The Raider fighter is an unknown class of aerospace fighter used by the Raiders primarily as an auxiliary craft. [1]
Overview[]
The fighter is equipped with a weapons array and was controlled by a single pilot. Unlike standard Starfuries, they were equipped for atmospheric maneuvering as well as space flight.[2][3] However, this left them more vulnerable, as their air foils were a critical weak spot.[4] Fighter is technologically inferior to Starfury, especially in terms of maneuverability.[3]
Raider fighters are primarily used by pirates, raiders, and other "outlaw" groups to attack and capture or destroy unarmed civilian merchant starships using hit-and-run tactics. They are rarely used in combat against other fighters. The fighter, not unlike the Starfury, comes in several variations. The variant mounted with an aft (backward-firing) weapons was deployed during the attack on ISA ship Enfali in the year 2265. [5]
Tactics[]
The Raider ships cannot form their own jump point thus limiting their ability to attack larger ships or also to run from the more powerful escorts from the other races. Because of this they have been known to utilize a "Battle Wagon" class of ship that can form its own jump point into hyperspace.[3] The "Battle Wagon" is not an actual combat ship in its own right but more of a carrier for the fighters.
Behind the Scenes[]
According to Ron Thornton, the visual effects designer who worked on the first three series of the show and the author of the design, the fighter was supposed to be the early version of Earth Alliance interceptors several generations back from the Starfury. [6]
Appearances[]
- TV Movies
- Babylon 5
References[]
- ↑ Midnight on the Firing Line
- ↑ The Paragon of Animals
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 DVD Extras, Babylon 5 Data Files
- ↑ Signs and Portents
- ↑ JMS Post at rec.arts.sf.tv.babylon5.moderated - 1/20/2002
- ↑ Raider Light Fighter on B5Scrolls
Other Alien Ship Classes | ||
Capital Ships | ||
Dilgar War Cruiser • Raider Battlewagon • Takarn's Cruiser • Streib Cruiser • Thirdspace Cruiser • Alien Scout Cruiser • Moradi Cruiser | ||
Transports | ||
"Qal'Thaa" type • Soul Hunter vessel • Lumati Transport • "Epsilon III" cargo transport • Survey Ship • Techno-mage Ship • Moradi Shuttle • Alien Visitors Ship • Alien Visitors Shuttle | ||
Fighters | ||
Dilgar Fighter • Raider Fighter • Thirdspace Fighter • Alien Scout Fighter • Kulan's Fighter | ||
Other Ships | ||
Qal’Thaa's Life Pod • Raider C'n'C Ship • Streib Life Pod • Berserker Probe • Alien Scout Breaching Pod • Soulhunter Guardian • Hand Servitor Vessel • Techno-mage Probe • Alien Visitors Life Pod • Alien Derelict |