Zhen Niao

Description
An armed noncombatant rather than an actual combat vessel, the Zhen Niao was intended to act as an observation satellite - only one capable of random powered orbits, designed to throw off the tactics used by enemy AeroSpace Fighters hunting for such craft. Operating without escorts and impersonating civilian commercial intrasystem craft, Zhen Niao were excellent electronic warfare and interdiction vessels that were used to great effect by the Capellan Confederation after their introduction to service in 3092.

The powerful electronics systems aboard each Zhen Niao included a Hyperspectral Imager, a Beagle Active Probe and a Guardian ECM Suite, and with twenty-four tons of fuel aboard each craft was capable of lengthy operations. Each Zhen Niao was protected by twelve tons of ferro-aluminum armor.

Weapons and Equipmentt
The Zhen Niao mounts a pair of Extended-Range Medium Lasers in the aft of the craft, along with a single Space Mine Dispenser. Weaponry was a secondary concern on the Zhen Niao, which relied on its electronics and the tactic of impersonating civilian craft for protection.

Cargo
Cargo Bays:
 * Bay 1: Cargo (3 tons), 1 Door

Design Quirks
The Zhen Niao was subject to the following Design Quirk:
 * Improved Communications