Spinward Flow
SOC-14 1K
LSP Armored Fighter A3/C3/D3 (Type FA): Constructed using a 30 ton custom aerodynamic needle configuration armored hull capable of 6G acceleration, the fighter comes armed with a fixed triple missile battery. All versions feature a detachable bridge containing 2 workstations (although a solo pilot/gunner is the only crew required) with an adjacent model/2 computer to assist with fire control.
The drive systems layout is more of an area rule "wasp waisted mid-engine" arrangement, with M-Drive thruster plates and HEPlaR maneuvering systems located shortly aft of the fighter's center of gravity and partially incorporated into the swing wing aerofoils. Fuel tankage and the integral fuel scoop on the hull are located along the ventral keel spine under the drive bay aft of the missile launcher tubes.
LSP Armored Fighters cost MCr44.97025 (A3), MCr44.35015 (C3), MCr42.31045 (D3) in single production, or MCr35.9762 (A3), MCr35.48012 (C3), MCr33.84836 (D3) per copy at discount in volume production, not including architect's fees. LSP Armored Fighters (A3/C3/D3) have been in production long enough by 1105 Imperial that architect's fees are not required at LSP shipyards, however architect's fees may be required to duplicate the design and features by competitors and/or non-Imperial polities (especially if a version is not already in local volume production).
Interior Details: An unusual feature of the design is the so called omni-dock airlock at the aft end of the hull that can be used to dock up to 7 Modular Cutter Modules externally. A single Modular Cutter Module can be towed longtitudinally aft of the LSP Armored Fighter in a streamlined configuration capable of entering and being maneuvered through atmosphere using the fighter as a fairing in front of the module. An additional 6 modules can be docked to the retractable radial outboard docking extensions in a hexagonal arrangement, rendering the combined craft unstreamlined while any of these radial docks are in use (and also giving the combination an appearance akin to a flower with stem and petals). A single access tube shaft inside the dorsal length of the hull around the drive systems connects the omni-dock aft airlock to the crew area forward.
In the higher tech refresh updates of the design after the basic A3 model, a stateroom is provided for crew comfort and to extend the endurance of independent operations away from any parent craft or base beyond 24 hours.
Weaponry: The armament for the fighter is a ventral fixed triple missile launcher. Although the pilot has all aspect target lock and launch capability, standard engagement tactics have a preference for firing the missiles at targets in the forward arc to reduce launch to contact time along with limiting reaction and response opportunities for opponents. However, at need, missiles can be launched forward to engage pursuers astern. Typical warhead loads are high explosive, although nuclear missiles can potentially be loaded (if available).
Peculiarities: The designation of A/C/D is to indicate the technology level of each model in the series and reduce confusion for maintenance engineers as well as operators. The 3 is to further differentiate the fact that this iteration of the LSP Armored Fighter concept is a 30 ton small craft, unlike the smaller 20 ton fighter designs employed by the LT class series of Patrol, Response and Pursuit Corvettes.
Despite having an aerodynamic needle hull, due to the high density of their heavy armor all of these fighters can fit into a hangar space form factor suitable for a Modular Cutter Module, making their berthing relatively interchangeable.
Additionally, while all three models have less than 28 days of power plant fuel reserve, they also all feature a small cargo space (derisively known to crews a the "gas and water closet" due to its small size and the bladder within it) which holds a reserve collapsible fuel tank. If the main fuel tank is damaged due to combat, contact with debris or other mishap event, after the self-sealing automatics have engaged (following the loss of all fuel in the tank), fuel can be pumped from the collapsible reserve back into the main fuel tank. This then allows power plant fusion to resume, permitting the fighter to self-recover without needing an outside rescue. Pilots possessed of brass and guile have been known to "play dead" after taking fuel hits in combat, only to recover and re-engage soon afterwards, to the surprise of hostiles who believed the fighter to be out of commission with no fuel, no power and therefore no longer a concern or a threat. Due to the small size of the fuel quantity involved (less than 1 ton), fuel transfers from the reserve to the main fuel tank require very little time and can be done from the bridge while operating on emergency reserve battery power.
Another point is that the life support systems have been designed to interface "gracefully" with the Environmental Control Type V-d life support systems on the LSP Clipper 3 starships whenever docked and undergoing replenishment in their hangar berth aboard. This allows life support services consumed away from the parent craft to be recycled back into the regenerative biome while also recharging the fighter's life support capacity in preparation for future deployment. Consequently, the air, water and so called "first day" food provisions aboard tend to be fresher and "sweeter" according to crews than is typical for small craft when based aboard an LSP Clipper 3, improving crew morale during limited deployments of the fighter relative to baseline experiences in other small craft. In the absence of a LSP Clipper 3 hangar berth to plug into for recycling, standard small craft life support system consumables are also an option.
