This is the GTF Hercules Mark I as seen in Freespace 1 and 2. It's predecessor is the GTF Hercules Mark II which was created after the Terrans and Vasudans formed the Galactic Terran-Vasudan Alliance (GTVA) to fend of the Shivans.
The Herc is a heavy assault class fighter. With 6 gun mounts and 2 missile banks, this ship is designed for bombing missions and taking out the weapons and subsystems of capital ships.
In terms of dog fighting capabilities, it pales in comparison to space superiority, recon or interceptor class fighters. However, to make up for their speed, heavy assault fighters tend to have thicker hulls and are capable of equipping themselves with anti-fighter missiles such as the Piranha or the Infyrno.
This ship is currently using its afterburners as you can see by the large engine trail. Afterburners are basically like the NOS in a car as the afterburners allow the ship to reach high speeds for a very short amount of time. Great for evasive maneuvers.
Reminds me of the opening intro: "I remember stories of a glorious civilization, of cities with spires that reached the sun and a blue planet with vast seas. Of people with myths of Humanity everlasting, of children who saw in the embers of dying stars, the destiny of their race. And they hurled themselves into the void of space with no fear. They say our people have no present, only a past filled with horror and a future they can only dream of. Now we forge a new alliance, to guard the tomb of space and find within it's cold expanse, the salvation of our race."
"I remember stories of a glorious civilization, of cities with spires that reached the sun and a blue planet with vast seas. Of people with myths of Humanity everlasting, of children who saw in the embers of dying stars, the destiny of their race. And they hurled themselves into the void of space with no fear. They say our people have no present, only a past filled with horror and a future they can only dream of. Now we forge a new alliance, to guard the tomb of space and find within it's cold expanse, the salvation of our race."
Always gave me chills.
Love that game so much.
Anyway, looks cool.
Thanks btw!