Nu-7 Lo-Żurato

{||} The Nu-7 Lo-Żurato ('Pirate') is a single engine light unmanned supermaneuverable aerospace fighter of the Hierarchy. It is a swarm unit, with a high degree of operational autonomy thanks to an on-board AI system, and is designed to operate in concert with manned Nu-11 Lo-Shżuro or Nu-11/3 Lo-Shżazarat fighters.

Typical carrier loadouts involving the Żurato are based around wings of 12 manned fighters, each controlling a swarm of 10 Nu-7s. Each drone is autonomous, and coordinates with its wingmates through a distributed AI datalink. The manned fighters help to designate targets and direct the swarm - though drones can also be controlled remotely from a mothership if necessary. Drones may be used to attract enemy fire, tie up forces or to conduct reconaissance. The Nu-7L is an variant of the Żurato, with radar/thermosensor spoofing and AI cyberattack capabilities; at least one Nu-7L is typically included in every drone squadron.

The Żurato's small size and modularity/ease of disassembly allow potentially thousands of drones to be stored on a single carrier. For its size, the Żurato enjoys excellent maneuverability in both atmosphere and vacuum. It is capable of unassisted reentry via aerobraking. It can be reconfigured with RCS pods and a propellant booster for improved delta-v in space, or with a ramjet booster for improved airspeed. The Żurato is not capable of reaching orbit from most planetary surfaces on its own, and typically requires a second stage or shuttle launch.

General characteristics

 * Crew: 1
 * Length: 8.03 m
 * Wingspan: 7.21 m
 * Height: 2.54 m
 * Powerplant: 1 × YT-86 Micro Fusion Engine

Armament

 * Guns: 1 x SY-7 Tactical Laser Unit
 * Hardpoints: 8 hardpoints (2 × internal, 6 × external)

Variants

 * Nu-7L - ECM variant
 * Nu-7K - Atmospheric strike variant
 * Nu-7U - High Delta-V variant for high orbital missions and patrol duties.
 * Nu-7O - Unarmed reconnaisance variant for the Astroexploration Corps. Includes atmospheric chemical sensors, high resolution cameras and a surface scanning radar array.