| CF-117b Rapier | |
|---|---|
| |
| Production | |
| Type | Medium fighter |
| Class | Rapier |
| Model | CF-117b[1] |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 9m[1] |
| Mass | 9t[1] |
| Weapons | Dual-Pulse rotary barrel neutron gun, Wing-mounted laser cannon (2), missile mounts (10)[1] |
| Shield | 7/7 (phase shield)[1] |
| Hull | 6/3/4[1] |
| Propulsion | Jump-capable drive array[1] |
| Speed | 250/450 kps[1] |
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Usage | |
| Affiliation | Terran Confederation |
| Equipment | Ejection survival pod, Tempest AI, 7 hours life-support, retrieval tractor[1] |
| Events | Terran-Kilrathi War |
| Appearances | |
| First appearance | Wing Commander film |
CF-117b Rapier is a version of the Rapier, the premier starfighter used by the Terran Confederation. It replaced the earlier F44-A Rapier (CF-117a Rapier) model with enhanced missile capacity and more efficient rotary-barrel neutron gun (its most distinguishing visual feature).[1]
It is seen as a good combination of acceleration, maneuverability and firepower. Its short-range neutron guns require close approach to the enemy, balanced by its handling superiority. There is also a CF-117b-L Rapier variant.[1]
History[]
It was more advanced than the older F44-A Rapier.
CF-117b was introduced in 2645 and in the later Terran-Kilrathi War it supplanted the CF-105 Scimitar in frontline operations.[1]
The CS Tiger Claw carried Rapiers which were used in engagements in the Ulysses Corridor.[2]
Specifications[]
Dual neutron pulse generators can be set to alternate or synchronous fire, and the multibarrel allows longer continuous neutron fire. The wing-mounted lasers are to provide longer firing range. The wings function as weapon/missile mounts and can mount 10 missiles (dumbfire or guided) (the wings are not designed for atmospheric flight).[1]
It features an ejection survival pod, a standard Confed Tempest navigational/targeting AI, a jump-capable drive array, 7 hours life-support autonomy, and a retrieval tractor that can tow objects of up to 75 tonnes.[1]
There a few noteable differences between the newer CF-117b and the older F44-A Rapier. The newer model had increased missile capacity to ten guided or dumbfire missiles and packed a second generation nose-mounted rotary-barrel neutron gun that allowed for longer continuous neutron fire than the old F44’s first generation cannon. A switch on his stick allowed for alternate or synchronous fire, and standard laser cannons mounted to the 117’s short, upturned wings provided longer-range support. The standard Tempest targeting and navigational AI remained the same, as did the jump-capable drive array and twin thruster afterburner, as did the jump-capable drive array and twin thruster afterburnerpackage. Monitors and control panels seemed slightly smaller, but that could be an illusion. The seat felt a hell of a lot better though, with the welcome addition of lumbar support.[3]
Behind the scenes[]
This type of Rapier was introduced in the Wing Commander film the full-scale stage mock-up being constructed from the nose and cockpit sections of two English Electric Lightning jet fighters. This version of the Rapier is designated CF-117b and its primary weapon is a gigantic Gatling neutron gun on its nose, although the lasers were never fired during the movie.
In the novels its strongly suggested that Blair flew F44-A's in the film, and didn't start using the CF-117b until Pilgrim Stars.
Gallery[]
