Eclipse

Argon Eclipse Class M3+ Heavy Fighter Buy: Trusted Ally @ 6,044,362 Cr Speed (Min-Max) 52 - 130 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 8 - 22 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 20.31 - 50.78 RPM Hull Strength 12,500 Max. Shield (Total) 1 x 200 MJ (200 MJ) Shield Reactor 1,250 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 120 - 320 @ L Laser Capacitor 8,000 MJ Laser Recharge 200 MW                                                                                                          Main x 8                                                                                                          Front x 1                                                                                                          Rear x 1

Argon Eclipse Prototype Class M3+ Heavy Fighter Speed (Min-Max) - 120 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) - m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) - RPM Hull Strength 9,375 Max. Shield (Total) 5 x 25 MJ (125 MJ) Shield Reactor 1,500 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 120 - 285 @ L Laser Capacitor 8,500 MJ Laser Recharge MW                                                                                                          Main x 8                                                                                                          Front x 1                                                                                                          Rear x 1

Pirate Eclipse Class M3+ Heavy Fighter Speed (Min-Max) 50 - 140 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 10 - 30 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 21.3 - 53.2 RPM Hull Strength Max. Shield (Total) 3 x 25 MJ (75 MJ) Shield Reactor 800 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 120 - 285 @ L Laser Capacitor 7,800 MJ Laser Recharge MW                                                                                                          Main x 8                                                                                                          Front x 1                                                                                                          Rear x 1

Pirate Eclipse Advanced Class M3+ Heavy Fighter Speed (Min-Max) 67.5 - 126 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 17 - 33 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 30.5 - 50.8 RPM Hull Strength 11,250 Max. Shield (Total) 4 x 25 MJ (100 MJ) Shield Reactor 1,200 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 254 - 332 @ L Laser Capacitor 7,800 MJ Laser Recharge 195 MW                                                                                                          Main x 8                                                                                                          Front x 1                                                                                                          Rear x 1

Overview

The Eclipse is considered quite ugly, however, it is a well-shielded and powerful fighter in its own right, well suited to maintaining local air superiority, and has become a popular heavy fighter.

Background

The Eclipse was designed by Bala Gi Research Inc. in response to requests from the Argon, Paranid and Split for an improved heavy fighter. Widely regarded as the best all-rounder at the time, the Eclipse has not been updated fast enough to remain at the cutting edge.

Physical Characteristics

The Eclipse has a vaguely oval-shaped body which appears segmented, with a beak at the front. It is quite large for a fighter and easy to hit with weapons fire.

Combat

Decent fighter, though a little unwieldy. Because it is amongst the slowest fighters it requires its target to come to it, though with two turrets packing some powerful anti-fighter guns like the PRG it doesn't necessarily need its adversary to be in front of it. Nevertheless, some intelligence needs to be used when engaging multiple nimbler targets, as its largeish size makes it a big target, so in the event of being swarmed you don't have forever to deal with the threat. At least some of the aggressors need to be put in front of the main gun battery early in the fight, which given the poor manoeuvrability, it not straightforward.

Availability

The Eclipse is available for purchase from shipyards in: Argon Prime, Omicron Lyrae, Light of Heart, and Argon Sector M148

The Eclipse Prototype is not available for sale.

Available as one of many Ownerless ships

Suggested Roles

Typical heavy fighter roles: escort, carrier strike force, etc... the Eclipse is particularly well suited to the local air superiority role, defending Carriers and important stations. The Eclipse's improved survivability makes it a decent personal fighter if you don't die of shame when you talk to a Paranid in his nice, ugly Medusa.

In addition, the Eclipse comes at a hefty price for its fighter role, as so it is not advised to use entire strike groups composed of only Eclipses, however they are good as wing leaders for sector patrols, with Novas acting as Wingmen.

See Also

• Boron Skate
• Paranid Medusa
• Split Chimera
• Teladi Kea
• Terran Cutlass
• Xenon LX
• Yaki Tenjin
• ATF Fenrir
• OTAS Notus