M42 "Imperator" Corsair Gunboat

M42 "Imperator" Corsair Gunboat
Ship Class	Gunboat
Built by	Corsairs
Technical information
Guns/Turrets	0 / 8
Opt. weapon class	8
Max. weapon class	8
Other equipment	1xCD 1xCM
Hull strength	125,000
Max. shield class	8
Cargo space	480 units
Nanobots/Batteries	380/380
Max. impulse speed	80 m/s
Max. thrust speed	150 m/s
Max. cruise speed	350 m/s
Power output	600,000 u
Power recharge	60,000 u/s
Additional information
Ship price	$38,000,000
Package price	$41,014,750

The latest incarnation of the Corsair Gunboat, replacing the venerable but out-of-date M26 'Lunchbox'. While the older M26 was fearsome in combat, its heavy transport origin brought many major flaws. The designers of this gunboat sought to alleviate many of these problems, such as its large size and medium armor, which made it cumbersome in combat. Though it has less frontal firepower than its older M26 brother, the M42 boasts more armour, a strong power supply, reduced size and a frame built to for ease of construction and maintenance.

History

The M42 "Imperator" class Gunboat was first produced in 817 A.S. after a lengthy development process undergone by engineers at Tripoli Shipyard who initially struggled to find a design that could outshine the historical and much loved M26. A 2 month trial of M41 Prototypes recieved mixed reception from commanders who felt that while the rig was strong and preformed to a satisfactory level, the design lacked the fearsome image of it's predecessor. Tripoli engineering upped the ante when producing the final design for what was to become the M42, reshaping the core design of the prototype into a fearsome behemoth that drew influence from creatures of ancient Earth mythology.

Since the M42 went into mass production throughout the Corsair empire, the ship has entirely replaced the M26 as the Corsairs' favored choice of siege vessel, and proven itself time and time again in both combat and marauding scenarios, striking fear into the hearts of both opponents and prey. Since 817, Corsair gunboat captains have noted a marked increase in the frequency of trader co-operation during piracy, attributed to the M42's fearsome visage.

Handling

• This ship is too large to use docking bays, it must use mooring points.

Review without version number

Review Like most other Corsairs ships, the Imperator has a strong hull, high power, small profile, unique yet beautiful look and a low agility. This boat is still a versatile one, capable of encounter any types of ship, even large capital vessels - in group. Its 8 turrets hard points give a huge potential of fire power, more than most others of its class - Imperator can always fire 6+ turrets at any direction and support variet setup. However, due to its sluggish turning, you may need more skills to deal with fighters and agile gunships, chain firing and/or dual missiles are recommended as it has great power core and firing arcs. Another drawback is that there's no Corsairs Gunboat Missile thus makes it venerable to Bombers, but with a good CAU, there's nothing to fear. Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination Review by Cyber Dragon

Hardpoints

• 8 Gunboat Turrets

Purchase Includes

Spoiler:
1 Deep Scanner ($14,750) 1 Gunboat Positron Shield ($3,000,000)

Availability

Spoiler: Buying Locations
Base Owner System Location Tripoli Shipyard Corsairs Omicron Gamma Edge Worlds Syros Shipyard Corsairs Omicron-94 Edge Worlds