Gladiator

The Anvil T8C Gladiator is the civilian variant of the T8A Gladiator. Supporting a maximum of two, the Gladiator is equipped to engage in combat with or without a wingman. Its great modularity allows pilots to choose between an extra cargo hold or a bomb bay, and replace the rear turret's cannon with a tractor beam, making it a suitable craft for light salvage missions.

Ship profile
In space= Hangar=

Tactics
Since their introduction into UEE service, Gladiators have participated with distinction in military and law enforcement operations in numerous theaters around the Empire and beyond. Gladiators have been used in:


 * Strategic Space-to-Ground bombing runs
 * Support for long-range squadron missions
 * Modified C&C and target assignment for multi-squadron combat scenarios
 * Aggressive environmental recalibration
 * Capital ship torpedo strikes
 * Stealth operations
 * Supply drops through enemy-controlled territory
 * Blockade running
 * Law enforcement high value target interception

This multi-role capability will continue to evolve as the Gladiator's systems are further developed.

Lore
The T8A Gladiators were originally developed to bridge the gap between fighters and bombers for the military. Since their introduction into UEE service, Gladiators have participated with distinction in military and law enforcement operations in numerous theaters around the Empire and beyond. They were introduced to the civilian market as T8C Gladiators in 2943.

Gallery
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In-game=

Development
The development of Gladiator in 2013, the initial 2D concepts and a 3D concept mesh created by David Hobbins (Conceptist). When he was done, Andrew Ley (Concept Design Director) further refined the 3D concept mesh and the ship's appearance, as well as providing rough animations for the many mechanical elements. After that, Matthew Johns (Senior 3D Artist) remodelled the ship, adding detail as well as further refining the mechanical elements and rough animations. With rendered images of the newly created 3D mesh and guidance from Paul Jones (Art Director), Gavin Rothery (Freelance Conceptist) provided a 2D 'paintover' image for the Squadron 42 version of the Gladiator. Matthew then used this 2D paintover as a guide to inform the creation of textures and shaders that define the surfaces of the ship.

Trivia

 * The Gladiator was inspired by the carrier-based dive and torpedo bombers of World War II such as the and the.
 * It was initially created for Squadron 42 only.
 * The CEO and founder of Consolidated Outland, Silas Koerner, refers the Gladiator as "a half-assed toy for full grown children to play fighter hero".