Retaliator (Hardmode)
The Retaliator is a standard Interceptor that has been rebuilt from the ground up with an alien alloy airframe. It can be researched following the discovery of the Skystriker improved transport.
Information
The Retaliator is functionally an upgraded Interceptor, because of its new alien alloy based frame it is now able to achieve a slightly faster top speed of 2,500, a slightly higher fuel capacity, and most importantly a significant boost to its survivability, increasing its hull integrity from 100 to 240.
This aircraft is far better suited for warfare against the alien UFO's of Hardmode than the regular Interceptor will be. The simple boost to its armour allows it to survive long enough to destroy enemy UFO's. Its speed and range increase are a mere bonus. Furthermore the aircraft continues to only use traditional fuel, which remains a major strategic benefit.
Strategically speaking it still remains the better course of action to allow hostile UFOs to land of their own accord rather than shooting them down and losing out on salvage. However, in circumstances where the enemy will not land, such as Terror Ships, then the retaliator is the best early to mid game option to down them and survive, with the appropriate craft weapons.
One unique aspect of the aircraft that boosts its usefulness is its cost and maintenance fee. The aircraft has only a slightly higher manufacturing cost of $735,000 compared to that of the Interceptor, and a heafty alien alloy cost of 50 units. However each individual Retaliator has a monthly maintenance fee of only $300,000, half of that of a traditional Interceptor. Likely because you are no longer leasing the aircraft from the Council, but building them from scratch. Ostensibly this makes it cheaper to maintain a Retaliator fleet.
Statistics
Strategic Stats
| Maximum Speed: | 2,500 (4,630km/h) |
| Fuel Capacity: | 1,200 |
| Weapon Pods: | 2 |
| Damage Capacity: | 240 |
| Cargo Space: | None |
| HWP Capacity: | None |
Manufacturing Stats
| Manufacture | Construct |
|---|---|
| Cost | $735,000 |
| Technician Hours | 6000 |
| Workspace | 30 |
| Materials | 50 Alien Alloys |
