Evaluation Updates:
Strix MKII, Jackal MkII, and Wraith MKVII Performance Against Ongoing Belligerent Actions From CONCORD DERAIL and SARO Red Troop Vessels in Eugales and wider Pegeler
Preface: It has been shown, that in most scenarios, clone pilots and their specialized advanced craft, particularly the more recent variations in ongoing development, perform at a level far and beyond most other similarly sized single, or multi-pilot craft, often reaching, and even in some limited specific cases, exceeding the efficacy to cost ratio of Capsuleer elements in similar patrol, picket, and long ranged interception roles. This in mind, recent engagements against anti-warclone specialist units such as CONCORD SARO’s Red Troop, has begun to highlight issues with immediate realized formation focuses, that have led to an unacceptable level of material, and clone pilot infomorph loss/captures.
Strix MKII: Current strike packages developed for the MKII evo of the Strix platform have proven adaptable and effective when applied appropriately, however major endurance issues identified with current tactics due to the newer ‘Kilpi’ Shield Systems and Ancillary booster forcing a limited engagement lifetime under fire before a forced disengage scenario, which SARO Red Troop have actively capitalized on with hard hitting fast firing missile systems to force off these lightweight heavy hitting assault craft. The Standardization of Scorch Polarized Pulse Lances at this time have proven effective in opening salvo retaliation, alongside Linear Ordinance Launchers, but the lack of on-field endurance beyond initial salvos has been identified as incredibly problematic. Flare and Chaff systems currently in use, in tandem with the enhanced RCS can allow for more extended endurance for skilled Strix pilots, but generally only allowing a handful of additional salvos against such massed missile fire as currently encountered in use by Red Troop hunting craft. Kill/Loss Ratios sit at 2:1 in favor of the Strix against Pacifier series covert ops due to their extended engagement ranges, however are distinctly vulnerable to Enforcer series force recons, particularly those outfitted with Rapid Light Missile systems, even if Linear Ordinance Launcher hardpoint packages have proven exceptional in applying high yield payloads on target against such. Loss ratios against Enforcer force recons currently sits at 1:4 against Strix in an optimal counter loadouts. Infomorph loss/capture rates for Strix Pilots is currently the lowest, at one in every fourteen strix pilots killed having their infomorph intercepted and captured. Tactics and current MKII configuration under review pending MKII A Revision to overcome shortfalls.
Jackal MKII: Jackal MKII craft currently maintain highest craft survival rate, while at the same time the lowest recovery of pilot infomorph to destroyed fighters, with near 94% craft survivability, but 77% loss/capture of killed pilot infomorphs. Reasons for the high loss rate of infomorphs is due to the close ranged engagement profile of the Jackal series primary armaments, placing them directly into the thick of fighting, and squarely in-range of infomorph tranfer jammers employed by Red Troop. The thick Crystalline Carbonide outer plating, and sturdy Superalloy flightframe has contributed to the high overall survivability rating, alongside the Enhanced Overshield system. XC-30 ‘Ripper’ Starburst Mortars have proven excellent workhorse weaponry against Enforcer force recons, and even the limited encounters with Marshal class battleships have been swayed by the presence of Jackals in the field, however they struggle against frigate sized targets such as the Pacifier due to their agility, even though in theory the Starburst Mortar bolts should be able to, with appropriate targeting, effectively disable such ships in a handful of salvos. Modular external hardpoints brought over from Strix MKII craft have proven useful, most often being fitted with Linear Ordinance Launchers for additional striking power against larger vessels. Tactics under review.
Wraith MKVII: Wraith series craft remain broadly effective, but display a mixed survivability and infomorph recovery records. Integration of modularized Enhanced Overshield system from Jackal series has proven ineffective in active field use on the chassis, with a 48% failure rating, though this may be due to faulting power shunt couplings discovered recently during late stage review. Craft remain largely viable, but pilot tactics require serious revision and retraining to raise survivability. MKVIIA and MKVIIB pattern revisions currently pending for future.
Additional Review: At this time, it is suggested that all future flights be fielded with Nagi series Logistics Fighters, and Medusa series Disruption Fighters, despite the difficulty and cost of acquiring base craft of both series. MKII revisions of Nagi and Medusa series craft has proven difficult, but initial sets may finally be within grasp with more funding being shunted to Design programs by the Director, and addition of consultation of Warmind Glitter Edifice, and Warmind Rose Eagle. Future pairing of flights with Command Destroyer teams also suggested, particularly Magus and Pontifex class, for better tactical mobility and additional screening elements, potential for use as infomorph recovery platforms in jammed environments under investigation.
