P5G Gladius

The P5G Gladius is a legendary light fighter developed by Aegis Dynamics and currently fielded in large numbers by the United Federation of Nations. First introduced in 2579 as a replacement for the aging Stiletto-class interceptor, the Gladius has since become a staple of fast-response squadrons, patrol wings, and planetary defense grids. It is a vehicle of elegant simplicity—compact, lethal, and unburdened by unnecessary complexity. While many modern fighters aim to do everything, the Gladius excels by focusing on what matters most in its class: speed, agility, and combat reliability.

Design Philosophy and Evolution

Since its inception, the Gladius has been continuously updated to incorporate the latest advancements in avionics, propulsion, and flight control systems, all without compromising its foundational design. Its sleek, aerodynamic frame and minimalist cockpit layout speak to a time-tested doctrine of efficiency and performance. For over four centuries, it has seen service across nearly every UFN-aligned world, from orbital enforcement to deep-space convoy protection.
In military circles, the Gladius is celebrated as the quintessential light fighter—beloved by pilots for its responsiveness, simplicity of maintenance, and unyielding reliability in the harshest conditions. The design is clean and functional, with modularity built into its systems for quick refits and maintenance cycles. Its operational cost is low, yet its tactical value is immense, making it ideal for long-term deployments and frontier operations.

Combat Role and Deployment

Primarily deployed as an interceptor and dogfighter, the P5G Gladius fills the critical role of rapid response in the UFN arsenal. It is the frontline vessel for patrol missions, point defense, and anti-piracy operations, especially in less fortified star systems. Fast and precise, it is often the first and last line of defense when responding to distress beacons or intercepting hostile craft.
The Gladius is best known for its performance in the hands of the Federal Sentinel Service Corps, the UFN's interstellar equivalent of a coast guard. These units often operate with limited support, relying on speed and precision to maintain order across vast expanses of territory. Whether deployed to inspect cargo freighters, chase down smugglers, or escort civilian vessels through hazardous regions, the Gladius is trusted for its quick acceleration and deadly engagement profile.
Its dogfighting prowess is unparalleled among fighters of its class. With a tight turning radius, aggressive acceleration curves, and minimal electronic latency, the Gladius allows its pilot to engage in close-quarters space combat with confidence. In squad formations, it acts as both vanguard and outrider, baiting enemy forces into vulnerable positions or breaking through outer picket lines to strike at command craft.

Weapons and Armament

Despite its light classification, the Gladius carries a surprisingly formidable weapons loadout. The fighter comes standard with three Size 3 gun hardpoints—one mounted centrally and two beneath the wings—providing powerful, sustained offensive capability. These hardpoints support a range of loadouts including fixed energy cannons, high-velocity ballistic weapons, or rapid-fire repeaters, depending on the mission at hand.
Under each wing, missile racks support a mixed payload of two Size 3 and four Size 2 missiles. This gives the Gladius excellent flexibility in combat—allowing it to engage lightly armored targets at range or deliver concentrated barrages against more hardened foes. While it cannot match the missile saturation of larger strike craft, the Gladius uses its payload with tactical precision, often neutralizing key threats before they can react.

Defensive Systems and Evasion

The Gladius’ most reliable defense lies not in armor, but in its unmatched maneuverability and advanced evasion systems. The fighter is equipped with high-performance thrusters optimized for tight vector shifts and rapid directional reversals, giving it the ability to break missile locks or escape enemy firing arcs with sudden bursts of motion.
Its countermeasure system includes chaff and flare deployment as standard, supplemented by active threat detection arrays and a rudimentary AI-driven evasive protocol that assists the pilot in high-stress scenarios. These systems make the Gladius a challenging target to pin down in combat, and in skilled hands, it can dance through a firestorm and emerge unscathed.

Storage and Field Utility

While the Gladius is not built for long-term missions or cargo hauls, it includes enough onboard storage for basic resupply and personal effects. A 250K μSCU external compartment is mounted beneath the fuselage, allowing storage for munitions, field kits, or survival gear. Additionally, the fighter includes integrated weapon racks, typically used to stow a pilot’s sidearm or primary weapon for emergencies or planetary deployments.
These modest additions ensure that even though the Gladius is a light fighter, it retains a measure of independence—enough for patrol pilots to carry what they need during extended assignments in remote systems or when operating out of forward bases.
The P5G Gladius is a masterclass in refined purpose. It does not try to be all things to all roles—instead, it dedicates every element of its design to excelling as a light interceptor and dogfighter. With centuries of field service, continual refinements, and a spotless reputation among pilots, it remains one of the most enduring platforms in the UFN military. Whether streaking through an asteroid belt in pursuit of a smuggler or defending a civilian convoy from pirate raiders, the Gladius delivers swift justice, cutting through space with the grace and lethality of its namesake.

Weapons & Armament

Equipped with three Size 3 gun hardpoints: one central and two wing-mounted
Supports a variety of weapons including energy cannons, ballistic guns, and repeaters
Carries underwing missile racks with two Size 3 and four Size 2 missiles

Armor and defense

High-performance thrusters allow for rapid vector shifts and maneuvering
Countermeasure suite includes flares and chaff for missile evasion
Threat detection arrays assist the pilot in anticipating incoming fire
AI-assisted evasive protocol provides real-time support during combat

Creation Date

2579

Owning Organization

Federal Sentinel Service Corps

Width

17.5 meters

Length

21 meters

Height

5.5 meters

Speed

1,230 m/s

Complement / Crew

1 Pilot

Cargo & Passenger Capacity

1,300 KµSCU