The Rebel Faction

Union R&D: M-Wing

Name:
FTM-115 M-Wing

Designation:
Close Air Support

Length:
14 meters

Designer:
Unknown

Manufacturer:
Fegal Companies

Crew:
2 (pilot and co-pilot/gunner)

Shields:
100 SBD

Hull:
50 RU

Speed:
85 MGLT

Hyperdrive:
None

Weapons:
3 Laser Cannons (one on each wingtip, one nose mounted), 2 Rocket Pods (10 rockets each- slung under wings), 2 Dedicated Anti-Vehicle Heavy Blaster Cannon (in dual rotating turret on underbelly), 1 Proton Bomb Launcher (Rear mounted, 6 bombs)

Special Equipment:
"Bounceback" Repulsor Drives
"Mandible" Cockpit Deployment System


Description:
A starfighter designed primarily for use in close-air support missions, the M-Wing is a heavily armed 2-man fighter with unique capabilities. The M-Wing falls in a grey area between snubfighters and dedicated bombers, as its design combines elements of both. The M-Wing is a hybrid craft evocative of primitive rotary airships that could traverse great distances quickly and effectively support ground forces from the air. Unlike those craft however, the M-Wing maintains the ability to fly like a traditional starfighter, though this is not its primary purpose.

The M-Wing lacks a hyperdrive and must be deployed from carrier craft or planetary bases. Not particularly fast or agile, the M-Wing has tough shields and a thick carapace designed to absorb damage and keep flying. The fighter has 3 laser cannons (firelink capable) which can be used in dogfights or in a ground support role. The rocket pods and proton bomb launcher add significant punch to the M-Wing's arsenal, but limited space means that the fighter carries no reloads for the rocket pods and can accommodate only six proton bombs. The dual heavy blaster cannon on the M-Wing's belly provides its staying power, and is particularly effective when used with the "Bounceback" system engaged. The blaster cannon has its own dedicated targeting computer that allows it to act independently, though it is usually controlled by the co-pilot.

In most cases the M-Wing uses a standard Ion engine propulsions system, but it also has the ability to divert power from those conventional engines to its powerful "Bounceback" Repulosrlift engines on its underbelly that allow the fighter to hover at relatively high altitudes above the battlefield. This is useful for two purposes:

1) The M-Wing becomes a stable gun-platform, allowing its belly-mounted turret to rain fire down upon enemy positions.

2)The pilot, usually a trained special forces member, can opt to employ the "Mandible" cockpit deployment system, in which a portion of the cockpit of the M-Wing slides open allowing the pilot to descend to the ground via a high tension cable. In the event of a "Mandible" deployment, the co-pilot can take control of the craft and fly and fight at only a slightly decreased efficiency.