starships
THUNDERBOLT-CLASS STARFURY

Unlike the SA-23E, the Thunderbolt is capable of space and atmospheric flight. Similar in design to the Starfury proper, the Thunderbolt's wings are more planar and feature a swing wing on each of the four thrusters. When extended, they act as airfoils. When in space the wings are folded over the body. The Thunderbolt was designed primarily as a bomber, however, in recent years the SA-42B has been distributed throughout Earthforce as a replacement for the aging SA-23Es. The Thunderbolt's speed and maneuverability are comparable (if not better) and the rapid burst pulse cannon is a great improvement over the SA-23E's Copeland Pulse Canons. The attitude controls are much more sensitive and the addition of a holographic HUD give trained pilots a definite edge over older model Starfuries. Newer, more durable alloys increase survivability of the pilot without adding any significant mass to the fighter.