Centurion

Centurion
Type	bounty hunter heavy fighter
Primary User	mercenaries
General Characteristics
Crew	1 (pilot)
Cargo Capacity	50 units
Cost	c200,000
Performance
Maximum Yaw	158 dps
Maximum Pitch	168 dps
Maximum Roll	160 dps
Acceleration	500 k/s2
Velocity
Maximum	500 kps
Afterburner
Maximum Afterburner	1000 kps
Armament
Guns
4 Mass drivers (2, outer) Tachyon cannons (1, inner starboard) Particle cannons (1, inner port)
Turrets
1 (rear) Ionic pulse cannons (2, rear)
Default Missile Loadout
2x2 IR missiles (2) FF Missiles (2)
Components
Jump Drive	non-standard
Defense
Shields
Shield Level	Level 8
Armor
Front	175 cm
Rear	125 cm
Side	125 cm
Centurion target designation, 2669
Source	Wing Commander: Privateer

Variants

Variant	Max. Speed	Afterburn	Weapon	Shield Level	Fore Armor	Aft Armor	Side Armor	Source
Centurion (Governor Menesch)	500	1,000	HS Missiles (2) FF Missiles (2) Mass driver (2 Tachyon cannon (1) Particle cannon (1)	Level 8	175	125	125	Privateer: Righteous Fire
Centurion (Mordecai Jones)	500	1,000	Steltek guns (4) HS missiles (2) FF missiles (2) Proton torpedo (10)	Level 8	175	125	125	Privateer: Righteous Fire
Centurion (Playguide)	500	1,000	Mass drivers (2) Tachyon cannon (1) Particle cannon (1) IR missile (2) FF missile (2)		20	15	15	Gemini Sector: An Overview

Playguide

Centurion

This is the workhorse of the mercenary community. The Centurion is a heavy fighter with the ability to do almost any gun-for-hire work. The limited cargo hold can contain more than an overnight bag but not by much. This is a ship for those pilots who love to fly, but it won't make you a living on the trade circuit.

Cockpit. High visibility. The dome cockpit of this single-seater affords the pilot a clear view of his target. Ride is comfortable at high speeds and in tight turns. It has one MFD, along with standard armor and radar displays (see illustration). Instrument placement is intuitive and easy to read; overall design is highly ergonomic.

Speed/Maneuverability. I've been very impressed with the roll rate of the Centurion, although light fighters such as the Talon easily outmaneuver it. For a fighter of its class, this ship offers clean tight flight dynamics. Supports engine upgrades through Level 3.

Ordnance/Protection. A rear turret is a popular option for this ship. It supports up to Level 3 shield upgrades. There are slots for four guns and two weapons or tractor beams, even without a turret.

Overall Performance Rating. For the mercenary community this ship earns an A while those with more mercantile ambitions find its small cargo hold, and inability to support a cargo hold expansion a definite turn off. Consider your needs before investing.

Privateer Playtesters' Guide

CENTURION
If you sell your Orion you will have enough credits to buy a fully-equipped Centurion. If you are flying a Galaxy, you will need an extra 100,000 credits to make your purchase. The Centurion is an extremely fast and maneuverable fighter. If you're a good pilot, you can probably survive with Level 2 shields. but you should eventually upgrade to Level 3.

Suggested Loadout

• Level 3 shield and level 3 engine upgrades
• 2 ionic cannon in the inside slots
• 2 tachyon cannon in the outside slots
• Rear turret
• Tractor beam in turret
• Dual missile launchers
• Tungsten armor
• Repair droid
• Level 3 ECM package
• Afterburners

• The Centurion is ideal for any type of combat mission. Accept lucrative patrol, bounty hunting and attack missions. If you destroy pirate ships, you can retrieve their cargo and sell it. Keep in mind, though, that this ship does not have a big cargo hold.

• The Centurion is the only ship suited for the Fariss Quadrant. If you select New Caledonia as your home base, you can profit from the lucrative trade run between New Caledonia (refinery) and Prasepe (mining). Even though you will encounter pirates along the way, this ship is able to deal with their small, lightly armed fighters.

Gallery

• 

  Centurion in hangar. Note the swing-open nose and distinctive shark's mouth painted on underside.

• 

  Centurion VDU image, 2669. Note that the Centurion is typically able to mount only two missiles.

• 

  A Centurion landed at Oxford.

• 

  The Centurion as seen in a ship dealer, alongside an Orion and Galaxy.

Cockpit

• 

  Centurion cockpit, front view

• 

  Centurion cockpit, left view

• 

  Centurion cockpit, right view

• 

  Centurion cockpit, rear view

Behind the Screens

Original Centurion model, rendered from the Wing Commander 3D archive.