Lightning-class scout orbitor

The Lightning-class scout orbitor (: SSO-01) is a line of two small, primitive Orbitors which were built for the Royal Australian Navy at the turn of the. Often correctly assumed to be a gigantic decedent of spaceplanes thanks to its streamlined shape, the country's first true was commissioned into service as a multirole tool, although became more specialised as the Australian Space Fleet grew. Modestly armed with sixteen cells of missiles and two 102mm autocannons, what set the Lightning-class apart from other early military craft was its baffled equipment and RADAR-resistant design that was upgraded upon over its lifespan.

Although planning for an "Interplanetary Transport & Combatant Craft" began in 2076, due to a lack of support from the ADF the lead ship was laid down in 2097. Originally entailing a total of five ships, with the option for two more, perceived issues with personnel, lack of necessity, cost-overruns, and an early reliance on the American armed forces in the realm of space saw the project being reduced to the final two ships. Constructed by Anderson Shipyards, both would enter service by 2102, suffering only minor delays.