Sorthak

Sorthak
Type	Heavy Fighter
Primary User	Kilrathi Empire
Length	38 meters
Mass	22 metric tonnes
Max Velocity	400 KPS
Max Afterburner Velocity	950 KPS
Acceleration	200 k/s^2
Max Y/P/R	65/55/65 deg/s
Guns	1 Meson Gun
Missiles	2 x 4 Hardpoints, 4 Stalker HS, 4 Stalker IR
Turrets	6 Meson Guns
Armor	180 cm fore 180 cm aft 180 cm sides
Shields	250 cm
Cloak	No
Jump Drive	Yes

The Sorthak is a Heavy Fighter produced by the Kilrathi Empire during the later years of the Terran-Kilrathi War.

Overview

At the time of its introduction, the Sorthak was among the heaviest starfighters ever designed by the Kilrathi Empire. Fitted with a sizable missile payload and laser loadout, the Sorthak was well-adapted for engaging heavier targets such as transports, warships, and space stations, and its large size and armor meant that it could absorb considerable damage. One of its striking features was a rear turret composed of six Meson Guns, which made it a considerable foe when engaged by Terran pursuers. However, due to its low speed combined with its massive, cumbersome chassis the Sorthak could rarely outrun its pursuers, forcing it to rely on its rear turret for survival. Even at this, for all its firepower the rear turret was often inaccurate, making it a sitting duck at the hands of more experienced Terran pilots.

History

Sorthak Target Designation, circa 2669.

Sorthaks were seen during the later years of the Terran-Kilrathi War, and were engaged numerous times throughout 2669. Several appeared during the evacuation of Blackmane Starbase, but were swiftly dispatched by Colonel Christopher Blair and his wing off of the TCS Victory. They would later be encountered again in the Alcor System when they attempted to ambush the Victory, but were again staved off by Blair. Finally, several Sorthaks took part in the defense of Kilrah against Colonel Blair's strike force during the Lancelot Flight, which saw the planet's complete destruction via the Temblor Bomb.