H5 Spearhead

The H5 Prototype Anti-Ship Attack Fighter, commonly known as the Spearhead, is a highly classified planetary defense interceptor fighter used by the USC Air Force and Marine Corps in surgical orbital combat. Spearheads are intended to replace all existing Interceptor Fighters currently in service by 2740. Though, they are not yet in mass production, however, this was greatly sped up due to the sudden attacks of the Hivivian and the onset of the Human-Hivivian War.

Design details

The H5 was designed to offer the United Space Command a swift, versatile, and lethal defense interceptor that could engage directly with enemy starships in deep space and low orbit, preventing them from establishing a dominant position before ground engagements. It can be launched horizontally from a standard runway and out of a planet's atmosphere into low orbit without the use of traditional means of surface-to-orbit transit. The Spearhead also possesses powerful energy shielding technology, which covers all areas of the craft and quickly recharges when depleted.
The Spearhead is designed for the dual purposes of peak acceleration and maneuverability in orbital combat, due in large part to a powerful afterburner system. This emphasis on speed and responsiveness enables the Spearhead to perform feats that other human single ships cannot accomplish, and will soon allow the craft to compete favorably with the Hivivian's more technologically advanced fighters. The Spearhead is capable of performing complex aileron rolls, Split S maneuvers, and Immelmann turns. The starfighter's engines are maintained and repaired by engine service modules in Spearhead engineering facilities inside orbital refit stations.

Development

Origin & Research

The first concepts of the H5 Project begin shortly after the Second Energy War as a means to update the USC's fighter line for enhanced attack and defense. The original designs were taken from the idea Commander Edward Simms had when he was a child. Much of the early stages of the project were stalled due to the fact that the designs incorporated a separate hyperspace engine like those used onboard starships. However, this caused issues as all current Ward Hyperspace engines were too big and heavy for use on the H5. This forced many astroengineers to pull their brains and find a way to design a small form of hyperspace engine. By 2710, after years of concepts and designs finely bore fruit after Andrew Maxwell created a fully functional engine capable of short jumps through hyperspace. Section Three director, Vice Admiral Edward Simms dubbed the new engine the 'Maxwell' reactor, after its creator.

Prototypes

The first true prototype of the H5 was constructed 12th March 2712 and field tested four months later. However, this prototype failed to live up to combat standards set forth by the USC Security Council, sending the development team back to the drawing table. After eight years, OSI was finely ready for a second field test. This time they had three additional fighters. All four were transported to Harmony for live-combat operation on December 24, 2720.

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Weapons & Armament

The Spearhead's armament includes twin .200 caliber autocannons, as well as twin-linked GS/54 missile pods; these missiles are capable of maintaining a lock on even fast-moving and highly evasive craft which could likely "shake" most projectiles. The Spearhead's targeting computer can identify enemy contacts from a long distance, as well as show the distance to a target. The craft is intended for lethal encounters, not for simply disrupting or disabling targeted craft.

Production information

Developer

Office of Space Intelligence's Section Three Division

Manufacturer

Mars Corps Armory

Class

Interceptor fighter

Role

Planetary/orbital defense

Technical specifications

Length

60 feet

Width

62.1 feet

Engine(s)

Two main engines with wing-mounted thrusters

multi-stage booster rocket system

Hyperspace drive

MK-4 Maxwell Hyperspace Engine

Armament

Two .200cal autocannons

Two GS/54 missile delivery systems

Crew

One pilot