While the powerful Bahamut-class bombers excel in their antiship role, they lack the precision to act as ground support craft. For this, the Imperial Navy uses the smaller Vampire-class, its faster speed and greater maneuverability giving it an edge when providing air cover for ground forces in dense areas such as cities or forests.
The Vampire’s primary weapons are its 10 Halberd Antiship Missiles, which can be used against both starships and ground targets thanks to their adjustable yield technology. In addition to these, it carries a pair of Shrike Anti-Fighter missiles and a pair of forward light laser cannons, allowing it to act as a dogfighter in a pinch.
The Vampire is very small compared to most bombers, and as such enjoys a greater degree of maneuverability and speed, though dedicated starfighters can still fly circles around it. It has a top acceleration of 254 G’s, making it far and away faster than any other bomber in the galaxy.
Well-armed and surprisingly quick, the Vampire can prove a difficult challenge for enemy fleets, and can decimate ground forces with near impunity. It is a deadly and effective addition to the Imperial Navy, and a lethal implement against any enemy.