HOME | DD

Description
This is the planform for the Incom Xi-35 Lightning. This is the second (B) version, also called "Lightning mk. II." It is differentiated from the earlier version by weapons.
As with the original, it is armed with four laser cannon on the wing tips (as is X-Wing tradition). These are supplemented by two ion cannon on the upper nose just in front of the cockpit. This was done to create a "weight of fire," similar to the battery of 6 .50 calibre machine guns fitted to U.S. aircraft during World War II.
On the belly, where the stepped cargo hold would be on a "legacy" X-Wing are two faired pods. These are combination shield projector housing and torpedo launch tubes. The six torpedoes can be supplemented by 8 external positions for weapons or external fuel tanks (fitted in the image). Two of these hardpoints are on the upper s-foils, while two are recessed missile mounts (similar to the AIM-7/120 mounts on Teen-series fighters).
Rounding out the weapons are four machine guns. This is the main visible difference between the X-35A and the Xi-35B. These machine guns are used to aid in the "weight of fire" concept. While the laser and ion blasts take out the shields and armor, the slugs from the machine guns will physically tear into the enemy. This is especially useful against fighters such as the TIE series. It also allows for "stealthy" shooting, as well as improved gunnery abilities in atmosphere.
As you can see, this design is heavily influenced by contemporary aerospace design. This design implements conventional flying surfaces (such as canards and ailerons), conventional engine intakes, and even a Navy/NATO style in-flight refueling probe.
According to my story, this design is created to give the remains of the Galactic Alliance and the shadow of the Jedi Order a fighter to compete with Imperial and Sith designs. The main character of the story, a USMC pilot named Ethan Kardos, contributed to the design. This has the result of directing GA/Jedi tactics toward a more "conventional" style of fighting. The story is much more complex, since the Kardos family are descendants of the Fel dynasty.

I hope to get the story finished, though I seem to have stalled. But I have these images of X-Wings that should be shared. If I get the story back on track, people can see what I'm picturing.
Incidentally, the Xi-35 is "inspired" in some ways by the F-35. Specifically the number. Xi is the Greek letter for X (which I can't show here, sadly). Obviously 35 is the same number. The F-35 variants are meant to be truly multi-role (though each has a unique niche). Included in its roles are V/STOL, attack, air superiority, SEAD, tactical jammer, close support, precision bombing, and more. This makes it very similar to the traditional X-Wing. Especially in the hands of Rogue or Wraith squadron, it seemed that the 40 year old design could do anything. I wanted my design to reflect that flexibility.

Enjoy, comment, critique.
If you want, find the story and read what there is of it. The title is "The Saga Ends" under the name Soter. Here's the link: [link]
(tell me if it doesn't work)

Thanks for the views and comments.
Soter

Description
This is the planform for the Incom Xi-35 Lightning. This is the second (B) version, also called "Lightning mk. II." It is differentiated from the earlier version by weapons.
As with the original, it is armed with four laser cannon on the wing tips (as is X-Wing tradition). These are supplemented by two ion cannon on the upper nose just in front of the cockpit. This was done to create a "weight of fire," similar to the battery of 6 .50 calibre machine guns fitted to U.S. aircraft during World War II.
On the belly, where the stepped cargo hold would be on a "legacy" X-Wing are two faired pods. These are combination shield projector housing and torpedo launch tubes. The six torpedoes can be supplemented by 8 external positions for weapons or external fuel tanks (fitted in the image). Two of these hardpoints are on the upper s-foils, while two are recessed missile mounts (similar to the AIM-7/120 mounts on Teen-series fighters).
Rounding out the weapons are four machine guns. This is the main visible difference between the X-35A and the Xi-35B. These machine guns are used to aid in the "weight of fire" concept. While the laser and ion blasts take out the shields and armor, the slugs from the machine guns will physically tear into the enemy. This is especially useful against fighters such as the TIE series. It also allows for "stealthy" shooting, as well as improved gunnery abilities in atmosphere.
As you can see, this design is heavily influenced by contemporary aerospace design. This design implements conventional flying surfaces (such as canards and ailerons), conventional engine intakes, and even a Navy/NATO style in-flight refueling probe.
According to my story, this design is created to give the remains of the Galactic Alliance and the shadow of the Jedi Order a fighter to compete with Imperial and Sith designs. The main character of the story, a USMC pilot named Ethan Kardos, contributed to the design. This has the result of directing GA/Jedi tactics toward a more "conventional" style of fighting. The story is much more complex, since the Kardos family are descendants of the Fel dynasty.

I hope to get the story finished, though I seem to have stalled. But I have these images of X-Wings that should be shared. If I get the story back on track, people can see what I'm picturing.
Incidentally, the Xi-35 is "inspired" in some ways by the F-35. Specifically the number. Xi is the Greek letter for X (which I can't show here, sadly). Obviously 35 is the same number. The F-35 variants are meant to be truly multi-role (though each has a unique niche). Included in its roles are V/STOL, attack, air superiority, SEAD, tactical jammer, close support, precision bombing, and more. This makes it very similar to the traditional X-Wing. Especially in the hands of Rogue or Wraith squadron, it seemed that the 40 year old design could do anything. I wanted my design to reflect that flexibility.

Enjoy, comment, critique.
If you want, find the story and read what there is of it. The title is "The Saga Ends" under the name Soter. Here's the link: [link]
(tell me if it doesn't work)

Thanks for the views and comments.
Soter