The LRP-38 Screamer was born of the need for a long range but maneuverable strike ship that could fulfill its mission without fighter escort. As a start, the designers reached back into history, and rejected the petroleum age ME-110 for the Lockheed P-38. The single place dual engined plan would work well for a ship that needed to stealthily strike deep in enemy territory then swiftly fight it's way out.
The most conspicious element of the LRP (Long Range Penetrator)-38 are the dual booms, which house the two engines. The two engines make it the fastest, most powerful single seat craft in the Navy, in addition the dual booms provide copious l-hyde tankage, enough for four continous weeks of full cruise, as compared to an average 1 week duration for most fighters. Even with an engine failure (which would doom a single engine ship), the LRP-38 can make it's way home. Finally, a fusion cannon mounted on each engine provides a powerful close range punch.
The large liquid hydrogen fuel tanks are used as heat sinks to prevent IR detection; a network of tubes under the skin of the craft allow it to match the temperature to the ambient space conditions. Infra Red detection systems are thus rendered useless. Also, fuel can be dumped into the fusion drives to cool the engines, this afterburner mode allows safe operation for days at a time above military max mode, at a great increase of fuel consumption.
This LRP-38 Screamer, piloted by ace ship-killer Izzunka Lotta, is in the colors of the Genessee Warriors, whose black, green and yellow have struck terror in targets everywhere. From the side you can see the excellent downward visibility the pilot has. At the front of each engine there are plasma ejectors, the LRP-38 uses a plasma field to surround it for atmospheric work, greatly reducing drag and masking emf emissions.
The curved bat wings, spiky plasma guides and horned tail only add to the mystique of the craft. Targets seeing it's forked silhouette against the sky will run screaming for their bunkers.
From the front you can better see the four pulse-lasers that make up the Screamer's long range armanent. This Screamer is also loaded for anti-shipping, the two yellow inboard ordnance are anti-matter torpedoes, one of which is sufficient to cripple a capital ship, while the two outboard are black hole bombs, lethal to structures and very useful in a stern chase, as dropped mines.
A typical attack plan involves approaching the target at 30 % power. Once the pilot believes they are detected, they will boost to 100% power for the attack run, and then flee. An attach run may involve space torbedo launches, bombing, and even strafing with the lasers and fusion cannon. If the pursuit is hot enough, excess fuel will be used to cool the fusion engines to allow them to run at 125% for days at a time. The only thing that can catch a Screamer showing it's heels is an unarmed reconaissance craft, or a missile. Images are okay, but missiles can rarely be outmanuevered, so you really need to poor on the juice to avoid a missile.
The LRP-38 has a few flaws, it's more of a bomber than a fighter, and comes off poorly when it has to face fighters. Dual engines give a large moment of rotation, making is less manueverable in a dogfight compared to single engine foes. The engines also block visibility from the 3-5 o'clock positions and the 7-9 o'clocks. If the Screamer has to fight it's way through fighter defenses, the best tactic is to stay close to your wingmen, trust in your rugged craft to survive non-critical shots, and hope for a clear shot with your overwhelming frontal armanent. Prudent flight commanders have been known to launch torpedoes at the longest range to avoid heavy fighter cover, unprudent flight commanders rarely return.
Conversely, if you have to intercept a flight of Screamers, attacking from behind and below gives you an advantage, and use your ability to out turn them. Watch out for the wingman, though, few craft can survive a hit from the fusion cannon. Be aware of their stealthy nature, and don't be fooled by chasing a highly visible flight when a second flight is sneaking in.
The LRP-38 has a dignified egress. The canopy lifts to the right, and a door swings open on the left, so a pilot can step down easily. This is a kindness, after a long, multiday mission, most pilots are too sore and cramped for clambering over a fuselage. Izzunka has had a grueling training mission, and she's looking forward to the official cheap canned ale of the Genessee Warriors, Genessee Cream Ale. Her squadron likes it so much they've painted their planes in that color scheme.
Last edited on February 26th, 2005.
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