Fer-de-Pai

Fer-de-Pai
Size (W×H×L)	45 m×20 m×85 m
Cargo capacity	5 TC
Cargo bay extension	N/A
Maximum speed	0.4 LM
Manoeuvrability	Pitch: 1.1 Roll: 2.8 Yaw: 1.2 Trust: 50
Energy banks	5
Energy recharge rate	Good (3.8)
Gun mounts	Fore: 3x
Missile slots	2
Shield boosters available	Yes
Military shields available	Yes
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	OXP
Available to player	Yes
Base price	595,000 Cr

Overview

After licensing the Asp Mark II from the Galactic Navy, Zorgon Petterson Group attempted to secure further lucrative naval contracts with building a combination of the Fer-de-Lance and the Asp Mark II.

The Fer d'Épeé (also know as the Ferdepai or Fer-de-Pai) abandoned the luxurious trimmings of the Fer-de-Lance and took many ideas from the Asp Mark II, such as the twin pilot configuration and the Voltaire Whiplash HZ Pulsedrive engine. To ensure compatibility with existing naval systems, several components were taken directly from the Asp. Additional new elements were added, including the capacity for fuel scoops for use on long inter-solar missions.

While not common knowledge, in fact 2 prototypes were build. The first one, Ferdepai, was soon replaced with the Fer-de-Pai. The second design used the hull of a FdL and offered 2 pylons and, for this time exceptional, 3 front lasers.

Less than 2000 ships from both prototypes were produced with several squads participating in a large scale military field trial. Ultimately, ZPG lost out in tests to the superior, but more costly, Constrictor design produced in Reesdice.

One of each of the Fer d'Épeé prototypes are currently housed in the ZPG museum. The owners of the remaining prototypes are unknown. While few have flown one, those that have claim that both Fer d'Épeé have superior in-flight handling characteristics to either the Asp or the FdL.