Xenon J M1 (13-Slot) [X3]
(UPDATE: 9/18/2018) This ship is now updated to work properly with Combat Update Pt. II. For custom turrets to go with it, check out the collection!
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The appearance of one of the monolithic M1-class carriers of the Xenon in populated space is considered an ill omen and constitutes an immediate, severe threat to local security for any Commonwealth government. Civilian vessels unlucky enough to spot a J on their sensors are advised to get as far away from it as possible and hope that they have managed to avoid drawing its attention. Likewise, protocol for sector patrol ships is to immediately call for heavy reinforcements, as a sighting of one of these enormous machines is often the first sign of a major Xenon offensive.
Even without an escort, a Xenon J is a dangerous foe. Though it is quite slow, it is able to act as a mobile base for a huge number of Xenon fighter craft (including the deadly LX heavy fighter) that it uses to project force and pursue enemies over a wide area. The J is also unusually well armed by carrier standards. It is known to carry as many guns as some M2-class destroyers, and its turret placement gives it nearly perfect coverage. The J has been observed to mount the Cluster Flak Array (for fighter defense) and the slow but extremely powerful Photon Pulse Cannon (for use against other capital ships), and is also compatable with a large variety of missiles. It has even been observed to mount the Terran-designed Matter/Anti-Matter Launcher, and its large cargo bay allows it to carry a vast amount of ammunition.
If there is one saving grace for the citizens of the Commonwealth, it is that the J’s laser capacitor is somewhat weak. While its impressive array of weaponry allows it to easily mow down frigates and smaller vessels, heavily-shielded M2-class destroyers can weather its initial barrage and wear it down once it has exhausted its energy reserves. As such, the standard response tactic against a Xenon J is to bring in an M2, or to engage only in overwhelming numbers. These maneuvers are far from routine, however, and can become complicated when a J is accompanied by a Xenon K destroyer.
Deep scans of the J’s hull have revealed that it possesses a redundant bridge and crew deck. Why the Xenon – who have no need for these structures – bother to include them in their ship designs is not well understood, but their presence means that the J is theoretically flyable by a non-Xenon crew. However, those brave or foolish enough to consider a boarding maneuver should be warned – what lies on the other side of the J’s outer hull is a hellscape of labyrinthine circuitry guarded by a nearly impenetrable grid of automated defenses.
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This build of the Xenon J is based on its apperance in X3: Terran Conflict, and is a mostly faithful re-creation of the original (though many of the enhanced surface details are my own). This was a labor of love and it took me a little over a week to finish. Like the original, the J is not very maneuverable, owing to the fact that most of the hull is Ogonite. When flying the J, be aware that it has several long antenna-like appendages on the underside that can be a collision hazard – people who managed to capture and fly this ship in X3 probably don’t need to be reminded of this.
The J has 11 hangar bays, 24 large "major" hardpoints where the original ship’s gun mounts were located, and 36 small "minor" hardpoints. The locations of all hardpoints are marked in diagrams (in the screenshots). In addition, some of the J’s armored internals are framework placeholders, so that you can customize the ship to your liking. It’s worth noting that replacing a couple of these frameworks with computer cores can bump the J up to 14 upgrade slots. Detailed initial stats and cost can be found in the screenshots as well. The ship can be scaled up (it was actually built at double size), but becomes even less maneuverable by doing so.
If you’re wanting some Xenon fighters to fill the hangar bays, I’ve got you covered.
