Chimera

Split Chimera Class M3+ Heavy Fighter Buy: @ 6,226,367 Cr Speed (Min-Max) 72.8 - 182 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 15 - 39 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 15.1 - 37.7 RPM Hull Strength 10,000 Max. Shield (Total) 3 x 25 MJ (75 MJ) Shield Reactor 1,125 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 140 - 300 @ L Laser Capacitor 8,750 MJ Laser Recharge 219 MW                                                                                                          Main x 8                                                                                                          Back x 1                                                                                                          Front x 1

Split Enhanced Chimera Class M3+ Heavy Fighter Buy: @ 5,981,115 Cr Speed (Min-Max) 65 - 162.5 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 13 - 32 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 17.5 - 43.6 RPM Hull Strength 12,500 Max. Shield (Total) 4 x 25 MJ (100 MJ) Shield Reactor 1,200 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 140 - 300 @ L Laser Capacitor 8,750 MJ Laser Recharge 219 MW                                                                                                          Main x 8                                                                                                          Back x 1                                                                                                          Front x 1

Overview

The Chimera possesses the usual Split ship characteristics of very high speed and weapon power at the expense of shield capacity. However, its shields are still strong enough to survive glancing blows even from anti-capital weapons, making this ship a very effective combat craft against just about any opponent. The chief downside of this ship is its high price: it is among the most expensive ships in an expensive class.

Background

The Split Chimera was developed by Bala Gi Research Inc. following a successful tender to produce a ship that gave better long-range performance over the Mamba. Split defense experts view the Chimera as a logical step in delivering a heavy fighter with enhanced load-carrying capability and endurance.

Variants

Chimera

The basic version, available at most Split shipyards.

Enhanced Chimera

The Enhanced Chimera is not available in shipyards. It features an additional shield slot, a more robust shield generator, a more agile steering rate, and a stronger hull; all at the minor expense of speed and acceleration.

Physical Characteristics

The Chimera's triangular, dagger-shaped fuselage is similar to that of its little brother the Mamba. Instead of fins, however, the Chimera has four wings in an X-shape. Its main lasers are mounted at the wingtips, giving it a surprisingly wide field of fire.

Combat

The Chimera is fast enough to dogfight, and given its weaker shielding is best used like a standard M3 dogfighter. With its increased weapons power, especially with its PBE compatibility, the Chimera will dominate most dogfights. It should be flown as you would a standard M3 or fast M4, one of the characteristics that make it a very popular ship.

Equipment

Missiles

Mosquito Missile Wasp Missile Dragonfly Missile Silkworm Missile

Disruptor Missile Firefly Missile Thunderbolt Missile Tempest Missile

Hurricane Missile Cyclone Missile Tornado Missile Aurora Missile

Remote Guided Warhead Beluga Missile Hammerhead Missile Rapier Missile

Firelance Missile Wildfire Missile Windstalker Missile Banshee Missile

Availability

The standard Chimera can be purchased at Split shipyards in Cho's Defeat, Family Njy, Family Pride, Family Rhy, Family Tkr, and Rhonkar's Might.

The Enhanced Chimera is not available in shipyards. It is awarded to the player by the Strong Arms at rank 10.

Suggested Roles

For players with heavyweight financial backing, the Chimera is an excellent choice for carrier-based operations.

One very effective IS loadout is 4xHEPT on the fixed mounts and PBE's on the turrets set to Missile Defense.

See Also

• Split Mamba

Ships by Class

M3+ Ships

Argon	Eclipse (Prototype)
ATF	Fenrir
Boron	Skate (Prototype)
Goner	none
Kha'ak	none
OTAS	Notus Hauler
Paranid	Medusa (Prototype)
Pirate	Eclipse (Advanced) • Kea
Split	Chimera (Enhanced)
Teladi	Kea (Enhanced)
Terran	Cutlass
Xenon	LX
Yaki	Tenjin