DEPARTMENT OF WEAPONS RESEARCH
THE 'STINGER' AIRBORNE PATROL CRAFT
The Stinger is a short range patrol craft presently undergoing trials with police forces across Pyrrhus.
The craft is fast and highly maneuverable, thanks to its lightweight design and multiple, independently articulated wings and stability flaps.
The Stinger carries two side-mounted missile launchers, which can be deployed air-to-air or air-to-ground. However, the craft's unique offensive capability stems mainly from its suspended underside seating, from which two officers enjoy 360-degree visibility and a clear line of fire to ground targets.
The craft's rocket thrusters are complemented by two rotational Petrusite canisters which provide a powerful anti-gravity lift. This allows the Stinger to swoop and hover close to land so that the officers on board can dismount and engage targets.
These versatile characteristics make the Stinger an ideal asset for law enforcement scenarios in urban and industrial settings.
However, they also render the craft vulnerable to certain forms of attack. It's low weight and limited armor make it susceptible to heavy weapons fire and explosive attacks. The seated crew members are exposed, as are the craft's underside heat sinks which are vital to prevent it overheating. The Petrusite canisters are potentially highly explosive.
As a result, the Stinger is not recommended for heavily militarized combat scenarios.
—Dept. of Weapons Research, Institute of Science and Technology