Vanguard-class gun-cutter

The Vanguard-class gun-cutter is a gravimetric air vehicle capable of intercontinental travel and low orbit flight under its own propulsion. With a cruising speed of 2,000kph and an endurance of 48 hours, the gun-cutter is a capable gunship and transport assembled by the Mishalan Arsenal from Natopian and Shirerithian components with extensive New Alexandrian involvement in the design and integration process. Owing to the high costs and mechanical complexity of the development project, the Vanguard-class would only receive a limited production run of fifteen craft.

Overview

The gun-cutter is crewed by a pilot, co-pilot, engineer, and two gunners, and has quarters for six individuals. It also has a spacious cargo deck that can accommodate up to 30 people or equivalent cargo. The gun-cutter's armament includes a pivot-mounted 35mm rotary autocannon turret and assembly, as well as two twin-linked point defense turrets mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the hull. It also has hardpoints for four S-2A missiles (anti-air), four S-2N/S-2S missiles (anti-ship/anti-ground), or two GTC ESM-28 sensor probes.

To protect against potential threats, the gun-cutter is equipped with a repulsion-field directed-energy dispersal system, an ES-22 electro-optical projectile disruption system, and an ES-29 IFED. These defensive countermeasures enhance the gun-cutter's survivability in combat situations.

The gun-cutter's propulsion system is powered by a Zephyr Tachyonator Drive, two deep-cycle battery banks, with a back-up system consisting two chemical ion vectral jet drives paired with six reaction control valves. The redundancy of propulsion systems was a design feature taken from the Nereid class of gravimetric vehicles, intended as a defence against interdiction technologies pioneered by Kalgachia. The gun-cutter's control system features gravimetric stabilisers obtained from Kezan Floating Cargo Manufacturers, ensuring its inertial stability in flight.

The heat-shielding of the Vanguard-class gun-cutter, developed by Gloomburg Metallurgical Industries Group with inputs from the Javelin Advanced Development Initiative, is a vital component of its design, allowing the vessel to withstand extreme temperatures and atmospheric pressures during its intercontinental and orbital flights. This shielding is comprised of a complex system of specialised alloys, each chosen for their unique properties and their ability to withstand the rigors of spaceflight.

The primary alloy used in the heat-shielding system is a titanium-iridium alloy, developed specifically for use in high-temperature environments. This alloy is known for its exceptional strength and durability, allowing it to resist deformation and degradation even under the most extreme conditions. Additionally, the titanium-iridium alloy is highly resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for use in the harsh, corrosive environment of space.

Another important component of the heat-shielding system is a composite material made from carbon fibre reinforced with boron. This material is exceptionally lightweight, yet incredibly strong, making it ideal for use in the gun-cutter's heat shields. The boron fibres provide additional strength and rigidity, while the carbon fibres help to absorb and dissipate heat, preventing it from penetrating the interior of the vessel.

Operators

•  Benacia Command – Vanguard-1 (prototype)
•  Order of the Paladins – Vanguard-2 (prototype)