D9 Supernova

The **D9 Supernova** is a prototype upgrade of the D8 Tusker starfighter. It is exclusively used by SDF Aces as the prototype was pushed to combat service as a fighter owing to an insatiable demand. As the Supernova streaks across the cosmos, the azure flames become a beacon of the SDF's relentless pursuit of dominance in the Zatayni star system.

## Overview

The D9 Supernova, a prototype starfighter developed to meet the demands of SDF's Ace pilots, represents the pinnacle of technological innovation and combat capability. Despite its experimental nature, the Supernova is pushed into active combat due to the urgency of demand, showcasing the Settlement Defence Frontier's commitment to maintaining air superiority in the Zatayni System.

Maintaining the iconic crimson red color scheme of the SDF, the D9 Supernova is a visual spectacle, a symbol of both power and advanced engineering. With a size similar to its predecessor, the D8 Tusker, the Supernova's design incorporates variable-geometry reversed wings, enabling seamless transitions between atmospheric and space travel. The wings, coupled with an improved design, also grant the starfighter a limited hovering capability, enhancing its versatility in various combat scenarios.

Armed to the teeth, the D9 Supernova boasts an impressive array of weaponry, including L6 Displacer plasma machine guns, GAMP-019 PHASER plasma cannons, FJ6 Impact class bomber bombs, and SWARM missiles. The "modular articulating ballistic system" provides precise targeting with limited traverse, ensuring the Supernova's firepower is directed with deadly accuracy.

The D9 Supernova, a testament to the SDF's commitment to pushing technological boundaries, retains a dual-firing mechanism for its primary armaments, the L6 Displacer plasma machine guns, and the GAMP-019 PHASER plasma cannons. However, this standard comes with a caveat, requiring the pilot to choose between the dual configurations, as the starfighter cannot simultaneously deploy all four guns. This tactical decision adds an additional layer of strategy for ace pilots, allowing them to adapt to specific combat scenarios.

Equipped with an advanced flare system and an improved countermeasure system, the Supernova can deploy multiple flares to evade incoming threats effectively. The starfighter's SVOTL (Short Vertical Take Off and Landing) capability. As well as being propelled by Vector Thrust Technology, stands at the forefront of experimental starfighters, showcasing unparalleled agility and combat prowess. This innovative technology not only grants the Supernova the ability to seamlessly transition between atmospheric and space travel but also allows it to hover, offering unparalleled flexibility in tactical engagements.

## Trivia

### General

* The SDF, always at the forefront of technological advancements, deploys the Supernova despite its experimental status, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of its combat capabilities.
* The experimental nature of the Supernova becomes evident in its flare system, which showers the sky with a barrage of blue flares. The excessiveness of the flare system, expelling a cascade of over ten blue flares, is attributed to an unrefined mechanism within the Supernova. This unrestrained deployment highlights the ongoing challenges in perfecting the starfighter's countermeasure system.
* The codename "Supernova" is aptly chosen, symbolizing the starfighter's explosive power and the potential for brilliance on the battlefield. The very essence of a supernova, a celestial event characterized by a sudden burst of energy, aligns with the starfighter's role as a harbinger of destruction for its adversaries.
* Originally clad in a color scheme reminiscent of its predecessor, the Tusker, the Supernova's transition to a crimson red color signifies its evolution and distinct identity within the SDF's formidable fleet. As the Supernova takes flight, it not only represents the cutting edge of technology but also embodies the relentless pursuit of victory by the Settlement Defence Frontier.
* A distinctive feature of the D9 Supernova is the uniquely blue flames it releases during flight. This visual signature not only adds a touch of aesthetic flair to its appearance but also serves as a symbolic representation of the starfighter's innovative and groundbreaking capabilities.