A modified version of the Alliance Chieftain, the Alliance Challenger has been envisaged as a frontline combat vessel. With a generous complement of hardpoints, the Challenger can more than hold its own in a fight, and although it weighs more than its sister ship, it has retained the Chieftain's characteristic agility. It also has stronger armour than the Chieftain, allowing it to soak up a significant amount of punishment.
— In-Game Description
The Alliance Challenger is a variant of the Alliance Chieftain manufactured by Lakon Spaceways for the Alliance in response to the Thargoid threat.[1] Capitalizing on the Chieftain's strengths, the Challenger boasts enhanced specifications in the form of additional weapon hardpoints, more durable armour, and slightly increased manoeuvrability.[2]
Overview
For owners of the Alliance Chieftain looking for a similar ship with added firepower and durability, the Alliance Challenger delivers. The Challenger trades one large hardpoint for two additional medium hardpoints, increasing its overall damage output in combat. The Challenger also boasts reconfigured internal compartments, including one additional Class 6 slot, increasing its cargo capacity to 152t over the Chieftain's 120t. Although the Challenger's upgrades come with a higher purchase price than the Chieftain, it is still substantially cheaper than a number of other medium vessels, such as the Federal Gunship, Krait MkII, Python, and Fer-de-Lance.
The Alliance Challenger is most commonly available in Alliance systems. Despite its name and affiliation, it requires no rank or reputation with the Alliance to purchase.
