Currently, the THUNDERSTORM craft is the only one that has these three properties:
- a speed sufficient to intercept most smaller UFOs (in could be argued that speeds over 4000 could not be attained without consumption of Elerium / Zrbite)
- enough armor to withstand — and to have an option to withdraw from battle in time without suffering annihilation — a confrontation with a heavy UFO (like a cruiser, terror ship, or a battleship)
- has no requirements for irreplaceable fuel items (like Zrbite or Elerium-115)
These qualities make it an excellent candidate for a general-purpose interceptor craft, with (3) being a critical factor for a craft to be a general-purpose one.
At this time, the only armament available for a THUNDERSTORM is a 2x heavy missile. Such armament enables the use of a THUNDERSTORM in the heavy interceptor role, whence a pair of THUNDERSTORM crafts armed with 2x heavy STORMLANCE missiles, could in general shoot down a heavy UFO that flies in a patrol pattern at a lower speed.
At this time, there exists no option to utilize THUNDERSTORM with 2x cannon weaponry. The takedowns of most smaller vessels — and even of terror ships — are feasible with 2x GAUSS CANNON weapons. The use of STORMLANCE missiles, that require irreplaceable Elerium-115 resource, is wasteful for such targets.
The only other craft with the closest capabilities to THUNDERSTORM, that satisfies (3), and also has the capacity to field 2x cannon weaponry is the RAVEN. The RAVEN lacks in both speed an armor, thus making itself as less-than-viable option for any missions that require support with larger vessel takedowns.
The only other craft that has nearly enough speed to consistently intercept the fastest alien vessels, including the most powerful ones, is the TORMENTOR. This craft is capable of carrying 2x heavy missiles, and 1x cannon weaponry. A pair of TORMENTOR crafts launched either from different bases, or even the same base, and armed with STORMLANCE missiles, could conceivably take down a single battleship, and at the same time be able to disengage from battle when necessary. In special cases, the TORMENTOR may serve as rapid interceptor for smaller targets. However, it is not fit for a general purpose interceptor duties, even when only armed with a single cannon, since it does not satisfy (3).
All of these observations suggest that a niche for a reasonbly fast general purpose interceptor, satisfying (1), (2), and (3) exists. Currently, THUNDERSTORM fits this niche, but with the limitation that only weapons available to it are missiles. Given the particular efficiency of the latter cannon weaponry (particularly GAUS CANNON), it would be a waste to ignore the opportunity to use those on a fast general purpose interceptor. The TORMENTOR already has slots for a cannon, so it could be argued that such weapon system is suitable for a fast-moving aircraft.
As one option, I would like to request that a version of THUNDERSTORM be added that supports 2x cannon weaponry, in place of 2x heavy missiles. It could be called THUNDERSTORM-K, for instance.
Please allow me to offer the following additional considerations. The GAUSS CANNON is much more efficient than an equivalent STINGRAY, since it has a higher damage per shot, which plays role when penetrating shielded targets. Thus, a craft armed with GAUSS CANNON, or a missile with higher damage output, would be much more efficient than the one armed with STINGRAY.
Please note that there exists a missile with a damage output equivalent to a GAUSS CANNON. This missile is PIKE. If it was available in a heavy missile bay, with increased, it would be a good replacement for the capabilities of a GAUSS CANNON on a general purpose interceptor.
It could be argued, that the presence of cannons is not suitable on a THUNDERSTORM, due to considerations of its engine technology and maneuverability constraints, etc. In such case, a good replacement for the GAUSS CANNON is appropriate. For the sake of balance, the replacement should have the same damage potential as the full STINGRAY bay. For the PIKE missiles to have the equivalent damage potential to 12 STINGRAY missiles, a magazine of 8 would suffice.
Thus, as another option, I would like to request that a version of PIKE launcher would be added that fits into the heavy missile bay, with a magazine increased to only 8 or 9, istead of doubling it to 12, as was done with STINGRAY. Perhaps, a slight decrease in reload time could be considered for this case, though optionally. This could be considered as a GAUSS CANNON replacement for vessels less suitable for offensive close engagements.
Both of these options are interesting, and are consistent with the lore, and are well-balanced. I am also interested in a discussion of these possibilities.
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