Griff Krait

Griff Krait
Size (metres, W×H×L)	88 x 50 x 105
Cargo capacity	2 TC
Cargo bay extension	Not Available
Maximum speed	0.19 LM
Manoeuvrability	Roll: 0.5 Pitch: 0.7
Energy banks	2
Energy recharge rate	Excellent (6.5)
Gun mounts	Twin Fore
Missile slots	3
Shield boosters available	Available
Military shields available	Not Available
Hyperspace capable	Yes
OXP or standard	OXP
Available to player	No
Base price	Not for Sale

Overview

Although Griff Research Limited is today a reputable company, in his younger days the Company's founder learned his trade in the illegal 'chop shops' of Galaxy 7. One of his most infamous creations was the Krait modification. The ship was rebuilt from the ground up in order to house a laser under each wing, creating a small fighter with a big punch. The Kraits small frame was ill suited to mounting such heavy weaponry, the power drain problems only being solved by the instillation of a heavy quark reactor and a substantial loss of both speed and agility.

The Griff Krait is not however to be under estimated as an assault ship. The craft's ability to mount fuel injectors compensates for its weak engines and although it may be slow to draw a bead on an enemy, once acquired the target can be easily swept with fire from its twin guns. Shielding is minimal, but its powerful reactor quickly restores any damage. A Griff Krait will melt under a few seconds of Military Laser, but if not killed cleanly it will quickly recover and re-engage its foe. A lone ship poses little danger to a moderately well equipped trader, but a pack can cause even an experienced Commander to reach for the eject handle.

Unfortunately, the ship's revolutionary reactor proved its commercial undoing. Tests by the Galactic Health and Safety Executive quickly established that the shielding was inadequate and prolonged exposure caused insanity in most species higher up the evolutionary ladder than a demented bee. Sale of the craft was banned in 2998 and no reputable shipyard would dream of servicing one. Production of the Griff Krait continues however in underground workshops and Renegade Stations.

Deployment History

Despite the banning of the craft in 2998, legal controversy beset the single pilot fighter again in early 3027 when Faulcon de Lacy Spaceworks sued for damages. Faulcon de Lacy Spaceworks claimed that they owned the Krait name and that the schematics of the Griff Krait bore a 'unique or strikingly similar' resemblance to their model. Although Griff Research Limited maintained that their ship was only a minor modification of the original design, Faulcon de Lacy commenced court proceedings under the incomprehensibly tortuous Galactic Copyright Laws. The ensuing court battle cost both companies heavily. Griff Research Limiteds image was tarnished and Faulcon De Lacy had to temporarily halt the manufacture of the Krait and spare parts for the duration of the case.

However, an undisclosed out of court settlement in Faulcon de Lacys favour ensured that spare parts and servicable mechanics for their version of the Krait would be available for sometime, despite the introduction of the sleeker, faster Mamba and the fears that this new ship would render the Krait undesirable. Although the banning of the Griff Krait was almost the undoing of the fledgling company, it did lead to the detailed examination (3031-3035) of the galactic laws regarding the copyright of ship names.

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The Griff Krait is found in the Griff Krait OXP