Auster Hauler

OTAS Auster Hauler Class M8 Bomber Buy: Federation Guardian @ 5,699,751 Cr Speed (Min-Max) 52 - 104.9 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 4 - 9 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 2.0 - 3.9 RPM Hull Strength 60,000 Max. Shield (Total) 3 x 200 MJ (600 MJ) Shield Reactor 2,500 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 750 - 1,250 @ XL Laser Capacitor 10,500 MJ Laser Recharge 262 MW Front Missile Turret: 2 Launch Tubes                                                                                                          Rear x 1

Overview

In theory the best bomber in the game. In practice, it is nonexistent in Vanilla but available for purchase in Albion Prelude. Uses a model similar to the Gladiator and has stats like the basic Argon Centaur, its only difference is the missile weaponry in place of a main array of guns. With the single largest cargo bay in the M8 class, the Auster Hauler therefore can carry more missiles than any other bomber, with the possible exception of the Claymore, which uses Phantom Missiles of volume 1 (no longer true as of Albion Prelude - Phantom missiles have volume 6 there) as opposed to the 2 units of the Tomahawk Heavy Missile. The Auster boasts considerably larger shields than all other bombers, giving it some more survivability against fighter attack, usually the bane of the M8.

Background

This OTAS-developed bomber provides owners with a pin-point strike capability against both capital ships and installations.

Combat

Like other bombers, it is best used from afar to fire salvos of Tomahawks and not to engage in direct combat. It excels at cost-efficiency in the anti-capital role even more so than other bombers, as it allows for multiple times the shielding and firepower of other bombers with only a marginally higher base cost. It has about 50-75% better capacity than other M8s and the ability to carry XL sized cargo, giving it extra logistical versatility. Its major drawback compared to other M8s is its low top speed, which is low enough to allow it to be outrun by most M7s.

Equipment

Missiles

Tomahawk Heavy Missile

Availability

The Auster Hauler is available for purchase only in Albion Prelude.

Variant	Legend's Home
Auster Hauler	x

Suggested Roles

Long range anti-capital or anti-station bombing.

See Also

Ships by Class

M8 Ships

Argon	Gladiator
ATF	none
Boron	Marlin
Goner	none
Kha'ak	none
OTAS	Auster Hauler
Paranid	Hades
Pirate	none
Split	Viper
Teladi	Peregrine
Terran	Claymore
Xenon	none
Yaki	none