Skystriker
The Skystriker is an upgraded variant of the Skyranger, a dedicated troop transport.
Information
The Skystriker has been upgraded with an alien alloy framework and armour, thanks to the weight improvements this has allowed X-COM engineers the ability to attach additional engines to the Skystriker. This has resulted in a troop transport with a slightly larger troop carrying capacity of 16 soldiers, up from, 14, and a faster ship with a longer airtime, featuring a top speed of 1,200 and fuel capacity of 2,400 units, it is almost twice as efficent as a regular Skyranger. The craft also features stronger hull armour of 360 points, however a Skystriker will never be intentionally targeted by hostile UFOs, thus this is more a moot bonus.
Strategically this allows this ship to reach combat zones significantly faster, and it can remain in the air for a far longer period of time.
The main prohibitive factor in acquiring the craft is its cost, at $1.1 million and 75 Alien Alloys it presents itself as a large investment for X-COM. However, because this craft is manufactured by X-COM instead of leased, it features a significantly cheaper maintenance cost than the regular Skyranger, at only $250,000 a month, this is half the maintenance cost of a Skyranger. In the long run operating this craft will save money.
Battlescape Strategy
The ship has a near identical layout to a regular Skyranger, so traditional tactics remain relevant here. However the Skystriker features a rear-end automatic door that allows soldiers near the cockpit the option to exit safely, the automatic door will automatically close at the end of X-COM's turn, which can allow soldiers to open the door to recon the exit area and safely retreat before the enemy can act.
This alternative exit strategy presents the option for X-COM commanders to relocate soldiers within the transport to position frontline combat troops at the rear of the craft as an alternative exit point. At the very least it may be worthwhile to station someone with a Rifle or Shotgun in case a hostile is nearby the rear exit.
Battlescape Graphics
Skyranger Level 0
Skyranger Level 1
Skyranger Level 2
Strategic Statistics
| Maximum Speed: | 1,200 (2222km/h) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 2,400 |
| Weapon Pods: | None |
| Damage Capacity: | 360 |
| Cargo Space: | 16 |
| Monthly Fee: | $250,000 |
| HWP Capacity: | 3 |
Manufacturing Stats
| Manufacture | Construct |
|---|---|
| Cost | $1,100,000 |
| Technician Hours | 9,000 |
| Workspace | 40 |
| Materials | 75 Alien Alloys |
