Nicknamed Hayabusa (隼, “Peregrine Falcon”), the Ke-V6-1C is a small, sleek space interceptor used by the Star Army of Yamatai in both carrier-based and planet-based units. It entered service in the second half of YE 31, during the Second Mishhuvurthyar War and was superseded by the Ke-V6-1D "Hayabusa" Starfighter in mid-YE 32.
The V6-C model is distinguished from the earlier V6-B model by its short wingspan, additional (rear) turrets, and by large heavy cannons on its underside. The changes were made to give the fighter the ability to fight enemy pods in all directions, to allow more fighters to be stored per carrier, and to give it (minor) anti-starship capabilities like the NMX Bomber Pod (Type 31A). The Turbo Aether Plasma Drive engines also have improved acceleration (and glow teal rather than purple).
Produced in large numbers by Ketsurui Fleet Yards, the Hayabusa became a common sight in Yamataian fleets, deployed on Irim Gunships and Sharie-class Battleships as well as serving in planetary garrisons around the Empire. Most V6 starfighters are painted in the standard Star Army light blue-gray color scheme or in Multi-Net 3 Camouflage Pattern, although some aces and special persons have alternate color schemes. While the Hayabusa does not have a built-in hyperspace drive, its ring-shaped combined field system gives it speeds of up to 5,000c (~0.57 ly/h). It can be operated by one or two pilots; generally, the forward pilot controls the heavy cannons and maneuvers the fighter while the second pilot controls the turreted guns, sensors, and missiles.
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The V6-1C2 (“C2”) variant is essentially the same as the V6-1C, but its landing gear has been replaced with improved landing gear that absorbs shocks better and is completely retractable. The trade-off is the new smaller wheels make the C2 less able to taxi on rough terrain and the fighter is slightly more wobbly on the ground.
The Hayabusa SD (System Defense) is based on the V6-1C but is modified for system defense. It features smaller, retractable wheels (but not the shock absorbers of the C2) and lacks FTL capabilities. It is typically painted in camouflage and has darker tinted windshields. Most fighters of this model are built in the system they defend for use by the Star Army or local planetary defense forces. As such, they may have more variation than standard models.
