Medium-Class Fighters

ENCOUNTERED Meteo, Sector Y, Sector X, Area 6

INTEL Much like Dr. Andross's light-class fighters, the more specialized medium-class fighters are similarly deployed en masse across the system. They are most often encountered in deep-space combat situations.

Among this class of spacecraft is the Bionics I, an unpiloted drone outfitted with basic hunter-killer programming. It exhibits limited maneuverability, tending to line up and travel in predictable patterns. The next generation of this model—the sleeker Bionics II—is less predictable and more maneuverable, capable of pausing mid-flight to attack. Both Bionics models have been encountered in the vicinity of Sector X, guarding that region's secrets by destroying trespassers on sight.

Attacker I craft have a segmented appearance, taking armor inspiration from natural exoskeletons. They fly in lined formations and have only been sighted in deep-space combat zones.

Vipers are characterized by prominent fins, which are known to limit their mobility. These craft typically travel solo or in pairs, though a large formation of Vipers took part in a surprise attack on James McCloud and his Star Fox team during their ill-fated reconnaissance mission to Venom five years ago.

Gamma Fighter Blues are among the smallest and most maneuverable crafts in Dr. Andross's fleet. They travel in squadrons, each with a single Gamma Fighter Gold assigned as leader, identifiable by its distinct yellow-gold coloration. These fighters are known to deploy from Grazan battleships and give chase upon isolating a vulnerable target.

ASSESSMENT Pilots are encouraged to learn to identify the various medium-class fighters at Dr. Andross's disposal, as anticipating a particular enemy's movements can mean the difference between success or failure. As always, look for opportunities to eliminate multiple grouped fighters with a single attack.