A-19 Hammerhead

The Hamilton A-19 Hammerhead, developed by Hamilton Aerospace, is a three crew attack ship designed as a light bomber and close air support ship. It entered service in 2417 at the waning years of the Imperium War, and became a favorite of ground troops, and Air crews due to its high maneuverability and durability. 
== Development ==
The call for a heavily armored attack shuttle came as early as 2373 as during the brief Federation/Klingon war. Starfleet ground forces were no match to Klingon warriors. Several design proposals were submitted by the ADSB and the Boeing Company. 
In 2374, as ground casualties mounted from the Dominion War, Boeing was awarded a contract to build a prototype attack shuttle. The Model 399 prototype was launched just six months later for Starfleet evaluations. The Model 399 was well received. After four months of evaluation trials the Model 399 was canceled. Starfleet being purely a defensive service didn't want to adopt a purely combat oriented vessel into service. 
In 2410, using the old Boeing feasibility studies, Hamilton Aerospace began development on the own attack shuttle. The AL50 was launched in 2413, but was disappointing in performance. The prototype crashed while doing a simulated bombing run. The crashed killed test pilot Lt. Gary Daltree, and Flight Engineer and Hamilton engineer Chance LaCroix. 
Returning to the drawing board Hamilton Aerospace's chief engineer Douglas Chester began designs for the AL51 featuring massive impulse engines mounted on horizontal pylons with a 360° rotating joint. Computer models exceeded expectations and the Terra Alpha Marine Corps ordered two AL51s now designated YA-19 for evaluation. 
Category:Fighter
Category:Ships