2,588th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing
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Night Shriekers redirects here. For the eponymous short story, see Night Shriekers (Short Story). |
The 2,588th Imperial Navy Fighter Wing, more commonly known as the "Night Shriekers" after a local predator, are an elite Imperial fighter wing. They train on the planet Raskova and recruit heavily from its local population.[1]
The 2,588th is an all-female unit. This rule encompasses not just the pilots but the ground crew and support staff as well. The name "Night Shriekers" comes from the common name of the Nocturnadon, a native Roskavan predator. Nocturnal and known for their banshee-like screams, nocturnadons are the planet's apex predator. Only female nocturnadons hunt, providing a fitting mascot for the 2,588th.[1]
Known Engagements
- T'au Empire invasion of Raskova[1]
Known Aircraft
The unit is equipped with Thunderbolt fighters. Aircraft of the Night Shriekers are only named once a pilot reaches five confirmed air-to-air kills.
- Rocklilly, personal aircraft of fighter ace Nina Yakleva[1]
Known Night Shriekers
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The following paragraphs contain spoilers for: | Night Shriekers (Short Story) |
- Wing Commander Tamara Groneva - commanding officer[1]
- Flight Lieutenant Nina Yakleva - former Squadron Leader, demoted for insubordination; ace pilot, thirteen confirmed kills[1]
- Flight Lieutenant Zina Matlova - KIA on Raskova [1]
- Pilot Officer Marina Maranova[1]
- Pilot Officer Alena Nazoya[1]
Trivia
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The unit's name and number are likely a reference to the 588th Night Bomber Regiment, an all-female Soviet unit in the Second World War whose German opponents dubbed them the Night Witches.
The one known named aircraft of the unit, Rocklilly, may also be a reference to WWII Soviet pilot Lydia Litvyak - AKA the White Lily of Stalingrad.