Directorate Officer
Image Source: Modified image of M50 concept art found here.
Affiliation: Directorate, select Lucerne Labs customers
Manufacturer: Lucerne Labs
Model: Whirlwind-class Interceptor
Modularity: Warheads
Production: Mass Production
Material: Durasteel frame, Titanium alloy hull, Transparisteel canopy, standard starship components
Length: 6 meters
Height: 2.5 meters
Width: 4 meters
Armament:
2 Wing-mounted laser cannons
1 Chin-mounted Light Laser Cannon
1 LLT-7 General Purpose Warhead Launcher (4 concussion missiles or other equivalent)
Squadron Count: 18
Special Features:
Communications Array
Basic Warheads Countermeasure launcher (10 Chaff Bursts or 7 Flares)
K-57B Engine System
Standard Communications Array
Standard Deflector Shield Generator
Standard Life Support Systems
Standard Navigational Systems
Standard Sensor Array
Standard Targeting Systems
Can Enter Atmosphere and Land
Maneuverability Rating: 1
Speed Rating: 3
Hyperdrive Class: x2
Strengths:
Strength in Numbers: The compact size of the Whirlwind along with its cheap cost derived from many of its older components allows it to be carried and fielded in greater numbers than many of its competitors.
Agile: The Whirlwind is an exceptionally agile starfighter because of its small size and flight systems.
Weaknesses:
Underarmed: Many pilots feel that the Whirlwind is underarmed, especially with its low warhead capacity.
Lackluster speed: The Whirlwind is fairly slow for an interceptor, though it is generally capable of keeping pace with its intended prey.
Description: The Whirlwind is designed to be a tool of finesse, using its diminutive size and excellent maneuverability to confound more sluggish opponents before ripping them apart with surgical strikes with its weaponry.
The Whirlwind is somewhat unusual in that it was explicitly designed with independent operators and small organizations operating in the outer rim and the fringes of known space. Because many craft flying in those regions are older, high sublight speed and heavy armaments was not considered as much of a priority as ensuring that the interceptor's operators could survive on their own in such an environment. Consequently, the first deviation from traditional interceptor designs was to give it thicker armor for its size in the form of titanium alloy plates. This makes the Whirlwind about as durable as the average starfighter such as an X-wing. The next deviation was to equip the Whirlwind with a small, compact hyperdrive. While it is not a terribly fast unit by modern military standards, it is capable enough to allow Whirlwinds to conduct long distance operations away from their home base.
These design decisions have made the Whirlwind noticeably slower than many of its contemporaries, but the ship is still capable of fulfilling its role.
In combat, the Whirlwind relies on its K-57B Engine System augmented by ion stream projector and control technology derived from the Tie Interceptor. This makes the Whirlwind exceptionally maneuverable and capable of almost mindboggling maneuvers. Most Whirlwind pilots use these capabilities to evade enemy attacks and patiently work themselves into a position of advantage to attack with the ship's somewhat limited weaponry.
The Whirlwind's primary armament of two wingtip laser cannons is fairly conventional. The Whirlwind also sports a light laser cannon under its chin capable of limited movement. This weapon is generally too light to be effective against the average enemy starfighters, but its exceptionally tracking skills make it quite useful at picking off enemy missiles, strafing ground troops, and destroying other small but otherwise easy to miss targets. These guns are backed by a single general purpose warhead launcher. This launcher is usually equipped with concussion missiles to destroy bombers and shuttles, but occasionally these missiles are switched out for other specialized munitions.
Lucerne Labs is currently marketing the Whirlwind to planetary governments and defense forces on the outer reaches of the galaxy, but several have been sold to individuals looking for a rugged small fighter. A good number of Whirlwinds are employed by Lucerne Labs's corporate security arm to protect its convoys and facilities.
Development Thread: If needed
Intent: To provide the Directorate & Lucerne Lab customers with an updated interceptor
Who Can Use This: Directorate members / select Lucerne Lab customers
Primary Source: N / A
