The A-550 Thunderhawk is a heavy attack craft made by Ares Systems,  and was widely used by planetary defense forces, and the PLIN during Era-1. 

Strictly a short-range attack craft with no FTL capabilities, it was designed to fly in space or in atmosphere with folding wings.  The A-550 is heavily armored, and accelerates slowly.  No consideration was given to stealth in the design of the craft, and its profile on a sensor scan usually strikes fear into most enemies.

The main armament of the craft is a Danforth-Galactic heavy plasma beam capable of penetrating all but the heaviest armor with a single strike.  This is backed up by twin heavy ion-bolt throwers, and an array of bombs and missiles.