KIE Light Starfighter

Space-Faring Capability: Yes
Atmospheric Flight Capability: Yes
Max. Crew: 1 pilot
Min. Crew: 1 pilot
Weapons: 2 Blaster Cannons
Shields: None
Sub-Light Drive: 2 Ion Thrusters
FTL Drive: None

The K.I.E. starfighter was a light interceptor developed by DBS Aerospace during the New Colonization Era. It was used in the V3 War by UO forces.

Although the design was incompatible with FTL, life-support and shield systems, the K.I.E. was incredibly cheap, insanely fast, and could stack tightly in converted cargo holds or external launch-racks aboard existing UOSF line-combat ships.

The absence of FTL rendered the fighter totally dependent on carrier ships when deployed in enemy systems. The fighter was used aboard many Orcish clanships in protective interceptor squadrons.

A disadvantage of the fighter was its lack of deflector shields. In combat, pilots had to rely on maneuverability to avoid damage.

KIE's were often modified by their pilots for maximum performance, and their pilots were known to grow very attached to them.