Kite

Up to date for latest version, 0.97a.

Kite-class Shuttle
Midline Frigate
4,000c
Logistical data
CR per deployment	20%
CR per deployment	20%
Recovery rate (per day)	5%
Recovery rate (per day)	5%
Recovery cost (supplies)	2
Recovery cost (supplies)	2
Deployment points	2
Deployment points	2
Peak performance (sec)	180
Peak performance (sec)	180
Ordnance points	25
Ordnance points	25
Maintenance (supplies/month)	2
Maintenance (supplies/month)	2
Cargo capacity	30
Cargo capacity	30
Maximum crew	30
Maximum crew	30
Skeleton crew required	2
Skeleton crew required	2
Fuel capacity	15
Fuel capacity	15
Maximum burn	9
Maximum burn	9
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	1
Fuel per LY / Jump cost	1
Combat performance
Hull integrity	900
Armor rating	150
Flux capacity	1400
Flux dissipation	80
Top speed	140
Systems
Defense	Omni Shield
Shield arc	150
Shield upkeep/sec	40
Shield flux/damage	0.8
System	Maneuvering Jets
Mounts	1x Small Ballistic 2x Small Missile
Hullmods	Civilian-grade Hull

	A familiar civilian design, the "Kite"-class aeroshuttle is the day-to-day reminder of Fabrique Orbitale's reputation for aeronautical engineering- a valuable specialty even in the age of space travel. This compact space/aircraft is streamlined for efficient atmospheric flight and boasts a grid of cleverly distributed short-burst maneuvering thrusters coordinated by a delta-level AI subsystem to ensure smooth landings (a point driven home by Fabrique marketing by way of amusing ad-holos featuring a well-dressed couple and an overfull wine glass). The Kite has powerful engines for a civilian ship of its size, though zero-G maneuverability leaves something to be desired when the special subsystem is not engaged. In the dangerous cycles post-Collapse, the Kite has been outfitted with a defense turret in place of the executive-class viewing dome and the two auxiliary jet-pods are replaced with missile systems (which do not need to draw on the limited powerplant). It won't stand up in a fair fight, but the Kite can be given unexpectedly sharp teeth and use its speed to escape from raiders. Luddic Path radicals have even been known to use modified Kite to deliver strike weapons against helpless freighters, followed by engaging the maneuvering subsystem to make a swift exit to avoid the wrath of their victim's escort.
–In-Game Description

A Frigate-sized Shuttle designed mainly for personnel transport, the Kite can be fielded in battle as a cheap way to overwhelm enemy ships with numbers.

• Kite
• Kite (A)
• Kite (P)
• Kite (LP)
• Kite (S)

Overview

Armed with three weapon hardpoints, the Kite has one Small Ballistic turret (200°) at the center of the ship, and can outfit 2 Small Missile hardpoints.

In regard to defenses, the Kite is equipped with an Omni Shield that expands upwards to 150°, as well as Maneuvering Jets to increase the ship's speed.

The Kite itself was not meant for battlefield conditions, and as such has a Civilian-grade Hull.

Acquisition

The Kite can be found just about anywhere, with multiple variants amongst multiple factions.

Tactics

The following section contains user-submitted suggestions, these may be inaccurate or outdated.

The Kite is a cheap and effective skirmisher. Good for screening the enemy fleet's first wave and/or tying up the heavy hitters. Its missiles should not be underestimated; they can easily deliver a killing blow to a wounded or unwary ship. Due to the small costs of fielding a Kite, multiple Kites can be fielded to overwhelm enemy fleets, though high casualty rates should be expected.

Due to its minimal defensive capabilities, fighters and other fast frigates are effective counters to enemy Kites.

Changelog

Patch 0.96a: Starting Kite (A) variant: replaced Light Dual Autocannon with Light Autocannon Patch 0.95.1a: Kite (S) now has 30 ordnance points Patch 0.7a: Introduced