Kushan "Shield Mk.3b" Defender

Homeworld Statistics

Class: Fighter
Build Cost
: 65 RUs
Build Time: 9 s
Maneuverability: High
Acceleration
: 385 m/s^2
Max Velocity: 385 m/s
Hit Points: 325
Fuel Capacity: 14,000
.
Firepower: 30
Coverage: 90%
Mass: 60 tons

Salvage No.: 1
Nav Lights: 0
Special Abilities
None

Required Tech:
Fighter Drive
Fighter Chassis
Defender Subsystems

Weapons: Damage: Range: Fire Time:
3 Small Projectile Cannons 3-4 6,500 m 2.0 s
Info

The Shield series of defense fighters is one the sturdiest front line designs employed in the Kushan fleet. Drives and weapon systems have evolved over time, but the basic hull design of the original Shield strike craft has yet to be surpassed in terms of economy and durability. A new state-of-the-art targeting system and an upgrade to the gimbal-mounted turret systems have been incorporated into the current Mark 3b version of this classic strike craft, and should serve to keep the Shield effective in combat for the foreseeable future.

While Shield class fighters have been gradually replaced in the offensive strike force by the Blade Interceptor, the relatively low cost of producing the chassis and its excellent weapons coverage has kept the Shield series in service, in the fleet defense role. While more resource-intensive strike craft engage and destroy enemy assets, Kushan admirals will deploy Shield fighters in the escort role to protect support ships such as Resource Gatherers, Lab Ships and even Carriers from enemy counter strikes. The extremely fast production time for Shields also means they will often find themselves being thrown in as a last ditch defense against a surprise attack when newer, more powerful ships simply take too long.

Shield squadrons are crewed by an odd mix of dedicated veterans serving out one last patrol cycle before retirement, and new pilots fresh from the training crèches. The irony of their deployment orders is that the majority of them remain virtually untested in combat until the very moment that they are all that stands between the Kushan fleet and utter destruction.

Images