The EA-42B “Buckler” is a specialized two-seater craft outfitted with equipment to jam enemy detection systems, spoof false contacts, and scramble their communications. It is also equipped to provide friendly forces with spaceborne early warning and control functions – detecting hostile ships, craft and projectiles at long range – as well as performing command and control of the battlespace by coordinating friendly craft and directing them to their target locations. It is also commonly used to carry out surveillance.

The Buckler is very lightly armed, with most of its interior volume taken up by electronics, as well as the power systems needed to run them. While it can be detected by opposing forces, due to its mobility and extended sensor range, it can generally remain at the rear of the formation where it is less vulnerable to counter-attack.

Behind the Scenes

A buckler is a small, single-handed shield meant to be used in tandem with a sword, which I felt was appropriate given the craft's role in supporting fighters like the Sabre. Fun fact: this is where we get the term “swashbuckler” from.

Design-wise, I mainly took inspiration from the concept F-19A Specter stealth fighter from the late 80s (before anyone knew what the F-117 actually looked like), combined with the forward-swept wings of the Grumman X-29 and/or Sukhoi Su-47.