The Swiftdeath Fighter is a void-capable interceptor spacecraft of an ancient design that served as the primary Attack Craft used by the Forces of Chaos during the Gothic War in the early 41st Millennium. Like most Chaos starships and other vehicles, the Swiftdeath is usually manufactured within the Eye of Terror by the servants of Abaddon the Despoiler.
Though these voidcraft are obsolete when compared to the newer patterns available to the Imperial Navy, the Swiftdeath is still favoured by the servants of the Ruinous Powers for their flexibility in combat. Fast, agile, and deadly, Swiftdeaths are the eternal nemesis of the Imperial Fury interceptor. However, even as their manoeuvrability gives them an edge against their foe, their comparatively fragile design and smaller armament just as often proves their downfall.
The Swiftdeath was used in both an interceptor and fleet escort role during the Gothic War. According to the reports from the fighter wings of the Dictator-class Cruiser Lord Solar Macharius, who often had to compete against Swiftdeath fighters, the craft possessed "a general lethal appearance oozing menace, with the sickle-like wings giving the distinct impression that the fighter was cutting its way through the void. Nimble and fast, its banks of Lascannons made the Swiftdeath a dangerous opponent to face."
There are many variants of Swiftdeaths in the galaxy, but the one most commonly found in the Koronus Expanse is referred to the "Iniquity Pattern" -- although there is no evidence to suggest it originated on that cursed moon of the Expanse. These Swiftdeaths are equipped to operate competently in atmospheres as well as the void, though their performance still degrades. Little else is currently known about this Chaos spacecraft.
Dimensions
- Type: Starfighter
- Length: Unknown
- Cruising Speed: 2,750 kilometres per hour
- Crew: Pilot, Co-pilot
Armament
- 3 Forward Pilot-operated Focused Plasma Cannons
- 6 Co-pilot-operated Hunter-Killer Missiles
Ordo Malleus Departmento Analyticus Technical Specifications
The technical specifications of the Swiftdeath Fighter are not publicly available.
Sources
- Rogue Trader - Battlefleet Koronus (RPG), pg. 141
- Battlefleet Gothic Resources: Ships of the Gothic Sector, pg. 126
- Execution Hour (Novel) by Gordon Rennie, pp. 101-103; 107-108