A large, short range guided missile system designed to launch large numbers of projectiles to overwhelm and cripple enemy fighter squadrons in a single salvo. The Locust can be used against larger targets, but will have little relative effect unless shields and armour are already breached.
The Locust launches bursts of twenty small missiles per salvo. Robust, low-power individual tracking systems are coordinated by a distributed swarm intelligence system to enable tracking of targets, while chemical microthrusters provide maneuverability for a short time. Tried and true targeting algorithms based on the old standby Swarmer missile systems allow Locusts to miss only rarely. The Locust has rightly earned a place in the nightmares of fighter pilots.
–In-Game Description
Notes[]
Don't let the fragmentation damage type fool you - Locusts can deal serious damage once the armor has been stripped off. Their true role however, is to completely obliterate all fighter wings on screen, along with a frigate here and there. Another benefit is its very high ammo count (20 volleys total, 40 with Expanded Missile Racks) meaning it remains useful even in prolonged fights unlike most missile weapons. Probably one of the safest bets for large missiles slots if you're not sure what to exactly fit.
Locust SRM Launcher: reduced burst size to 30 (was: 40)
0.8.1a-RC5
Range increased from 1000 to 1400
Damage per shot increased from 100 to 200
Ammo increased from 300 to 600
Damage type changed from High Explosive to Fragmentation
Burst size increased from 20 to 40
Projectile speed increased from 300 to 400
Flight time increased from 5 to 6
Projectile deceleration increased from 800 to 2500
0.8a
The missiles fired by certain anti-fighter missile weapons (Swarmer, Locust, etc) will change targets to closer fighters so that they can be used effectively vs a fighter swarm, hitting multiple targets
