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Turanic Raider "Bandit"-Class Interceptor
Mass: 70 tons
Firepower: 65
Armor: 75
Coverage: 5%
Maneuverability: very high
Max. Velocity: 780 m/s

The Bandit-class Interceptor has the dubious distinction of being the first hostile vessel encountered by the Exiles on their quest for the Homeworld. For a people who actually debated the need for a dedicated strike craft at all, the appearance of this high-speed, heavily armored fighter blazing away with its advanced mass drivers was a rude shock. While little is known about the origins of Raider technology, the abilities of the Bandit appear to be the result of a practical design refined through countless combat situations, as opposed to any exotic material or energy generation. Pirate vessels are based on the simplest application of any technology, combined with armoring each and every internal module to create a ship of very high durability with very low maintenance costs.

While not particularly known for their innovative thinking, the Turanic Raiders have managed to keep the Bandit on par with the Taiidani Heavy Interceptor and the Hiigaran Blade Fighter, and it is still as formidable an opponent now as it was 15 years ago. Tests performed on captured Bandits reveal a ship that is highly responsive, but very tricky to fly as it nears its performance envelope. The increased mass of the armored components, combined with the Bandit's all-aspect maneuver thrusters, can lead to dangerous slewing when performing high-g turns at maximum thrust.

Bandit wings depend on surprise for most of their combat success, and often enter battle without warning. The last thing many a surprised escort fighter has seen is the blue-white streak of a Bandit's drive trail before a storm of mass driver rounds sends them on to their next life. For their tendency to lurk in asteroid belts in order to hide from enemy sensors, Bandits have been given the nickname "Rock Rats" by Hiigaran crews.