MkV51 Aquila and MkV 2030A Neophron

Overview
Designed as a pair the MkV-51 and 2030 were both intended as the premiere star fighters of a century. Marikov Limited spared no expense in ensuring that they were both capable and modular not unlike the Hydra tanks of the time and age. The only limit was the lack of material sophistication in the 1970’s which by the sheer virtue of lack of refinement technologies kept the two designs as theoretical not unlike Northop Corporation’s YB-49 flying wing idea. It would take some thirty years of research, development and refinement before computers, materials and other critical elements were mature enough o support the pair of star fighters. As fate would have it the MkV-51 would come into existence as a prototype first despite being designed after the MkV-2030 by eight years. Once the technologies and concepts were proven the MkV-2030 prototype to its first test fights by 2002 and was refined into the modern version (MkV-2030A) by 2005. Extended trails saw the design authorized by the SSC’s procurement board and by 2015, the two designs were operating in some number out of every starship that could carry them as well as select airbases.

The MkV-51 “Aquila” is the lighter of the two star fighters weighting only 36 tons. Visually it resembles any well designed fifth generation jet fighter at a glance but the overall capabilities of the craft make it something entirely different. The goal of the Aquila is simple; it generally acts as a primary interceptor and is armed to kill other aircraft as quickly as possible. The design features dual 15mm COIL energy weapons, and six V-A/18H type legacy weapons four of which fire in the forward arc and the remaining two fire to the rear to discourage anything fast enough to attempt pursuit. A thick coat of armor, heavily fortified internal framework and a full sensor and ECM suite round out the package. The name Aquila is the Latin name of the Golden Eagle, the nickname was applied to the craft after the flight corps overheard a test pilots comments about the craft. “Yeah she’s a tough customer alright, dives like a golden eagle on the hunt, and has the talons to match!”

The MkV-2030A “Neophron” is the heavier of the two craft discussed in this document. Weighing 55 tons the Mkv-2030A operates as a medium fighter-bomber in most planetary engagements. What makes it different from the “Aquila” is its ability to carry a payload of guided munitions such as guided warheads the vaunted N2 type weapons. To that end the “Neophron” acts as a heavy ordinance support craft for the more numerous “Aquila”. Most of the time the “Neophron” will carry an exceptionally heavy torpedo or missile load and operate behind the screening curtain of the “Aquila” offering decisive fire support against enemy fighters, small craft and even enemy warships. It is a Twist of irony that the MkV-2030A’s name is the Latin word for the Egyptian Vulture. Prototypes were originally painted in a buff-eggshell color while their landing gear was painted in a darker shade of red and the cockpit area around the canopy was originally painted in some shade of dull red. Crews noted the similarity in color to the carrion hunting bird and the name stuck with training cadres. A reinforcement of the name came with combat use where Soviet Forces often captured as P.O.W.s often looked upon MkV-2030’s with a source of dread, the pilot’s habits of circling the landing zone a few times so resembled vultures arriving to receive a meal that the nickname stuck. It is worth while to mention that while most vultures are not known for their ability to cause harm the MkV-2030A unlike its name sake is well armed in the defensive role. The MkV-2030A’s weapons load is devoted more towards self defense and fire support then direct engagement. The primary armament is based around the ordinance bay and its rotary munitions launcher, which is located in the belly of the craft. In the nose of the craft is a pair of 10mm COIL energy weapons in a fixed-forward mount. The weapons are of note due to their pivoting lenses allowing for very limited additional arcs of fire for strafing purposes. In the purely support role the ‘Neophron” also has six V-A/18H Legacy weapons. Four of these weapons are mounted in a retractable ball turret and are operated remotely. The remaining two are installed in gun-blisters on the sides of the craft to aid in covering the rear quarters of the craft. Depending on the role intended for the craft the “Neophron” may or may not have stealth equipment aboard, can be outfitted to act as a troop transport for deploying Power Armored Platoons or normal para-infantry into combat zones as well as recovering troops.