Halifax

The Halifax is the staple ship of the trading industry. At the price range you're looking at, you won't find a better trader. Just don't get into too many combats, and you'll be just fine.

The Halifax is a passable trader that'll get you up to tier 5 relatively quickly. It's a rough craft to fight in but not at the bottom of the heap, especially with a little speed boost.

Flying in the Halifax
Stick to safe skies so as to avoid higher level combats, though the Halifax can deal with the CR-4P fairly easily if its speed is upgraded. Always keep your foes to your rear or sides so you can use your tail arc to maximum efficiency.

Fighting the Halifax
The Halifax should be a breeze to take down in any plane with a rear arc. If your tail arc is short but wide, you will want the Halifax to chase you in a circle so that its pitiful front arc cannot reach you. For lower tier planes that lack a rear arc, the optimal strategy is to get the Halifax to circle, and counter-turn. This will allow you to take a few pot-shots as it circles by; remember to put a little distance between yourself and the Halifax after a few circles and repeat the process. Another strategy is to attack a fleeing Halifax by flying dead center behind it, and be ready to Airbrake as soon as it slows or turns.

With the loss of the two long rear arcs in 2.4, the Halifax's wide wings and relatively long structure make it an easy target. By carefully positioning yourself inside its turns and matching your speed with the Halifax, you can even hit it with both unmodded machineguns on a Thor at once. The Halifax won't last long despite its relatively heavy armour.

Skill Level Benefits (Accurate as of 1/12/2009)

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