Xyriat Hegemony

Scale: Fleet (very nominally 1:1500th)

Four squadrons (48 fighters) supplied.

Size (Bounding Box, Sprue/Base): 38.2mm x 26.72mm x 7.39mm (11.4mm x 5.72mm x 4.19mm individually)
The Vod Antiship Drone is one of the most common drones in the Hegemonic Navy. Their effectiveness centres around the simple design of the single, spinal-mounted capital ship railgun. Whereas most anti-starship smallcraft rely on short-ranged light torpedoes or missiles for their punch, the Vod can sit at extended range and chip away at a vessel, using its superior manoeuvrability to keep out of reach of most capital ships. A single Vod is not particularly dangerous, but a squadron can prove a serious threat.

The Vod drones are also used for deep-strikes. Being equipped with their own GVD drives – focussed off the paired discs on either side of the railgun – means that they are excellent for raiding against static targets, where they can maximise their range. The Vods carry a very plentiful supply of ammunition for their railguns.

Nor are they entirely defenceless if brought to battle; the Vod mounts four light particle beam cannons and boasts good shielding. However, their manoeuvrability is only average and their railguns make a poor substitute for light torpedoes or missiles against other fighters and they do not fare well against all but the lightest of fighters.

The Vod drones are quite capable when used to screen capital ships; their particle beams can provide additional anti-fighter or missile defence and their railguns can provide significant extra firepower to a vessel. However, the Vod’s primary drawback in this role is that they cannot do both at once with their limited firecontrol.