Ships of the Animated Series: Epee (September 13, 2004)

[Bandit LOAF]

Since we've received so much positive feedback about the recent 'Ships of the Animated Series' updates, we've decided to stick with what works and go through the rest of the ships in the series. Next we'll take a look at ships which were originally introduced back in 1991 with Wing Commander II: Vengeance of the Kilrathi...

The oft-disparaged F-54 Epee-class Light Attack Fighter makes two appearances in the television series. It first shows up as part of Karnes' pirate group in Episode 2, "The Last One Left" and then returns to fly point defense for the Tiger's Claw in Episode 3, "The Most Delicate Instrument." The animated version of the Epee mounts a single, centerline laser cannon and four missiles - two on external wing mounts and two located below. Some have argued that this fighter cannot be the Epee, given the Wing Commander 1 & 2 Official Guide's claim that the Epee "replaced the Hornet just six years ago" (2661) -- but there's probably some room to maneuver, since even the Hornet is still in service eight years after that point.

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Original update published on September 13, 2004

 

[Maj.Striker]

Am I the only one who thinks that calling this picture an Epee is a bit of a stretch? The long neck seems to be the only thing that resembles the WC 2 classic POS. I was recently playing through WC 2 SO1 and man I can't believe how crappy that ship was. It was okay in the WC 2 main campaign but in SO 1 it's pure crap.

 

[Bandit LOAF]

Here's a WC2 Epee for comparison:

 

[Viper61]

Though the Epee that replaced the Hornet is the C model IIRC, so I believe there is more than enough room for an A or B model on the Tigers Claw 7 years prior.

C-ya

 

[Maj.Striker]

I guess it could be an earlier predecessor but it does appear to be very different in angles and such from the Epee Loaf posted.

 

[Maj.Striker]

For example, the WC 2 epee has two fins underneath the engines and a curved body, the academy has one fin and a very very boxlike body. The body of the Academy epee appears to be extremely boxy...

 

[Dundradal]

Could be looking at a model A and say a model F or something...think about how the P-51 changed in the A to D models....