Named for the common family term of certain predatory dragonflies, so termed due to the repeating black-yellow pattern the length of their tails. Like their namesakes, the Tigertail is at home at and around water due to the vertical rotating stub-wings that have flotation outrigger pods/pontoons at the ends. Nestled under these wings, immediately before the rotation mechanisms, are pods which each hold a triplet of anti-personnel Gauss rifles. Individually they aren't much of a threat except to infantry and some lighter types of PA(L)s. Collectively the six cannons can check through armor at a rate that exceeds even a full sized Gauss Rifle or a Clantech particle cannon. Due to their fixed positions, these are generally controlled by the pilot. Additionally, a turret is set well back under the chassis in which twin extended range lasers are carried. The turret can swing slightly upwards and a clamshell shroud dropped into place, preventing any water from getting onto the emitter lenses. Normally during flight it is set at a slight downward angle and uses a sight-to-helmet link that tracks whatever the gunner is looking at at all times.
A rare mast mount pod, shaped like a stretched out teardrop, rest just above the main rotor. Filled with various optical sensors and other passive detection systems, along with a small secondary radar/LIDAR, it allows a Tigertail to perfectly track targets while still almost completely hidden behind cover. Only rising when taking a shot before ducking back down. Coupled with the flotation pontoons, a Tigertail can safely fly and fight only centimeters above water and are frighteningly effective along rivers and in swamps. Smoke Jaguar tactics even mention deploying the floats before shutting down the reactor entirely to simply and silently 'float past' unsuspecting foes on the lookout for energy signatures, before powering back up to hit their opponents from an unexpected direction. The mast mounted sensors are critical for this tactic and similar ones as they are small enough to avoid spotting even as little as 200 meters away, while allowing the Tigertail to rapidly know if it is safe to move up from concealment.
Tigertail Attack VTOL
Mass: 30 tons
Movement Type: VTOL
Power Plant: 250 XL
Cruising Speed: 140.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 216 kph
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
6 AP Gauss Rifle
2 ER Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communication System: Unknown
Targeting & Tracking System: Unknown
Introduction Year: 3145
Tech Rating/Availability: F/X-X-X-F
Cost: 6,378,750 C-bills
Type: Tigertail
Technology Base: Clan (Experimental)
Movement Type: VTOL
Tonnage: 30
Battle Value: 1,347
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 3
Engine 250 XL 10
Cruising MP: 13
Flank MP: 20
Heat Sinks: 10 0
Control Equipment: 1.5
Lift Equipment: 3.0
Power Amplifier: 0.0
Turret: 0.5
Armor Factor (Ferro) 67 3.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 3 16
R/L Side 3/3 15/15
Rear 3 9
Turret 3 10
Rotor 3 2
Weapons
and Ammo Location Tonnage
6 AP Gauss Rifle Front 3.0
CASE Body 0.0
Combat Vehicle Chassis Mod Body 0.0
Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle Ammo (120) Body 3.0
2 ER Medium Laser Turret 2.0
Mast Mount Rotor 0.5
