Traverse Fast Bomber (Golden Lion AU)

[AlphaMirage]

Traverse TV-11A
Mass: 60 tons
Frame: Mujika Aerospace Type 20
Power Plant: 360 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Armor: Mujika Aerofiber
Armament:
     1 Medium Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Mujika Aerospace Technologies
     Primary Factory: St Ives
Communication System: Endicott Type 24 Master
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XIII
Cost: 3,219,840 C-bills

Background - Designed during the Capellan Civil War the Traverse Fast Fighter Bomber was developed as stretched interceptor/bomber based on Mujika's popular Transit. Developed with the mindset of Mujika's other products used by the SIMC, the Boeing Jump Bomber and Guardian Jump Jet, regarding low cost and versatility. Capable of carrying a dozen bombs or two heavy missiles the Traverse is highly capable in this role as its high thrust allows for faster time on target. Its high speed also enables it to run away from pursuit craft after delivering its payload. With its powerful Pegasus 360 engine the Traverse only needs to worry about lighter interceptors thus it only carries a medium pulse laser to discourage pursuit by these craft.

Initial test pilots of the Transit mustered out due to the high g-load experienced during flying the Traverse thus it was mostly flown by those with experience on Cheetahs or similar fast recon planes who found it responsive and powerful. The fact that it is so heavily armored, cost only twice as much (about as much as a good light mech), and had 50% greater range than their normal fighter only endeared them to it more.

Code: [Select]

Type: Traverse
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 878

Equipment                                          Mass
Engine                        360 Fusion             33
Safe Thrust: 8
Max Thrust: 12
Structural Integrity:         6                       
Heat Sinks:                   10                      0
Fuel:                         480                   6.0
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  256                    16

                           Armor   
                           Value   
     Nose                    77   
     Wings                 64/64   
     Aft                     51   


Weapons
and Ammo              Location   Tonnage  Heat   SRV  MRV  LRV  ERV
Medium Pulse Laser      AFT       2.0      4      6    0    0    0 
Traverse TV-13X
Mass: 60 tons
Frame: Mujika Aerospace Type 20
Power Plant: 360 XL Fusion
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Armor: Mujika Aerofiber
Armament:
     2 Medium Pulse Laser
Manufacturer: Mujika Aerospace Technologies
     Primary Factory: St Ives
Communication System: Endicott Type 24 Master
Targeting & Tracking System: Dwyerson Mark XIII
Cost: 9,051,380 C-bills

Background - The advanced 13X variant of the Traverse was developed as an Alamo nuclear bomber for the DCA by Mujika (who the DCA might be targeting was not asked). First fielded during OPERATION:REVIVAL a squadron of these fighter/bombers crippled the Nova Fox Flagship SLS Anne Rosse around Atocongo.

While being three times the cost of an 11A, with a price comparable to a 732 Highlander, the 13X has 10 more tons of armor, twice the fuel capacity, and for what it is worth twice the firepower to protect it for whatever can keep up with it than its basic counterpart. Understandably the expense limited their popularity but there were always some powers that wanted to keep some in their fleets 'just in case.'

Code: [Select]

Type: Traverse
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Tonnage: 60
Battle Value: 1,473

Equipment                                          Mass
Engine                        360 XL               16.5
Safe Thrust: 8
Max Thrust: 12
Structural Integrity:         6                       
Heat Sinks:                   10                      0
Fuel:                         800                  10.0
Cockpit                                               3
Armor Factor                  424                  26.5

                           Armor   
                           Value   
     Nose                   128   
     Wings                106/106 
     Aft                     84   


Weapons
and Ammo                Location   Tonnage  Heat   SRV  MRV  LRV  ERV
2 Medium Pulse Lasers     AFT       4.0      4      6    0    0    0 

[DevianID]

Its a fun concept, but Ill stick with my boeing jump bombers for ground targets.  This feels like a dropship interceptor, good for hitting a dropship in the atmo with an alamo or rocket swarm, or slapping it with 2 anti-ship missiles.

Things id like: a non-pulse introtech version.  Less armor, as the role of a slow bomber is to tank damage but the role of a fast bomber is to outrun damage right?  So less armor and a few small laser or machine gun turrets front and rear would be my jam.

This version has 15 heat sinks that say mass 0.  Is it supposed to be 10 sinks mass 0, or 15 mass 5?

Also, what about an even faster bomber?  Something that can move 11 and fire 1 arrow, or 12 and fire an anti-ship missile (and of course all the normal bombs too)?  For all us radar map enjoyers, 10+ speed after bomb load reduction is the holy grail of fast bombers.

[AlphaMirage]

In universe it was designed when the MPL existed and that's enough to keep the Light Interceptors that can pace it honest.

Also I wouldn't want to reduce its size (since its a Stardate design anyway) since carrying 2 ASMs or Arrow IVs is better than 1 if that's all your weapons (lets be honest by velocity you are only getting one strike in many cases). Also with a full bomb load its -3 Cruise MP so then moves as fast as a heavy fighter but can smoke them with its cruise speed once it delivers its payload.

That said ground strike is definitely better left to less expensive Airbreathers but there are times where you need a Trans-Atmospheric bomber.