The S-9 Hydra starfighter was originally designed to be a small-scale scout ship called the S-8 Medusa. After numerous upgrades and configuration changes, the Medusa's designs were so different from the original that it was its own new starfighter class and was called the Hydra.   The Hydra is most frequently used by military forces to engage enemy craft. It was first employed during the Plantation Uprisings in the Braxus sector several years ago to defend agricultural colonies from oppressive raiders and prevent them from destroying the land. The Hydra proved itself as a worthy starfighter design and has been popular ever since. GDX Group S-9 Hydra Starfighter CL 10 Gargantuan starfighter Init +6; Senses Perception +9 Defenses Ref 17 (flat-footed 12), Fort 24; +7 armor hp 100; DR 10; SR 25; Threshold 44 Speed 16 squares (max. velocity 1,050 km/h), fly 4 squares (starship scale) Ranged laser cannons +5 (see below) Ranged light ion cannons +5 (see below) Ranged proton torpedoes +5 (see below) Fighting Space 4x4 or 1 square (starship scale); Cover total Base Atk +2; Grp +31 Atk Options autofire (laser cannons) Abilities Str 39, Dex 20, Con -, Int 16 Skills Initiative +6, Mechanics +9, Perception +9, Pilot +6, Use Computer +9 Crew 1 (skilled); Passengers 0 Cargo 110 kg; Consumables 1 week; Carried Craft none Payload 6 proton torpedoes Availability Military; Cost 135,000 (65,000 used) Laser cannons (pilot) Atk +5 (+0 autofire), Dmg 6d10x2 Light ion cannons (pilot) Atk +5, Dmg 4d10x2 ion Proton torpedoes (pilot) Atk +5, Dmg 9d10x2, 4-square splash