Vanguard Hoplite

The Aegis Vanguard Hoplite is a cross between the Vanguard deep space fighter and a dedicated boarding ship. Adapting the reliable base design for combined operations, the Hoplite is designed to insert an armored strike team in its target location and provide it with fire support until extraction.

Features

 * Drop-ship: With dedicated seating, guns racks and specialised equipment designed for up to six personnel, the Hoplite is ideal for a strike team (short to long ranged) insertion/extraction missions.
 * Aerial support: Although it's designed to be a drop-ship, the Hoplite still has heavy hitting firepower and can provide aerial support if required.
 * Weapons: The ship is equipped with a Size 5 gun hard-point, four Size 2 guns built into the ships nose, a manned turret with a pair of Size 2 guns and missiles racks that can hold eight Size 2 missiles.
 * Durability: At the expense of maneuverability compared to other medium/heavy fighters like the Hornet or Lightning, the Vanguard is made from a distinct tungsten alloy and has an extensive backup systems which enhances the ships combat survivability.

Ship profile
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Gallery
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Development
The Hoplite was not a part of the initial three variants of the Vanguard series, it was created due to the requirement of a dropship in Squadron 42. With the expanded interior to house drop team, the exterior hull is expanded compared to the other variants.