Nephilim Jetfighter

A Nephilim Jetfighter is a variant attack aircraft used only by the Dark Angels and their Unforgiven Successor Chapters. The Nephilim's primary role as as an interceptor, helping to keep the skies clear over the field of battle, protecting their brethren on the ground from the threat of an aerial attack.

History
Nephilim Jetfighters are sleek aircraft deployed from the fighter bays of The Rock or any of the Dark Angels' Strike Cruisers. Although sometimes given the task of escorting Thunderhawk gunships to their drop sites, the main role for the Nephilim is as an interceptor to establish air superiority over the battlefield, allowing their brethren to concentrate on ground targets with little concern for aerial assault. The Nephilim Jetfighters have only been used by the Dark Angels since the late 40th Millennium, when the Standard Template Construct for the improved engines was discovered while hunting a suspected Fallen, Baelor the Imposter, in the Nephilim Sector. Designated the Lionheart engine, the technology was used to modify older designs, though many features were left in place to appease the Machine Spirits. The end product was a more agile fighter with improved speed, even while carrying more powerful armaments. With a twin-linked Lascannon mounted in its nose, the Nephilim is ideally suited to bringing down aerial targets. It has proven itself on innumerable occasions. Nephilim Jetfighters have also proven more than capable in an anti-tank role as well. When fitted with Avenger Mega Bolters, Nephilim have proven quite effective at raking through enemy armour, while their brethren equipped with the usual lascannons destroy heavier vehicles.

To pilot such swift attack craft, the Dark Angels have naturally turned to the Ravenwing, for the 2nd Company cultivates the skills needed for such rapid manoeuvres. Ever since its founding, all members of the Ravenwing have been trained to pilot any of the vehicles their company utilises in battle; however, it is the oversized 2nd and 3rd squads that have traditionally served as the front line pilots. On the whole, the Dark Angels exhibit conservatism regarding their wargear, preferring the standard-issue weapons and vehicles that have served the Chapter for thousands of years. Ravenwing pilots, however, do not show such obstinacy. While they revere the ancient relics that have been used in combat since the days of the Great Crusade, they continually push the Techmarines for enhancements, modifications or newer craft -- anything that can boost the speed with which they can take the fight to those who would deny the Emperor's will. Whatever the foe, the sleek Nephilim will guard the skies above their brethren, and the angels will rule the heavens.