Unreviewed Xerces Class Heavy Fighter

[Barragh Nenn]

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STANDARD FEATURES

• Navigational Systems
• Comms System
• Life Support
• Ejector Pod
• Deflector Shield Projector
• Radiation shielding
• Quad Ion Engines
• Heavy Laser Cannons
• Photon Torpedo Launchers
• General Purpose Warhead Launchers

ADVANCED SYSTEMS

• Short Ranged fore facing sensors
• Atmospheric friction shielding

STRENGTHS

• Multipurpose Heavy Fighter: A Heavy armament ensures this craft packs a punch. Outfitted with heavy laser cannons and photon torpedo launchers to shred enemy vessels; general purpose warhead launchers also ensure that its load out can be modified for different missions and can include photon rockets for larger targets. A Squadron of Xerces can engage and destroy larger vessels including Corvettes, Frigates and even some Cruisers if they're properly outfitted. Defensively quadanium plating over a durasteel hull with the added protection of a deflector shield projector ensure these fighters can shrug relatively large amounts of firepower and remain operational and in the fight.
• Atmospheric Capabilities: Capable of operating inside a planetary atmosphere and withstanding atmospheric friction the Xerces is at home in space as well in planetary environments.

WEAKNESSES

• Slow and cumbersome: Quad Ion Engines make up for the increased mass of the Heavy Fighters caused by the quadanium plating however they are still slower than many small craft of a similar size. As a comparison the Xerces is of a relatively similar speed to a Y-Wing which is comparatively slower than the standard TIE Fighter or X-Wing. These Heavy Fighters are an average maneuverability for their size which also puts them at something of a disadvantage against more agile craft.
• Low Squadron Size: A typical Xerces squadron consists of five (5) craft. This puts the Heavy Fighters at a numerical disadvantage ensuring that every loss is felt however they do compensate by having such powerful offensive capabilities.

DESCRIPTION
A brainchild of Barragh Nenn the Xerces Heavy Fighter was made to fill a multipurpose role within the Imperial Confederation. Acting as in a Heavy Fighter superiority role the Xerces is most often found engaging in the defense of Imperial planets, on escort duties for high profile personnel and against Capital Ships where other smaller craft may not have the necessary firepower to effectively engage.

A large fighter craft boasting quadanium plating for durability as well as a deflector shield projector. Heavy laser canons, proton torpedo launchers and general purpose warhead launchers are all forward facing. Typically the Warhead Launchers will be outfitted with more photon torpedoes if the Xerces expect to engage enemy fighters or involve themselves in planetary defense and photon rockets when targeting capital ships in combat. An aft mounted dual repeating laser canon ensures the Heavy Fighter retains some offensive capabilities if enemy vessels successfully maneuver behind it. Quad Ion engines manage the relative weight to power ratio of the craft.

A Xerces is piloted by two under optimal circumstances where the Pilot is responsible for flight, fore facing weaponry and navigation while the Copilot controls comms and the aft facing dual laser canons. In times of need the Heavy Fighter can be piloted by one and the dual laser canons can be automated though this is generally not recommended. The Heavy Fighters are not equipped with a hyperdrive however the engines enable the Xerces to make flights throughout whichever system they're stationed.