GTM Trebuchet

The GTM-55 Trebuchet is a specialized tool developed to assist guarding vessels in the interception of bombers at maximum range before they can deploy their torpedoes. With a range of 5km, this missile has the longest reach of any fighter-mounted system, and can inflict devestating damage even to heavily shielded bombers.

The primary disadvantages of this weapon are that it lacks agility, and that it's a bulky peice of equipment. While few bombers are nimble enough to even think about evading an incoming Trebuchet, the missile doesn't stand a very good chance of hitting any type of fighter. This wouldn't normally be a large problem for such a specialized system as this, but it is amplified because of each missile's size, making each fighter able to carry only a few rounds.

Some pilots have reported a high degree of success using this weapon as a sort of light tactical torpedo. While the missile doesn't have anywhere near the effective payload of a GTM Cyclops, it does have the advantages of being longer-ranged, compatible with many fighters and interceptors, and that anti-torpedo defense systems cannot target and destroy an incoming Trebuchet. Pilots disable a target ship's anti-fighter beams and flak from a safe distance, then move in for the kill with heavier ordnance. GTVA Command is considering an analysis program to explore this tactic from both an offensive and defensive standpoint.

Weapons in Descent: FreeSpace

Primaries Secondaries Turrets Weapon Comparison Table, FS1

Weapons in FreeSpace 2

Primaries Secondaries Turrets Weapon Comparison Table, FS2

Tech Room Data

The new GTM-55 Trebuchet was developed as a long-range, anti-bomber missile with an effective range of 4,000 meters. It also utilizes the latest in precision targeting technology for short lock times. The Trebuchet plays a vital role in defensive missions, enabling escort and patrol fighters to intercept incoming bombers without straying from the ship or emplacement under attack.

Veteran Comments

Long-range anti-bomber/anti-subsystem missile. Range of 5 kilometers so you can keep people well out of bomb or beam range from the ship you're escorting. Effective at taking out turrets in addition to bombers, a useful missile for all escort missions. And any fighter that takes a hit from a Treb is in deep trouble.

Performance

Statistics

Range	5040 m
Rate of Fire	1 / 6 s
Velocity	280 mps
Damage	840
Against Hullplating	Average
Against Shields	Poor
Against Subsystems	Excellent
Shockwave Radius	20 m / 40 m
Homing System	Aspect Seeking
Minimum Lock Time	3.5 s
Turn Rate	3.0 s