HOME | DD

Description

The SF1 was the first dedicated space fighter developed by the Earth Union, shedding aerodynamic wings in exchange for disposable struts that held the craft's armament.

All life support, power, and targeting systems were built in to the heavily armored front pod around the cockpit. The struts and engine on the other hand were ablative, designed to absorb the brunt of damage and be replaced post-battle. In the event that these were damaged beyond use, they could be ejected from the front pod, leaving it to free float until retrieval by a rescue team. Notably, the 'Semicol' was the smallest manned military space fighter ever deployed by the Earth Union.

In terms of armament, the most common variation featured four self-aiming rail guns and four guided missiles. Numerous other variants existed, some with up to eight rail guns on the wings or larger ship killing torpedoes mounted on the underside of the craft.

Ultimately, the SF1 was outmatched by the Novian fighters it was designed to face, its only major advantage being its extremely low manufacturing cost. Pilots complained about it's tight interior and poor visibility when its cameras failed. Maneuverability was lackluster at best, being outperformed by its heavier predecessors. Furthermore, the Semicol lacked physical countermeasures, relying primarily on electronic jamming to avoid enemy missiles. While pilot survivability was surprisingly high, losses in machinery ultimately proved unsustainable.

After the collapse of the Earth Union, the SF1 became an extremely rare sight, its design having not been intended for a long service life. Ironically, by the Second Renaissance, they became extremely valuable as museum pieces.

Description

The SF1 was the first dedicated space fighter developed by the Earth Union, shedding aerodynamic wings in exchange for disposable struts that held the craft's armament.

All life support, power, and targeting systems were built in to the heavily armored front pod around the cockpit. The struts and engine on the other hand were ablative, designed to absorb the brunt of damage and be replaced post-battle. In the event that these were damaged beyond use, they could be ejected from the front pod, leaving it to free float until retrieval by a rescue team. Notably, the 'Semicol' was the smallest manned military space fighter ever deployed by the Earth Union.

In terms of armament, the most common variation featured four self-aiming rail guns and four guided missiles. Numerous other variants existed, some with up to eight rail guns on the wings or larger ship killing torpedoes mounted on the underside of the craft.

Ultimately, the SF1 was outmatched by the Novian fighters it was designed to face, its only major advantage being its extremely low manufacturing cost. Pilots complained about it's tight interior and poor visibility when its cameras failed. Maneuverability was lackluster at best, being outperformed by its heavier predecessors. Furthermore, the Semicol lacked physical countermeasures, relying primarily on electronic jamming to avoid enemy missiles. While pilot survivability was surprisingly high, losses in machinery ultimately proved unsustainable.

After the collapse of the Earth Union, the SF1 became an extremely rare sight, its design having not been intended for a long service life. Ironically, by the Second Renaissance, they became extremely valuable as museum pieces.