Cloakshape Fighter

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The venerable Cloakshape Fighter
(Photo:  Blazer, 1998)

The Cloakshape Fighter, as excerpted from the Dark Empire Sourcebook; Michael Allen Horne; West End Games; June, 1993; p. 106).

CloakShape Fighter Technical Data

Craft: Kuat Systems Engineering CloakShape Fighter
Length: 15 meters
Crew: 1
Cargo Capacity: 40 kg
Consumables: 1 day
Cost: 15,000 IC (stock/used)
Weapons:

  • Double laser cannons
  • Dual concussion missile launchers

Maneuvering Fin Cost: 5,000 IC

Hyperdrive Sled Cost: 15,000 IC

CloakShape Fighter Background Data

Kuat Systems Engineering's CloakShape fighter (or CS fighter) is an outdated space and atmospheric starfighter that still finds use on backwater worlds and in private arsenals.   While it lacks the speed and offensive punch of more modern craft, the reinforced hull makes the vessel quite sturdy for a starfighter.  CloakShapes still in service often find use as system patrol craft, smuggler blockade vessels and in anti-piracy support actions.

The fighters have respectable atmospheric performance, but their small power plants make them unsuitable for deep space combat.  The CloakShape is a surprisingly simple design - so much so that few ships still in service have gone unmodified.   Modularized compartments and universal adapters allow the ships to be fitted with virtually any aftermarket system: heavier weapons, larger fuel capacity, or more powerful thrusters.  The popular add-on is the Curich Engineering's rear wing and stabilizer conversion kit; it is so common that few people realize that they aren't part of the original fighter.  These fins not only provide additional maneuverability, but allow a hyperdrive sled to be rigged into the CloakShape.  Still, a CloakShape has its limitations, as amply shown by the one which pursued the Millenium Falcon over Nar Shadda.   Like the Z-95, its relative slowness allows even heavy weapons, such as those in "Chug's chute," to target them with deadly accuracy.

The modifications performed on the CloakShape fighters serving with the Emperor's Hammer include the thrusters, giving much higher maneuverability and power and heavier weapons and shield capability.  There are even rumors that the cloaking devices designed for the TIE Phantoms will be incorporated into these sleek fighters that serve equally well in orbit around the Empress Teta or high above the plains of New Laconica or Sif.

Emperor's Hammer Members desiring more specific information on the capabilities of each of the Emperor's Hammer capital ships should review the Fleet Manual.