The A/F-330 was built as part of a three-aircraft scheme conceived by the new United Lylat Air Force. The “Raider,” as it became known, was the heavy-aircraft of the plan, the other two being the F-392 “Thunderbolt” for local defense and F/A-328 “Arwing II” for general mission roles.
The A/F-330 is designed around a ground attack role, and thus is the only fighter used by the Army division. It’s also primarily why the “A” is in front of the “F” – the craft, in fact, had never been intended for dogfighting! It just so happened that it was maneuverable enough, thanks to four oversized G-diffuser spires, the lower two of which fold upwards for landing. Overall, the craft resembles an oversized Arwing fighter because of this.
The primary weaponry consists of two Lytech Model 30-8 TB “Tank Blaster” 30mm, 8 barrel gatling cannons. The weapons were designed to achieve a high rate of fire as well as a high damage rate. In order to achieve this, each barrel has its own capacitor, and recharges as it rotates. The result is an incredible rate of fire for such a large charge size, and the ability to pierce thick armor, making it useful against Marli starships and fighters. The sheer charging power alone requires a strong reactor, and the power management system must always be working to keep up with demands from the engines, G-diffusers, and cannons.
As well, the craft possesses two small missile/B-bomb launchers. As plasma-based, user detonated B-bombs fall out of favor, the old standby guided missile has become a popular choice. As well, the lower ordinance doors can open, and normal guided or unguided bombs can be carried for use against starships or ground targets.
Climbing into the cockpit, one may notice something missing if the craft hasn’t been started: instruments. This is because all instruments and Multi-function displays have been consolidated into a single touch-screen display, situated front and center. Pilots have been known to customize controls to their liking, and there are three preset configurations from the factory. After this, one straps into the seat, reclined at 20 degrees, and puts his hands on the pressure-sensitive sidestick and throttle.
Because Raiders are very durable, pilots tend to fly their craft for a long time, and some prefer to personally oversee all repairs. Some have even named them, and this one, “Spirit of Cerinia,” also has nose art in the style of old aircraft from wars long past. The nose art of “Spirit” depicts a female Cerinian warrior in traditional garb, as the craft is flown by part-Cerinian pilot Marcus McCloud. ((Note: the character is NOT his mother, Krystal, rather, a generic warrior.))
Flight characteristics are marked by the craft being relatively easy to fly compared to the high-strung, high-performance Arwing. Its size means it falls short of that craft’s maneuverability mark, but it’s heavy armor and shields more than make up for those shortcomings. It has excellent high-speed stability, and as a dive-bomber is unparalleled by anything in the Lylat military, even the large Wolfen assault fighter and dual-seat “Tomcat II” Naval Fighter. Its characteristics make it an ideal craft for pilots of Army hovercraft to fly, and yet it’s maneuverable enough to remain endearing to even the most skilled Arwing pilot.
Raider concept, art © Jim Prower/James McHenry
Marcus, Cerinia, Corneria, etcetera, © Nintendo
