SF Mara
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| The SF Mara |
The extensively used SF Mara was one of the Shivan fighters used during their second invasion. The Mara was fast, maneuverable, tough, and relatively small. The craft also had a superior secondary weapon capability that could even compete with that of a bomber-type. Like all Shivan fighters, the Mara was extremely well-shielded and its armoring was somehow superior to that of a typical Shivan fighter. Although it was still weaker than a Terran fighter's, its heavy shielding and swiftness made the Mara a formidable opponent in a dogfight. However, despite its specifications as a fighter-type, Maras were still impractical against larger vessels, thus they were often tasked with bomber escort.
It is the Mara class that was first designated of all Second Incursion-era Shivan fighters after a group of Mara fighters were detected emerging from the Knossos subspace portal in Gamma Draconis. The fighters, with the help of a Rakshasa-class cruiser, easily took down the patrolling GTVA force.
Some time during the nebula campaign, SOC managed to capture at least one wing of these fighters, and their engineers retrofitted them for Terran use. Later, they were used in another SOC operation that discovered the actual size of the Shivan fleet, as well as a third Knossos device.
Contents
Description:
FS2 Demo Tech Room Description
The Mara seems to be a Shivan heavy attack fighter. It is not as maneuverable as other Shivan fighters, but it packs quite a punch, and it is very resistant to our weaponry. Most often they have been used in attacking our supply convoys and transports. Treat the Mara as a Class C threat.
FS2 Tech Room Description
The SF Mara class of Shivan fighters was first encountered by the GTC Vigilant while patrolling the Gamma Draconis jump node in the Capella system. All other information concerning the Mara is classified level Psi.
Developer Notes
None
Name origin
Mara has many meanings and connotations. Most likely, the fighter class is named after the Hindu goddess of death. In Buddhism, Mara is not a goddess but a male demon.
Performance:
Statistics
| Type | Space Superiority (?) |
| Manufacturer | Unknown |
| Maneuverability | N/A |
| Max Velocity | 70.0 - 78.0 mps |
| Max Afterburner Velocity | 120.0 mps |
| Armor | N/A |
| Hitpoints | 200 |
| Shields | 620 |
| Length | 17.8 m |
Armaments
| FreeSpace 2 | ||
| Bank | Guns | Standard Loadout |
| 1st | 2 | Shivan Mega Laser |
| 2nd | 2 | Shivan Heavy Laser |
| FreeSpace 2 | ||
| Bank | Capacity | Standard Loadout |
| 1st | 80 | Trebuchet |
| 2nd | 80 | Hornet |
Veteran Comments
The one disadvantage of the Mara is the fairly large target profile it presents to the enemy, but its combination of maneouverability, firepower and durability easily makes up for this.
The "Terran Mara" you use in Into the Lion's Den is slightly superior to the Shivan version.
The above comment is at best an understatement.
The Mara is a highly-capable craft. It can outmaneuver most heavier GTVA fighters and bombers, has enough speed at its disposal to be competitive, and finally has enough weaponry to be a significant threat. All this, even in the hands of an AI pilot. If the Mara were being piloted by players it would be a terror. And the uprated SF Mara (Terrans) is a truly a nightmare, but fortunately one for the other guy.
Maras are a true nightmare on higher difficulty levels. They always appear in swarms, and instantly start trying to fill your ship with volley after volley of Hornets.
What was said above about outmaneuvering heavier fighters and bombers is only true on higher difficulty levels. Even then, as long as you know how to use a heavy fighter properly, you'll be fine.
