Artemis-2
The F/S-96 Artemis II, amended as Artemis-2 or Artemis II, is a Human air/space superiority fighter designed and manufactured by Ironclad Dynamics, mainly for the Esperance Pact's use.
History
Sometime after 911 PRE, the Esperance Pact implored several manufacturers for a new seventh-generation fighter that could meet or exceed a new list of specifications. The Esperance Pact needed a fighter that could close the gap in fighter technology between them and powers such as the Empire of Namine, and cement superiority over the Holy Conglomerate of Litiket. Several competing designs were considered, including Heilbronner Industries’ Snapdragon. Ultimately, the Artemis II was selected, exceeding the requirements listed. The Artemis II would soon replace the older, more antiquated F/S-72 Sunfighter starfighter. The Artemis II is the standard air and space fighter of the Esperance Pact, and a favorite among private citizens and organizations for its relatively easy-to-modify design.
Design & Construction
The F/S-96 is a so-called "space plane" starfighter featuring a canard delta wing-style configuration. It is designed to operate in space and in atmosphere. An aerodynamic design that could generate lift in-atmosphere without the use of VTOL thrusters was selected to improve fuel usage whilst atmospheric missions take place. Nevertheless, the Artemis II is capable of VTOL operations. Flight performance, of course, varies from atmosphere to atmosphere.
Armaments
(F/S-96A3)
The F/S-96A3-model Artemis II carries two 24mm gauss autocannons with a rate of fire of 5,000 rounds per minute each, and a combined ammo capacity of 6000 rounds. The pilot can hold the trigger for a total of thirty-six seconds, around a minute if only one cannon is selected. Thanks to two spacious internal hard-points, the Artemis II can carry twelve missiles or other ordinance of varying types. Including external hardpoints, the Artemis II can carry a total of 18 missiles. To deal with advanced and/or hostile alien threats, many Esperance Pact Artemis IIs equip a singular Firestorm-built heavy Pulse Cannon. Power source limitations prevent this weapon from firing faster than once every ten seconds.
Flight Characteristics and Propulsion
Thanks to four powerful atmosphere-guzzling plasma turbines, the Artemis-II has a top-speed of 2,500 mph in Earth-like atmospheres. Supercruise allows for multi-mach speeds with very little energy consumption. The plasma turbines, thanks to the nature of the design, work acceptably in various non-oxygen/nitrogen atmospheres. The fighter is also capable of single-stage-to-orbit operations, although this uses a great amount of reactor power, as the plasma turbines must be pushed to the limits along with an EM engine situated in the middle of the engine array. Spaceflight is powered by the aforementioned EM engine, providing enough thrust to propel it to necessary space combat speeds.
The Artemis II’s maneuverability in most atmospheres is remarkable. Coupling solid aerodynamics with well-designed control surfaces along with an RCS system (maneuvering thrusters) that can be used alongside the control surfaces creates a fighter that can outperform even the Crysek Dart. Performance will vary depending on the pressure and composition of the atmosphere.
In space, maneuverability is average for a fighter of its class. The EM-type thrusters serve it well, but cannot bring it to the level of most modern species in space combat.
Life Support
The Artemis II life support systems offer approximately 80 hours of air to the pilot (40 in dual cockpit configurations). The aircraft also features g-tolerance enhancement for use during dogfights. Performance enhancing drugs and a g-suit increase tolerable g's up to 12 before blackouts will occur. The Artemis II features an escape pod (the cockpit itself ejects from the craft) capable of atmospheric re-entry. The pod is also capable of a limited amount of maneuvering in space. An ejection seat is also fitted to the pod; however, it is advised to eject the pod--not the seat--in almost all emergency situations.
Variants
- F/S-96A1: Standard production model, generally just referred to as F/S-96. Only one gauss auto-cannon as opposed to later conversions.
- F/S-96A2: Conversion of A1 models to mount a second gauss auto-cannon. A large fraction of the Esperance Pact’s Artemis II’s are A2 models.
- F/S-96A3: Modification of the A2 conversion; mounts a heavy Pulse cannon and several more external hardpoints. A significant increase in A3 modifications have been ordered.
- F/S-96A4: Sensor reconnaissance version, unarmed.
- F/S-96A5 "Flying Cannon": Anti-warship variant. One of the most radical design variants—mounts a 90mm high-velocity gauss cannon down the center of the craft and features a center mounted cockpit. Sacrifices internal hardpoints and VTOL thrusters. Can carry about sixty rounds. One of the Esperance Pact’s most notable flight squadrons operates these craft.
- F/S-96A6: Commercial export variant. Most non-Esperance Pact Artemis IIs are the A6. Possesses only one gauss autocannon and reduced hardpoint space.
- X-96: Prototype.
- T/S-96: Trainer version. Features a dual cockpit.
Note: Dual cockpits versions for nearly all Artemis II models are available. Dual cockpits augment weapon management to a second operator, and are designated with a “Mod 11” suffix.
Current Users
- The Esperance Pact
- Various mercenary groups, pirates, and private individuals
Trivia
- This ship was one of Hazardleader's best designs in the late era of the original Online Gaming Zombie Minecraft Server. A remake has been constructed on the current server.
- The Artemis II’s design was inspired by many real-life European canard-type jet-fighters, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, and the Saab Viggen.
- The designation "F/S" is based on the United States' aircraft designation system, the 'F' standing for "fighter" and the 'S' standing for "spaceplane."