Interceptor

The interceptor is a type of protoss robotic strike craft. They are the primary weapon of carriers.

Overview
Interceptors are fast, maneuverable, computer-guided strike craft. They may deploy to engage enemy strike craft or ground units. The plasma charges of a flight of interceptors may threaten capital ships.

Carriers manufacture interceptors. When deployed the strike craft attack and retreat rapidly to the carrier for repairs and rearmament. The details of the smooth orchestrated employment of carrier-borne interceptors is a matter of interest to terran scientists.

StarCraft
Carriers attack through interceptors. During combat more interceptors must be built to replace casualties. Interceptors have the shields automatically recharged without cost upon returning to the carrier. Forcing interceptors to return at opportune moments may extend the life of the swarm.

Interceptors self-destruct if their parent carrier is destroyed. Interceptors automatically return to the parent carrier if the carrier is disabled (eg. Lockdown), and resume attacking once the carrier is active again. Interceptors are selectable but no orders may be given.

StarCraft II
Interceptors return in StarCraft II as the carrier's armament. Interceptors can be replaced automatically. They're automatically destroyed if the parent carrier is destroyed.

Interceptors make two rapid attacks, one right after the other, each dealing 5 damage.

Unlike in StarCraft interceptors are unselectable in-game.