M.V Codex Entry:

Blackstone-Millis TAF-104/1200C Starfighter.

The first 'Trans-Atmospheric' fighter craft fielded for military service. With the expanse of Humanity amongst the star systems, the need for dealing with two types of craft was needed in order to effectively protect a colony and it's assets: In atmosphere and in Space above.

The eventual development for a craft to achieve both was clearly something of a goal for quite some time, before even external colonies of the Sol systems had been established. Finally, after decades of rigorous testing by a majority of the Aerospace industry, Blackstone-Millis would strike gold with pairing their Compressed Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel System (CH-OFS) and McNeil-Legend's Variable Atmospheric Intake (VAIS) system.

With the ability now to make a vehicle safely take off from the surface, exit into orbit, and then return for landing, Blackstone-Millis sought to pay homage to one of the great introductions to hypersonic jet aerospace. The original F-104 Starfighter, developed in the mid-1900s after the Second World War. An interceptor that would hold on to its reputation, as dangerous as it might have been for some users, as it had been in the top ten fielded jet fighters for almost 50 years. Fast enough to be chosen as the specific escorts for the SR-71 of the United States, there was reports of the craft being able to achieve a blistering 2900kph.

In respect to this great steppingstone in jet powered aircraft, Blackstone-Millis took to the drawing board to try to match the overall aesthetics of the old jet. Taking some inspirations from the development testing of the post release F-104 adaptations, but as well as the Mk.02 CL-1200 Lancer. With some liberties to some dimensions, to mainly fit needed technology for the safety of vessel and pilot, the TAF-104 Starfighter was born.

Typically equipped with Anti-Destroyer missiles, as well as a rotary 30mm autocannon, The new Starfighter is well-suited to assist in the counter offensive of approaching hostile fleets, pirates, and alien threats.

Developed and fielded originally in 2217 with the famed Alpha Centauri 'Vampire Squadron,' the new Starfighter is still commonly found on the edges of service due to its still updated frame and equipment as a cost-effective stop gap to fill the role of Trans-Atmospheric engagements.

~Blackstone-Millis Historic Record, (edited 05/12/2445)

Drawn in Sep 3, 2024