The video explores the history of the Esperia Prowler military dropship, originally developed by Taran forces and later replicated by Asperia, highlighting its role in the Taran Wars and subsequent decline in the 28th century. After the revival of the Prowler in the 2940s, it was modernized and gained popularity among mercenary forces and civilians, marking a significant shift from its military origins.
The video discusses the history and significance of the Esperia Prowler military dropship, focusing on its dual legacy stemming from its original Taran manufacture and its modern replicas created by Asperia. Initially developed by the Taran forces several centuries ago, the Prowler became an emblematic craft during the Taran Wars, known for its unique silhouette, silent flight capabilities, and combat effectiveness. Human forces first encountered the Prowler during the annexation of Idris 4 in 2541, where it played a crucial role in deploying elite Taran troops and pacifying human defenders.
The Prowler had two distinct configurations during the wars: the original version lacked a top-mounted turret, which led to specific tactics employed by UEE interceptors. As the conflict progressed, a new model, the Prowler B, was introduced, featuring a turret known as the Stinger, which significantly changed the dynamics of aerial combat. Human forces managed to capture some Prowlers during the war, using them for special operations, although many were ultimately scrapped or repurposed as target vehicles due to the lack of interest in Taran technology.
In the aftermath of the wars, the remaining Prowlers became rare, with a few surviving in private hands as mercenary ships until their existence faded by the 28th century. One notable Prowler, stored in pieces, was preserved and later restored for display at the Dayton Aerospace Museum. This particular aircraft was studied by Asperia, which sought to understand the original technology when they began developing a modern version of the Prowler in the 2940s.
The revival of the Prowler began in 2941 when Imperial Pathfinders discovered abandoned Taran settlements on Cabal 3, leading to the recovery of nine fully equipped Prowlers. Asperia was granted access to these ships for research, which culminated in the successful atmospheric flight of one vintage Prowler. This prompted the company to propose a project to recreate the Prowler with modern technology, aiming to market it to both military and civilian sectors.
The new Prowler debuted in 2946, showcasing its updated design at an annual event. While the military showed limited interest in purchasing the craft, it quickly garnered attention from mercenary forces and civilians seeking a durable and high-tech vessel. This marked a significant turnaround for the Prowler, allowing it to serve a new generation of users, far removed from its original military context, and highlighting the complex relationship between its past and present.