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Affiliation: EIC Clients
Manufacturer: Eshan Industrial Corporation
Model: Manta-class Gunship
Modularity: None
Production: Minor
Material: Transparisteel, Titanium, Durasteel
Classification: Gunship
Length: 36m
Height: 7m
Width: 16m
Armament: 4 Proton Torpedo Launchers, 6 Laser Cannons, 4 proton bombs
Squadron Count: 4
Special Features:
Standard Non-Combat Accoutrements
Advanced Shields
EZY Engines
Maneuverability Rating: 4
Speed Rating: 3
Hyperdrive Class: .75
Strengths:
+ Fast
+ Quiet
+ Heavy Shields
Weaknesses:
- Thinner hull due to aerodynamics
- Expensive
Description: Developed as an effort to modernize the defensive force of the Echani, the Manta-class proved more capable than expected. With two pilots, the ship is capable of performing both advanced maneuvers, and monitoring its surroundings in ways that would typically only be possible for a fighter with a droid co-pilot. The ship proved both fast and agile for a vessel of its size, and with it's relatively large amount of weaponry it certainly packs a punch. The heavy shielding keeps it protected for a longer time. However, once that shield goes down, the hull is easy to punch through. Hull density had to be sacrificed in favor of the necessary aerodynamics to make the ship fast. The addition of the EZY Engines means that the ship can run extremely quiet and nearly undetectable by scanners, but it provides extra cost to an already expensive ship. Regardless, the vessel is more than capable of filling the role it was designed for, and in most cases exceeds similar vessels due to speed and maneuverability.
Development Thread: None unless requested.
Intent: To create a primary Echani-based gunship to be sold to lightsided individuals and governments alongside other fighter compliments.
Who Can Use This: People who buy them from EIC or are EIC employees.
Primary Source: None