Terran Technology
Terra is called "Earth" by its inhabitants. Sierran Intelligence has studied this planet, classified as SK-3, for many centuries. The Terrans share a remarkably similar external appearance with the Sierran race. The famous Sierran fighter pilot Talon has performed many covert reconnaissance missions amongst the Terran people, blending in with the population with ease. The Terrans have achieved limited interstellar capability.
SA-43 Hammerhead
The SA-43 Hammerhead was carefully designed to meet the growing threats posed by hostile alien species encountered by the Humans as they pushed deeper into the cosmos. As micro fusion reactors and more advanced and smaller engines became available it was now possible to develop more specialized space-superiority fighters. The Hammerhead in some ways was a deliberate step backwards in that it used a traditional aircraft layout, with the intention of having a space fighter that was equally adept at atmospheric combat. To that end the Hammerhead boasts a generous airfoil wing with conventional atmospheric ailerons and flaps. The engines are advanced air-space hybrid ramjets. The Humans also realized through experience that their level of technology without any form of gravity manipulation, could not hope to match much more advanced alien craft in agility, so the Hammerhead centered most of its pulse laser gun armament in fast-tracking turrets. The guns are divided between a single primary weapon in a forward chin turret, a fixed gun in each wingtip and twin defensive guns in a dorsal turret. Standard armament also provided for homing missiles.
The Hammerhead proved to be a rugged and effective fighter, well-liked by its pilots. It replaced the Mk.9 Hawk in the deep-space superiority role and enjoyed a long service career. The fighter shown was flown by Capt. Shane Vanson, one of Earth's most celebrated pilots. The Hammerhead was eventually replaced by the SF-115 Tomahawk "Bubble Fighter".
