DRG-1X Dragon (Now featuring JM6-S JagerFighter!)

[TJHairball]

Overview
Although it was designed for sale to the Star League, the Dragon was rejected by SLDF purchasing agents in favor of an upgraded version of the Hellcat. Luthien Armor Works, amazed and angered by the rejection, pushed the Dragon into full production and sold it to the DCMS, where it would soon become the standard aerospace fighter of the Draconis Combine. In production at various factories since the fall of the Star League and particularly on well-defended Luthien, the Dragon is easily the most prominent fighter in the skies and orbits of the Combine.

Capabilities
A squat and ungainly-looking fighter, it is intended as a potent strike fighter for use in large formations. The designers chose to boost the Dragon's thrust beyond typical for a medium fighter, giving it the ability to outpace heavier fighters, such as the rival Zeus heavy fighter used so commonly by the Lyran Commonwealth. This power is provided by a tried-and-true Vlar 300 fusion engine and protected by ten full tons of armor.

Along with its speed, the Dragon is armed with an Imperator-A autocannon and Telos DecaCluster long-range missile pack. Critics charge that the former is oversupplied with ammunition compared to the latter, but the pair of weapons allows the Dragon a full and healthy striking distance. Its firepower might be considered anemic, but it is reliable, and highly effective against the Javelin and Valkyrie light fighters favored by House Davion.

For short range combat, it carries a trio of Victory 23R medium lasers - one mounted on each wing and one mounted aft to handle flanking light fighters. Although it only mounts twelve heat sinks, this is generally sufficient to handle the demands of its weapons, thanks to the heat-efficient nature of the Imperator-A autocannon. Given its speed and mass, and the oft-sung bravery of DCMS pilots, it is not unusual to see Dragons rushing to close range and performing devastating ramming maneuvers.

Deployment

The Dragon appears in every DCMS wing and in almost every squadron. Indeed, there are several wings that are made completely of Dragons. It fills nearly every function in a wing, whether it is bombing, escorting, attacking enemy DropShips, or intercepting enemy medium fighters. So many have been produced and used that salvage has spread the fighter to the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth in limited numbers, and a large number of mercenaries have captured or bought the design as well.

Because of its origins as a Combine district, the FRR uses the Dragon as well. In that area of space, it is not unusual to see the Dragon fighting alongside, rather than against, Lyran-model fighters such as the Zeus and Stuka. There is a strong anti-Kurita sentiment in the newly freed Republic, but it does not yet extend to aerospace fighters, even one as iconic as the Dragon.

Variants

There are two major variants of the Dragon. Both change the relatively unpopular Imperator-A autocannon. The first is the DRG-1C, which downgrades the Imperator-A to a lighter model and upgrades the anemic armor to a more respectable level - one that can't be so easily penetrated by the increasingly popular Enforcer medium strike fighter fielded by the Federated Suns.. Traditionalists mock the upgrade, saying that the "C" stands for "coward," but it cannot be denied that the armor upgrade is highly useful, and the additional long-range firepower makes the DRG-1C even more useful in large dispersed formations.

The DRG-1G Grand Dragon is a major upgrade that replaces the autocannon with a PPC. Instead of adding three tons of armor, it adds three heat sinks, allowing it to make full use of the more heat-intensive weapon. A bold upgrade that sharply increases the Dragon's ability to hurt medium and heavy fighters, the DRG-1G has captured the heart of traditionalists and reformers alike, and promises to soon become more common than the older -1N model.

It loses the ability to carry specialized munitions, but this subtle loss is paid little attention to the state-controlled Combine media or its daring pilots, who rather greatly enjoy the prospect of raining bolts of man-made lightning on their enemies.

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Class/Model/Name:  Grand Dragon DRG-1G
Mass:              60 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  300 Fusion                                                19.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 7
      Maximum Thrust: 11
Structural Integrity: 7                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    15 Single                                           5.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (160 total armor pts)                      10.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 68
   Left/Right Wings:                  32/32
   Aft:                                  28

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 PPC                      Nose        10     10     --     --   10      7.00
1 LRM-10                   Nose         6      6      6     --    4      5.00
  Ammo (LRM) 24            ---                                           2.00
1 Medium Laser             LW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             RW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             Aft          5     --     --     --    3      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 23     60.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

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Class/Model/Name:  Dragon DRG-1N
Mass:              60 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  300 Fusion                                                19.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 7
      Maximum Thrust: 11
Structural Integrity: 7                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    12 Single                                           2.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (160 total armor pts)                      10.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 68
   Left/Right Wings:                  32/32
   Aft:                                  28

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 AC/5                     Nose         5      5     --     --    1      8.00
  Ammo (AC/5) 40           ---                                           2.00
1 LRM-10                   Nose         6      6      6     --    4      5.00
  Ammo (LRM) 24            ---                                           2.00
1 Medium Laser             LW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             RW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             Aft          5     --     --     --    3      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 14     60.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

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Class/Model/Name:  Dragon DRG-1C
Mass:              60 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  300 Fusion                                                19.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 7
      Maximum Thrust: 11
Structural Integrity: 7                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    12 Single                                           2.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (208 total armor pts)                      13.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 92
   Left/Right Wings:                  41/41
   Aft:                                  34

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 AC/2                     Nose         2      2      2     --    1      6.00
  Ammo (AC/2) 45           ---                                           1.00
1 LRM-10                   Nose         6      6      6     --    4      5.00
  Ammo (LRM) 24            ---                                           2.00
1 Medium Laser             LW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             RW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             Aft          5     --     --     --    3      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 14     60.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

[Davion_Boy_74]

 [notworthy] [notworthy] [rockon] Sweet conversion of the Dragon 'Mech into a ASF. I wondered if that was the case when I saw the title header even before I opened the thread. Have you comverted over the Grand Dragon 'Mech stats into an ASF yet ?.

Dave.

[TJHairball]

Well, now that you mention it...

Upgrades

With the recovery of old Star League technology, the Dragon received a total overhaul and rebuild. The new model combines the useful features of the -1C and -1G upgrades; it has the increased armor and striking range of the -1C, and the increased firepower of the -1G. A high-powered 360 XL fusion engine propels the Grand Dragon at an even faster speed, and a whopping thirteen double heat sinks provide the necessary dissipation for its extended-range particle cannon. CASE panels increase pilot survival rates in the event of an ammunition explosion.

Finally, an additional aft medium laser makes the Grand Dragon the holy terror of light aerospace fighters attempting to flank it. From 3058 onwards, some Grand Dragons have been upgraded to carry extended-range medium lasers.

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  Grand Dragon DRG-5K
Mass:              60 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  360 Extralight Fusion                                     16.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 8
      Maximum Thrust: 12
Structural Integrity: 8                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    13(26) Double                                       3.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (208 total armor pts)                      13.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 92
   Left/Right Wings:                  41/41
   Aft:                                  34

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ER PPC                   Nose        10     10     10     --   15      7.00
1 LRM-10                   Nose         6      6      6     --    4      5.00
  Ammo (LRM) 24            ---                                           2.00
CASE                       ---                                           0.50
1 Medium Laser             LW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
1 Medium Laser             RW           5     --     --     --    3      1.00
2 Medium Lasers            Aft          10    --     --     --    6      2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 31     60.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  Grand Dragon DRG-6K
Mass:              60 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  360 Extralight Fusion                                     16.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 8
      Maximum Thrust: 12
Structural Integrity: 8                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    13(26) Double                                       3.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (208 total armor pts)                      13.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 92
   Left/Right Wings:                  41/41
   Aft:                                  34

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ER PPC                   Nose        10     10     10     --   15      7.00
1 LRM-10                   Nose         6      6      6     --    4      5.00
  Ammo (LRM) 24            ---                                           2.00
CASE                       ---                                           0.50
1 ER Medium Laser          LW           5      5     --     --    5      1.00
1 ER Medium Laser          RW           5      5     --     --    5      1.00
2 ER Medium Lasers         Aft          10    10     --     --   10      2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 39     60.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

[Davion_Boy_74]

 [notworthy] [notworthy] [rockon] Thank You,

Dave.

[TJHairball]

Similar conversion on the Panther. I figure a 140 fusion engine + 2 tons of jump jets should add up to a 175, which gives the Panther just the speed it needs to keep up with the Dragon.

Overview

Originally conceived and designed as a fire-support escort for DropShips and small craft on exploratory missions, the prototype Panther was first build for the Star League during the waning years of the Cameron dynasty. Alshain Weapons began producing Panthers shortly after being commissioned in 2739 to build them; League pilots were the initial users of the fighter, helping ward off attacks by renegade bandits along the Periphery borders.

After the disastrous Battle of St. John in 2759, the League re-evaluated the design. With the high-maintenance Tronel large laser system generating enormous amounts of heat for limited power and range, the design lagged as a backbone support unit despite its hardiness and maneuverability. Star League designers tested the new Lord's Light PPC system and found the heat-to-effectiveness ratio well above acceptable limits; Alshain Weapons immediately ceased production of the PNT-8Z and began installing the new PPC as well as a new armor composite that strengthened the fighter's durability.

After the fall of the Star League, the Combine inherited the original Alshain Weapons' Panther factories. With the Panther factories inside the Combine's border, combined with the fact that many Kuritan pilots took to the design, the Draconis Combine was the only House that used the Panther in significant numbers during the Succession Wars.

Capabilities

The Panther's main function is as fire support for light fast ASFs, deployed where medium ASFs are unavailable for reasons of expense or transportation bottlenecks. It has held onto this battlefield role for nearly 300 years, providing covering fire for fast strikers in mid-maneuver, whether toward or away from the enemy. Oftentimes, air defense leaders for smaller planetary militias can be found in a Panther due to its ruggedness and PPC firepower; even commanders of conventional air-breathing fighters try to get their hands on one if they can, for it affords them a much better chance of survival.

Its PPC is unusual in a light ASF. Star League pilots discovered early on that the Panther was well-suited for ambush tactics within the narrow confines of rubble fields and low-altitude duels. The narrow aerodynamic chassis allows it to scrape through gaps that larger ASFs would be unable to, while the PPC gives it a chance of disabling all but the heaviest of opponents with a few well-placed shots. Whether lurking inside an orbital factory or zipping through a narrow canyon, the Panther has gained quite a reputation in close quarters, so much that Lyran pilots began calling it the "Alley Cat."

It is often seen working in close conjunction with the Dragon - not only because they are the two most common fighters in the DCMS, but also, their weapons loads and speed profiles are complementary. DCMS pilots affectionately refer to the Panther as "the Dragon's little brother." Every DCMS line unit has several Panthers in their rosters, and most DCMS officers require their new recruits to pilot a Panther at first to learn how to handle a fighter in combat, giving them valuable combat experience from the start, before allowing them to pilot heavier machines.

Deployment

Panthers are found predominantly within DCMS forces, mainly due to the fact that the Alshain Weapons factories were located within Combine space. Initially considered a poor choice for light ASF duties due to its comparatively slow speed and limited fuel supplies, the Combine's pilots eventually warmed to it. With demand for parts and replacements continuing to rise, AW opened a new Panther facility on Jarett to handle the workload.

Since the FRR's formation in 3034, the Panther has rapidly become a mainstay of the Royal KungArme, primarily because AW's largest Panther complex is located on New Oslo.

Panthers found in the LAAF or AFFS are mainly battlefield salvage from tangles with the DCMS. Since replacement parts were only found in the Combine, pilots of these machines often ran them into the ground before sending them to the scrapyard for recycling or selling them to the mercenary secondary market.

Variants

In 3039, no variants had been documented beyond the ancient PNT-8Z prototypes produced in limited numbers during the days of the Star League, which mounted an ancient heat-problematic Tronel large laser. The PNT-8Z carried an additional heat sink and ton of armor.

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Class/Model/Name:  Panther PNT-9R
Mass:              35 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  175 Fusion                                                 7.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 7
      Maximum Thrust: 11
Structural Integrity: 7                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    13 Single                                           3.00
Fuel:                360 points                                          4.50
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (104 total armor pts)                       6.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 43
   Left/Right Wings:                  22/22
   Aft:                                  17

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 PPC                      Nose        10     10     --     --   10      7.00
1 SRM-4                    Nose         6     --     --     --    3      3.00
  Ammo (SRM) 25            ---                                           1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 13     35.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  Panther PNT-8Z
Mass:              35 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  175 Fusion                                                 7.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 7
      Maximum Thrust: 11
Structural Integrity: 7                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    14 Single                                           3.00
Fuel:                360 points                                          4.50
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (120 total armor pts)                       7.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 47
   Left/Right Wings:                  26/26
   Aft:                                  21

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Large Laser              Nose         8      8     --     --    8      5.00
1 SRM-4                    Nose         6     --     --     --    3      3.00
  Ammo (SRM) 25            ---                                           1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 11     35.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

[Hellraiser]

This has totally inspired me to create Mech-Fighters of all sizes & eras.

[TJHairball]

Overview
Recognizing that the Rifleman was a good design that could be improved, the designers at Kallon Industries began reviewing the RFL-3N's original design in light of its battlefield performance. Three facts immediately came to light. The Rifleman was prone to overheating, it did not carry enough ammunition or fuel, it was lightly armored in comparison with other fighters of the same tonnage, and the vibration from the autocannons tended to throw the lasers - mounted right next to them in the wings - off-target.

Kallon designers reworked the blueprints, making a few trade-offs, and created a first-grade fighter -- the JagerFighter.  Though still lightly armored for its weight, the JagerFighter is less likely than the Rifleman to overheat, as the large lasers have been replaced with more ammunition and a pair of Mydron light autocannon, and more accurate, since the JagerFighter carries its quad cannons in a separable-wing arrangement, a unique feature that has earned it the nickname of "X-Wing."

Capabilities
Four autocannon make the JagerFighter an excellent long-range unit. Having approximately 20 rounds per cannon allows it to maintain bombardment for a long period of time. The JM6's autocannon can prepare the way for a DropShip assault or extended interdiction because of their long-range accuracy.

The JagerFighter is also well suited as a space superiority unit. It boasts impressive accuracy due to its Garret D2j targeting and tracking system and the extended range of its Mydron Model D autocannon. These systems are usually used in tandem with the less accurate but more powerful Model C autocannon to give a better potential damage rating. The result is an anti-ASF platform with impressive firepower, especially when loaded with flak ammunition.

JagerFighters have led raids on several occasions. These raids have been rather successful as the JM6's long-range firepower can soften up the opposition before the lighter fighters move in to attack at close range. The JagerFighter itself will rarely close in, preferring to stay at long range to aim its autocannon accurately. As a last resort, however, the JM6 will close with enemy units, relying on its its Magna medium lasers.

Battle History
Today, most of the operational JagerFighters are in the service of House Davion and Liao. Marik and Steiner have only a few JM6s.

Hanse Davion is particularly fond of the design, feeling that it is a good complement for the older Rifleman. For this reason, he has made a special effort to gather as many JM6s as possible for his fighter regiments, pairing JagerFighters and Riflemen as wingmates.

This mix proved to be successful during a raid on Demeter in April 2993. The Davion JumpShip was destroyed, so Davion forces in the planet had to hold out for two weeks. It was only the large supply of autocannon ammunition and fuel carried for the JagerFighters that kept the Riflemen in the fight. By sharing ammunition, the Davion force was able to continue fighting effectively until they could break through to their depot.

However, the JagerFighter has also had its share of disasters. In the so-called War of Teng, fought between February and March of 2890, Garth's company of the Capellan Hussars trapped a group of privateers in the Gartol Hills north of the capital city. Expecting an easy victory, Garth strafed his JM6s through a narrow valley, with orders to begin firing as soon as the enemy was in range. The theory was simple: drive the privateers out and trap them under the JM6s' autocannon. Unfortunately, five of the raiders were posted under camo at the head of the valley, and fired into the thinly armored flanks of the JagerFighters. Three of the JagerFighters were shot down, and Garth's company scattered. Although the renegades were later hunted down, the Hussars were stung by the experience and have since been reluctant to use the JM6 extensively.

Most fighter forces have little reservation about using JagerFighters, however. It is highly regarded for its long-range guns and its excellent tracking. In combat, it is usually deployed behind the lines or assigned companions with short-range weaponry.

Known Variants
The JM6-A is the only notable variant of the JagerFighter, mounting two Zeus LRM-15s in place of the medium autocannon. This version was designed expressly for anti-DropShip assaults and was produced in limited numbers. Most existing JM6-As are in service to House Davion.

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  JagerFighter JM6-S
Mass:              65 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  260 Fusion                                                11.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 6
      Maximum Thrust: 9
Structural Integrity: 6                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Single                                           0.00
Fuel:                720 points                                          9.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard        (104 total armor pts)                       6.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 51
   Left/Right Wings:                  21/21
   Aft:                                  11

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 AC/5                     LW           5      5     --     --    1      8.00
  Ammo (AC/5) 40           ---                                           2.00
1 AC/2                     LW           2      2      2     --    1      6.00
  Ammo (AC/2) 45           ---                                           1.00
1 AC/5                     RW           2      2      2     --    1      8.00
1 AC/2                     RW           5      5     --     --    1      6.00
2 Medium Lasers            Nose         10    --     --     --    6      2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 10     65.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

[Suralin]

This is an interesting concept, actually. I'm tempted to do the Charger or perhaps a modified Banshee as a fighter now.

I'm also tempted to see the Dragon-fighter in art form. I'm sort of envisioning it as a (kinda beefy) cross between the torso of the DRG mech, and the Dragon fighter from Freelancer...

[Suralin]

So. Trying my hand at this.

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  Warhammer WHM-6R
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 2515
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter

Mass:              70 tons
Length:            18 meters
Power Plant:       VOX 280
Safe Thrust:       6
Maximum Thrust:    9
Armor Type:        Leviathon Plus
Armament:         
   2 Magna HellStar PPCs
   2 Martell Medium Lasers
   2 Magna MkI Small Lasers
   1 Holly Short Range Missile 6 Pack
   2 SperryBrowning Machine Guns
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Warhammer WHM-6R
Mass:              70 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:        280 Fusion                                          16.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 6
      Maximum Thrust: 9
Structural Integrity: 7                                                  0,00
Total Heat Sinks:    21 Single                                          11,00
Fuel:         480 pts                                                    6,00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3,00
Armor Type:  Standard (192 total armor pts)                             12,00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 54
   Left/Right Wings:                  48/48
   Aft:                                  42

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PPC                        LWng       10     10      0      0    10      7.00
PPC                        RWng       10     10      0      0    10      7.00
2 Medium Lasers            Nose        5      0      0      0     3      2.00
2 Machine Guns             Nose        2      0      0      0     0      1.00
@ MG (200)                 Body        -      -      -      -     -      1.00
SRM-6                      Nose        8      0      0      0     4      3.00
@ SRM-6 (15)               Body        -      -      -      -     -      1.00
2 Small Lasers             Aft         3      0      0      0     1      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 32     70.00
Tons Left:                                                                ,00


[TJHairball]

Effective, no? ;) 'Mechs seem to make pretty decent ASFs, and interesting ones, to boot. The Whammy has color as an ASF.

Variants

As of 3070, Wakizashi Enterprises has introduced the popular PNT-16K, which remedies the Panther's growing shortcomings. It upgrades the engine and fuel stores to match the Grand Dragon; uprates the PPC to an extended-range model, backed by the double heat sinks to use it; doubles the missile capacity, efficiency, and field of fire with eight wing-mounted Streak tubes; and even adds a rear gun.

In other words, it remedies every deficiency ever identified for the Panther, or at least makes a good faith effort to do so. Although substantially more advanced, it remains relatively inexpensive and has not increased in lift weight or cut protection; indeed, with CASE panels and heavy ferro-aluminum armor, the new Panther is more durable as well.

It's an excellent machine. There's one problem: Luthien Armor Works came out with the Wight, a very similar design based on the older Panther chassis, in 3068. It is nearly identical, aside from carrying Diverse Optics extended-range medium lasers as its secondary wing-mounted weapons and carrying a heavy, instead of extended-range, particle cannon. Luthien Armor Works claims that Wakizashi Enterprises stole their design and the substantial improvements they made to the Panther chassis; while Wakizashi Enterprises insists that the Wight is heavily derivative of their commercially unsuccessful earlier upgrades of the Panther.

Amidst crossing accusations of industrial espionage, however, the simple fact remains that the Combine has now in its service an excellent and fully modernized light fighter to replace the older model Panther - two, in fact, both of which can be rebuilt from the old chassis in a factory-level rebuild.

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  Wight WGT-1LAW/SC
Mass:              35 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  210 XL Fusion                                              4.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 8
      Maximum Thrust: 12
Structural Integrity: 8                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    12(24) Double                                       2.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Heavy Fe        (129 total armor pts)                       6.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 51
   Left/Right Wings:                  28/28
   Aft:                                  22

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Heavy PPC                Nose        15     15     --     --   15     10.00
1 ER Medium Laser          LW           5      5     --     --    5      1.00
1 ER Medium Laser          RW           5      5     --     --    5      1.00
1 ER Medium Laser          Aft          5      5     --     --    5      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 26     35.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Code: [Select]

Class/Model/Name:  Panther PNT-16K
Mass:              35 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  210 XL Fusion                                              4.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 8
      Maximum Thrust: 12
Structural Integrity: 8                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10(20) Double                                       0.00
Fuel:                480 points                                          6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Heavy Fe        (120 total armor pts)                       6.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:
   Nose:                                 47
   Left/Right Wings:                  26/26
   Aft:                                  21

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ER PPC                   Nose        10     10     10     --   15      7.00
1 SSRM-4                   LW           8     --     --     --    3      3.00
1 SSRM-4                   RW           8     --     --     --    3      3.00
  Ammo (SRM) 25            ---                                           1.00
1 ER Medium Laser          Aft          5      5     --     --    5      1.00
CASE                       ---                                           0.50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 26     35.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00