Unreviewed Mauler Strike Fighter

[T3-J6]

OUT OF CHARACTER INFORMATION

• Intent: A rough and ready fighter that makes use of scrap parts.
• Image Source: Star Citizen

PRODUCTION INFORMATION

• Manufacturer: Mercenary Arms
• Affiliation: Mahporeem Imperial Remnant, Mercenary Arms, Open Market
• Market Status: Open-Market
• Model: Mauler Strike Fighter
• Production: Mass-Produced
• Material: Durasteel, Various, Ship Components

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Classification: Starfighter
  
• Length: 13.7 meters
• Width: 11.3 meters
• Height: 4.5 meters
• Armament: High
  • Typhon Rotary Cannons x2
  • Light Laser Cannons x4
• Defenses: Low
  • M.I. Cyclic Shield
  • Chaff/Flares
• Squadron Count: High: 16
• Maneuverability Rating: Average
• Speed Rating: High
• Hyperdrive: 1.0

STANDARD FEATURES

• Magnetic Landing Gear
• K-Blakan Mini Sensor
• Transponder Shut-Off
• Auto Enhancement
• Lock Threat Warning System
• Encrypted Comms
• Ejection Seats
• Standard Fighter Systems

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• Artemis Targeting System
• Enhanced Optics Suit
• Sensor Jammer
• Mag Clamps and Cables

STRENGTHS

• Devastating Firepower: With six rapid-fire cannons, including two heavy rotary ion/laser hybrids, the Mauler can punch far above its weight class in aggressive bursts.
• Off-Grid Logistic Independence: Loose tolerances and kit-based construction mean a Mauler pilot can keep their fighter flying using salvaged scrap, second-hand components, or whatever is available.

WEAKNESSES

• Maintenance Mayhem: While the factory engines are easy to work on, individual ships suffer from chaotic repair history. Fleet mechanics working on a kit Mauler face a dizzying maze of custom wiring, mismatched parts, and non-standard fittings.
• Lack of Stealth: The bulky, high-thrust engines and rapid-fire rotary cannons generate huge heat and sensor signatures that are difficult to hide once brought up to power.

DESCRIPTION
Having recently tested high-thrust performance engines, Mercenary Arms sought to make quick use of them with the Mauler. Rather than designing an entire fighter, the team put together a frame and a basic parts layout, leaving the customer or builder to flesh the fighter out and armor it as they’re able. This has led the fighter to have a wide range of appearances, from well-considered and put together with secondhand or off the shelf parts, to the more common “junkyard special,” where the pilot simply salvaged whatever wreckage or junker was available for parts and armoring.

The engines are simple to work on, the design forgoing compactness and efficiency to allow easy access to internal parts, durability, and producing huge thrust. This design choice is carried throughout the rest of the fighter with its weapon complement featuring six rapid-fire and highly destructive cannons, to include two of the company’s devastating rotary cannons combining ion and laser shots to chew through enemy defenses. And while classified as light lasers, the other four cannons are just as fast firing while retaining a high-powered output. Backing up the weapons are four mag clamps that can be shot out to latch tow cables onto prize ships and floating cargo.

Despite Mercenary Arms having a production facility producing standardized versions of these fighters, just as popular is the kit version, where the company will ship out the frame, engines, power plant, and weapons, letting the buyer fit their own parts and source their preferred hull armoring. This has led to some maintenance issues among those unfamiliar with the units they’re working on, as mechanics never know if they’re working on a standard fighter, one that’s been custom fit, or one that’s simply been repaired with whatever was at hand. Still, for its aggressive lines, power, and speed, the Mauler remains popular with those valuing customization, budget ships, and the ability to keep going on the edges of civilization and away from steady supply networks.