Defender

The Banu Defender is a small two-seat combat ship utilized by the Banu to provide protection and fly alongside the Merchantman. Its design features both Xi'an thrusters, Tevarin shields, and four Singe tachyon cannons. As a result, with a light-weight hull, it allows the ship to be agile and fast. Though cargo space is limited, the Defender features modest accommodations for its crew and provides easy access to components.

Although the shape, hull, and design of the Defender remains consistent across all Defender models, features can be different from different manufacturers. The below features are based on the Human export model manufactured by Jannue Mon-Li.

Features

 * Dual cockpitː The Defender utilizes the Banu's different style of piloting and co-piloting, where the co-pilot can control the main armament of the ship alongside the pilot in the dual cockpit system of the Defender. If desired, the co-pilot could focus on engineering or other ship matters to free up the pilot's attention. Different from the Human variant, the Defender built for Banu have isolated functions on the pilot seats so responsibilities cannot be shared between pilot and co-pilot. This is because the Banu pilot prefer to specialize in one task, while Human pilots prefer flexibility and an ability to assign functions as needed.
 * Phalanx shieldː The Tevarin Phalanx shield combined with light oxus composite armor keeps the fighter light and fast, which is ideal for quick maneuvering during combat.
 * Minimalistic interiorː With its emphasis on combat, the Defender has minimal cargo space and small sleeping quarters. Engines and components are shielded by cascading spinal shutters. Doors and shutters are molded into the walls to create a smooth, seamless aesthetic while still providing operator access.
 * Extended rangeː The Banu developed the Defender to provide protection and fly alongside the Merchantman, so its design includes a much improved range over other fighters of similar size due to its fuel intakes, dual fuel tanks, large quantum drive, and a powerful, efficient jump drive.
 * Additional Storageː The Banu defender has racks for up to 2 handheld weapons.

Ship profile
In space= Hangar=

Renting
Unavailable

''Prices given are per-day. Prices for all rental periods can be found at Ship renting.''

Gallery
Official=

In-game=

Official paints=

Original design=

Video commercial=

Development
The Defender's concept is designed by Jan Urschel (Freelance Conceptist) in collaboration with Paul Jones (Art Director). The concept was designed to introduce an alien interceptor and prototype the look and feel of Banu materials, processes, and controls that will eventually carry over to the larger Merchantman implementation. Jonny Jacevicius (Technical Designer), John Crewe (Lead Technical Designer), and Todd Papy (Design Director) are responsible for the tech design.

It was first revealed in 2017-04-21 in the. It was originally planned to be released on the 3.5 build, but pushed to the 3.6 build instead, it was delayed again and went live in Alpha 3.7 in October 2019.

Design brief
Aims & Aesthetic= Approximate statistics= Metric & Templates= Requirements=

Naming
According to Ben Lesnick (Director of Ship Concepts), the Defender was originally pitched as the "Banu Minuteman" with the idea that it was intended specifically to protect Merchantmen (and larger trade ships) at a moment's notice. The name had ultimately changed because "Minuteman" is such a specifically American historical reference that it wouldn't really make sense for an alien race.