KF-227 Salthi

KF-227 Salthi
File:Wc1salthi.jpg
Type	Light Fighter
Manufacturer
Primary users	Kilrathi Empire Retros

The KF-227 Salthi Light Fighter was a Kilrathi starfighter. It was included in Joan's Fighting Spacecraft Vega Sector Supplement for 2654.092.

Overview

The KF-227 Salthi Light Fighter was the standard light fighter for the Kilrathi Empire from the 2630s to the 2660s. This small starfighter was the fastest starfighter in the Kilrathi arsenal during that time period, and sported excellent acceleration. These fighters were produced in the thousands during the time prior to the onset of the Terran-Kilrathi War.

The Salthi, however, was one of the most technologically-deficient starfighters the Kilrathi ever produced. It sported a small missile payload, weak shields, and no ejection seats. In fact, their shields were so weak that if a Confederation fighter were to fire on the craft with full guns, the Salthi could be destroyed in a single volley.

Due to the way the fighters engines and ducts are arranged, it is forced to always bank to the left. James Taggart discovered this flaw when four Salthi fighters attacked him during a mission above the planet Accord in the Alliance System.

Besides serving as a combat fighter, the Salthi also saw extensive service as a reconnaissance fighter and interceptor. While not the most durable of any spacecraft, it was a vital part of the Kilrathi war effort and saw action in some of the War's most brutal battles.

Service History

Salthis first flew in the mid-2630s, and saw extensive action in the Vega Sector Campaign of the 2650s. They were often seen raiding Terran transports or escorting Kilrathi transports at those times when they were not on patrol.

The most famous Salthi pilot of that decade was ace Kilrathi pilot Bhurak Starkiller, who flew his entire career in a Salthi and eventually amassed 64 kills prior to his death in 2654 at the hands of famed Terran pilot Major Michael Casey.

Salthis were slowly withdrawn from service after 2656, and by the time of the Enigma Sector Campaign, no Salthis were serving on the frontlines. They instead served as reserve fighters, as well as scouts and security forces within the Kilrathi Empire. During the late 2660s, the Salthis returned to service as the Terran Confederation began to overrun Kilrathi planets on the frontier. One such squadron would see action at the disastrous Battle of Vukar Tag. They also fought a Terran carrier during the defense of Bordrav.

In 2669, Kahl of the Sixth Fleet of the Claw sold surplus Salthis to the Church of Man, a radical Terran religious sect that was growing in strength within the Gemini Sector. He had hoped to disorganize Terran forces by prompting them to believe that the Kilrathi intended on invading Gemini by deploying his own starfighters amongst various terrorist organizations. However, the Church of Man and Kahl were both destroyed before the plan materialized.

The Salthi underwent a radical overhaul during the late 2660s and this resulted in the deployment of the Hrakthi-class Scout, which sported a cloaking device and sensor system. It was also unarmed. These squadrons were normally stationed off of Bhantkara-class Carriers during the final years of the War, and proved effective in their role as reconnaissance fighters.

After the War ended in 2669, the Salthis continued to serve within the remnants of the defeated Kilrathi Empire until slowly fading into obscurity. A squadron of Hrakthis were eventually sold to the Free Republic of the Landreich for their own usage.

Specifications

Class:	Light Fighter
Length:	24 meters
Mass:	12 metric tonnes
Max Velocity:	480 kps
Cruise Velocity:	300 kps
Acceleration:	Excellent
Max Y/P/R:	14/12/12 dps
Fore Shield:	3.5 cm equivalent
Aft Shield:	3.5 cm equivalent
Front Armor:	3.0 cm
Right Armor:	1.5 cm
Left Armor:	1.5 cm
Rear Armor:	2.0 cm
Guns:	Laser Cannon (2)
Missiles:	Paw DF (1)

• Cm-salthi.gif

  Salthi-class line drawing from Joan's Fighting Spacecraft.

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  Salthi-class Target Identification circa 2654

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  Salthi-class Target Identification circa 2669

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  Salthi-class circa 2669 used by both Kilrathi Empire and Retros