Artemis-2

The F/S-96 Artemis II, is a Terran air/space superiority fighter designed and manufactured by Ironclad Dynamics, mainly for the Terran Empire's use.

History/General Info

In the late 2100’s, the Terran Empire implored several manufacturers for a new seventh-generation fighter that could meet or exceed a new list of specifications. The Terran Empire needed a fighter that could close the gap in fighter technology between them and races such as the Waspcaela, and cement superiority over the Crysek. Several competing designs were considered, including Heilbronner Industries’ Dragon. Ultimately the Artemis II was selected, exceeding the requirements listed. The Artemis II would soon be replacing the older, more antiquated F/S-72 Sunfighter starfighter. The Artemis II is the standard air and space fighter of the Terran Empire, and a favorite among private citizens and organizations for its relative easy-to-modify design.

Technical overview

The F/S-96 is a space plane style aerocraft 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.

Armament (F/S-96A3)

The 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 hostile alien threats, many Terran Empire Artemis II’s equip a singular Waspcaela-built Firestorm 55mm 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 just fine 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 situation in the middle of the thruster array. Space-flight is powered by the aforementioned EM engine and it provides enough thrust to propel it to necessary space-combat speeds.

The Artemis II’s maneuverability in most atmospheres is remarkable. Couple 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 out-perform 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 also 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 Terran Empire’s Artemis II’s are A2 models.
• F/S-96A3—modification of the A2 conversion; mounts a 55mm 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—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. This variant is often dubbed the “flying cannon.” One of the Terran Empire’s most notable flight squadrons operates these craft.
• F/S-96A6—commercial export variant. Most non-Terran Empire Artemis II’s 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 Terran Empire
• Various mercenary groups, pirates and private individuals.

Trivia

• This ship was one of Hazardleader's best designs in the late-server era.
• 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.