The Spaceborne Threat Interception and Neutralization Gunship (S.T.I.N.G.) replaces the F.L.A.S.H. as the T.L.A.'s primary deep-space fighter. Unlike the F.L.A.S.H., which was designed to be equally capable in deep space or within a planetary atmosphere, the S.T.I.N.G. was optimized for space combat. Massive gimbaled secondary thrusters provide excellent acceleration and maneuverability, while twin-linked positron cannons allow it to bring down even the most heavily shielded strike craft.
The S.T.I.N.G. is still capable of flying in atmosphere, mostly due to the brute thrust of its massive engine array. Its high-energy positron cannons make it useful as a flying tank destroyer, shooting through armor and shields to eliminate the enemy's heaviest units.
I used up all my parts on this design, and ran out of pieces I never expected to run out of. Worth it, though.
The S.T.I.N.G. can fly in atmosphere, but mostly its wings are there to give it space to mount missiles. Unlike the T.L.A.'s atmospheric fighters, the S.T.I.N.G. does not have U.V.U.L.A. hardpoints; instead, it carries custom-designed hardpoints for four Space Light Intercept Missiles. S.L.I.M.s are equipped with maneuvering thrusters for use in vacuum, and carry a fragmentation warhead that sprays shrapnel across its target's path. On the ground, they make for effective, if messy, anti-personnel weapons.
I tried to base the S.T.I.N.G.'s shape more on the T.L.A.'s capital ship units than its fighters. I'm exceptionally proud of the small maneuvering thrusters located amidships; they may be my favorite detail on any model I've ever built.
DAT ASS THO
Honestly I would add another pair of thrusters if I had the parts. Which I don't.
Underside.
Gear deployed. The landing gear was the hardest part of this model to figure out; I tried about three things before finally getting it.
The T.L.A.'s fighter fleet, complete at last.
