Retribution-class Gunship

The Retribution-class Gunship is designed as an anti-fighter vessel and is more than capable lasting for a considerable amount of time when greatly out numbered by its intended targets.

Under each wing are two, fast tracking, 180 degree turrets which carry two heavy laser cannons each. Also mounted on each wing are four pod rocket packs giving the Retribution a total of 16 unguided rockets. Mounted under the main body are 2 retractable turrets with a light repeater mounted in each for ground operations. Lastly mounted under the chin are two (forward arc) medium lasers which are controlled by the pilot.

The Retribution-class while being marginally slower and less maneuverable than the majority of starfighter craft, does have an excellent advantage in combat. The gunner’s station (slightly forward and down from the pilot) is equipped with a new targeting system. The station itself is a 360 degree ball turret with holographic screens creating a picture of the battlefield blocked by parts of the ship. The main weapons of the Retribution (the heavy lasers in the wing turrets) track with the gunner’s seat. Thanks to a special targeting monocle in the gunner’s helmet, the main weapons also track where their operator looks (within the restrictions of their turret mounting). This gives the gunner a full 45 degree view in all direction from the forward firing arc. This advanced targeting system, along with the ship’s heavy shields, make the Retribution-class an extreme threat to fighters on a battlefield.

A weapon and shield system this powerful puts terrible strain on the power systems of any ship and the Retribution-class is no exception. To this end all crew comforts have been removed, only two small bunks and a bit of overhead storage exists, which allows room to fit a larger power generator. Even this is not entirely sufficient as the Retribution-class can not power all of its weapons simultaneously. An advanced power management system, taken from a prototype design developed by the Empire, was installed to allow for quick and efficient switching of power to systems during combat to make up for this shortcoming.