Lightning
The Lightning is mainly used by the Imperial Navy for establishing air superiority due to its increased manouverability over the Thunderbolt. It is often seen and heard plummeting from orbit or being scrambled from naval bases.
Contents
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. 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.
- Imperial 2774th Navy Fighter Wing - Wyrm squadron
- Imperial 3035th Navy Fighter Wing - Firedrake squadron
- Imperial 717th Navy Fighter Wing - Warhawk squadron
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.
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 |