Cowdragon's Over the Moon Aerospace Technologies

[Cowdragon]

There are lots of Aerospace Fighters I really like. But easily, my all-time favorite, is the Sabre. 1st)it's one of the coolest looking fighters EVAR! Sleek, stylish, babe-magnate. 2nd) Every single Great House, Super Power, Minor Power, Pirate, Privateer Merchant Fleet, Clan (probably), Poor Noble, etc has one. This fighter gets around. I can pick pretty much any faction, and still have my beloved Sabre along for the ride. Naturally, when I finally started buying Aerospace Fighters from Ironwind Metals, it was the first (and so far ONLY) fighter I've bought. I'll get several more before I start collecting others too. Up to 4 (not much, I know. But my "economy" is pretty limited. Our dental plan sucks, and our health plan is heavily subsidized). But I figure I'll get between 4 and 8 more before I'm satisfied.

So here's the deal. I'm working on picking out mechs/fighters/infantry/vehicles for each Great House, The Free Rasalhague Republic, Comstar, and the Star League so that each one has at least a lance of Mechs, plus support. Paint schemes, unit affiliations, etc. Been doing this for a while now. A fun way to waste my limited time.

I think to start, each Lance will most likely have a pair of Sabre's as support (to start). Other more Faction Specific fighters will be added later. But Sabre's are a great start! What I want though is a separate flavor for each. Tech level can be right up to 3085 and may include anything. But if it's a little quirky it's more fun.

I'll start with the DCMS Sabre K: This thing is cheap! It can be built for just slightly more than the hundreds of years old original model, but does have a few modern upgrades; and thus, can be produced rapidly, and by the thousands. Approaching a planet and seeing 30 or more of these swarming around on patrols is not uncommon on many of the more populated Kuritan worlds. Armor plating was upgraded to Ferro-Aluminum and each medium laser was replaced with a small pulse. Simple and effective.

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                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre K
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    3 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre K
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 Fusion                                                12.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Single                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (45 total armor pts)                        2.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 15
   Left/Right Wings:                  11/11
   Aft:                                   8

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Small Pulse Laser        Nose         3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                     Heat: 6     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        1,643,306 C-Bills
Battle Value:      300
Cost per BV:       5,477.69
Weapon Value:      264 (Ratio = .88)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 9;  MRV = 0;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 1 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 1/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 3

Now for the Lyran Sabre L: The Lyrans have never been sticklers when it comes to military spending. They also love showing off the newest technology, even if it's not the most efficient design to do it on. Therefore, when it came to redesigning the venerable Sabre, they chose the Light Fusion Engine as the power plant. The armor was slightly increased and Ferro-Aluminum was used. The weapons were all upgraded as well. 3 ER ML's in the nose and a small pulse laser in each wing make this a formidable opponent in short engagements.

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                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre L
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 2, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 Light Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    3 ER Medium Laser
    2 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre L
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 Light Fusion                                           9.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Double                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (63 total armor pts)                        3.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 23
   Left/Right Wings:                  15/15
   Aft:                                  10

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 ER Medium Laser          Nose         5      5     --     --   15      3.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 19     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        2,900,306 C-Bills
Battle Value:      817
Cost per BV:       3,549.95
Weapon Value:      903 (Ratio = 1.11)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 20;  MRV = 11;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 2 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 2/2/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 8


Now the Capellan Sabre C: The Capellans don't have anything. There is a rumor going around the uneducated circles that this is because the Mighty House Liao takes it all. But loyal Capellans know it is because the damned Davions took it all. Thieves that they are! To reflect the tiny budget they have to work with here, I opted for an affordable design meant to hit as hard as possible and then run away...fast! Rocket Launchers and a Medium Laser make this possible. Standard heat sinks, armor, engine, and soft pliable  aluminum nuts and bolts were used to create this budget design. The paint is water soluble. This design has also been spotted in the Marion Hegemony and the Cercinian Federation replaced the nose Medium Laser with a Flamer.  >:D

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                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre C
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 2, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Standard
Armament:         
    1 Medium Laser
    4 RL 10 (OS)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre C
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 Fusion                                                12.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Single                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    3.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard  (56 total armor pts)                              3.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 18
   Left/Right Wings:                  15/15
   Aft:                                   8

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Medium Laser             Nose         5     --     --     --    3      1.00
2 RL 10 (OS)               RW           6      6     --     --    6      1.00
2 RL 10 (OS)               LW           6      6     --     --    6      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                     Heat: 3     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        1,684,706 C-Bills
Battle Value:      549
Cost per BV:       3,068.68
Weapon Value:      627 (Ratio = 1.14)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 25;  MRV = 14;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 1 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 1/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 6


Now for the Marik Sabre M: Oh how the citizens of the Free Worlds League love their missiles! They especially love when a ground unit lights up a target with a TAG laser for their Semi-Guided LRM's to home in on. The Marik Sabre uses this strategy and backs it up with top of the line, home grown, Marik ER Medium Lasers in each wing. The effect is quite um... effective.

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                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre M
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 2, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    1 LRM 10
    2 ER Medium Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre M
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 XL Fusion                                              6.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Double                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (56 total armor pts)                        3.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 18
   Left/Right Wings:                  15/15
   Aft:                                   8

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 LRM 10                   Nose         6      6      6     --    4      5.00
  Ammo (LRM 10) 12         ---                                           1.00
1 ER Medium Laser          RW           5      5     --     --    5      1.00
1 ER Medium Laser          LW           5      5     --     --    5      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 14     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        3,389,306 C-Bills
Battle Value:      817
Cost per BV:       4,148.48
Weapon Value:      742 (Ratio = .91)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 15;  MRV = 12;  LRV = 2;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 1 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 2/2/1,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 8
                   Specials: if

Now the Davion Sabre D: House Davion loves AC's. Unfortunately, the Sabre is just too light to effectively mount even the lightest AC. Fortunately House Davion troops are also gargantuan fans of RCT's. As such, a fighter that can effectively support ground troops is highly desired as well. TherefVSTOL capability was made a priority. Who needs landing strips? (besides Lyran women, but that is for another thread on another webside). They also chose weapons that could strafe effectively, and made the armor slightly heavier. So in place of each medium laser a pulse laser was added. Overall, a nice plane for a fighter jock to zoom around in.

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                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre D
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    3 Medium Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre D
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 XL Fusion                                              6.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
VSTOL Equipment:                                                         1.50
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Double                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (72 total armor pts)                        4.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 24
   Left/Right Wings:                  19/19
   Aft:                                  10

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Medium Pulse Laser       Nose         6     --     --     --    4      2.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser       RW           6     --     --     --    4      2.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser       LW           6     --     --     --    4      2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 12     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        3,285,244 C-Bills
Battle Value:      689
Cost per BV:       4,768.13
Weapon Value:      666 (Ratio = .97)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 18;  MRV = 0;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 2 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 2/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 7

Now the Free Rasalhague Sabre F: The FRR Kungsarme has had lots of outside help. From Comstar, to the Federated Commonwealth (and each respective House post civil war), to House Kurita, and even lately Clan Ghost Bear. They have very few worlds to garrison, and a high level of technology available to them. As such, their Sabres are fairly advanced (much like the Davion and Marik versions). They have chosen a 2 pronged approach. Range and accuracy. The Nose mounted ER LL takes care of the first, while each wing mounts a Small Pulse Laser to cover the second. Theirs also has the heaviest armor of all of the variants.

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                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre F
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    1 ER Large Laser
    2 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre F
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 XL Fusion                                              6.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Double                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (81 total armor pts)                        4.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 28
   Left/Right Wings:                  20/20
   Aft:                                  13

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ER Large Laser           Nose         8      8      8     --   12      5.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 16     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        3,346,556 C-Bills
Battle Value:      797
Cost per BV:       4,198.94
Weapon Value:      868 (Ratio = 1.09)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 13;  MRV = 6;  LRV = 2;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 2 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 1/1/1,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 8

Finally the Star League Sabre SL: The Star League had all the money in the galaxy. They liked things fancy. They liked them effective. They liked them to look cool... and then they painted them olive drab just to throw people off. I mean seriously? Olive drab? Why not shiny jet black? Now that's a cool color when you control the universe! But we'll go back to being awesome. The Sabre SL is awesome! The engine was upgraded to an XL. The heat sinks are freezers. The wing weapons were replaced with Small Pulse Lasers for accuracy (seeing a pattern here?) and the nose medium laser was multiplied by 5 into a nasty medium laser gattling monstrosity. The armor was slightly reduced but replaced with Ferro-Aluminum while the fuel tank was enlarged a little. Overall a seriously bad arsed design.

Code: [Select]

                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Sabre SL
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              25 tons
Length:            12 meters
Power Plant:       250 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust:       12
Maximum Thrust:    18
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    5 Medium Laser
    2 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Sabre SL
Mass:              25 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  250 XL Fusion                                              6.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 12
      Maximum Thrust: 18
Structural Integrity: 12                                                  .00
VSTOL Equipment:                                                         1.50
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Double                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (54 total armor pts)                        3.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 20
   Left/Right Wings:                  12/12
   Aft:                                  10

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Medium Laser             Nose         5     --     --     --   15      5.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 19     25.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        3,321,244 C-Bills
Battle Value:      938
Cost per BV:       3,540.77
Weapon Value:      953 (Ratio = 1.02)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 29;  MRV = 0;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 12,  Armor/Structure: 1 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 3/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 9


[Cowdragon]

This next one is meant to be just for fun. Although it would be interesting to try and employ somehow. It's got some odd capabilities, which it takes its name from. 3 Plasma Rifles, one in the Nose, one in each wing. A three barreled ER Medium Laser gattling thingy also in the nose, and a Small Pulse Laser in each wing forward and aft for point defense, accurate fire, and less destructive anti-infantry support while it hovers to drop its ENTIRE PLATOON of jump capable infantry. Yes. I said "hovers". I was also picturing someone in a bikini, but that isn't part of the discussion.

As I said, I'm really not sure what to do with this. It's a lot of fun and a very interesting design, the more I mess with it. There are benefits to making it both a small craft and an aerospace fighter, so I'll be posting both.

Small Craft: Fire Phoenix

Code: [Select]

                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                               * CUSTOM WEAPONS

Class/Model/Name:  Fire Phoenix
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerodyne Small Craft
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              200 tons
Length:            31 meters
Power Plant:       Standard
Safe Thrust:       5
Maximum Thrust:    8
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    3 Plasma Rifle*
    3 ER Medium Laser
    4 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Fire Phoenix
Mass:              200 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant, Drive & Control:                                           65.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 5
      Maximum Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 8                                                  8.00
VSTOL Equipment:                                                        10.00
Total Heat Sinks:    24 Double                                          21.00
Fuel & Fuel Pumps:                                                       5.50
Bridge, Controls, Radar, Computer & Attitude Thrusters:                  1.50
Fire Control Computers:                                                   .00
Food & Water:  (8 days supply)                                           1.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (439 total armor pts)                      23.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Fore:                                129
   Left/Right Wings:                 105/105
   Aft:                                 100

Cargo:
   Bay 1:  Cargo (1) with 1 door                                         3.00
           Infantry (jump) Platoons (1)                                  6.00


Crew and Passengers:
      5 Crew/Gunners                                                    25.00
     21 Bay Personnel                                                     .00
Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Plasma Rifle*            Nose        10     10     --     --   10      6.00
  Ammo (Plasma) 20         ---                                           2.00
3 ER Medium Laser          Nose         5      5     --     --   15      3.00
1 Plasma Rifle*            RW          10     10     --     --   10      6.00
1 Plasma Rifle*            LW          10     10     --     --   10      6.00
  Ammo (Plasma) 30         ---                                           3.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW(A)        3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW(A)        3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Lot Spare Parts (0.50%)                                                1.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 53    200.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        17,400,100 C-Bills
Battle Value:      2,084
Cost per BV:       8,349.38
Weapon Value:      2,914 (Ratio = 1.40)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 48;  MRV = 29;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
Maintenance:       Maintenance Point Value (MPV) = 3,492
                   (838 Structure, 1,950 Life Support, 704 Weapons)
                   Support Points (SP) = 2,815  (81% of MPV)
BattleForce2:      MP: 5,  Armor/Structure: 11 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 5/5/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: DS;  Point Value: 21

Aerospace Fighter:

Code: [Select]

                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                               * CUSTOM WEAPONS

Class/Model/Name:  Firebird
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              95 tons
Length:            22 meters
Power Plant:       285 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust:       5
Maximum Thrust:    8
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    3 Plasma Rifle*
    3 ER Medium Laser
    3 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Firebird
Mass:              95 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  285 XL Fusion                                              8.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 5
      Maximum Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 9                                                   .00
VSTOL Equipment:                                                         5.00
Total Heat Sinks:    23 Double                                          13.00
Fuel:                                                                    4.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (475 total armor pts)                      26.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                160
   Left/Right Wings:                 118/118
   Aft:                                  79

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Plasma Rifle*            Nose        10     10     --     --   10      6.00
  Ammo (Plasma) 20         ---                                           2.00
3 ER Medium Laser          Nose         5      5     --     --   15      3.00
1 Plasma Rifle*            RW          10     10     --     --   10      6.00
1 Plasma Rifle*            LW          10     10     --     --   10      6.00
  Ammo (Plasma) 30         ---                                           3.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        Aft          3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Jump Infantry Platoon (21                                              6.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 51     95.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        14,717,181 C-Bills
Battle Value:      2,501
Cost per BV:       5,884.52
Weapon Value:      3,019 (Ratio = 1.21)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 45;  MRV = 29;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 5,  Armor/Structure: 12 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 5/5/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FH;  Point Value: 25



[Cowdragon]

here's the newest BA long range transport. The Fire Phoenix!

Code: [Select]

                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                               * CUSTOM WEAPONS

Class/Model/Name:  Fire Phoenix
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerodyne Small Craft
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              200 tons
Length:            31 meters
Power Plant:       Standard
Safe Thrust:       5
Maximum Thrust:    8
Armor Type:        Ferro-aluminum
Armament:         
    3 Plasma Rifle*
    3 ER Medium Laser
    4 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Capabilities:==
The Fire Phoenix is an interesting design. Engineers had been working on a
system to move more of the militaries battle armor around a solar system,
specifically from planetside to jump point or the other way for a while. Due
to resources being moved to other areas (specifically newer LAM designs) it
was tabled for a while.

Then one of the Listening Planets was "discovered" by an Inner Sphere
jumpship. They refused to stand down and were borded and the survivng crew was
captured, along with loads of new gear.

Many of the prisoners comitted suicide. They were tough and had extensive
cyber enhancements. The zealots were terrifying, but were outgunned and
outmatched by the Valhallen Forces in system.

One thing became immediately apparent however. As the battle unfolded,
dropships from the jumpship disembarked, and flew to ground rapidly unloading
their cyber-powered armor. Although the native Valhallen Infantry was
eventually able to deal with them, and the LAMs were able to move small numers
of troops around where they were needed, something that could move more at a
time, and offer meaningful support was needed.

So the old project was reopened and code named "Phoenix" as new life was
breathed into it. Some of the new weapons were reverse engineered, and the
Plasma Rifle was added to the craft's arsenal, eventually giving it the
moniker "Fire Phoenix".

It is VTOL Capable, can carry 6 Power Armored Marines anywhere in a system. It
is heavily armed and armored. It can lay down massive amounts of suppresion
fire. It's fast, and even carries a limited payload. The primary drawbacks are
the tiny crew quarters. Only 4 tons each. But they are not meant to be the
kind of thing that crew live in for long periods, so this was considered
acceptible.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Fire Phoenix
Mass:              200 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant, Drive & Control:                                           65.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 5
      Maximum Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 8                                                  8.00
VSTOL Equipment:                                                        10.00
Total Heat Sinks:    23 Double                                          20.00
Fuel & Fuel Pumps:                                                       5.50
Bridge, Controls, Radar, Computer & Attitude Thrusters:                  1.50
Fire Control Computers:                                                   .00
Food & Water:  (33 days supply)                                          2.00
Armor Type:  Ferro-aluminum  (390 total armor pts)                      20.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Fore:                                102
   Left/Right Wings:                 100/100
   Aft:                                  88

Cargo:
   Bay 1:  Cargo (1) with 1 door                                         2.00
           Battle Armor Points/Squads (1) with 1 door                   10.00


Crew and Passengers:
      6 Crew/Gunners                                                    24.00
      6 Bay Personnel                                                     .00
Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Plasma Rifle*            Nose        10     10     --     --   10      6.00
  Ammo (Plasma) 20         ---                                           2.00
3 ER Medium Laser          Nose         5      5     --     --   15      3.00
1 Plasma Rifle*            RW          10     10     --     --   10      6.00
1 Plasma Rifle*            LW          10     10     --     --   10      6.00
  Ammo (Plasma) 30         ---                                           3.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW           3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        RW(A)        3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Small Pulse Laser        LW(A)        3     --     --     --    2      1.00
1 Lot Spare Parts (1.00%)                                                2.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 53    200.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        16,725,100 C-Bills
Battle Value:      1,940
Cost per BV:       8,621.19
Weapon Value:      2,763 (Ratio = 1.42)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 46;  MRV = 28;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
Maintenance:       Maintenance Point Value (MPV) = 2,779
                   (835 Structure, 1,250 Life Support, 694 Weapons)
                   Support Points (SP) = 3,378  (122% of MPV)
BattleForce2:      MP: 5,  Armor/Structure: 10 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 5/5/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: DS;  Point Value: 19


[Cowdragon]

Here's sort of a fun one. It's an "advanced" Star Dagger, using only introtech. Overall a much more efficient and potent design. The weapons were kept similar, but optimized a bit, for greater punch. The Armor was upgrade, speed increased, and deep fuel tanks were retained (6 tons) for those long patrols.

This fighter is meant as a patrol craft, on the outer reaches of a system, before returning to its dropship/jumpship base. It does have added punch, with a 5 barreled Small Laser in the nose, and a pair of machine guns in each wing, and a small laser in the aft. It can move fairly fast, even keeping pace with many more modern fighters.

As for stats, it goes 9/14. 6 tons of fuel. 6 tons of armor. Can deal out a total of 4 capital damage if it does find itself engaging larger craft. All of its weapons are short ranged, which can be a serious handicap, but for its primary mission of being an affordable patrol craft, this is great. It's cheap both in C-Bills and in BV. If I were to upgrade it, I would go with small pulse lasers primarily. Similar firepower, but much more accurate.

Code: [Select]

                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Star Dagger S-4
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 1, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              30 tons
Length:            13 meters
Power Plant:       210 Fusion
Safe Thrust:       9
Maximum Thrust:    14
Armor Type:        Standard
Armament:         
    6 Small Laser
    4 Machine Gun
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Star Dagger S-4
Mass:              30 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  210 Fusion                                                 9.00
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 9
      Maximum Thrust: 14
Structural Integrity: 9                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    10 Single                                            .00
Fuel:                                                                    6.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  Standard  (96 total armor pts)                              6.00
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 30
   Left/Right Wings:                  22/22
   Aft:                                  22

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 Small Laser              Nose         3     --     --     --    5      2.50
2 Machine Gun              RW           2     --     --     --    0      1.00
2 Machine Gun              LW           2     --     --     --    0      1.00
  Ammo (MG) 200            ---                                           1.00
1 Small Laser              Aft          3     --     --     --    1       .50
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                     Heat: 6     30.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        1,582,400 C-Bills
Battle Value:      457
Cost per BV:       3,462.58
Weapon Value:      617 (Ratio = 1.35)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 24;  MRV = 0;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 9,  Armor/Structure: 2 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 2/-/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FL;  Point Value: 5


[truetanker]

I challange you to make a BT version of an ICE conventional of this pic, Cowdragon!



TT  O:-)

PS: With optional payload loadout as well!

[Gryphon]

14 hardpoint means 70 tons...not gonna happen chief. Though the RAC2/RAC5/LBX10 and paired small pulse lasers are easy enough...ish...

50 tons maybe, with minimal internal weapons, call it LBX-10 and 2 tons of ammo, two SPLs...fusion so plenty of HS to start really, but if yo go purely conventional...hmmm...19.5 tons of weapons, I would "back it down" to only a RAC2 though, with a single ton of ammo, since it should bomb and bust ass for home really. Oh, and VTOL, second crewman as gunner...this does get complicated. Especially if you want stealth armor and ECM to give it a fighting chance of actually getting to drop bombs...

Right, I'm out, have at it Cowdragon!  O0

[Cowdragon]

14 hardpoint means 70 tons...not gonna happen chief. Though the RAC2/RAC5/LBX10 and paired small pulse lasers are easy enough...ish...

50 tons maybe, with minimal internal weapons, call it LBX-10 and 2 tons of ammo, two SPLs...fusion so plenty of HS to start really, but if yo go purely conventional...hmmm...19.5 tons of weapons, I would "back it down" to only a RAC2 though, with a single ton of ammo, since it should bomb and bust ass for home really. Oh, and VTOL, second crewman as gunner...this does get complicated. Especially if you want stealth armor and ECM to give it a fighting chance of actually getting to drop bombs...

Right, I'm out, have at it Cowdragon!  O0

haha, I've not had a chance to get to this yet today. Been busy campaigning for the President. Getting the kids to their activities. Etc. But what little I was able to work in it, I went with a standard AC/5. 40 tons. And "bomb shaped" RL/10 launchers, lol. That turbine engine sucks to get any decent speed with. So it was 4/6. I like the idea of stealth armor! But it sure can't hold much :(

[serack]

think one shot lauchers for under wing mounts :)

[truetanker]

Well here are the plans for the above item.


TT

[Cowdragon]

Cobra always had cooler gear. :)

[Porkins]

Hi cowdragon.  For the Panacea picture you used, did you get that from a book or a particular website?  It looks familiar as I read a large book when I was young that had a lot of spacecraft pictures like that but I have not been able to find it in used bookstores, and websearches are useless as I do not remember the name of the book.

Thanks.

[Cowdragon]

Hi cowdragon.  For the Panacea picture you used, did you get that from a book or a particular website?  It looks familiar as I read a large book when I was young that had a lot of spacecraft pictures like that but I have not been able to find it in used bookstores, and websearches are useless as I do not remember the name of the book.

Thanks.

I really wish I knew. I just did a web search for "spacecraft science fiction" and it was one that showed up. My browser would load the page it was from, but when I clicked "show full image" it gave me that. I know it's from a famous artist of science fiction books, but don't know who. :(

Sorry.

One day, if I ever get a scanner worth more than a giant paperweight, I will start posting my own personal artwork again. Then my designs will at least be original, if not very impressive. I knew how I wanted all of them to look before I found the closest pics I could to represent them.

[Cowdragon]

Just trying to update a little here on my thread. The first one I'll post after all this time is my Chippewa II. A design based off of the old standby. Like its predecessor, it has light armor and heavier weapons than a fighter of its size, while also being faster. In the Chippewa II though, the armor was reinforced slightly, the speed pushed up even more, and the weapons concentrated for a much better effect. This beauty can dish out 11 capital damage from its front arc alone without heat issues, and a squadron can deal a whopping 59! The drawbacks are that to achieve this, the weapons are all medium and short ranged, and the armor is still very thin. But with proper fighter cover and deployment, these can effectively wipe out enemy capital ships in a matter of seconds. For added fun, deploy with a full load of Air to Air missiles on the wing mounts.

Code: [Select]

                    AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
                                  VALIDATED

Class/Model/Name:  Chippewa II
Tech:              Inner Sphere / 3067
Vessel Type:       Aerospace Fighter
Rules:             Level 3, Standard design
Rules Set:         AeroTech2

Mass:              90 tons
Length:            21 meters
Power Plant:       360 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust:       6
Maximum Thrust:    9
Armor Type:        *HFF*
Armament:         
    5 ER Medium Laser
    6 Streak SRM 6
    5 Small Pulse Laser
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==Overview:==
The Chippewa II is a creation of the Valhallen Space Navy. One thing they
realized quickly with the interaction with other navies was that theirs was
sorely short of heavy aerospace fighters. This flaw was aleviated with the
upgrade, although it still only carries medium fighter level armor. The
firepower is outstanding however.

A couple squadrons of these can easily blast through even warship grade armor
in a matter of seconds. Although they generally need other fighter cover to
absorb shots from enemy capital ships.

The trick was focusing each arc for maximum combined firepower. Therefore a
quintet of ER Medium Lasers is nose mounted like a gattling gun, a trio of
Streak-6's is in each wing, and another quintet of highly accurate Small Pulse
Lasers is aft mounted to keep tailgaiters off their 6.

The speed was increased from the older model, bringing their speed camparable
to much smaller fighters like the Corsair.

==Capabilities:==
In game terms, this baby can hit for 11 Aerotech/Battlespace damage
individually. A squadron can hit for a whopping 59 damage! The tail carries a
hyperaccurate cluster of small pulse lasers as well.

Flaws: Although the armor is very light typically for such a heavy fighter, it
is based off of the original Chippewa which has even lighter armor.

Pros: Faster and with slightly heavier armor than the original, plus
phenominal firepower, rivaling that of even some dropships.

Pilots tend to enjoy flying these, although without their own fighter cover,
and carrying only medium to short ranged weapons, they tend to struggle in
dogfights an closing with capital ships. Although with other fighters in the
air, a squadron of these can make very short work of much larger craft once in
range.

If the wong mounts are loaded with ARROW IV or heavy air to air missiles, this
becomes even less of an issue.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name:  Chippewa II
Mass:              90 tons

Equipment:                                                              Mass
Power Plant:  360 XL Fusion                                             16.50
Thrust:  Safe Thrust: 6
      Maximum Thrust: 9
Structural Integrity: 9                                                   .00
Total Heat Sinks:    25 Double                                          15.00
Fuel:                                                                    7.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters:                                            3.00
Armor Type:  *HFF*  (149 total armor pts)                                7.50
                           Standard Scale Armor Pts
   Location:                            L / R
   Nose:                                 50
   Left/Right Wings:                  37/37
   Aft:                                  25

Weapons and Equipment      Loc        SRV    MRV    LRV    ERV  Heat    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5 ER Medium Laser          Nose         5      5     --     --   25      5.00
3 Streak SRM 6             RW          12     --     --     --   12     13.50
3 Streak SRM 6             LW          12     --     --     --   12     13.50
  Ammo (Streak 6) 60       ---                                           4.00
5 Small Pulse Laser        Aft          3     --     --     --   10      5.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                                    Heat: 59     90.00
Tons Left:                                                                .00

Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:        16,699,360 C-Bills
Battle Value:      1,843
Cost per BV:       9,060.97
Weapon Value:      2,199 (Ratio = 1.19)
Damage Factors:    SRV = 88;  MRV = 15;  LRV = 0;  ERV = 0
BattleForce2:      MP: 6,  Armor/Structure: 4 / 0
                   Damage PB/M/L: 10/3/-,  Overheat: 0
                   Class: FH;  Point Value: 18


[truetanker]

If the wong mounts are loaded with ARROW IV or heavy air to air missiles, this becomes even less of an issue.

Very Cappelan of you!

TT

[Prince of Darkness]

That Star Dagger is interesting- though standard weapons are pretty bad at it, with all those SLs and Machine guns it can also act as AMS for other ships in a pinch.

[Cowdragon]

Very Cappelan of you!

TT

HAHA! Thank you :)

That Star Dagger is interesting- though standard weapons are pretty bad at it, with all those SLs and Machine guns it can also act as AMS for other ships in a pinch.

Thanks. I really liked the history and the look of the Star Dagger, but wanted something not so primitive. Not a bad idea using it as an escort with its AMS capabilities. I like that.

[Cowdragon]

A little update on my 25 ton standard air/space superiority fighter/interceptor. These fight in hoards. Individually they aren't much.

The name means 'Talon' in the Czech language. Just thought it sounded cool.

Spár.

Code: [Select]

Spár Aero
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D

Weight: 25 tons
BV: 645
Cost: 2,773,369 C-bills

Movement: 9/14
Engine: 175 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Fuel Points: 0/520 (6.5 tons)

Structural Integrity: 9
Armor: 88
            Armor 
-------------------
Nose           25 
Left Wing      25 
Right Wing     25 
Aft            13 

Weapons               Loc  Heat 
---------------------------------
Medium X-Pulse Laser  NOS    6   
Small X-Pulse Laser   RWG    3   
Small X-Pulse Laser   LWG    3   
Laser AMS             NOS    7   


Equipment                Loc 
------------------------------
Targeting Computer [IS]  NOS 




[\code]

[Cowdragon]

I don't know how to link to his thread, but this was completely inspired by Liam's Ghost thread on his little Whitestreak Fighters. Such fun!!!

Here's my own ultra-light Aerospace Fighter design, but for the Succession Wars Era.

Yuri X-15 Aerospace Defense Interceptor: The Star League had commissioned for ultra-light aerospace fighter designs previous to the Amaris Coupe, for planetary militias. Named by an amateur historian and aerospace engineer who got some details confused about early space-age aircraft, the Yuri X-15 LOOKS very similar to the original X-15 from the 1950's and 1960's of Earth's pre-space flight era.

 The thought process, was to produce thousands of them to grant to planets important enough to need dozens to hundreds of aerospace fighters defending them, while not blowing their wad of cash on a handful of fighters to relatively green pilots who would just get their rides shot down and or stolen. To top it off, the Star League Defense Force had a small but powerful lobby that was pushing for a more "space/air superiority" doctrine.

The plan was actually 3-fold. By producing and outfitting thousands of these across the Sphere in a defensive position, they could affordably put significant, yet expendable defenses into important planetary hands. They could also send these as escorts for the planned expansion of the LAM Program. LAMs did very well in their intended role of hit and fade missions targeting primarily ground based/static targets. They did well against armor and infantry as well, and were moderate (though it was thought it could improve) against battlemech forces. It was in the sky that they tended to get their aluminum asses shot to bits. However, a special Carrier Class Jumpship/Dropship design was in the works, that would ONLY carry these ultra-light fighters. It could therefore carry literally dozens more than a standard Dropship/Jumpship Carrier normally could. The thinking was that they could overwhelm an opponent through sheer numbers. The third and last part of the plan was that undoubtedly Aces and veterans would come from these ranks who could be promoted to better positions within the SLDF.

The initial designs were tested and approved for production, but the Civil War had begun by this point. Planets licensed to manufacture them began full scale production, and therefore The Cappellan Confederation, The Outworld's Alliance, and The Magistry of Canopus had thousands in service by the time of the First Succession War. Some were sold to allies and other buyers. Mercs tended to shy away from them, though they were extremely affordable. Predominantly it was the Periphery States that bought up entire production runs.

Overall, they were a shining example of success. While fairly non-threatening alone or even in squadrons, it was once you had to deal with them on the Wing level that things could rapidly get out of hand for an invading force. The Outworld's Alliance specifially and repeatedly defended their territories with large numbers of the Yuri X-15. While a handful of 1st Succession War LAMs were escorted by these, the majority were kept for defensive roles, and LAMs were slagged by attrition. Losses to the number of Yuris not only never outpaced production or pilot volunteer numbers, but fell far behind. There is a certain level of prestige that goes with piloting one on the planets in which they are common. Sharp uniforms, steady paychecks, a love-life full of potential suiters, action and adventure are all part of the deal. A pilot who survives has real bragging rights.

Capabilities: Built only with materials available to SW Era production technology, as no Royal Variants or upgrades were ever initially planned, they are light, cheap, fast, and basic.

1 Small Laser mounted in the nose. Point the nose and shoot. So easy even a rookie can do it.

1/2 Ton of Standard Armor Plating does its best to cover the frame, though it protects mostly from small dings and minor ground based collisions with heavy equipments than from anything else, though it can stop limited small arms fire.

A Standard Fussion Engine, which can propel the fighter to speeds most every other thing a pilot could encounter, in the dust. These things are a real kick in the pants. A thrill to fly, if nothing else.

1 Ton internal Fuel Tank, though it is hardly ever spotted withought an addition 1 ton external fuel tank for added endurance.

Small Cockpit: A compact and tight cockpit which leaves very little room for comfort, yet surprisingly protects the pilot from being battered around very well. It fits like a glove, or cocoon, and if it doesn't explode and kill the pilot instantly, crashes, collisions, and rough bumps tend to leave the pilot bruised but not broken.

Post Jihad: There has been some tinkering with updating the design, however, having 1) not much mass to work with and 2) it can skew the budget for them, little has been done. There are prototypes that mount ER Small Lasers in the nose, yet they offer no noticeable improvement in any area while increasing the cost. Though some pilots seem to take further pride in mounting "advanced weapons". One field refit managed to get a load of Micro Pulse Lasers from somewhere, and mounted them onto their Wing Aces. This did improve their fighting a bit. Other prototypes replace the standard armor with Reflective or Ferro Aluminum types. And the most expensive prototypes upgrade the engine to XL, but all of these take away from affordability, which means a buyer cannot field as many, which is where its real strength lies.

Code: [Select]

X-15 Yuri Aerospace Defence Interceptor Aero
Base Tech Level: Standard (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: D/C-E-D-D

Weight: 5 tons
BV: 70
Cost: 908,662 C-bills

Movement: 11/17
Engine: 45
Heat Sinks: 10
Cockpit: Small Cockpit
Fuel Points: 0/80 (1.0 tons)

Structural Integrity: 11
Armor: 8
            Armor 
-------------------
Nose            3 
Left Wing       2 
Right Wing      2 
Aft             1 

Weapons      Loc  Heat 
------------------------
Small Laser  NOS    1   








[Liam's Ghost]

I swear, the idea of a five ton microfighter is way more fun than it probably should be.

[Cowdragon]

I swear, the idea of a five ton microfighter is way more fun than it probably should be.

Right??? It also seems pretty viable when you think about the logistics of them. With aerotech ranges and the way damage is figured... lots of people ready and willing to hop into a cockpit. Like 1950's space program style.

[Dragon Cat]

these are cool designs I like the WarShip types they are all cool

[Cowdragon]

these are cool designs I like the WarShip types they are all cool

Thank you very much!

Now I need to figure out how to make a micro-fighter launch bay for my Longships. Muhahahaha  >:D

[truetanker]

Now I need to figure out how to make a micro-fighter launch bay for my Longships. Muhahahaha  >:D

Small Vehicle Bays should be roomy enough.

TT

[Liam's Ghost]

I'm wondering if an escape pod/life boat bay might work. It's basically the same mass, and it doesn't have to have the extra bulk to carry passengers.

[Cowdragon]

I'm wondering if an escape pod/life boat bay might work. It's basically the same mass, and it doesn't have to have the extra bulk to carry passengers.

That's a good idea! And they are smaller than lifeboats and escape pods too, lol.

[truetanker]

That's a good idea! And they are smaller than lifeboats and escape pods too, lol.

Wait... what?

Lifeboats that fight back?

Creepy... [blank]

" Sir! Warship is launching Lifeboats!"
" Very good, now assign a boarding party. "
       ~ Last words of an unknown Captain

TT

[DOC_Agren]

That's a good idea! And they are smaller than lifeboats and escape pods too, lol.

Eject a # of "escape pods" 
Surprise Suckers!!!
we aren't loosing as bad as you thought
 }:)

[Cowdragon]

An updated and renamed old favorite. Totally "meta-game-designed" for maximum efficiency in the gaming environment I used to play in.

*Edit - When I previously posted, I had written out a very detailed history and explanation of this particular design. As I posted it, my computer or the internet or something conspired against me to delete the entire thing. So I quickly just posted it, as I knew I would be away from the internet for a while, and had other things to get done.
 I will attempt to redo what I had previously started.


The Bayonet, is a renamed and reworked old favorite of mine. Originally I called it the Shuriken. This obviously needed to be changed. Keeping with the "bladed weapon" theme, I chose Bayonet for a couple reasons. First and foremost, it hadn't been used yet. SUPER IMPORTANT! LOL. Second, a Bayonet is traditionally in front of the primary weapon of an army. The rifle. My fighters are the epitome of this ideology. While a bayonet on a rifle is used AFTER the rifle has fired, usually... the fighter Bayonet is used first.


To begin, the cost had to be cheap. Originally designed in the mid 90's shortly after both the Battlespace rules AND the campaign rules from ... Tactical Operations? Had come out, some friends and I decided it would be fun to have gigantic, multi-weekend campaigns, where we designed our own forces, and smashed each other for fun.

Generally around the 1 million Battle Value limit, we had to consider logistics, forces, reinforcements, base building, battleground and air superiority.

My opponents (great guys who I miss dearly) played Clans while I love my Inner Sphere. There remain very few ways in which an Inner Sphere piece of gear can keep up individually with anything of Clan origin. Multiplied back then. I chose quantity and efficiency over quality. As a fan-boy of Comstar, I decided to base most of my forces on the Tukkayyid ideals of overwhelming my Clan opponents and then wearing them down through attrition. I primarily used energy weapons, numbers, I played the bureaucrat game by manipulating my designs to be the most effective BV-wise that I could. My logistics were always stronger than theirs, and my reinforcement pool was fat and adaptable. In this way, I could generally choose which battles to win and which to retreat from to punish their own low-point and neglected logistics pools.


This brings us back to my newly named Bayonet fighter.


This would be my primary air-superiority aerospace fighter. Knowing their propensity for 100 ton designs, I chose light, fast, and cheap. 25 tons wasn't decided on a whim. In the older rules, a fighter could strafe for 5 hexes, and carpet bomb for 5 hexes. A fighter could carry 1 bomb per every 5 tons it weighed. With this in mind, the cheapest, most efficient fighter I could field en masse was the 25 tonner. It therefore needed to also be fast enough that carrying those 5 bombs wouldn't debilitate it's speed too much. 9 safe 14 flank thrust was decided on.


I needed enough armor to guard it in squadron formations, but individually was fragile. Again, playing the numbers games. This forced significant portions of their fighters to focus on my speedy little Bayonets to be peeled away from protecting their warships and other capital-ship space assets. Which in-turn allowed my much smaller force of much harder hitting anti-capital ship aerospace fighters to move in for the kill.


Originally, my fighters had 1 Medium Pulse Laser in each wing. The updated version drops to 2 Variable Speed Pulse Lasers. 1 in each wing, further tied to an advanced Targeting Computer. This divided its damage output (rounded to 1) into 2 separate firing arcs, effectively doubling its damage. It also allowed it the greatest possible amount of firing arcs, while still allowing it to focus those arc directly into its front...allowing for previously discussed strafing runs. With the upgraded lasers and computers, it can strafe extremely accurately. Giving a total of -4 bonus, I BELIEVE (I'm doing this from 20+ year memory) an adjusted net -1 bonus to strafe everything in a 5 hex row. Dealing 10 points per fighter, and as also stated previously (my predilection for Comstar formations) up to 60 per Level 2/Squadron of these little buggers. to a potential 5 targets... all to their punch locations. These guys were devastating and nearly impossible to dodge.


Though the first run was potentially even more devastating with the carpet-bombing run of 6 fighters, all armed with 5 cluster bombs. Cluster Bombs had overlap. I imagine the rules have been updated since, and nerfed a little. But back then, it was a glory to behold as one friend in-particular loved marching his mechs in giant lines the were nice marching walls, yes...but wonderful targets for my own tactics.

If you'll note, the fuel capacity is fairly deep. Though it lost a ton from the original due to the addition of the Targeting Computer. I wanted my fighters to be the last on the map, and they were every time I chose to win an engagement. Losses were high. But at only a current 407 BV, and I believe a little less back then, I could swarm my opponents and not cut too deeply into my total BV-Pool. Think of the TIE Fighter approach.

I hope you enjoy my design and can appreciate the thought and love that went into not only the original, but the updated version. Yes, it catered to my needs against specific opponents...but isn't that what warfare is about? Thank you!


EDIT*** BV and Armor placement were previously incorrect.

Code: [Select]

Bayonet BYT-025-KLE
Base Tech Level: Experimental (IS)
Level          Era
-------------------
Experimental    - 
Advanced        - 
Standard      3145+
Tech Rating: E/X-X-E-D

Weight: 25 tons
BV: 407
Cost: 2,526,994 C-bills

Movement: 9/14
Engine: 175 XL
Heat Sinks: 10 [20]
Fuel Points: 720 (9.0 tons)

Structural Integrity: 9
Armor: 89 (Heavy Ferro-Aluminum)
            Armor 
-------------------
Nose           26 
Left Wing      24 
Right Wing     24 
Aft            15 

Weapons          Loc  Heat 
----------------------------
Small VSP Laser  RWG    3   
Small VSP Laser  LWG    3   


Equipment                Loc 
------------------------------
Targeting Computer [IS]  NOS 




 

[truetanker]

Cowdragon...

Check your PMs please... I'd like a response to my message...

Rather have an OK from you before I attempt my evilness...

TT

[Cowdragon]

Cowdragon...

Check your PMs please... I'd like a response to my message...

Rather have an OK from you before I attempt my evilness...

TT

It's not working. Looks totally blank. Sorry 🙁