| YA-391 Rapier Fighter; Obsolete Erineos Fighter | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 10 2017, 10:04 PM (8 Views) | |
| Wheeljack | Apr 10 2017, 10:04 PM Post #1 |
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Yakaiev YA-381 Rapier Space Superiority Fighter![]() Viper Mk I from Battlestar Galactica Name: Rapier Space Superiority Fighter Designation: F381 (Pre 1956), YA-381 (Post 1956) Manufacturer/Designer: Yakaiev Aeronautics [Design Bureau] Operator: See Operator List Availability: Formerly exported, no longer in production Year Built: 1942-Prototype 1945-IOC in the Erineos Republic Navy 1947-Mass Production begins 1983-Mass Production halted, sporadic production 1995-Production halted 2068-Production of spare parts halted (except custom orders) Classification: Space Superiority Fighter Features: Thyserian armor plating Military-grade Kinetic Barriers Thyserian Avionics Production Cost: 2.4 million Syshule (1947) Propulsion: 3 Sublight Antiproton Engines Armament: -[2] 30mm Autocannons -[6] Hardpoints on Wings for 6 Air-Air Missiles Advantages: High maneuverability Decent atmospheric capabilities Immune to any Electronic Warfare attacks Total hardpoints of 12 missiles Disadvantages: Heavily outdated currently No spare parts manufactured since 2104 (except high priced custom orders) Lack of digital instruments Description: The Rapier was, for its time, a highly advanced fighter. It evolved from the prototype Project 370 as a potential for a new series of maneuverable fighters with the pilot towards the rear, rather than the front. Becoming the first model of the Thyserians’ iconic fighters in the Traverse, the Rapier was a step in the right direction for a colony that desired self determination and survival above all else. A modern fleet called for a modern fighter, and the Rapier delivered. ![]() The F370 Project of Yakaiev Aeronautics that served as the basis for the F381. This model survives in a museum on Thysera In space, the design of the fighter proved to be extremely agile for its time, being able to complete a 180 degree turn in two seconds. The ability of Thyserian fighters in space helped give these hardy Asari their fearsome reputation. These were the fighters in service against a massive raid by several pirate groups against Thysera in 1950. Hoping to enslave the population, they were completely caught off guard by these fighters, having never seen anything like them in the Terminus. The Rapiers intercepted many pirate shuttles and shot them down as the capital ships closed to engage the pirates’ own capital ships. The fighters were seemingly ahead of the curve compared to the larger ships, all thanks to the work of Noravi Yakaiev. The defense of Thysera by the Rapiers solidified the reputation of Yakaiev Aeronautics, which would become Yakaiev Design Bureau in 6 years time, the F381 the Rapier was first known by becoming known as the YA-381. The Rapier is somewhat “blocky” compared to its descendants. The cockpit has gained the ire of some pilots as lacking visibility accustomed to them in other fighters. These setbacks were minimal, however, as pilots were quickly accustomed to it. The cockpit issues were resolved in the subsequent YA-400 but not the YA-412. The Rapier was surpassed by Yakaiev’s own design, the Scimitar and subsequent Super Scimitar introduced in 2005 and 2056 respectively. The Rapier was phased out of front line service by 2024 and was retired fully from training units by 2049. The CSS continued to use the Rapier until 2067; all production of spare parts for these craft ceased the following year, though Yakaiev remains open for custom orders of parts for the Rapier, thanks to the civilian market interest. While the Rapier is no longer in service with the Thyserians who originally designed it, the Rapier is owned by aircraft enthusiasts on Thysera and is still used by the government to instruct younger Asari who may be interested in becoming pilots for the Royal Navy. Export sales for the Rapier helped bring money into the young (comparatively in Asari years) Republic, thanks to their reputation from the 1950 incident. Former Operators:
Current Operators:
Credits: Battlestar Galactica for the Viper design...the one from the old BSG |
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8:49 PM Jul 10