What to know
The Gladius is Aegis Dynamics' fast, single-seat light fighter. For the Gladius, fast handling and pilot-controlled weapons make the ship effective against small, agile targets, while limited protection rewards awareness and precise flying.
Gladius specifications
The targets the Gladius is designed to face
The Gladius puts the gun battery and six missiles in a fast fighter made to engage other agile craft. Its light protection rewards short attacks and constant awareness. The Gladius' chief weapons are its speed, maneuverability and its countermeasure deployment system. The main guns and racks for two Size 3 and four Size 2 missiles give the Gladius a flexible single-pilot fighter loadout.
The combat tradeoffs built into the Gladius
The Gladius puts responsive handling and pilot-controlled weapons into a light fighter built for close dogfights.
Development note: The Gladius is flight ready and entered the live game in Patch v1.1.0. Because Star Citizen remains in active development, specifications, features, and imagery may change over time.
Gladius combat systems
The direct-fire weapons and six missiles give the Gladius a flexible loadout against other small fighters. Its speed and agility are essential because the light frame cannot absorb much damage.
The Gladius' chief weapons are its speed, maneuverability and its countermeasure deployment system.
Three Size 3 guns and racks for two Size 3 and four Size 2 missiles give the Gladius a flexible single-pilot fighter loadout.
One pilot controls flight and weapons while monitoring targets and ship condition from the cockpit.
Power and cooling limits decide which systems can run at full strength at the same time.
The Gladius light-fighter weapon package
Three pilot-controlled Size 3 guns form the Gladius' direct-fire battery. Two Size 3 and four Size 2 missiles add guided options without changing the fighter's emphasis on speed, response, and short engagements.
Three Size 3 guns backed by six missiles
The Gladius' response helps the pilot hold a clear shot without slowing the light fighter into a stationary exchange.
Two missile sizes let the pilot reserve the heavier pair for tougher targets and use the lighter load against more agile threats.
The Gladius relies on acceleration and handling to create repeatable attacks while its lighter protection remains intact.
Prepare the Gladius for its next sortie
A complete sortie in the Gladius connects target choice, movement, the main guns and six missiles, and an honest check of the ship before the next engagement.
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Use the direct-fire weapons and six missiles
Quick response helps the Gladius avoid another fighter's weapons while preparing its own shot.
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Change direction before the target settles its aim
A small profile helps only while the Gladius continues changing the target's aim.
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Commit the weapons when the target is clear
The pilot uses the Gladius' speed and handling to bring the gun battery and six missiles onto the target, then moves before the target can return fire.
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Prepare for another attack
On the Gladius, checking shield condition, ammunition, and nearby threats during the separation gives the pilot a cleaner decision about the next pass.
Flight and weapon controls in one cockpit
The Gladius combines its three Size 3 guns and six missiles with the handling, protection, and targeting systems needed for its combat role.
Successive Gladius marks have kept the same priorities for centuries: responsive handling, straightforward systems, and a light-fighter frame pilots can understand quickly.
Aboard the Gladius, storage keeps the working load protected and accessible.
Inside the Gladius, responsive handling helps the pilot keep the guns and missiles on target through tight turns.
For the Gladius, sensors and weapon controls help the pilot identify a suitable target and keep the guns and missiles aimed at it.
Speed is the Gladius' first layer of defense
The Gladius reaches and follows nimble targets quickly. Its pilot has to make the main guns and six missiles count before a longer exchange exposes the fighter's lighter protection.
Keep the Gladius responsive and hard to pin down
The Gladius' response lets its pilot correct quickly and stay with agile targets. That advantage disappears if the fighter remains in predictable fire long enough for its limited protection to become the deciding factor.
The Gladius is a light-fighter answer to mobile threats, not a substitute for the weapons and protection used against large warships.
The Gladius' movement and weapon range decide how long the direct-fire weapons and six missiles can stay on target.
Before selecting another target, the pilot confirms that the Gladius' weapons, shields, and countermeasures remain usable.
See the Gladius in action
Watch official footage of the Gladius in action and see it from every angle.
Find your Gladius
Explore in-stock Gladius ships, upgrades, and game packages available from The Impound.