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Lightning

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File:Lightning1.jpg
Imperial Lightning air superiority fighter.
File:Lightning2.jpg
Imperial Lightning air superiority fighter rear view.

The Lightning is mainly used by the Imperial Navy for establishing air superiority due to its increased manoeuverability over the Thunderbolt. It is often seen and heard plummeting from orbit or being scrambled from naval bases.

History

The STC data for the Lightning was discovered during the Saint-Saen Crusade, which liberated twelve worlds in Segmentum Obscurus. They were found on Karnak II by an Adeptus Mechanicus explorator team and the designs immediatly given to the Adeptus Mechanicus lords of Cypra Mundi. Over 500 years later the designs were finally approved for production in supplying fleet carriers and cruisers. The designs have slowly been leaked to the navy worlds of Bakka and Hydraphur and Lightnings are now more commonly seen alongside the Thunderbolt in both Segmentum Tempestus and Segmentum Pacificus.

In the 41st Millennium

The main role of the aircraft is to engage enemy craft and establish air-superiority over a battlefield. It is equipped with vector-thrust engine for enhanced maneuverability and STOL/VTOL capability. They are often based on orbiting ships or air-strips on the surface, they are used on patrols, interception missions and to cover Marauder missions. It is also armed with Hellstrike missiles making it good at ground attack. Often they are used in combination with Imperial Guard regiments and can be called in by Imperial commanders.

Navy wings known to contain Lightnings

Armament and Upgrades

The Lightning is armed with a long-barrelled Autocannon and twin-linked Lascannons. It may also take up to 4 Hellstrike Missiles and be upgraded with an Ejector Seat, Flare or Chaff Launcher, Armoured Cockpit, Infra-red Targeting, Illum Flares and Distinctive Paint Scheme or Decals.

Technical Specifications
Type Air Superiority Fighter Operational Ceiling 36,000m, with jet engines
Vehicle Name Lightning Max Speed 2400kph
Forge World of Origin Cypra-Mundi Range 8000km
Known Patterns III-IX Main Armament 2x wing-mounted Lascannons, ventral-mounted long barrelled Autocannon
Crew Pilot Secondary Armament 4x Hellstrike Missiles
Powerplant 2x F100-XB Afterburning Turbofans Main Ammunition 30 shots from battery packs
Weight 10 tonnes empty Secondary Ammunition 100 rounds
Length 10.8m Armour
Wingspan 13.75m Superstructure 45mm
Height 3.4m with landing gear down Hull 30mm



Sources

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