[Raven2001]

As Subspace tracking technology became more common, the GTVA built the GTF Manlius as an answer to the frequent skirmishes that took place in Subspace corridors.

The idea here is to make a fighter that is specialized in subspace encounters. No shields, so to improve survivability, it must be somewhat fast and maneuverable, but also compact and durable. Post-Capella era. And I may think of some more techno-babble to integrate in the design.

I opted to start showing some scribbles I threw down to get a sense of what such a ship would look like. I think some designs may fit the bill, others not so much. So far, I'm more inclined for nº2 and nº7.
Anyway, I thought that getting everyone involved would be cool, so I'm open to opinions. The rule is: keep the briefing in mind when giving input. Shoot away.

Oh, and if the majority thinks that the concept sucks, or something, don't be afraid to voice it. I don't want to do something that people won't use.

[Trivial Psychic]

I like #6.

[An4ximandros]

#18 looks like a good starting point for a sleek subspace surfer.

[fightermedic]

i like #20
looks compact and durable
this is a very unique and good idea for a new ship, something different!

[DireWolf]

The in-universe concept is pretty cool. I really like the idea of an AWACS having a squadron of these on call to intercept reinforcements heading to a skirmish at a moment's notice. Think of the possibilities!
My favorites are #9 and #6.

[Rodo]

1,3 & 4 are essentially Herc II, so don't go there.
6 looks cool, but it's more like vasudan to me.
I like the 7th, it's a good starting point, somewhat oriented on Herc II but with enough differences to make it clear it's another ship.
About the others, I can see 20, 23 & 24 as somekind of heavy bomber, the rest I cannot distinguish anything notable from them.

[Alan Bolte]

I like the concept.
I'll add my voice to those voting for #6.
I also like 21 - it looks like a cross between the Loki and the Myrmidon.
There's something appealing about the shape of #25, but I'd rather indistict - I think I'd need to see a few more sketches.

[Hellstryker]

I like 2 if I'm seeing it right. Basically instead of the standard Terran 2 pod design, it's one U shaped piece. 6 is cool but 2 Vasudan, rest don't really fit the bill.

9 Is also interesting. Mini Erinyes?

[The Dagger]

I like 6 for a fighter and 19,20,21 for a heavy assault/bomber. Most of the designs look armor-heavy to me, which goes well with shield-less operations, but I don't they look quite fast and agile.

[Phantom Hoover]

I really like the compact look 18 seems to have.

[headdie]

I like 20 for its apollo vibe, 23 looks cool too

[Raven2001]

Thanks!
I never really considered nº6. Looks too flimsy and has a more Vasudan fell than Terran, to me. I'm surprised so many people are "voting" on it. To those that did, how and why do you see it fitting the briefing?
In general, I'd prefer comments explaining\justifying your choices (or what you don't think fits), because I'm not looking for a voting session (in the end, I'm going to go my own way, anyway), but rather understand what you guys see on the designs. So say for instance, when I get this:

1,3 & 4 are essentially Herc II

OR

21 - it looks like a cross between the Loki and the Myrmidon.

Golden comments, right there!!

I really like the idea of an AWACS having a squadron of these on call to intercept reinforcements heading to a skirmish at a moment's notice. Think of the possibilities!

That's a possibility! What immediately came to mind when thinking of the concept, was a some sort of anti-SSM cruiser (that would function pretty much like a sub: the cruiser would just lie in subspace, shooting SSM torpedos) strike force.
Think a creative designer can think of other cool ideas for this concept (share!!).

9 Is also interesting. Mini Erinyes?

How do you see an Erinyes on nº9? I'd relate it more to an Herc (which was a major reference, given its compact, small and durable looking shape. Hence some of the designs looking too much like an Herc) than an Erinyes.

[Phantom Hoover]

To elaborate, I think 18 is the best because the general theme of your concepts is a fighter which lacks all the extra vanes and winglets and nacelles FS2 fighters generally have, which has been cut down to do a single role, killing fighters quickly in subspace; and I think 18 is the best instance of that concept. It looks scrunched-up and beefy, which is a look I don't think I've seen many other fighters have. (Taristin's fighters are another good example, and I absolutely love those designs.)

[Raven2001]

Thanks Hoover! Appreciated!

Just want to clarify a couple of things:
- I'm still unsure if I'm gonna give it nacelles or not. I dunno, but I guess that there's more particles in subspace that could be gathered by the fighter to give it an extra energy boost. Just a random thought.

- The fighter is supposed to do more than being a fighter killer: it's supposed to be able to make surgical strikes and maybe the odd convoy raid as well. There may be other roles that a subspace fighter could have, that I'm not thinking about.

[headdie]

in that case I am seriously leaning towards 23.  it looks like it could be a post capella ship in line with the FS1 Athena, with that kind of handling with some sort of light anti-cap warhead so 2-4 of them could take out say a couple of cruisers or a corvette and their fighter escort without assistance would make them good subspace harassers/light strike fighters

[Hellstryker]

How do you see an Erinyes on nº9? I'd relate it more to an Herc (which was a major reference, given its compact, small and durable looking shape. Hence some of the designs looking too much like an Herc) than an Erinyes.

Sleek, elongated cockpit, split "pods" on either side.

[cahdoge]

I would like to have a greec name and noe roman.
How about naming this ship type "Laelaps"an imortal dog europa got from zues.
This dog never failed to catch what he was hunting.

[Raven2001]

The name is up to whomever uses it in a campaign, I suppose. I named it Manlius because it also sounds a lot like "manly"... Think that with shields becoming commonplace, flying without them is rather ballsy

Anyhow, still haven't started modeling it. Maybe next week I'll be able to.

[Akalabeth Angel]

Manilus sounds better imo, if a bit Renegade Legion-ish (due to the Roman-sounding origins?)

Any updates?

[Unknown Target]

Hey Raven2001.

First of all, I love your sketches.

Definitely seeing some herc influences in the initial designs. I'm liking 1, but I'm really not liking 6.

8 is interesting, I can see it as a trimaran type. 9 has a great visual style going there. I'm thinking something bigger and longer, sort of reminds me a bit of Macross.

Digging the Apollo and Medusa reference in the bottom set (19-25). Do I see some Serenity? I like 25, I see it's nose on the right and tail on the left.