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The Aron Tech VX12 Trans-atmospheric Fighter |
A nanodesign first created by Aron Tech. Aron Tech signed a cooperation clause with the Atlantis NanoPatent Organisation under which the ANPO gained the right to include Aron Tech designs in their nanofabs. When Aron Tech was absorbed by Trillian Arms in 9234, a number of its templates, including the VX12, were hijacked by the ANPO and have since then been a part of the standard template package in all ANPO nanofabs. The ANPO nanofab has reached many systems and due to its essentially freeware status the VX12 has become a popular combat vehicle in many of the less wealthy, sub-ultratech polities. The design is also surprisingly robust and can take a great deal of punishment considering its technological level.
The fighter utilizes a Henry Hlorstein D-3He fusion drive in space and the fairly standard Veron jet system in atmosphere. The cruising speed of the fusion drive is 125 km/sec with short bursts up to 160 km/sec being possible. The Veron jet has a cruising speed of 0.75 km/sec and short bursts of up to 2 km/sec are possible at the cost of greatly increased fuel consumption.
The VX12 is designed for a biont or vec pilot, but could theoretically be crewed by a generalist AI or virtual pilot, though in this case a cockpit is not needed and the AM12 TA AI-piloted Fighter would probably be a better choice. The fighter is equipped with escape capsules and an extensive suite of help systems, including the option to upload a slaved AI.
Weaponry is highly customizable, but the most popular space-oriented
models are equipped with a Rhyly Thoran Rail Cannon and either
nuclear/amat missiles or semi-intelligent attack drones.
