Rapier-class Interceptor

A prototype ship, the Rapier is the UNSC's latest interceptor design. Combining elements of speed, armor, and arment, it is one of the best all around fighters in the UNSC, and it is on par with Covenant interceptors. The Rapier was developped around Mars, and was given to select UNSC squadrons and/or any interceptor squadrons inside the Sol system in 2551. The rapier boasts higher thrust than the Longsword, and performs better in atmosphere due to more powerful stabilizers. The Rapier has slightly better firepower, but also has less armor. The Rapier boasts relatively easy to master controls, allowing a single pilot with only a Mk. 2 Pilot Neural Interface to pilot the ship. The Rapier is a smaller ship overall, and has less crewspace and storage areas. Aside from the cockpit, almost all space in the fighter is dedicated to carrying additional firepower. Some Rapier interceptors are modified with stealth packages and slipspace drives, but these are few and far between. The earlier models of the Rapier used during the Great War did not boast shielding, but in later years they were upgraded to have such shielding. The Rapier was retired in 2571.