The Dredd-Class Exterminator, generally recognized as the S-4, is a strategic bomber manufactured by Ceres ShipYards under United Sol Command. It was frequently used during the War in Heavens. the Dredd-Class Exterminator has shown to be a capable spacecraft on multiple occasions, demolishing major forces of Archdemons during the aforementioned war. Several hundred modified variants with rocket launchers instead of explosives were also used during the Great Purge with Sahurian Parasites.
In contrast to other bombers, the Dredd-Class Exterminator is maneuverable and quick, outperforming even the most sophisticated bombers. It's also well-armed, capable of fending off any approaching enemy fighters. However, escort ships were still deemed necessary during the War in Heavens. The United Sol Command requested a swift and capable bomber, and the S-4 was created to meet their needs. The ship took a little more than a month to develop, and 5,000 were built when it was released. Thousands of models were produced in mid of 26th Century.
On the rear of the Dredd-Class Exterminator are two sets of Jackson-Drives \ce{H_{2}} thrusters, one of which is significantly larger than the remainder. Because the thrusters are fueled by Hydrogen, the S-4 is easy to maintain even in void conditions using fuel scoopers, making it one of Command's survivable bomber designs. ShipYard's Dredd-Class Exterminator is the company's only bomber model that uses Anti-de Sitter Drive. While the S-4s can achieve AdS Factor of 250 light-years, their fuel capacity is meager and would be quickly depleted after factor of 60 light-years. Instead, typically the S-4's are carried onboard Tenno-Class Corvette in quantity of 8.
To say the least, the Dredd-Class Exterminator's weaponry is formidable. On each wing, two bomb launchers are mounted, capable of destroying most structures and opposing ships. During the War in Heavens, the dumbfire barrage bombs were used to destroy en masse Archdemons formations. Barrage bombs themselves act as missile carriers which deploy after passing atmosphere, dropping the thermal protection Furthermore, each side's three homing missiles were utilized to wreak havoc on nearby enemy ships. On the underside, there are two sets of bomb racks, each with three big bombs. A massive hydrogen bomb stands in the center of its underside, capable of destroying enormous swaths of a planet. The M-4s are shielded by a solitary MagnetoShield that can deflect most, if not all, incoming strikes for minutes, with quick recharge downtime. On the other end of the ship. As a backup, the ship has very thick Hull to sustain potential thermal attacks that bypass MangetoShield.
Variants
- Strider - The Strider is a variant of the Dredd-Class Exterminator which has a far higher jump range than the base model. The Strider was generally used for long-range bombing runs.