What to know
The Esperia Blade recreates a fast Vanduul light fighter used for scouting, skirmishing, and first-wave attacks. A small profile, aggressive maneuverability, four forward guns, and eight missiles let one pilot find a target and immediately warn the ships following behind.
Blade specifications
A familiar threat from the first assault wave
The Blade is one of the Vanduul fighters most often encountered by UEE forces. Its small profile and high maneuverability suit scouting and first-wave attacks, where it can identify a target, arrive quickly, and support the opening attack before heavier craft follow.
A scout that is ready to become the attack
The Blade does not need to choose between observing and fighting. Its speed and fighter layout let it find the opening, report what matters, and take part in the first exchange.
Development note: The Blade is flight ready and entered the live game in Alpha 3.2.0. Because Star Citizen remains in active development, specifications, features, and imagery may change over time.
How the Blade is equipped for combat
Two Size 3 plasma cannons, two Size 2 laser cannons, and eight Size 1 missiles give the Blade a mixed weapon package for fast scouting and first-wave attacks.
The Blade combines high maneuverability with the small profile expected of a carrier-based fighter used for scouting and early assault waves.
Two Size 3 plasma cannons and two Size 2 laser cannons give the pilot a mixed direct-fire battery suited to fast attacks on light spacecraft and exposed systems.
Two missile racks carry eight Size 1 missiles, adding guided fire when a target moves outside the easiest gun solution.
The single-seat cockpit keeps the information needed for flying and fighting within easy reach.
The crew balances power and cooling so sensors, shields, and weapons remain available when they are needed.
The Blade's Vanduul weapon package
The replica Blade carries two Size 3 Warlord plasma cannons and two Size 2 Wasp laser cannons. Two missile hardpoints carry eight Size 1 missiles in total, keeping its mixed weapon package focused on fast single-pilot attacks.
Plasma and laser cannons with eight missiles
The Blade is at its best when the plasma and laser cannons with eight missiles can attack another fighter without giving up its mobility.
The pilot uses movement to shorten the time the Blade spends inside the opponent's aim.
The pilot keeps the Blade effective by tracking its condition and the threats outside the current target.
Turning scouting into first target
The Blade can find a target and take part in the opening attack, using speed and maneuverability to connect information with immediate fire support.
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Use the small profile to reach first target
Approach quickly, identify the target and nearby threats, and preserve the Blade's speed until the first report is sent.
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Pass clear information to the next wave
Share position, movement, and defenses so the larger assault arrives with a clearer picture of the target.
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Join the first exchange
Use maneuverability to keep the target under fire through its weaker coverage rather than flying directly into the heaviest return fire.
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Keep the Blade ready for another task
Regain speed when the target can concentrate fire, keeping the Blade ready to scout, pursue, or attack again.
Blade's combat equipment in detail
The Blade combines its plasma and laser cannons with eight missiles with the handling, protection, and targeting systems needed for its combat role.
Flight, targeting, guns, and missiles remain with one pilot inside a cockpit reproduced around the original Vanduul design.
The Blade's speed and small profile suit quick attacks, pursuit, and early target more than a prolonged exchange under concentrated fire.
The compact fighter is designed to deploy from larger Vanduul ships as part of a scouting screen or the first assault wave.
Aboard the Blade, responsive handling helps the pilot keep the guns and missiles on target through tight turns.
Pilot and weapons
Low mass gives the Blade rapid changes of direction, while its attack comes from the plasma and laser cannons with eight missiles. Awareness matters because the fighter has less protection available when caught in sustained fire.
Short attacks suit the Blade better than a damage trade
The Blade can change direction and reach a target quickly, but it cannot absorb damage like a heavier ship. The Blade's pilot has to make short attacks, stay aware of nearby threats, and avoid being pinned in sustained fire.
The Blade belongs against small, agile targets where quick response and the plasma and laser cannons with eight missiles matter more than absorbing heavy fire.
The pilot uses the Blade's speed and handling to bring the plasma and laser cannons with eight missiles onto the target, then moves before the target can return fire.
The pilot protects the Blade by treating every warning light and new target as part of the fight around them.
Find your Blade
Explore in-stock Blade ships, upgrades, and game packages available from The Impound.