…Along with the second generation of warships came a renewed interest in fighters and dog fighting. No matter how efficient Hydra turrets were, the only real way to drive off Conjunction fighters it was decided would be plane to plane.
The first prototype line, commissioned by the GLA Starforce and produced by companies like Eurasian Astronomics and Mountain C. Manufacturing was named “Predator.” Few of them have survived since their introduction, either destroyed in combat or stripped for parts. Pilots, mechanics and other personnel present during their first sorties described the Predator fighters as bulky, and awkward to fly, weighed down by their armor plating. In what few operations they flew, the Predator fighters were easily outmaneuvered by their Conjunction counterparts.
A second series of prototype fighters were tested but never put into service dubbed “Hawk.” Their successors, the “Falcon” series was adopted and has served in the GLA Starforce from 2840 to the present. Iterative improvements have been made since the inception of the Falcon series, along with new classes and fighters designed for specific roles. At the time of writing, the newest fighters being produced are a part of the Mark VIII series.
Of those models currently in service, the primary air superiority and multi-role fighters of the Falcon series are the C and T class respectively. The three man bombing and demolition Falcons are the E class. Orbital drop and cargo transport falls to the O class, and newly minted tactical defense fighters designated F class are currently in trials.
C class Falcons are the lightest and most agile planes used by the Alliance. Their minimal armor is designed more to deflect than absorb. Their maneuverability is complemented by their armaments. C class Falcons are armed with twin 13 milometer machine guns mounted to their stabilizers, and twin 45 milometer magazine fed missile launchers mounted along their noses. With a long list of specialized missiles and cartridges made for them, the C Class Falcon is more than capable of punching above its weight.
Most commonly paired in wings with the Falcon C was the T class multi-role fighter. Larger, more squat and more heavily armored, the T class is the natural partner of the C. Armed with twin 20mm cannons and an extremely adaptable under mounting system able to carry anything from anti fighter missiles to anti-material charges. Initially put forward as the main service fighter for all roles of air superiority, but its engagements quickly proved that while capable of dodging enemy fighters, when outnumbered it can be overwhelmed. Thus the decision was made to pair them with the smaller Falcon C.
The Wings of Atlantis 