Cornerian XSF-392 Thunderbolt

I’ve no Idea where this came from.

The XSF-392 is a prototype next-generation short-range fighter. As the Cornerian government struggles to reunite the planets of the Lylat system, This aircraft could become a common sight in the skies. It’s meant as a simple, durable, aircraft, easy to fly, but still lethally maneuverable and fast.

The Planetary Defense Fighter program was conceived near the end of the Andross War. As Star Fox turned the tables, it became clear that Corneria’s demolished Space Fleet could not cope with patrolling Lylat space alone: It was decided to establish outposts on frontier planets in order to secure them. Unfortunately, the patrol craft used was often whatever was left over from the old main fleet, often outdated craft, and whatever came up at the local starship auction. Something inexpensive, reliable, tough and easy to maintain was needed to help keep the peace.

The XSF-392 from Space Dynamics was chosen as the winner. Because the craft were meant to be stationed planetside and stay within orbiting range, the craft was not fitted with a Warp Drive, nor a fully pressurized cockpit. The pilot wears a spacesuit with oxygen supply to cope. The spacecraft is clearly meant as an atmospheric fighter, with canard wings and small vertical stabilizers, but the craft is space-capable: a 2-coil G-Diffuser system developed from project ARWING was specified, and made further reliable. The craft has remarkably strong shielding, and test pilots have even started nicknaming the craft the “Thunderbolt,” after an ancient, extremely durable aircraft. Maneuverability is good, slightly off par with the current Arwing models, but still capable of the “Def-Roll,” a high-speed, computer controlled Aerlion Roll that produces a temporary deflector shield around the aircraft. Weaponry consists of two 33MM laser cannons, and a pair of underwing pylons, beneath the forward-swept wings. The weapons pylons can be fitted with a number of weapons, from arrester missiles that allow someone on the ground to take control of a target ship, to B-bomb launchers, as seen here. The thrust engines are a pair of small plasma-jet engines based on that of the Arwing.

Cornerian strategists are already envisioning roles beyond the Planetary Defense role, such as stationing the craft aboard large cruisers and using them for fleet defense and local attack. The low acquisition price also means it can be built in large numbers. As the Arwing II has been chosen as the primary Air Superiority fighter, the XSF-392 shows promise beyond it’s intentions. Space Dynamics is possibly working on a larger version of both craft for a pure attack role: this would have full cockpit pressurization and a Warp Drive.

Space Dynamics XSF-392 (Thunderbolt?) © James McHenry/Jim Prower
Star Fox, Corneria © Nintendo