The Whitcomb-class air superiority drone was Trattoria's newest and most advanced air combat drone at the time the Meritocratic Republic of Trattoria fell. Designed to meet or exceed the performance of any conventional fighter, the Whitcomb was equipped with a wide array of weapons and controlled by a machine learning algorithm that could 'learn' from its most capable opponents, copying their moves and techniques.
Because of their advanced AI, Whitcombs fill a secondary role as tactical coordination nodes, transmitting instructions to less advanced drone fighters.
After the fall of Trattoria, many of the Republic's vast combat drone forces went rogue, attacking targets seemingly at will and sometimes even attempting to replicate themselves. With their advanced AI and command capabilities, the Whitcombs were some of the types most likely to go rogue, and often brought other Trattorian drone units along with them...
Whitcombs are equipped with an impressive array of weapons for their size: three Mk. 4 Meson Blasters (two mounted in the front of the aircraft and one mounted in the tail) and four Mk. 2 Metallic Hydrogen missiles.
Because of the important tactical data these drones carry, Trattorian high command took the unusual step of designing an escape system for the drone's main computer. When the drone takes enough damage, the front section detaches...
And unfolds its wings to escape or continue the fight.
The front section is more agile, but more lightly armed with only a single Mk. 4 meson blaster.
