Thresher

Boron Thresher Class M7 Frigate Buy: Queen's Protectorate @ 38,206,712 Cr Speed (Min-Max) 65.4 - 111.2 m/s Acceleration (Min-Max) 6.0 - 11.0 m/s2 Steering (Min-Max) 2.0 - 3.5 RPM Hull Strength 540,000 Max. Shield (Total) 3 x 1 GJ (3,000 MJ) Shield Reactor 5,900 MW Cargo Class (Min-Max) 2,500 - 4,750 @ XL Laser Capacitor 50,500 MJ Laser Recharge 1,262 MW                                                                                                          Main x 10                                                                                                          Rear x 4                                                                                                          Right x 2                                                                                                          Left x 2                                                                                                          Top x 2                                                                                                          Bottom x 1

Overview

The only Commonwealth M7 class capable of firing the heavy capital-class Photon Pulse Cannon, and the only to do so from its main guns (Compare the Xenon Q, which can fire PPCs from its side batteries). With this weapon, the Thresher can utterly annihilate all but the toughest targets in one massive attack, but thanks to low shielding and its Frigate-level laser generator, it cannot keep up its offense for long.

Background

The reality of existing threats urged the Boron Navy to consider a more robust approach. The Thresher heavy frigate is the result - currently one of the most potent warships available.

Physical Characteristics

The Thresher has a huge frame, by far the largest among M7 and larger than some M2. Its appearance is reminiscent of a stingray, with backswept wings connected to its spine at an almost ninety degree angle, with three "tails" extending out from the rear of the ship. The ship has long stripes of lighting along its hull.

Combat

The Thresher is at the greatest advantage when used at medium to long range, where it will have the time and space to recharge its batteries and avoid enemy fire. All around turret coverage grants the ship a decent ability to fend off fighters, but the ship's laser generator, weak for its class, cannot sustain support drawn-out engagements. The Thresher works best when used as a raider - an immediate and overwhelming frontal attack, followed by a retreat before survivors can retaliate; installing a Turbo Booster is recommended for this tactic. An effective method for destroying capital ships is to slow the Thresher to a standstill about 8-9km away from the target, letting the target approach, and at about 7.5km distance, flying in reverse while launching a volley of PPC shots. The target will move into range of the PPC by the time the shots reach it, without it being able to return fire. Note that charging up the PPC is less energy-efficient than firing multiple uncharged shots, and damage output of the Thresher is limited by the laser capacitor and generator. When firing uncharged shots, the Thresher can destroy a Q in a single approach.

Its major disadvantage is the gargantuan size for its class. This makes it very easy to hit, and the Thresher won't last long under capital weapons fire - another reason to operate from the edge of the PPC range where possible.

It is a good support platform in fleet fights, as it can contribute to destroying enemy capital ships, while its good firepower and defense as an M7 allow it to perform well against smaller ships and also serve in an anti corvette and fighter defense role.

Equipment

The Thresher is unique among M7s in that it can mount the Photon Pulse Cannon in its main battery.

Missiles

Mosquito Missile Wasp Missile Dragonfly Missile Silkworm Missile

Hornet Missile Disruptor Missile Firefly Missile Thunderbolt Missile

Tempest Missile Hurricane Missile Cyclone Missile Tornado Missile

Typhoon Missile Firestorm Torpedo Aurora Missile Remote Guided Warhead

Beluga Missile Hammerhead Missile Rapier Missile Firelance Missile

Wildfire Missile Windstalker Missile Banshee Missile

Availability

Availability

Variant	Depths of Silence	Great Reef	Kingdom End	Lucky Planets	Ocean of Fantasy	Queen's Retribution
Thresher	x	x	x	x	x	x

Suggested Roles

The Thresher functions well as an OOS patrol or sector defense ship in sectors frequented by Pirate patrols. It should not be used in sectors frequented by the Xenon Q, as the Thresher will likely be obliterated in one OOS combat round.

If flown by the player, the Thresher is an excellent raider, able to launch a massive PPC first attack and wipe out a target before they can retaliate.

See Also

• Boron Guppy
• Boron Kraken

Ships by Class

M7 Ships

Argon	Cerberus • Griffon
ATF	Aegir
Boron	Thresher
Goner	none
Kha'ak	none
OTAS	Astraeus Hauler
Paranid	Agamemnon • Deimos
Pirate	Carrack
Split	Panther • Tiger
Teladi	Shrike
Terran	Yokohama
Xenon	Q
Yaki	Akurei