The V8-2x Kawarime is an upgrade to the original Ke-V8 "Kawarime" Fighter it became available in YE 34.
The 2x variant focus on improving the survivability, and payload capacity of the fighter. It consists of a upgrade to the structure, and the addition of two more removable wing weapon mounts. The enhancements do results in a loss of some speed when carrying maximum ordinance. All other aspects of the fighter are the same as the original models. When fully loaded the V8-2x has a reduction in flight performance.
The work on the variant was prompted by analysis of mission reports. The analysts identified that one of the things the fighter design lacked was the ability to deliver heavy payload while carrying its defensive systems.
The Kawarime is very responsive fighter craft.
See Damage Rating (Version 3) for an explanation of the damage system.
This version replaces the Durandium Alloy with the stronger, Osmiridium. This upgrade was necessary to provide the structural integrity for the heavier payload.
The V8-2x moves adds an Ke-T8-W3104 Weapon Pod Mounts further out on the wing. The original mount is retained but wired so that it can only use heavy ordinance.