Misriah C-135 Talwaar

Sure they're small, but at least they can keep up with Seraphs."'' -Tomahawk Pilot

MA12 Tomahawk Starfighter is a small fighter, designed for both atmospheric use and as a starfighter. Introduced to fill the niche of a dedicated fighter, it has performed adequately in the Second Great War.

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Development
The concept of the MA12 Tomahawk Fighter was first thought of in 2585, when rebel atmospheric fighters made frequent raids on civillian craft and unarmed UNSC Crane Transports. Sparrowhawk gunships were not fast enough to keep up with the much faster rebel fighters, Longswords lacked atmospheric maneuverability, and Shortswords were not fast enough. The UNSC Defence Force called for veteran Misriah Armories to design and mass produce a small craft that could act as a space fighter and could carry a light payload. In 2587, Misriah revealed their prototype design, nicknamed the 'Jackhammer,' and two months later, they finished their design. They then named the model the MA12 Tomahawk Fighter, and it went on the production lines right away.

Usage
The MA12 has been primarily used by the UNSC Army Air Corps, Navy, and has seen some use in the Colonial Militia. Intended to replace 40% of all active Longswords, its small payload prevented so, replacing only 15%. As a space craft, the MA12 is almost always used as an escort when in not in Slipspace. It has also been used in the Second Great War to fight off attacking Seraph-class Starfighters. It can also escort Longsword Interceptors when running a bombing raid on Covenant capital ships. As an atmospheric fighter, the Tomahawk performs very much as intended. The MA12 can be used to make quick raids on enemy bases, dropping its small small payload and quickly leaving the scene. However, the MA12 has another trick up its sleeve - its engines can rotate to face downward, and two small exhaust tubes near the front turret can be used, and the Tomahawk can perform VTOL maneuvers. This can also be used as a battle tactic, using its additional wing cannons to support infantry, further improving its battlefield capabilities.

Disadvantages
The MA12 Tomahawk Fighter has a small handful of drawbacks. First, it has only a thin hull, and without its shielding, would be extremely vulnerable in space combat. Second, its lack of heavy firepower makes the Seraph stronger than the Tomahawk.

Trivia

 * The MA12 shares its name with a 20th century fighter, the P40 Tomahawk of World War II.