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Manta Assault Starfighter
Name/Model# : | Manta-class Assault Starfighter
Designer/Manufacturer : | Tapani Starship Cooperative
Combat Designation : | Intermediate Assault Starfighter
Scale : | Starfighter
Length : | 12 Metres
Skill : | Starfighter piloting: Manta-class Starfighter
Crew Skill : | Starfighter piloting 4D+2, starship gunnery 4D, starship shields 4D and sensors 4D
Crew : | 1 Pilot + 1 Gunner
Cost of Fighter : | 95,000 Credits
Nav Computer : | None
Sublight Speed : | Attack Formation 7 Space Units Intercept Speed 10 Space Units
Hyperdrive Rating : | None
Atmospheric Speed : | ?
Manoeuvrability : | Attack Formation 3D+1 Interceptor Formation 1D
Cargo Capacity : | 100 kg
Consumables : | 1 Week
Pilot Support Systems : | ?
Weapons : | 2 Interior Wing-Mounted Heavy Laser Cannons (Fire-Linked) [Available only in Attack Formation] Fire Control: 2D+2 Space Range: 1-3/10/20 Space Units Atmospheric Range: 100 metres/750 metres/1.2 km Damage: 6D 2 Wingtip-Mounted Medium Laser Cannons (Fire-Linked) [Unavailable in Interceptor Formation] Fire Control: 2D Space Range: 1-15/15/30 Space Units Atmospheric Range: 100-300 metres/1.2 km/1.7 km Damage: 4D+1 2 Nose-Mounted Light Ion Cannons (Fire-Linked) Fire Control: 2D Space Range: 1-3/12/25 Space Units Atmospheric Range: 100-250 metres/1 km/1.5 km Damage: 3D
Sensors : | Passive : 20 Space Units/0D Scan : 40 Space Units/1D Search : 80 Space Units/1D+2 Focus : 2 Space Units/2D+1
Shields/Armour Rating : | Shields 2D+1. Hull 2D+1
Note : | To achieve Intercept Speed must be in Interceptor Formation. Heavy Laser Cannon stats only list 100 m in short-range field. Too much consumables - short-range fighter should carry no more than 1 to 2 days. TSIA***Pg 23 gives the Manta different stats: starfighter piloting 5D, starship gunnery 4D+2, 2D manoeuvrability, Attack Formation 8 Space Units, Intercept Speed 12 Space Units. Most likely another Manta subtype. If light freighter piggybacking Manta, it suffers -1D to its manoeuvrability.
The Manta-class Assault Starfighter is visually strikingly similar to a sea-going mollusk. With the exception of its transparasteel canopy dome, its dorsal surface is streamlined and flat. Its generally lighter coloured ventral surface features a hatch, which permits the only means to enter or egress the fighter. Normally, three retractable landing gear with magnetic clamps that are controlled from the cockpit are fitted to the design. These powerful clamps in combination with the ventral access hatch allow the Manta Fighter to be ferried through space on the hull of its host ship. Ships, such as the Tapani-class Carrier are specifically designed to carry this fighter. Additional clamps ensure a secure perch upon the host vessel. An interesting side effect of its magnetic docking clamps is that any ship, including light freighters can ferry the hyperdriveless craft through hyperspace. This fighter was in service before the Battle of Hoth, and was manufactured at the Tallaan Shipyards. Due to Tapani Starship Cooperative's policy of favouring no House, the Manta is the starfighter of choice amongst the Houses of the Tapani Sector. As such, House Cadriaan mostly employs Mantas, while the Freeworlds Common Navy mostly employ both TIE/ln Fighters and Mantas. Other prominent users include: House Calipsa, and the planets of Mrlsst, Neona and Tallaan. Groups such as the Pelagia Freedom Force, which are associated with the vile Rebellion make use of this fighter. Just after the Battle of Hoth, Rebel agents stole a handful of Manta Fighters from the Tallaan Shipyards that were undergoing repairs and maintenance in order to carry out a Bacta heist to help alleviate the Rebellion's severe shortage of the strategic fluid. Propelled through the void of space by six engines; two large centre, and 2 smaller engines at each flank the Manta was intended to deal with pirate scum who were haunting the shipping lanes along the Shapani Bypass. When configured for Intercept mode, the Manta's wings shift upward and all available power is automatically shunted to the engines, and improved speed and average manoeuvrability are unleashed. While this mode allows it to overtake most fighters, only its light ion cannons are available. In its attack configuration, the outer wings shift down to a 90 degree angle to reveal its primary armament, its heavy laser cannons. The Manta is slower in this mode due to slowing its forward momentum to conduct manoeuvres.
Pictures For This Data Entry - Click Here |
Sources: LOTEBS (Gamemaster Guide)***Pg 18, 34 / LOTEBS (Sector Guide)***Pg 11 (timeline placement), 39, 40, (Campaign Guide)***Pg 71, (Card Manta-class Assault Starfighter) / TSIA***Pg 17, 23, 24, 26, 31, 37, 39, 42
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