Interceptors. General purpose combat ships in between M3 and M5 classes and have can mount the unique weapon types of their creating races.

Stats Overview

* = Maximum able to be obtained by purchased tunings.   These values can be exceeded by using Pandora Tunings.

** = Number of available laser slots in the Main, Front, Left, Right, Up, Down, Back batteries

*** = Ships with data existing in the vanilla game files are listed but some are not available during play without mods or scripts

Functions and applications

M4 interceptors are light fight ships that are tougher and slower than an M5 but faster and less durable than M3s.   M4s can equip the unique weapons of their race such as PBEs and FBLs and can use light missiles with some even being able to use medium missiles.   M4s can equip a comparatively large number of high damage lasers but lack the Laser Energy Reload Rate for sustained fire in sector.   As several M4s have a low cost they can act as glass cannons or Thunderbolt/Tornado missile bombers for carrier fleets being able to deal high damage but with acceptable and replaceable losses expected.   The lack of a rear turret on all M4s but the Eurus make them highly vulnerable to missiles shot from close range at the rear (something NPC ships prioritise).   Small cargobays prevent frequent use of the jump drive on interceptors able to equip one meaning TM/M7C/M1 ships will be needed for long distance treks.