F8A Lightning

The Anvil F8A Lightning is a heavy fighter employed by the UEE Navy to support space superiority. It was specifically designed to counter heavy Vanduul craft, such as the Glaive and Scythe. It is a more nimble and heavily armed fighter craft than its F7 predecessor, trading off a second turret for more fixed weaponry. Use of the F8A Lightning is generally restricted to elite UEEN squadrons, though the F8C Lightning civilian variant is beginning to see greater adoption.

Features

 * Folding wings: The folding wings enable it to fit in hangars built for fighters a class below.

Variants

 * F8C Lightning: The F8C Lightning is the civilian variant of the F8A Lightning.
 * Unnamed trainer variant: A military trainer variant with two seats in the cockpit.

Special editions

 * F8C Lightning Executive Edition: The F8C Lightning Executive Edition is an exclusive edition F8C Lightning with a black and gold livery and a premium cockpit detailed with gold. It is only available to concierge members who hold the rank of Praetorian (US$15,000 pledged). Previously, it was only available to Legatus (US$25,000 pledged) concierge members until the introduction of the Praetorian rank and the 600i Executive Edition.

Lore
The F8A won the UEE Navy's Next Generation Star Fighter bid, surpassing Aegis' Dogfighter 3000 in the 2nd place and RSI Black Widow in the 3rd place, becoming the latest heavy fighter utilized by the navy. As of 2953, the F8 Lightning is currently in service on all RSI Bengal supercarriers.

Invictus Launch Week
During the 2950 Invictus Launch Week, a special edition of the ship was seen accompanying the UEE Navy fleet around the Stanton system. It was flown by the 999th Squadron and featured a red color and navy/squadron logos. Several Lightnings, together with F7A Hornet Mk IIs accompanied a Javelin, and two Idris-M's.

Development
The F8 Lightning was designed by Chris Smith (Lead Vehicle Artist) and Gavin Rothery (Freelance Conceptist).

Gallery
RSI images=

999th Squadron=

IAE 2950=

Trivia

 * Some F8As were captured by players during Invictus Launch Week event in May 2020. The F8As were first flown in Persistent Universe by the NPCs during the event and some players managed to kill the NPC pilot and steal the ship.