Ossian-class Heavy Assault Bomber

The Ossian-class Bomber was designed to be the next generation anti-capital ship starfighter. The strengths and weaknesses of existent bombers were analyzed during the concept phase, and were then accounted for in the design of this fightercraft. The Ossian is substantially larger than many fighters, but makes up for this by toeing the line between fighter and gunboat. Many governments prefer capital ships to bombers as an effective anti-capital class weapon because bombers are often easy prey to interceptors and space superiority starfighters. The Ossian is designed with tremendously powerful shields and four laser turret stations. These stations, each manned by a live gunner, are capable of rapid rates of fire and feature a wide firing arc for maximized defensive potential. Because of its high damage threshold and anti-starfighter laser weaponry, the Ossian is well suited to operate without escort fighters in an environment where more conventional bombercraft would be endangered. The vessel features a primary and secondary missile arrays. The primary is comprised of two missile bays (capable of holding and firing any conventional modern warhead), and the secondary is comprised of four missile bays. The two systems can be linked to fire together, or be used separately. Each individual missile bay can store at the ready a maximum of six warheads. The missile firing systems are managed by the copilot, allowing the main pilot to concentrate entirely on flying the fightercraft. The main pilot can however, in the absence of a copilot, operate the system in its entirety. Due to the high number of sensitive systems and missile payload aboard the Ossian, its hull integrity is very delicate, and cannot survive more than one (if even) direct hit. The developers feel that the extremely powerful deflector shield unit more than makes up for this fragility, however. In simulations and live tests run by the developement team, a squadron of eight Ossian-class Bombers successfully destroyed capital class ships ranging from corvette to heavy cruiser - classings while maintaining acceptable casuality levels. This represents a very exciting innovation in starcraft design, as the Ossian has the potential to become the first truly effective sub-Capital class anti-warship weapon.

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