Ship details

A modified Mamba currently undergoing configuration for a variety of combat operations. Optimising the Mamba's existing speed performance allows this ship to transit to emergent situations alongside smaller rapid response assets, delivering the overwhelming firepower of a heavy ship minutes before they are able to arrive. Its extremely high speed and heavy weapons load also allow it to fight off or escape any enemy type, making it ideal for support operations conducted for other assets. Juniper Thunder can enter or exit the battlefield easily in situations and timings that would be awkward for other ship types, making it ideal for wild weasel, interdiction or cover missions. However, its limited jump range, further reduced by FSD-scrambling technology, makes pre-planning and transit before missions critical.

Juniper Thunder mounts a primary armament of four 50mm reciprocating cannons modified from a stationary anti-air placement, installed in a single quadruple battery. Loading a mix of APHE/HESH/TCHE shells, the gun battery is effective against both small and medium-sized opponents. A secondary battery of two gimballed pulse laser batteries was installed for general and anti-shield combat. After analysing combat data additional anti-capital ship capability was added in the form of two railgun packs submerged in the conformal fuel tanks. All weapon bay modifications were covertly installed by greatly restructuring the internal machine spaces of the Mamba. Combat tactics revolve around abusing the machine's high speed tolerance to mount strafing attacks on a pre-selected target and retreating to repeat the procedure whilst evading return fire.

A dedicated logistics and support team ensures Juniper Thunder is outfitted with a variety of civilian configurations and has docking permissions across most stations in the Bubble. When in transit the ship is generally repainted and outfitted as a luxury pleasure vehicle being transported to its owner's next event.