Eclipse

The Aegis Eclipse is a bomber designed to get in and strike before it's ever even spotted. After extensive service with the UEE, this high-tech military equipment is making its debut on the civilian market for 2947.

Specifications
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Small Cross Section
The arrowing design of Eclipse allows the ship to stay stealthy. Inconspicuous twin engines are moulded into the shape of the hull, weapons are stored internally until they’re ready for use.

Multiple Wing Configurations
The Wings can be adjusted to space or atmospheric flight to adapt to the environment. During Zero-G space flight, the Eclipse typically adopts the compact wing position in order to create a slightly smaller profile for harder detection. During atmospheric flight, the wings of the Eclipse can fully expand and deploy smaller fins around its body to improve aerodynamics.

Tactics
The sole purpose of Eclipse is to be a mid-range stealth bomber, capable of sneaking behind enemy lines and delivering a high damage strike, but it should not stay in combat due to its defensive shortcomings. The ship is designed to approach a target silently, fire its payload, and leave. The Eclipse carries three size 9 torpedoes, and two size 2 ballistic gatling weapons. These larger torpedoes take a while to lock on to smaller ships, and combined with its relative lack of agility, that will mean the Eclipse is not recommended to be used in dogfighting.

Project Eclipse
The Eclipse was commissioned under the previous administration on the orders of Imperator Coley. At the time, the administration felt that despite the efforts to mend ties with the Xi’an, the species longer lives resulted in lingering hostilities towards the UEE under the Messer reign. Imperator Coley requested bids for a classified stealth bomber to have as a cautionary defensive measure should another Cold War arise between the Humans and Xi’an. In 2930, the UEE Navy was in need of a more advanced stealth bomber to use specifically in defensive operations against the Vanduul. Military casualties were mounting in cases of direct combat with Vanduul capital ships. The Navy needed a ship that could strike quickly before the enemy detected their presence or soften up strategic targets in anticipation of a larger attack. Aegis Dynamics won that bid. The arrowing design, massive firepower, and cutting-edge clandestine technology of their design easily surpassed the competition. The Eclipse’s advanced hull system is adaptable to environments thanks to multiple wing configurations that adjust to space or atmospheric flight.

Military Services
After 2 years of extensive field tests, the Aegis Eclipse went into service in 2932. Since its introduction, it has distinguished itself as the most advanced stealth bomber in the UEE arsenal, with over three dozen successful operations. Since its first flight in Operation Lighthammer, the Eclipse has participated in numerous stealth and tactical bombing operations over the years, primarily for defensive measures performed by the UEE Navy.

Declassification
The Eclipse was declassified as a military-level asset in 2947 under Historical Truth Act and the Militia Mobilization Initiative and sold to UEE citizens with a good standing. The fund was used to continue funding Project Eclipse for the UEE Military. Notwithstanding the declassification of Project Eclipse, the ship embodies proprietary technologies and intellectual property that remain under the ownership of Aegis Dynamics and/or the UEE.

Development
The Eclipse's concept is designed by Gavin Rothery (Freelance Concept Artist) in collaboration with Paul Jones (Art Director) in Foundry 42 UK. The ship is brought into engine by Joe Neville (Senior Vehicle Artist) in Foundry 42 UK with contributions from Corentin Billemont (Systems Designer). The ship was first revealed in 2017-05-19 in the. In 2018-06-30, with the release of Star Citizen Alpha 3.2.0, the ship became Flight Ready.

Trivia

 * In the initial tease, the Eclipse is covered in a grey tarp known as B419-AR Tactical Stealth Utility Tarp (TSUT.), which is a classified tarp produced by Crusader Industries.
 * The Eclipse is an extremely specialized vessel, designed to excel at its intended task and role, so no other functionalities are currently planned other than its original role.
 * The Eclipse is heavily influenced by the real life bomber.

Gallery
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