Hikari starfighter

The LF-23C6 “Hikari” is a long-range aerospace superiority fighter manufactured by Akahime Aerospace, a subsidiary of Akahime Starworks, and is currently in operation with the Consortium Planetary Air Service and the Consortium High Stellar Fleet. It is officially designated the Akahime Naval Type 0 starfighter, or the Akahime LF-23C6 Reisen. While sometimes referred to as the Reisen fighter, or “Zero”, it is more commonly known as the Hikari, or “Light.”

Design
Considered the most capable assault starfighter known when it was introduced during the Second Reverence War, combining long range with unsurpassed maneuverability, the LF-23 series gained a reputation as extreme dogfighters with a kill ratio of not less than twelve opponents for every one Hikari. The LF-23C6 is no exception, boasting exceptional speeds and maneuverability when compared to contemporary fighters despite the design’s age. While under-armored for a starfighter of its type and possessing some drawbacks, it is a clear threat to the opponents it faces.

While not as fast as its I-1C9 Nisshoku or I-2L3 Shiden cousins, the Hikari, thanks to a combination of unsurpassed maneuverability—even when compared to other contemporary Consortium fighters—and excellent firepower is a difficult opponent for even Ar'trenaxi fighters despite their advanced technology. While not as fast as some, the Hikari can out-turn potential rivals, sustain pinpoint maneuvers at high speeds, and stay in combat almost three times as long. Due to such extreme maneuverability, engaging the Hikari in a traditional dogfight is likely to be seen as suicidal by the pilots commanded to do so.

Armament
The Hikari is armed with two 2.5 cm/60 Type 96 fixed-mount light pulse cannons, with single-fire and linked options available to the pilot. While light weapons compared to their contemporaries, they are still quite capable weapons in the hands of a skilled pilot. The Hikari also carries a 61/90 Type 93 “Lancer” single fixed-mount torpedo launcher, mounted in the nose.

History
The Hikari was designed to replace the LF-22C5 Yami starfighter soon after it was introduced, to cope with that fighter’s deficiencies and reduced ability to take advantage of their pursuit fighter characteristics. Instrumentation was reduced to the necessaries only to lessen distractions on the pilot; better maneuvering surfaces and jets were introduced to allow it to operate well both inside and outside atmospheres. When introduced, it was the most maneuverable starfighter ever developed. The Hikari went on to serve in the Second Reverence War, the Second War in Heaven, and the Saburo Incident. It would be gradually replaced by the LF-24C7 Inazuma, which had still-better handling characteristics and improved survivability, as well as more powerful armament.