AP-18100 "Manta" APM Very Heavy Fighter

AP-18100 "Manta" APM Very Heavy Fighter
Ship Class	Very Heavy Fighter
Built by	AP Manufacturing
Technical information
Guns/Turrets	6 / 1
Opt. weapon class	10
Max. weapon class	10
Other equipment	1xCD/T 1xCM 1xM
Hull strength	10,600
Max. shield class	10
Cargo space	80 units
Nanobots/Batteries	65/65
Max. impulse speed	80 m/s
Max. thrust speed	199 m/s
Max. cruise speed	350 m/s
Power output	11,400 u
Power recharge	1,180 u/s
Additional information
Ship price	$1,885,000
Package price	$2,497,320

The Manta is a highly effective heavy space superiority Fighter. Further improving the AP line of AP Manufacturing fighters, this ship features increased power and cargo capacity as well as significantly stronger hull. This ship has gradually replaced the Hammerhead, becoming the mainstay of Bounty Hunter and Core fighter pilots everywhere in Sirius, and the bane of many Pirate groups.

Handling

Review without version number

Review Being a strictly lawful ship, the Manta is mostly used by the Bounty Hunters Guild in their fights against the Order and the criminal groups of Sirius. After flying the ship for several weeks I must say their engineering skill is rather impressive. The Manta is incredibly agile and extremely difficult to hit, especially in one on one fights. The ship's lean front profile makes jousting the most effective way to use the Manta, however in group fights you will discover that it is easier to hit the side of the Manta...it's as big as a barn door. As long as you press the attack and face your target, you should be fine. Still besides the maneuverability, the ship has a few advantages, such as a little more armor and a better power plant than the Eagle. However, like the Eagle, the turret on this ship can only fire backwards. Any pirates should be extremely careful when dealing with this ship, as they are almost always armed with buckshots, a very fast and powerful particle gun exclusive to the Bounty Hunters Guild that cuts through the common graviton shields that most ships use. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Review by Kikatsu

Review without version number
Review I've used Manta a lot in 4.85, but in 4.86 it got nerfed to nuts, it turns slow now, but it has still kept the good core and small shape (Except the sides). Better go for an Eagle instead. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Review by Ciufu

Review without version number

Review I must disagree with the review above. It may have been adjusted to turn slower, but it is definitely not slow. It's just a little bit faster than your average VHF, but, combined with its shape, and adapting one's steering methods to fit the shape of the ship, a pilot can make great use of this fighter. There are a few fighters that I like more than this, but this ship is still very good, especially when one wants to fit in as a Bounty Hunter. However, many pilots cannot get used to the way that the ship tilts while turning. While I personally believe this is just another reason to love the efficient dodging, I can also understand how some pilots who aren't used to it would have a hard time flying this ship. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Review by TLI-Inferno

Hardpoints

• 1 Class 10 Gun
• 2 Class 8 Guns
• 3 Class 9 Guns
• 1 Class 2 Turret
• 1 Cruise Disruptor OR Fighter Torpedo

Purchase Includes

Spoiler:
1 Scanner ($500) 1 Adv. Protector H. F. Shield ($118,380)

Availability

Spoiler: Buying Locations
Base Owner System Location Manitoba Station Bounty Hunters Guild Hudson Independent Systems Sheffield Station Bounty Hunters Guild Manchester Bretonia