![gryphon class runabout gryphon class runabout](https://wiki.starbase118.net/wiki/images/0/00/Arrow_runabout_over.jpg)
Fitting armament packages has a negative effect on the fighter's speed and maneuverability, especially in atmosphere. These can accept a multitude of mission-specific packages, ranging from increased armament to sensor suites to aerodynamic containers enabling the Gryphon to act as a warp capable light transport when needed. The Gryphon furthermore has two external hardpoints underneath the wings. It also houses several small compartments with emergency rations, simple flight suit repair tools, basic medical equipment and other assorted emergency equipment. The core block can be ejected and serves as life pod in emergency situations. The fighter employs a modular design, consisting of three major components: The 'core block' which houses the cockpit, communication systems and life support, the main body and the power plant package. Being more heavily armed than any other Starfleet fighter in service, the Gryphon is also heavier and utilizes a highly advanced power plant to achieve high cruising speed, max speed and emergency speed. The ship is armed with two forward facing Type U+ pulse cannons mounted in the wing mounts, two micro torpedo launchers mounted behind the pulse cannons and four individual Type VII phaser strips, two facing forward and two aft, to give a coverage arc of 360 degrees. Its top speed in atmosphere is 1200 kph for the bare ship. Although it closely resembles the Valkyrie, it is in fact a completely new design, following a very similar design philosophy and very similar requirements.Īlthough designed primarily for space combat, it's capable of entering atmosphere, atmospheric operations, making planetfall and returning to space under its own power. It addresses some problems in the original design, and was designed with adaptibility, modularity and survivability in mind. The KD-56 Gryphon multirole fighter is an evolution of the venerable Valkyrie, and is called Valkyrie Mk II by some.