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.
Battlescape Graphics
Skyranger Level 0
Skyranger Level 1
Skyranger Level 2
Strategic Statistics
| Maximum Speed: | 1,200 |
| 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 |
