F-36 Hornet
| F-36 Hornet | |
|---|---|
| |
| Type | Light Fighter |
| Manufacturer | Origin Aerospace |
| Primary User | Terran Confederation |
| Additional Users | Free Republic of the Landreich, Union of Border Worlds |
| Introduction | 2600s |
| Length | 20 meters |
| Mass | 12.5 tonnes |
| Max Velocity | 420 KPS |
| Cruise Velocity | 300 KPS |
| Acceleration | Good |
| Max Afterburner Acceleration | 1240 KPS |
| Max Y/P/R | 8/9/8 DPS |
| Guns | MK. 25 Laser Cannons (2) |
| Missiles | Dart DFs (2), Javelin HS (1) |
| Armor | 4 cm fore/aft 4 cm sides |
| Shields | 4 cm |
| Decoys | None |
| Cloak | None |
| Crew | 1 |
| Devices | None |
The F-36 Hornet was the standard light fighter of the Terran Confederation in 2654. It engaged in reconnaissance, patrol and light anti-shipping duties through the entire run of the Terran-Kilrathi War. A trainer variant of the Hornet is flown by rookie pilots at the Terran Confederation Space Forces Academy. These fighters are known for their speed, and carried a fairly-balanced arsenal of weapons for such a small fighter.
Noted Hornet squadrons include the Yellowjackets and Killer Bees assigned to the TCS Tiger's Claw during the Vega Sector Campaign. General James Taggart began his career flying the nimble fighters.
The Hornet was officially replaced by the F-54 Epee in 2661, though Hornet squadrons continued flying combat missions through the Battle of Earth. After the war, surplus Hornets were sold to the Free Republic of the Landreich - where they served in numerous border disputes. Hornets were also sold to the Union of Border Worlds, who used their existing squadrons in combat against the Black Lance during the 2673 Border Worlds Conflict.
The Flying Eyes, VF-12 of the Free Republic of the Landreich Space Forces were used heavily during President Kruger's Project Goliath. They conducted the initial flybys of KIS Karga which showed the hulk to be mostly intact. They were eventually transfered to the Karga/FRLS Mjollnir as part of its budding air wing. Their presence was critical when the carrier was attacked by Guild forces. VF-12 also served with distinction during the Battle of Baka Kar which pitted FRLN forces against those of Ragark da Haka in 2671.
An earlier variant of the Hornet carried two FF Pike missiles instead of Dart DFs.
Images
Origin Aerospace blueprint.
Origin Aerospace blueprint.
Origin Aerospace blueprint.
View from a Hornet cockpit as it chases down a wing of Krants.
View from a Hornet cockpit as it engages a wing of Dralthi.
A Hornet from the Killer Bees Squadron prepares to launch.
A Hornet landing on the TCS Tiger's Claw.
A Hornet landing on the flight deck of the TCS Tiger's Claw.
Hornet as seen in Super Wing Commander.
