Ork Fighta-Bommer
The Ork Fighta-Bommer is a deadly low-flying aircraft that can strafe those that fly against it. While the many aircraft simply fight over dominion of the skies, the Ork Fighta-Bommer can also drop lethal bombs on ground units unfortunate enough to find themselves below one of these flying catastrophes. The Fighta-Bommerz’ crude looks belie their sturdy construction and their ability to unleash immense firepower.
These aircraft are piloted by Ork Flyboys, the most fanatical members of the Ork Kult of Speed. Their insatiable need for speed causes them to send the plane into reckless and near-suicidal dives that often mystify even the most experienced enemy pilots. This recklessness makes them some of the most frustrating and unpredictable pilots the Imperium has to face!
Orks being Orks, Fighta-Bommerz aren’t exactly built with pilot safety in mind, and Orks being Orks, they couldn’t possibly care any less. They rely instead on the Fighta-Bommer’s sturdy hull and a large hook that digs into the ground to bring the aircraft to a stop. Tougher Ork pilots have been known to survive from time to time.
While the Ork pilots retain a chance of surviving a mission, the same can’t be said for the Gretchin slaves that crew the vehicle. The luckiest Gretchin gets welded into the ball turret, and could theoretically survive the mission if the plane isn’t shot down, and the landing is particularly gentle. The other Gretchin, however, have no chance of survival since they are welded into the bombs, and given the task of piloting them into their targets.
Ork Fighta Bommerz require an Orky Fort and come fairly late in the game. Their high hit points make them feel like flying tanks, and their Grot bombs make them devastating to all unit types. They also appear later game to make them feel more Orky. Flyboyz are rare since Orks are naturally suspicious of anyone who doesn’t want to be on the ground "fightin."
Fighta Bommerz are a great way to finish off a tough enemy, and are one of the most satisfying ways to achieve victory in Soulstorm.
Specifications:
Type: Fighter-bomber
Powerplant: Unknown
Performance: Maximum speed 1900 kph (1188 mph) at 5,000 feet; cruising speed 1400 kph (875 mph); range 9000 km
Weight: 13.5 tons (empty)
Dimensions: Wingspan 17.9m; length 14.2m; height 3.75m
Armament: Two nose-mounted ‘eavy shootas, two wing-mounted ‘eavy shootas, two ball turret-mounted ‘eavy shootas. Four under-wing hardpoints.
Tau Barracuda
The Tau Barracuda is a deadly interceptor that is designed to rule the skies, and strike fear into the hearts of enemy pilots. The Tau Barracuda is not the fastest interceptor in the skies, but it is one of the most maneuverable, and is also one of the most numerous (the Tau invest heavily in the Barracuda, believing that air superiority is the key to victory).
The Tau pilots themselves also provide an advantage..The Tau are divided into four castes: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The Air Caste spend almost all of their time in space and on orbital platforms, and are at home in a zero-gravity environment. They have existed in this state for so many generations, that their physical traits have adapted to their extreme environment. As a result, the Air Caste has a deep, inherent understanding of three dimensional movement (far more than can be grasped by a mere planet-dweller.)
The Tau Barracuda is designed for speed and maneuverability, and is not as sturdy as those the Orks and the Imperium build. While the Tau are ardent air battlers, they do so with a sense of safety and pragmatism. To compensate for the heightened risk of their light aircraft, the Tau install each craft with safety mechanisms designed to protect the pilot’s life. If a Barracuda is shot down, the entire cockpit detaches, and can make its way safely to the ground with its limited flight abilities.
Tau technology has always been a mystery to the Imperium. none would argue the pure effectiveness of Tau aircraft and their weaponry though. The metal used for the hull is light, but extremely durable. The propulsion system is utterly alien, and nearly without par. The Tau Barracuda’s weaponry rips through Imperial armor with ease, and is the bane of Imperial pilots.
The Tau rely heavily on their air superiority, so the Barracuda only requires a vehicle beacon and comes out mid-game. The Barracuda is one of the deadliest interceptors in the game, and can defeat many of the heavier aircraft in the game. Against the better wishes of their numerous enemies, the Barracuda’s missiles can stun infantry, and even pierce the armor of heavy vehicles.
The savvy Tau commander would be wise to include the Barracuda in his strategy, as should his opponents.
Specifications:
Type: Air superiority fighter
Powerplant: Unknown
Performance: Maximum speed 2100 kph (1312 mph) at 5,000 feet; cruising speed 1400 kph (875 mph); range unknown,
Weight: 7 tons (empty)
Dimensions: Wingspan 12.5m; length 11.4m; height 3.25m
Armament: Nose-mounted ion cannon, two wing-mounted missile pods, two wing-mounted drone-controlled burst cannons, missile bay for four seeker missiles.