The Hornet is a Nepleslian fighter-bomber meant for both space and atmospheric operations.

The older Na-F/A 02 Hammerhead-Type Strike Bomber proved to be a sturdy, reliable craft but ill-equipped to act in a close air support role as well as fend off attacking aircraft. The newer FA4 was an excellent interceptor but a poor choice for ground attack missions due to its high speed. In YE 35, NAM set off to make a fighter that could blow stuff up spectacularly and hold its own in a dogfight until reinforced by FA4 interceptors. The problem in designing the Hornet was whether to lean more towards a fighter or more towards a bomber. And while many argued that it should be a fighter first, bomber second, they were overruled by input from various high level SMDION personnel and the CEO.

So the Hornet was designed as a bomber first, fighter second. This resulted in a lack of graceful slenderness and more of a large and stocky frame.

The Hornet features a heavy forward-facing armament, an internal weapons bay and two plasma cannons mounted on its sides to catch any unwary opponent. It is fully functional as a ground-attack craft, strike craft, and escort fighter. This versatility makes the Hornet an excellent complement to the existing Nepleslian starfighter force.

The Hornet is, at heart, a fighter-bomber. It is able to function in either role but not to the degree which dedicated craft could perform at. It is, however, cheaper to make a Hornet than an FA4 interceptor.

• Anti-Starship Operations
• Ground Support Missions
• Escort fighter for Hammerhead bombers and warships

The Hornet is a snub-nosed craft with a large, blocky engine mounted on each of its wings. A plasma cannon turret is mounted on each side.

The design team for the Hornet began work in YE 34 but the design was only finalized in early YE 35 after back and forth arguments over the requirements of the services. Furthermore, due to the increase in productivity and the requirements for Aerotech design teams to work on other projects such as the Bulwark Starbase, orca_battlecruiser and primus_battleship, engineers from zen_armaments were hired to fill in the gaps and help carry the load.

In addition, with NAM's factories pushed to the limit with the production of numerous new warships, power armors and weapons to meet the demands of the rok_veru_offensive, Zen was also contracted to produce the Hornet and spares.

Production began in early YE 35, with limited quantities from NAM and more numerous units from Zen Arms.

The Hornet was initially deployed to 3rd AF and later 4th AASP.

• Class: Na-FA5 (Na-V3)
• Type: Fighter-Bomber
• Designers: NAM, zen_armaments
• Manufacturer: NAM, zen_armaments
• Fielded by: Star Navy

Crew: 2 are required. Pilot and Weapons Officer.

Maximum Capacity: There is only room for 2.

• Length: 12 meters (39 feet)
• Width (Wingspan): 20 meters (65 feet)
• Height: 4.5 meters (14.7 feet)

• Sublight Engines
  • Speed (Space): .365c
  • Speed (Atmospheric): 250 km/h - 800 km/h (155 mph - 497 mph)
• Range: 1 AU or 36 hours combat
• Lifespan: 6 years
• Refit Cycle: After every mission

See Damage Rating (Version 2) for an explanation of the damage system. All numbers here are Armor Scale.

• Hull: 20
• Shields: 20 (Threshold 3)

There are two seats: one facing forward for the pilot, and another for the Weapons Officer, behind the pilot, facing the other way. The pilot controls the Hornet's movements and forward weaponry while the WO handles target locks, sensor analysis and the two plasma turrets.

The Hornet uses a meridium frame with Nerimium reinforcements beneath the frame. It is further reinforced by exterior meridium armor plating.

The Hornet features an ACE AI and is powered by a NAM Ultra Compact Fusion Generator.

It has a "Monoeye" Directional Sensor Suite to detect and lock onto targets.

For communications, a courier_communication_suite is installed.

There are some fire extinguishers located internally but otherwise, the Hornet relies on carrier mechanic crews for emergencies and repairs.

A simple life support system is installed. If the craft is in danger of being destroyed, the cockpit can eject from the main craft and act as a life pod.

The Hornet uses a Variable Impulse Magneto-Plasma Drive System for STL propulsion in space and in atmosphere.

The Hornet features a Combined Barrier System (Nepleslia) shield system to protect it from energy and kinetic attacks.

• Heavy Plasma Vulcans: 2, SDR 1
• Plasma cannons: 4, ADR 3
• Chaingun turrets: 2, ADR 3; mounted on the sides
• Internal Weapons Bay Containing one of the following:
  • Pufferish missiles, 6, variable