HM Fighter Wings

> **"*We are Her Majesty’s silver wings!"***
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> **- Motto of the many fighter branches in the Imperial military, 2320s-**
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The Fighter Wings of the Eternal Empire - Also known as the **Imperial Fighter Corps** - Is a military institution branching out from the nation's Armed Forces. Answering both to the Imperial Royal Navy and the Imperial Royal Army, the Fighter Corps acts as a support and attack force, spearheading attacks both in the atmosphere and out of it. Imperial fighter pilots, hardened through a collection of wars and missions, are one of the best throughout the entire Galactic Cluster. His Majesty's Wings are, without any doubt, one of the most elite, battle-hardened and competent Small-craft forces to be found in the Galaxy.

As the Imperial military works with slightly different methods than the ones from the Commonwealth, it's worth mentioning that the Corps is nowadays divided between two main bodies; **Imperial Fighter Command in Void** and **Imperial Fighter Command in Air**. Each group holds its own importance to the other military branches of the Empire.

## **Origins**

Although well known to many nowadays, the concept of small-craft present in fleet warfare throughout the void was space was something to took time to consolidate, both technologically and tactics-wise. Imperial Wings were first introduced in Old Earth, in times preluding the Great War. Throughout the course of time, the Exodus, and the struggles for control of New Earth, the need for an atmospheric fighter was basically extinct, as there was no opposition to essentially "Shoot down". In the course of a decade, fighter squadrons were scrapped and jet aircraft developments were terminated; pilots that were Earth's once great aces now became nothing more than cargo pilots for a rebuilding nation in alien soil...

Then everything changed when the Eternal Empire geared for war...

If there was one place where tactics and experience had managed to degrade instead of progress, it was with small-craft handling. After essentially 200 years of lacklustre flying combat experience, the use of aircraft in atmospheric combat had turned into something very experimental, as no one truly had mastered the art of flying at 10,000 Km/h whilst dogfighting over dense alien clouds... To put it simply, the technology was too advanced, and the tactics, too primitive to really turn into something effective at the time. In the Third Campaign of the Southern Thrust, during the **Battle for New Lura**, for example, the Empire would lose 15 Fighters for every 19 it fielded in the battle, with the average pilot lasting 14,5 minutes in the air before being shot down, crashing or suffering some kind of critical malfunction due to the alien conditions. Throughout the course of few months, the Imperial Fighter Corps had taken into housing another name to its infamy; the **Death Corps.** A title that would require much hard work to erase and replace with the flawless excellency it became known for in recent years...

Fortunately, as the Empire reassessed its capabilities once realising the initial heavy losses taken during interstellar warfare, so did the consideration into applying better tactics, designs and training to fighter forces throughout void and atmospheric-like conflicts. It, however, became an arduous and daunting task, taking over a decade to fully transition across the Empire's forces. But as per part of the Imperial Restructuring Act of the 2250s, enacted partly per overseeing of the Earl of Falka, amongst numerous others commanders and leaders, the Fighter Wings saw an increase in cohesion and modernity, something that would later become part of its core stratagem, as the Great Northern War would prove.

Throughout the early 2260s, the reformed fighter command had to do with more than prove its worth, it needed overwhelming victories. During the Bloody Push, wings acted as spearheads for planetary invasions; the fighters clearing and air-fairing opposition before it could hinder a Support Wing's operation. A great collection of Imperial aces began being raised, accumulating victories left and right, as Dyss doctrinal stance over small-craft utilization resumed itself to "Mindlessly focusing on targets as a self-made bomb". The birth of the Void Fighter Wings - Dating to the 2250s, with the earliest implementation of void-converted carriers - were revolutionary ideas of themselves, allowing for the Navy to become more flexible in the face of confrontation. Overall, the Eternal Empire's fighter forces managed to down hundreds of thousands of enemy threats, generating thousands of aces of their own and clearing much opposition to be found in Dyss Xeno worlds. However, it was not enough...

During the so-called 'Uneasy Peace', the Air and Void forces cherished once more on much needed reshuffling and reorganization, testing their tactics with the smaller conflicts that arose in the South... Use of Void Carriers was becoming a more integral part of the Armadas, and for once, it seemed as if the pilots accompanying the land armies were being left on the side-lines. Nevertheless, it was by these trials in fire where the Fighters geared for their true challenges across the Galaxy; A clash against the Commonwealth.

Fighting against the Commonwealth, paradoxical as it was, proved an interesting challenge for the Empire's forces. For the first time they found themselves the ones out-numbering their foes, but utterly lacking the proper technology to properly combat the adversary in a proper duel, especially in Void-bound conditions. It was something going against everything the skilled pilots of the Corps had trained for, and by the time they had finally properly prepared with adequate tactics, equipment and training, the Ancestral War was on its way out... Having lost the bulk of its elite forces at the retreat from Aasha, the Imperial Fighter forces were once more set to rebuild and re-organize; Caution over pride, this time.

As it stands, His Majesty's Fighter Wings are currently part of frontline forces for planetary defences and find themselves at the forefront of fleets' offensive coordinations, its crews prepared to defend their homeland whatever the cost may be. Imperial Fighter Command in Void reports over **160,000** active personnel (That may include pilots, specialized mechanics and Fighter Corps medics, quartermasters, gunners and officers), whilst its much more sizeable counterpart, the Imperial Fighter Command in Air, reports with over **7 Million** active personnel, often part of army compositions or planetary garrisons. Although cited as less effective than their Commonwealth rivals, the Empire houses the benefits of larger numbers and a considerable edge in stealth technology, at the expense of less advanced A.I. and the human factor, playing a much larger key than it does in the East... Overall, taking into accounts the differing factors and styles of both forces; They can be evenly matched if no side upholds the advantage, a true evolution since the early days of hypersonic dogfighting over the skies of southern realms...

## **Command Structure**

### **Wing Organisation**

The usual Fighter Wing operating in Atmospheric situations is expected to field 100 small-craft, each situating 10 Squadrons with 10 crafts assigned to each Squadron. In the early stages of the 2200s the numbers varied between Wings, settling between 150 and 250. With personnel and material value of a single unit increasing significantly with passing of the ages, the sizes of Wings have shrunk in sizes throughout the decades. Fighter Wings operating in Void conditions tend to be within 75 or less units, housing around 3 to 5 Squadrons with 25 or lesser craft for easier coordination in the battle.

### **Wing Identification**

Usually, IFCA (Atmospheric Fighter Forces) can be easily separated between roles determined by their aircraft's designed role. Such a method becomes far trickier when taking into account the conditions fuelling the IFCV (Void Fighter Forces), however, as not only can a Support Battlecruiser house a collection of crafts, but so can a Battleship, Carriers, Transports and all in between. Therefore, Void Wings are not determined the kind of craft they utilized, but what type of role it might excel in (Meaning that same aircraft might find themselves performing different orders). This system is also mildly used by more unique Atmospheric units, but commonly remains a main part of the organisation of Imperial Fighter Command in Void as a norm.

Likewise Support and Attack Wings of the Imperial Support Corps, Fighter Wings make use of a simple identification system, comprising of the Wing's roles and the serial number. A wing can change its identification depending on the conditions, but such is not usual to occur.

* **Line Wing:** The most common type of wing for multirole craft. Emphasising on the advantages of crafts with a multitude of capabilities. A line wing is capable of performing a ground attack at morning, dogfight at noon and be scrambled at night. Serial identification number being: Fighter Line Wing + Wing number (FLW-###)
* **Tactical Wing:** A specified role directed for air superiority fighters and interceptors. It is the tactical wing's duty to secure air parity or total control over the skies and zones surrounding fleets, planets and strategic objectives. This wing is the standard template for most fighter wings of the Eternal Empire. Serial identification number being: Fighter Tactical Wing + Wing number (FTW-###)
* **Attack Wing:** Like the name might suggest, this type of wing emphasizes on ground strikes, close air support and overall destruction of primarily ground targets. Such wings usually arrive after both the Line and Tactical wings have performed their roles, composing of less experienced pilots and older craft for the sake of reducing costs and maintaining older designs still in use. It is no surprise that many pilots refer to the Attack wings as 'Advanced Training groups'. Serial identification number being: Fighter Attack Wing + Wing number (FAW-###)
* **Patrol Wing:** A wing specialized with interception. Implemented both in the Atmosphere and Void branches, these groups also act as point-defence - an integral part of warfare against enemies with missile-based warheads. Pilots of these wings are especially drafted for their aim whilst small-craft are selected for speed. Serial identification number being: Fighter Patrol Wing + Wing number (FPW-###)
* **Naval Wing:** A Multirole-based wing tasked with operating on both ocean bottoms and atmospheric skies of planets. Utilizing special hybrids, these wings are small and few, commonly operating in Submerged Command Groups as a first line of scouting and defence of the areas. They are noted for their uniqueness and elite status. Serial identification number being: Fighter Naval Wing + Wing number (FNW-###)

Because wings are designated by weapon types and not by crafts, wings can temporarily switch their role to fit the order of battle as it changes, adding a wide range of flexibility to both the Imperial Army and Navy, at the cost of organisation and logistical straining. Pilots often are trained in their selective wing branches, so to have a common fighter pilot in Line wings to then be suddenly reshuffled as a Naval Wing pilot is something imprudent due to differences in training.

### **Hierarchy**

To guide rookies and keep the veterans in shape, both the Army and Navy academies have a fighter training course to integrate them into their respective branches. Additionally, both forces also have separate ranks to coordinate their groups. Whilst Navy Wing Commanders need to follow a strict guide set by captains of carriers or commanders of starbases, Army Wing Commanders are far more hands-on with the decisioning of his/her forces as the battle progresses. Here is a resumed list of the most common ranks found in the hierarchy of both branches:

* **Eternal Empress/Emperor:** *The Empress rules all*
* **The** '**Lord' Regent:** *The empress cannot rule alone*
* **Marsh****all/Ship Captain:** Here marks the beginning of a split in the branches. Whilst the wings fall under the oversight of Marshalls during planetary conquests, it is the Captain's responsibility to launch attacks from his carrier platform onto an enemy onslaught.
* **Wing Commander:** Wing commanders are in charge of all fighter wings in a Carrier or a specific Army. They answer to the Marshal or Captain for better coordination, briefing Wing Leaders of sorties and acting as a 'Small-craft Advisor' for the captains of carriers.
* **Wing Leader:** Charged with the command of a wing itself. This is the first rank that can be found in actual operations, often leading multiple flags in overwhelming attacks when present. This rank is always in charge of subordinates once in flight.
* **Flag Leader:** Flag Leaders are in charge of the individual squadrons - Often recalled as 'Flags' - during common operations. The Flag Leaders are tasked with similar roles as a Wing Leader, only at a smaller scale. This rank is always in charge of subordinates once in flight.
* **Flying Officer:** Distinguished pilots not holding any specific leading ranks as per yet. This is often the most numerous rank in the Fighter Corps' pilot-wise. To become a Flying Officer, one must have flown a multitude of missions, displayed professionalism and performed one's duty without reservations.
* **Flight Sargent:** Lowliest flying rank of the Imperial Fighter Corps, in both Atmosphere and Void Commands. These pilots are rookies, listening to the orders of Flag Leaders and sticking back at the initial missions to get a proper hold of combat.

## **Current Fighter-Crafts**

Unlike the method implemented by the Support Corps, where newer designs are implemented around every 50 years (Unless an emergency is declared) for better streamlined production, Fighter-craft designs are commissioned and implemented as the need arises. The Fighter Corps utilizes a system of Generations given to crafts, following a design evolution from a certain model in the past. A **13th. Generation 'Lightning' Multirole** is a large design evolution from a **12th. Generation 'Blizzard' Multirole**, but can also undergo small-scale changes to performance and appearance - Using the Mark (Mk.) System - as its lifespan increases. A craft is not necessarily related to previous designs, as the Generation system only applies once a craft is approved and commissioned for large-scale production, being possibly designed by a different company and different scientists, yet sticking to a main role to act in.

There are many designs and variations from multiple generations of crafts of the Fighter Corps, so it'll only be displayed the current designs implemented in the IFCA & IFCV from **2350**. *If you wish to see previous models/generations, seek this article.*

WIP...

**The Tempest**

A recent addition at the time to the 10th. Generation, the Tempest was a way for future ships to carry more fighter craft, with its forward section capable of folding over the cockpit to save space for other craft, it is also equipped with small thruster Nozzles on certain areas to increase mobility and has the longest range of any other fighter In the empire or even the galaxy, only a full squadron of these are known to have seen combat and were stationed on the HMS Hood just before it's retirement in 2312.

**The Thunderous**

The first 10th. Generation fighter designed for use by the Retribution-class and Empress-class Multirole Battleships, the Thunderous has a good balance between power and speed, resulting in a fairly stable control system for new pilots, these fighters would serve the HMS Hood and her sisterships in their duties in **Operation Retribution,** The Battle of the High Seas, and Future missions until the development of the mark elevens in the future.

**The Sabertooth**

A 9th. Generation fighter, and for many, a favourite by strike wings, 'Sabertooth' has six missiles mounted under its wings, also presenting a rapid fire auto cannon mounted on the nose in front of the cockpit, the Saber is considered a symbol of pride for the crops and will remain so for the foreseeable future, as it presents a long predicted service life due to its great results (Somewhat like the Commonwealth A-17, for instance). Its controls are fairly stable and the framework of the structure is very reliable both for repairs and production itself, a dream to repairman and pilots of the Empire.

**The Meteor**

The designing of a 12th. Generation of fighter crafts became a concern for many years in the minds of strategists of the Empire, especially as 11th. Generation proved ineffective and poor when fairing on combat trials compared to previous machines. The Meteor became the first space fairing fighter of its generation, and it revolutionised the Imperial concept of small-craft tactics. Implemented in 2320, alongside its many variants, the Meteor was utilised in various roles and battlefields, fighting, from the Battle of Aasha, to the Battle of New Earth.

The aircraft presented atmosphere flying as an addition to the usual space maneuver capabilities. Following a close study of Unbidden weaponry from an Imperial stance, the aircraft carried several extradimensional firearms, a considerable advancement in firepower from previous designs (Although still never really comparing to a similar Commonwealth counterpart, the A-53 "Liberator"). It also included several assistance flying models, though the effectiveness of said programs are still deemed mediocre, at best.

**The Swordfish**

Plagued by initial setbacks during its design, the craft was introduced to the Armed Forces in 2282, the main role of the aircraft, although contested as a being either fighter bomber or a interceptor, would later consider it to be a Multirole strike craft. The Swordfish can operate only in the air or under water, thus making it a excellent defence fighter at Imperial Submerged Command Groups and vessels capable of traversing under the seas. It's commands are not the easiest though, making it a extremely hard to control and handed only to the most suitable candidate pilots.