Despite the increase in size and mass, the Thunderbolt's improved engines are able to maintain the Starfury's impressive maneuverability and give it an even higher forward speed, although at the cost of slightly slower braking. The Thunderbolt also has hardpoints for up to 10 extra weapons (usually missiles), enabling it to also serve as a light bomber for planetary strikes. Thunderbolts mount 4 advanced pulse cannons in an underslung position beneath the cockpit.

The ejection system throws the cockpit module upwards rather than forward there are a pair of secondary thrust charges mounted at the rear of the upper surface that fire at the same time as ejectors in order to push the body in the opposite direction and prevent the module from colliding with the rear third of the craft. This fighter has a crew of two who sit in the traditional fighter plane position and operate the controls using a combination of hand, foot, eye and voice commands the repositioning, though, means the pilots are more vulnerable to G-Forces than in older Starfury models. Explorer class ships are used by Earthforce to explore new regions of space, map star systems and planets, make and maintain diplomatic relations with other races, and build new jumpgates. The frame of the craft is extended and has a smoother shape for aerodynamic purposes. STARFURY MK.2 approaching Babylon 5 - STARFURY MK.2 - 02. Unlike previous production model Starfurys, the Thunderbolt is capable of atmospheric maneuvering through the use of deployable airfoils mounted on the main engine pods. The Earth-Alliance ThunderBolt is one of, if not the most powerful fighter of all the younger races, with the exception of the Nial class fighter used by the Minbari.

The Thunderbolt was first deployed in 2260, the same year the Earth Alliance Civil War broke out.

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