, however, since the timing is often off just
enough for a target's shields to stop the EPC bolt. Depending on the findings
of a JCRFOB study, the LEPC may be replaced with alternate weapons in later
models of the PUNISHER. In close combat, the ship is very powerful, but must be
operated in concert with missile-armed fighters to be effective against lighter
fighters that could outrun or outrange the PUNISHER.
RAMROD
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 111 tons
Cost: 4,019,775 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 1000
Thrust: 9
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 70 Forward 60
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 50
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 50
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 50
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 50
Aft 40 Aft 50
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser Forward 7 6 5 4 3
EPC 18 1 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
EPC 18 2 Forward 18 9 3 3 -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The RAMROD was just entering limited service when TOG began its series of
offensives into Shannedam County. As a result, it was rushed into action
without proper testing and suffered many "teething" problems, which even
though solved have unfairly left the ship with a reputation for poor
reliability. The real problem with the RAMROD is that it is neither fish nor
fowl. It is too large, slow and costly to be a good light fighter, while its
weaponry and protection are somewhat weak for a medium fighter. With this in
mind, the RAMROD is slowly being phased out of service in favor of more
traditional designs.
SHIELD
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 70 tons
Cost: 2,820,600 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 350
Thrust: 10 (Compensator Limit 11)
Fuel/Endurance: 3.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 60
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 30
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 30
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 30
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 30
Aft 50 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/2 Laser Forward 6 5 4 3 2
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Fast raids or operational recon missions by TOG LANCEAS have become increasingly
irritating to the Commonwealth and Renegade High Commands in recent years.
Combat experience showed that repeated missile hits were needed to bring a
LANCEA down if it was outside of effective energy weapon range, which was
most of the time. In order to do this, several CHEETAHS or BUMBLE BEES had to
pursue each LANCEA and hope for the best, which might not be very good in the
face of ECM pods and decoys. With this in mind, the SHIELD was built for one
main mission: to bring LANCEAS under HELL missile attack. Naturally, several
SHIELDS must still pursue a single LANCEA to increase the chance of scoring a
hit, but now one hit will do the job. The SHIELD can also conduct typical
light fighter missions, although the CHEETAH is still unequalled at these.
Interestingly, the debut of the SHIELD has put pressure on TOG to use more
ARCUBALISTAS, as they have a greater chance of avoiding contact with the SHIELD
and its HELL missile altogether.
SLINGSHOT
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 156 tons
Cost: 4,618,350 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 550
Thrust: 7
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 110
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 80
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 80
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 80
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 80
Aft 80 Aft 110
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Heavy Hardpoint 4 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Ext. Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
In 6827, the Renegade 721st Interceptor Wing was suffering heavy losses against
TOG GLADIUS heavy fighters, which were using massed missile salvos to destroy
the 721st's AVENGERS. After losing several wingmen, Flight Sergeant Jonatha
Jenkins made an unauthorized field modification to her AVENGER while it was
under major repair. She ordered her ground crew to replace the fighter's energy
weapons with two 7.5/6 lasers "borrowed" from a drydocked PEGASUS Class corvette,
then jury-rigged eight external hardpoints. During the next TOG attack, Jenkins
was credited with three GLADIUS kills. Intrigued enough to overlook her illegal
actions, the JCRFOB evaluated Jenkins' fighter. After considerable revision of
the design, several plants producing AVENGERS began producing the SLINGSHOT, as
the new fighter was designated. The production model carries four external heavy
hardpoints, giving this ship the largest missile capacity of any fighter currently
in service. Two standard external hardpoints are usually used for ECM and/or
decoys. Compared with the TOG ONAGRI, its closest counterpart, the SLINGSHOT has
some disadvantages. All of its hardpoints are outside armor, which means that a
few hits could destroy all of them; moreover, if more than a few weapon pods are
carried, the pilot will suffer from task overloading. However, the SLINGSHOT'S
protection is superior to the ONAGRI'S, its lasers have better penetrative power,
and its much larger missile load may prevent it from being hit at all by
overwhelming an opponent. Tactically, a single SLINGSHOT is often attached to a
squadron of AVENGERS or the like to provide fire support; alternatively, a
squadron of SLINGSHOTS can often destroy an orbital installation or other large
target singlehanded.
SOLSTICE
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Carrier Corvette
Mass: 3000 tons
Cost: 33,463,250 talents
Crew: 7 + 6 support + 7 passengers
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 6807 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? Yes (300 EP)
Accessories/Cargo? Multi-Ship Hangar Bay = up to 1050 tons of smaller ships
Cargo Bay = 5 tons General Supplies, 20 tons Missile Reloads
Engines: 3 x 2000
Thrust: 2
Fuel: 76 tons -- 30 days
Fuel for fighters = 12 tons
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes (150 EP)
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Forward Variable 10 3 Forward 30
Right Forward Variable 20 6 Right Forward 20
Right Aft Variable 30 12 Right Aft 20
Left Forward Variable 40 18 Left Forward 20
Left Aft Variable 50 36 Left Aft 20
Aft Variable 60 72 Aft 20
70 120 Turret 30
80 210
90 375
100 660
110 1155
120 2025
130 3540
140 6195
150+ N/A
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
MDC 8 1 Turret 8 8 8 - - 6
MDC 8 2 Turret 8 8 8 - - 6
Ext. Hv. Hardpoint 1 Turret - - - - - 0
Ext. Hv. Hardpoint 2 Turret - - - - - 0
Ext. Hv. Hardpoint 3 Turret - - - - - 0
Safeguard-3 NA - - - - - 24
After the loss of many large Commonwealth fleet carriers in the Varro Cluster
disaster of 6783, the SOLSTICE Class Carrier Corvette was fielded so that
raiding and operational recon missions could be continued (albeit at a much
lower scale) while the capital ship and fighter losses were made good. The
success of the SOLSTICE in these roles inspired TOG to field its PHARETRA
Class, although the Commonwealth ship is still judged superior by most analysts.
The SOLSTICE can carry a squadron of most current fighters, and provides limited
maintenance and replenishment facilities. Its armor is weaker than that of the
PHARETRA, but its Safeguard-3 anti-missile system makes up for a great deal, and
its three-engine layout gives the pilot many more power options than his TOG
counterpart. There are also several variants of the SOLSTICE, including the
ANGEL Class assault transport that distinguished itself in the battle for
Gustaviv's Regret.
SPACE GULL
Nationality: Commonwealth / Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 126
Cost: 3,487,050 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 400
Thrust: 6 (Compensator Limit 9)
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 40 Forward 80
Right Forward 30 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 30 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 30 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 30 Left Aft 60
Aft 40 Aft 80
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
MDC 8 1 Forward 8 8 8 0 0
MDC 8 2 Forward 8 8 8 0 0
EPC 14 1 Forward 14 7 3 1 0
EPC 14 2 Forward 14 7 3 1 0
Ext. Hv. Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The SPACE GULL, so named because of its wings, is a standard medium fighter.
The SPACE GULL is normally assigned fleet escort, interception, and other
defensive missions. The GULL squadron sometimes serves in a strike role also,
but it is limited to targets that are in orbit or in vacuum.
With its two MDC 8s and two EPC 14s, the SPACE GULL has good attack
capabilities, along with fine maneuver and defensive characteristics. In order
to get a relatively high level of armor protection, however, the SPACE GULL'S
designers did not install any form of atmospheric controls. This lack of
atmospheric capabilities restricts the deployment of the SPACE GULL exclusively
to space operations.
When the SPACE GULL was evaluated for acceptance into service, many senior
officials and the tacticians at the Commonwealth Staff College wanted the GULL
redesigned to allow for atmospheric operations, even through its primary mission
was fleet defense. An atmospheric modification would have resulted in the
removal of six tons of armor. When the project's test pilots heard about the
proposed change, they immediately started a "Save the GULL" campaign. Though
some of the pilots' campaign tactics might have been high-spirited (one member
of the evaluation board had his office designated a "GULL Sanctuary" and walked
in one morning to find it filled with 300 very angry sea gulls), the pilots did
a very convincing statistical study. This study showed that 40 percent of TOG's
critical war industrial capacity was in space or on airless worlds. The study
also showed that if TOG responded to GULL deployment by relocating only 10
percent of that capacity back onto planets, the economic loss to TOG would be
156,457 times the cost of the entire projected GULL procurement. Thus, the
current GULL design, with its capability for attacking in space, was far more
cost effective than it would be if it were modified for atmospheric operations.
The logic impressed the evaluation board, which ordered full production of the
SPACE GULL without modifications. Since its introduction in 6825, and despite
its operational restrictions, the SPACE GULL has acquitted itself well.
STINGER
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 143 tons
Cost: 4,926,950 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 600
Thrust: 8 (Compensator Limit 9)
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 70 Forward 70
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 70
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/2 Laser 1 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
7.5/2 Laser 2 Forward 6 5 4 3 2
EPC 14 1 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
EPC 14 2 Forward 14 7 3 1 -
External Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
External Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
External Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
Safeguard-2 NA - - - - -
Along with the DEVIL and the DEFIANT, the STINGER was a product of the JCRFOB
request for a ship able to deal with heavy TOG missile attack. While less
powerful than the DEFIANT, the STINGER was good enough to be put into limited
production as a supplement to PENETRATOR and SPACE GULL squadrons. The most
noteworthy features of this ship are its construction techniques and the
materials used to build it. By using a variety of non-strategic materials and
deliberately lowering tolerances where they are less important, all components
but the weapons and powerplant of the STINGER can be constructed by almost any
planet in the Commonwealth that is reasonably industrialized. Counting the
actual cost from having to replace components more often, train ground crews in
non-standard techniques, and use unusual manufacturing methods, the STINGER is
no cheaper than a fighter built with modern techniques and materials. The real
advantage is in the effective widening of the Commonwealth's industrial base
that this method allows. Some of the lessons learned in the STINGER'S design
have found their way into other designs, and will probably continue to do so.
VENTURA
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 100 tons
Cost: 2,665,900 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: Multiracial w/ejector
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 600
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 3 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 60
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 60
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 60
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 60
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 60
Aft 60 Aft 60
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/2 Laser 1 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
5/2 Laser 2 Forward 5 4 3 2 -
MDC 8 Forward 8 8 8 - -
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
In a war where light fighters must move quickly to survive, the VENTURA is
regarded by experienced pilots on both sides as an easy kill. A widely
produced pre-war design, the ship's low thrust and light weaponry are major
disadvantages, although its relatively heavy armor and shields are surprising
in a ship this small. These factors are precisely what endear the VENTURA to
green pilots, who appreciate the extra margin of safety they feel the VENTURA
gives them. This feeling of security is only valid, however, against another
light fighter or a larger fighter flown by a less-experienced pilot, and it
has led to the deaths of as many rookies as the extra protection has saved.
The main reason why the VENTURA is still flying is the large number that still
exist in Commonwealth and Renegade inventories, and they are being phased out
as quickly as possible. In the meantime, it is normal practice for
inexperienced VENTURA pilots to be escorted by veterans in better fighters
insofar as possible.
WARSPITE
Nationality: Commonwealth/Renegade Legion
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 150 tons
Cost: 4,931,650 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpits: Multiracial w/ejectors
RC? Internal
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 600
Thrust: 8
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: Yes
AntiGrav: No
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 100
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 90
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 90
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 90
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 90
Aft 60 Aft 100
Turret 100
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/4 Laser Forward 7 6 5 4 -
EPC 9 1 Forward 9 5 3 - -
EPC 9 2 Forward 9 5 3 - -
External Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
External Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
7.5/5 Laser Turret 9 8 7 6 5
External Hardpoint 1 Turret - - - - -
Introduced in 6801, the WARSPITE was one of the most advanced ships of its day,
incorporating many new concepts that have become standard features of today's
fighters. The WARSPITE'S engine linking system required half the tonnage and
energy of contemporary systems; the modular multi-racial cockpit was introduced,
broadening the pool of available pilots without having to create seperate,
parallel units and support structures; and the remote turret was made standard,
thus reducing the chance of gunner casualties by putting this station within the
ship's hull rather than in the turret. Old as it is, the WARSPITE is still able
to compete with newer TOG fighters including its closest counterpart, the
SERCURIS. Like the TOG fighter, the WARSPITE suffers from its relatively small
size when compared with other turreted fighters; nonetheless, the ship can be
very effective if its pilot keeps its limitations in mind.
SECTION 3 -- KESSRITH EMPIRE
AUTUMN LEAF
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 75 tons
Cost: 2,817,800 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: KessRith
RC? No
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 3 x 200
Thrust: 8
Fuel/Endurance: 3 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 60 Forward 20 + 10 Firewall
Right Forward 50 Right Forward 20 + 10 Firewall
Right Aft 50 Right Aft 20 + 10 Firewall
Left Forward 50 Left Forward 20 + 10 Firewall
Left Aft 50 Left Aft 20 + 10 Firewall
Aft 50 Aft 20 + 10 Firewall
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/4 Laser 1 Forward 8 7 6 5 4
7.5/4 Laser 2 Forward 8 7 6 5 4
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Another old-but-trusted design, the GRACEFUL LEAF OF AUTUMN has been the
KessRith Empire's standard light fighter for over 80 years, although in this
case a newer fighter is being considered -- possibly license-built Commonwealth
CHEETAHS, but more likely an original design. The AUTUMN LEAF is the butt of
jokes by many TOG pilots, who sneer that like its namesake, this fighter can
only do one thing -- fall to the ground! Things are not quite that bad for the
KessRith, but an AUTUMN LEAF'S pilot must be careful to maximize his powerful
lasers' capabilities while not letting faster TOG light fighters outmaneuver
him. A common TOG tactic against this thin-skinned fighter is to use DFMs to
"scrub" the Firewall reactive armor off, leaving the LEAF vulnerable to
follow-up missile attacks.
FLUTTERING PETAL - BIS
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 245 tons
Cost: 5,729,950 talents
Crew: 2
Cockpit: KessRith
RC? No
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 1 x 400, 2 x 300
Thrust: 4
Fuel/Endurance: 5.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 120 + 10 Firewall
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 110 + 10 Firewall
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 110 + 10 Firewall
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 110 + 10 Firewall
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 110 + 10 Firewall
Aft 60 Aft 110 + 10 Firewall
Turret 110 + 10 Firewall
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/5 Laser 1 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
7.5/5 Laser 2 Forward 9 8 7 6 5
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
5/5 Laser 1 Turret 8 7 6 5 -
5/5 Laser 2 Turret 8 7 6 5 -
5/5 Laser 3 Turret 8 7 6 5 -
5/5 Laser 4 Turret 8 7 6 5 -
The NA'CTKA MOQUKA, or FLUTTERING PETAL, is a KessRith design that, in several
variants, has become the standard two-man fighter for all forces fighting TOG.
The PETAL'S graceful curves and fragile appearance belie its underlying
ruggedness and awesome firepower. When designing fighters, KessRithians believe
that acceleration should be secondary to strong shielding and armor, and that
offensive armaments should be exclusively laser-based. This reliance on lasers
has often puzzled the KessRith's allies, but is based on three considerations:
Firewall technology, supply, and KessRith warrior traditions. Having used
reactive armor routinely for many years, missiles had fallen almost completely
out of favor among the various KessRith clans before the wars with the Terran
Republic and (later) TOG began. Even now, Firewall is a relatively cheap and
effective answer to TOG's "missile-mania". Unlike hardpoints, lasers need not
be resupplied with ammunition after a battle, which is both less expensive and
allows more space for other things aboard a fighter carrier. On a deeper level,
a missile is seen as a less-than-completely honorable weapon; once launched, it
does the rest of the job itself. This does not give a pilot such glory as using
his own eye, nerve and skill to shoot down a foe with direct-fire weapons, nor
does it allow the pilot to prove himself in a direct contest with an equally-
skilled foe. Along the same lines, survivability features such as ejection
seats and rescue compartments are never fitted; death in battle is an honorable
and sought-after end, and a KessRith pilot is expected to return with his ship
or not return at all. Alien as these concepts are to the more pragmatic
Commonwealthers and Renegades, the FLUTTERING PETAL - BIS, as the Commonwealth
RIS designates it, is both an outstanding heavy fighter and a true reflection
of the spirit of the beings who fly it.
IRON MOUNTAIN
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Small Outpost Station
Mass: 10,000 tons
Cost: 60,768,500 talents
Crew: 12 + 46 support + 12 passenger
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? Yes -- 2286 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? 6 Single-Ship Hangar Bays = Each capable of 300 tons or less
Repair Facilities
Cargo Bay = 102 tons: 53 tons General Supplies (3 months),
the remaining space is unassigned
Internal ECM
Engines: NA
Thrust: NA
Fuel/Endurance: 90 tons -- 90 days
Fuel for fighters = 39 tons
Streamlining: NA
AntiGrav: NA
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Side 1 Variable 10 10 Side 1 90 + 10 Firewall
Side 2 Variable 20 20 Side 2 90 + 10 Firewall
Side 3 Variable 30 40 Side 3 90 + 10 Firewall
Side 4 Variable 40 60 Side 4 90 + 10 Firewall
Side 5 Variable 50 120 Side 5 90 + 10 Firewall
Side 6 Variable 60 240 Side 6 90 + 10 Firewall
70 400 Turret 1 90 + 10 Firewall
80 700 Turret 2 90 + 10 Firewall
90 1250 Turret 3 90 + 10 Firewall
100 2200 Turret 4 90 + 10 Firewall
110+ N/A Turret 5 90 + 10 Firewall
Turret 6 90 + 10 Firewall
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
7.5/15 Laser 1 Turret 1 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 2 Turret 1 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 3 Turret 1 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 4 Turret 1 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 5 Turret 2 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 6 Turret 2 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 7 Turret 2 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 8 Turret 2 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 9 Turret 3 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 10 Turret 3 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 11 Turret 3 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 12 Turret 3 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 13 Turret 4 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 14 Turret 4 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 15 Turret 4 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 16 Turret 4 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 17 Turret 5 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 18 Turret 5 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 19 Turret 5 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 20 Turret 5 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 21 Turret 6 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 22 Turret 6 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 23 Turret 6 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 24 Turret 6 12 11 10 9 8 55
All of the warring nations maintain stations similar to the KessRith Empire's
IRON MOUNTAIN series. They are used as outposts, capable of supporting a few
fighters and keeping watch on an area of space to give early warning of small
craft raids or capital ship movements. The KessRith version is distinguished
by its very powerful laser turrets and Firewall reactive armor -- and even
more so by its exorbitant price, more than 20% higher than either of its
counterparts in TOG or Commonwealth service. Nonetheless, the IRON MOUNTAIN
series is without a doubt the most powerful of all the small outpost stations,
and must be treated with respect.
MORNING BLOOM
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Light Fighter
Mass: 100 tons
Cost: 3,880,300 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: KessRith
RC? No
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 2 x 500
Thrust: 10
Fuel/Endurance: 4.5 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 60 + 10 Firewall
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 50 + 10 Firewall
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 50 + 10 Firewall
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 50 + 10 Firewall
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 50 + 10 Firewall
Aft 70 Aft 60 + 10 Firewall
Weapons:
Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/10 Laser Forward 11 10 9 8 7
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 3 Forward - - - - -
The MORNING BLOOM is nowhere near as common as the AUTUMN LEAF, although there
is some speculation that a variant of this ship may replace the aging LEAF as
the KessRith Empire's standard light fighter. It is commonly seen in tactical
and operational recon roles, where its high speed and good protection gives it
a much better chance against TOG anti-recon units. The most noteworthy feature
of this light fighter is its single enormous 7.5/10 laser -- the largest laser
carried on a mass-produced fighter until the deployment of the Commonwealth's
PRINCE REGENT heavy fighter in 6834. Many non-KessRith analysts on both sides
feel that this carries the KessRith mania for lasers to an absurd level; even
the ancient AUTUMN LEAF can deliver more damage per pass, although admittedly
the large laser's penetration is unequalled. In compensation, however, the
MORNING BLOOM mounts three hardpoints, thus allowing greater flexibilty in
weapons configuration despite the KessRith reluctance to use missiles. For
example, while on a recon mission, the BLOOM might carry a sensor pod, an ECM
pod and a decoy missile; if on an attack mission, three light laser pods; or
some combination appropriate to the task.
SILVER BLOSSOM
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Medium Fighter
Mass: 125 tons
Cost: 3,834,250 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: KessRith
RC? No
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? No
Engines: 3 x 250
Thrust: 6
Fuel/Endurance: 4 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 70 Forward 60 + 10 Firewall
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 60 + 10 Firewall
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 40 + 10 Firewall
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 60 + 10 Firewall
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 40 + 10 Firewall
Aft 50 Aft 40 + 10 Firewall
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 3 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 4 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 5 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
The DELICATE BLOSSOM OF SILVER has been the standard KessRith medium fighter
for over a century, and there are no signs that a replacement is being
considered. This has much to do with the KessRith policy of producing as many
of any weapons system as possible, be it a tank, fighter or capital ship,
rather than innovate and so reduce their production rate -- but also, the
SILVER BLOSSOM is a good fighter with little room for improvement within the
K-R mindset. With its powerful array of lasers, a SILVER BLOSSOM can do a
great deal of damage in a very short time, and its Firewall reactive armor
gives it reasonable protection against TOG missiles. The only major fault is
the ship's thrust; many medium fighters (including the PILUM, which used its
greater speed to escape ramming attacks during its earliest days) can outrun
the SILVER BLOSSOM. In a close-range fight, however, this is less noticeable,
and the K-Rs will always try to close as quickly as possible.
SPRING MIST
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Small Corvette
Mass: 1200 tons
Cost: 26,016,850 talents
Crew: 10 + 2 passengers
Cockpit: NA
RC? NA
Allocates Power? Yes -- 5418 EP allocatable
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? Yes (120 EP)
Accessories/Cargo? Internal ECM (1 EP); 3.5 tons cargo -- 1 month General Supplies
Engines: 3 x 1600
Thrust: 4
Fuel/Endurance: 60 tons -- 30 days
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes (60 EP)
Shields: Flicker Rate: EPs/Shield: Armor:
Forward Variable 10 2 Forward 90 + 10 Firewall
Right Forward Variable 20 4 Right Forward 90 + 10 Firewall
Right Aft Variable 30 8 Right Aft 90 + 10 Firewall
Left Forward Variable 40 12 Left Forward 90 + 10 Firewall
Left Aft Variable 50 24 Left Aft 90 + 10 Firewall
Aft Variable 60 48 Aft 90 + 10 Firewall
70 80
80 140
90 250
100 440
110 770
120 1350
130 2360
140 4130
150+ N/A
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15 EPs
7.5/15 Laser 1 Forward 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 2 Forward 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/15 Laser 3 Forward 12 11 10 9 8 55
7.5/6 Laser 1 Left 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 2 Left 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 3 Left 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 4 Right 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 5 Right 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 6 Right 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 7 Aft 10 9 8 7 6 23
7.5/6 Laser 8 Aft 10 9 8 7 6 23
The SPRING MIST is the standard small corvette of the KessRith Empire. Widely
considered a mediocre design by friend and foe alike, the MIST'S most glaring
deficiency is its lack of turret-mounted weapons. The inability to switch
firepower from one angle of attack to another has proved fatal to many MISTS
over the years, although its fixed weapons demand caution, if not respect,
from attacking fighters. The continued production of this class despite its
flaws says much about the KessRith mentality. On one hand, the K-Rs have only
recently and reluctantly begun using corvettes in any role other than scout or
courier work, so the MIST'S weaknesses are not taken as seriously as they might
be by the Commonwealth or Renegades. On the other, revamping the ship or
cancelling production entirely would be counterproductive in internal KessRith
politics, which use sheer numbers of weapons produced, rather than the
effectiveness of what was produced, as an indicator of a Unity's contribution
to the war effort. Until these attitudes are changed -- and who knows when or
if that will be -- the SPRING MIST will continue to suffer at the hands of TOG.
STORM CLOUD
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Carrier Corvette
Mass: 3500 tons
Cost: 24,088,500 talents
Crew: 5 + 18 support + 18 passengers
Cockpit: NA, no ejectors
RC? No
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Long Duration
FTL Capable? Yes
Accessories/Cargo? Multi-Ship Hangar Bay = up to 1500 tons of small ships
Engines: 2 x 1150, 1 x 1200
Thrust: 1
Fuel/Endurance: 48.5 tons -- 30 days
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 50 Forward 0
Right Forward 40 Right Forward 0
Right Aft 40 Right Aft 0
Left Forward 40 Left Forward 0
Left Aft 40 Left Aft 0
Aft 50 Aft 0
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
5/1 Laser Forward 4 3 2 1 -
5/1 Laser Left 4 3 2 1 -
5/1 Laser Right 4 3 2 1 -
5/1 Laser Aft 4 3 2 1 -
Heavy Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint Forward - - - - -
The STORM CLOUD is one of the more unusual ship classes in the arsenal of the
KessRith Empire. The ship's design philosophy is completely at variance with
the usual K-R practice of building well armed and armored ships for close combat,
for the CLOUD is ittle more than a large hangar bay with the FTL and STL drives
necessary to move it from place to place. Its low thrust, weak weaponry and
complete lack of armor or Firewall protection make it an easy kill if caught
alone. This is unlikely to happen, however, for the CLOUD is able to deploy
anywhere between one and three full squadrons of fighters, including heavy
FLUTTERING PETALS -- something that none of its competitors on either side can
match. In most cases, a system defense force will be too busy dealing with the
multiple threats posed by the CLOUD's fighters to go after it.
This class has only recently come into use, as the KessRith did not adopt the
Commonwealth and Renegade tactic of small raids until capital ship losses made
full-scale carrier raids counterproductive. The reluctance to adopt the small
raid concept completely may explain why such a large fighter capacity was built
into the CLOUD. As with all KessRithian ships, missiles are rarely carried on
the hardpoints; a standard load is an ECM pod on the hardpoint and three Decoys
on the heavy hardpoint. As can be seen, the CLOUD is extremely weight-limited
by its enormous fighter capacity. It is one of the few large ships that does
not have power shunting capability, and its pilot is very task-overloaded in
battle as there is no room for a gunner. In addition, the ship has no reserve
fuel capacity for its fighters, restricting their ability to launch repeated
strikes. Again, the K-Rs seem to feel that sheer numbers of light and medium
fighters, or the extra power of the heavy PETALS if carried, will make repeated
strikes unnecessary.
THISTLE FLOWER
Nationality: KessRith
Class: Heavy Fighter
Mass: 228 tons
Cost: 6,531,350 talents
Crew: 1
Cockpit: KessRith
RC? No
Allocates Power? No
Life Support? Short Duration
FTL Capable? No
Accessories/Cargo? 2 TOT -- 1 for 7.5/6 Lasers, 1 for 7.5/3 Lasers
Engines: 1 x 350, 2 x 400
Thrust: 5
Fuel/Endurance: 6 tons -- 1 day
Streamlining: No
AntiGrav: Yes
Shields: Armor:
Forward 80 Forward 90 + 10 Firewall
Right Forward 60 Right Forward 90 + 10 Firewall
Right Aft 60 Right Aft 90 + 10 Firewall
Left Forward 60 Left Forward 90 + 10 Firewall
Left Aft 60 Left Aft 90 + 10 Firewall
Aft 60 Aft 90 + 10 Firewall
Weapons: Range
Type Location 0-1 2-3 4-6 7-10 11-15
7.5/6 Laser 1 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 2 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 3 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/6 Laser 4 Forward 10 9 8 7 6
7.5/3 Laser 1 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 2 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 3 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
7.5/3 Laser 4 Forward 7 6 5 4 3
Hardpoint 1 Forward - - - - -
Hardpoint 2 Forward - - - - -
Bearing a striking resemblance to TOG's SPATHA Class heavy fighter, the THISTLE
FLOWER is the KessRith Empire's newest fighter type. When it first appeared on
the KessRith Front, its transponder signal identified it as hostile, but both
long-range and visual scans led several TOG pilots to misidentify THISTLE
FLOWERS as SPATHAS. Fearing to fire on a friendly ship because of a transponder
or IFFN malfunction, they hesitated -- and that hesitation proved fatal.
Improved liaision between SPATHA squadrons and other TOG units helped solve the
problem, as did improved long-range scanner software. Externally, the only
difference between the THISTLE FLOWER and SPATHA is the KessRith ship's slightly
smaller cockpit canopy and the number of protruding weapons barrels. Internally,
the THISTLE FLOWER is also very similar to the SPATHA; it has converted its
turreted weapons to fixed by simply removing the rotation gear and welding the
turret in the forward position, while all non-missile weapons have been replaced
by lasers. As usual with the KessRith, the hardpoints carry an ECM pod and a
decoy missile, although missiles or laser pods are sometimes used. Still unhappy
about the SPATHA'S partly-KessRith design team, the Imperial Navy immediately
seized on the THISTLE FLOWER as proof that Lictor IS had failed to prevent the
design from leaking to the K-Rs, and demanded that appropriate action be taken
(such as executing the K-Rs and Lictors involved, and putting Naval Intelligence
in charge of SPATHA security). For the Navy's benefit, the Lictors denied that a
leak could have happened and stated that "all KessRith think alike" to explain the
SPATHA - THISTLE FLOWER similarity. In private, the Lictors knew full well that a
leak had taken place, but decided it was better to let it continue in the hope of
rolling up the Renegade or KessRith network that made it possible. Naturally, the
problems that this policy would cause the Navy were considered unimportant. This
latest phase in the ongoing struggle between the military and the Lictors is by no
means over, and the only losers so far are the front-line TOG troops -- as usual.