What is a thopter?

[mroyer]

I don't believe 'thopter' is an English language word, is it? So what is a thopter? A quick google search appears to indicate it's some sort of sifi flying thingy that has entered into the general sifi vernacular. Maybe it's an abbreviation of the real word ornithopter, i.e, a craft that flies by flapping wings?

-Mark R.

[DasTactic]

I think they are short for 'Ornithopter' and had flapping wings - used on Arakis (Dune).

[Destragon]

It's definitely short for ornithopter, yes, which aren't just scifi, although they have been popularised by Dune a lot. They benefit from having a thick atmosphere ingame.

[aliboy357]

Although it does come from Ornithopter I think nin this context it's being used to mean a cross between a plane and helicopter. Or more accurately something similar to the V-22 Osprey used by the US military which has the speed and range of a plane with the VTOL, maintainance and carrying capacity of a helicopter.

It makes sense and I find myself using them over helicopters once I get them since they make for a better support platform with a higher degree of flexibility.

[Soar_Slitherine]

This is what a thopter actually looks like in-game, and it's very clearly not a tilt-rotor. In the game, the only engine option for them is jet engines, which are present here on the picture of the model type. The wing configuration shown here only seems to make any sense if they do in fact take off by beating their wings, which gives them their VTOL capability. It's implied that once in the air, they can fly like a conventional jet aircraft.

[mroyer]

Thanks, everyone, for clarifying. Interesting stuff.
-Mark R.