*The
stats listed above reflect the older version of the Bandit,
except for the Firepower rating, which is from the Cataclysm
era.
The Bandit-class Interceptor has the dubious distinction of
being the first hostile vessel encountered by the Exiles on
their quest for the Homeworld. For a people who actually
debated the need for a dedicated strike craft at all, the
appearance of this high-speed, heavily armored fighter
blazing away with its advanced mass drivers was a rude
shock. While little is known about the origins of Raider
technology, the abilities of the Bandit appear to be the
result of a practical design refined through countless
combat situations, as opposed to any exotic material or
energy generation. Pirate vessels are based on the simplest
application of any technology, combined with armoring each
and every internal module to create a ship of very high
durability with very low maintenance costs.
While not particularly known for their innovative thinking,
the Turanic Raiders have managed to keep the Bandit on par
with the Taiidani Heavy Interceptor and the Hiigaran Blade
Fighter, and it is still as formidable an opponent now as it
was 15 years ago. Tests performed on captured Bandits reveal
a ship that is highly responsive, but very tricky to fly as
it nears its performance envelope. The increased mass of the
armored components, combined with the Bandit's all-aspect
maneuver thrusters, can lead to dangerous slewing when
performing high-g turns at maximum thrust.
Bandit wings depend on surprise for most of their combat
success, and often enter battle without warning. The last
thing many a surprised escort fighter has seen is the
blue-white streak of a Bandit's drive trail before a storm
of mass driver rounds sends them on to their next life. For
their tendency to lurk in asteroid belts in order to hide
from enemy sensors, Bandits have been given the nickname
"Rock Rats" by Hiigaran crews.
Note
the impressive fuel capacity -- more than double that of a
Kushan fighter.
|