Editing Corsair (Aerospace Fighter class)

{{Otheruses|the aerospace fighter design|other uses|Corsair}}
{{InfoBoxASF
| image = [[File:Corsair.jpg|260px]]
| name = ''Corsair''
| manufacturer = [[Wangker Aerospace]]
| model = CSR-V12
| Class = Medium aerospace fighter
| Tech Base = [[Inner Sphere]]
| Cost = 2,293,958 [[C-bill]]s
| production year=2779
| year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/693/corsair-csr-v12 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
| mass = 50 tons
| structural integrity = 6
| frame = [[Wangker II]]
| power plant = [[GM 200]]
| armor = [[Wangker Corsair Standard]]
| Fuel = 400 - 5 tons
| armament = 
* 2x [[Medium laser]]s
* 4x [[Small laser]]s
* 2x [[Large laser]]s
| communications system = [[Ranker 100B]]
| tracking & targeting system = [[Ranker TA800]]
| heat sinks = 16 [[single heat sink]]s
| BV (1.0) = 1,006<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 252</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 78</ref>
| BV (2.0) = 1,190
}}

==Description==
The '''''Corsair''''' was originally introduced as a means to replace the horrific losses suffered by the [[Star League Defense Force]] following the end of the [[Amaris Civil War]].  The compact laser systems and sleek design of the ''Corsair'' made it a superior [[aerospace fighter]] in an atmosphere, rivaling the capabilities of [[conventional fighter]]s. It was well protected by 13.5 tons of armor, while 16 [[single heat sinks]] kept the all-energy weapon loadout from overheating. It carried a fuel load of five tons and its [[GM 200]] power plant could achieve a maximum thrust of four and a half gravities, with a safe thrust factor of three gravities.<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 156</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 200</ref>

A working prototype of the ''Corsair'' had already been produced when the [[SLDF]] approached [[Wangker Aerospace]] for an easy-to-refit aerospace fighter, which allowed them to begin full-scale production within months. Unfortunately the original V1 series had serious flaws: the fuel tank would rupture when the craft made turns operating in an atmosphere, the landing gear could not support its weight in an emergency landing, and the life support system in the cockpit was easily shattered. While such faults would have killed most other designs, the positive aspects of the ''Corsair'' were so impressive the [[Star League]] permitted its continuation while Wangker fixed the issues. The fuel tank problem would be corrected in the V2 series, while the life support issues were hashed out in the V3 through V8 series, with continuing improvements up to the V12 series<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Most of Wangker's ''Corsair'' factories were located in the [[Federated Suns]], and so when the Star League fell five years after its introduction House Davion managed to seize control of them, with the [[Free Worlds League]] capturing a single production line on [[Connaught]]. Within five years of the start of the [[First Succession War]] however all of these factories had been destroyed, though through salvage efforts Wangker managed to piece together a new line on [[Axton]] and keep it open over the centuries of constant raiding. When the Connaught facility was destroyed in the opening shots of the war only a few hundred had been produced for the [[FWLM]], and these eventually fell into the hands of the [[Principality of Regulus]]. When the [[Federated Commonwealth]] was formed debate raged on whether the ''Corsair'' or the ''[[Lucifer]]'' should be the [[AFFC]]'s standard medium aerospace fighter, and in mock combat trials the ''Corsair'' won more often than not.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
Geared towards short range combat, the ''Corsair'' carries a total of two [[Medium_laser#Martell|Martell]] [[medium laser]]s and four [[Small_Laser#ExoStar|Exostar]] [[small laser]]s, while two [[Exostar]] [[large laser]]s gives it some additional reach. Both medium lasers are located in each wing, with the large lasers and two of the small lasers filling the nose.  For coverage to the stern, the remaining two small lasers are mounted to the rear and tied directly into the targeting systems, giving the pilot extreme accuracy in his rear field of fire. The compact laser systems are also well-suited for a ground-attack role, while the presence of 16 [[single heat sink]]s means the ''Corsair'' can continuously fire both large lasers and fire the medium and small lasers with negligible heat buildup.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

==Variants==
*; CSR-V12b : Almost identical to the V14 variant, this version used during [[Operation Klondike]] removes the standard weaponry and replaces it with two nose-mounted [[ER large laser]]s, a nose-mounted [[medium laser]], and a [[medium pulse laser]] in each wing. It also mounts 15 [[double heat sink]]s. BV (2.0) = 1,388<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 85</ref><ref name=HOKp160>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.160</ref>

*; CSR-V12M (aka '''''Sand Hawk'''''): A [[House Marik]] design, it was introduced among the [[Regulan]] aerospace forces in an attempt to preserve their dwindling number of ''Corsairs''. One of the [[large laser]]s was replaced for two more tons of armor and three additional [[single heat sink]]s. While increasing the craft's survivability, it is disliked by many for reducing the overall firepower. This variant is also known as the '''''Sand Hawk''''' to [[House Kurita]] military units.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,039<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 253</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 80</ref>,  BV (2.0) = 1,121

*; CSR-V14 : The V14 was introduced during the early 3050s, which consisted of a simple refit of the standard ''Corsair'', exchanging the craft's [[large laser]]s for [[ER large laser]]s. Also as a part of the redesign, its [[single heat sink]]s were upgraded to [[double heat sink|double capacity]]. The upgrade came in the form of a refit kit for [[House Davion]] ''Corsairs'' and had completely replaced all vintage ''Corsairs'' by the start of the [[FedCom Civil War]].<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,259<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 254</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,330

*; CSR-V18 : An upgrade of the V14 design, this variant was introduced during the early portion of the [[Jihad]]. In addition to the fighter's [[ER large laser]]s, the craft's forward [[small laser]]s were removed and it was given a pair of [[light PPC]]s. The rear facing ones were upgraded to [[ER small laser]]s while 17 [[double heat sink]]s keep it cool. Finally the power plant was exchanged for an [[XL engine]] and its armor upgraded to [[heavy ferro-aluminum]]. Though the outbreak of the Jihad disrupted the distribution of these modern ''Cosairs'', they have since made their way to many [[AFFS]] units and have received good reviews.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,127<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 255</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,127

*; CSR-V20 : This variant was introduced by [[House Davion]] during the [[Succession Wars]]. It replaces the [[medium laser]]s and [[small laser]]s with an [[SRM-6]] system and ammo. V20s were typically seen in the Davions' [[Forty-second Avalon Hussars]] regiment. BV (1.0) = 986<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 256</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 79</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,112

*; CSR-X12 : Developed under the auspices of the [[RIGID NIGHT]] project by [[Paul Snell]] during the [[Jihad]], this ''Corsair'' variant uses an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[XXL engine]] to provide approximately 50% more speed than the standard CSR-V12. The existing weapons systems are replaced with [[Clan]] produced pulse lasers: two [[small pulse laser]]s cover the rear, while another pair of small pulse lasers and four [[medium pulse laser]]s fire forward. The weight savings from the XXL engine allowed engineers to add an extra five tons of [[standard armor]]. BV (2.0) = 2,000<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Davion'', p. 12</ref>

*; CSR-12D : This production version of the ''Corsair'' [[RIGID NIGHT]] prototype removes the [[Clan]]-spec lasers and the [[XXL engine]]. Instead, a standard [[XL engine]] provides power to the ''Corsair'' while the weapons consist of a [[large X-Pulse laser]] and [[medium X-Pulse laser]] in the nose, an [[ER medium laser]] in each wing, and another medium X-Pulse laser covering the rear. The slightly smaller engine provides nearly 90% of the XXL engine of the RIGID NIGHT, a loss of speed that was thought acceptable. Finally the entire airframe is covered in 14.5 tons of [[heavy ferro-aluminum]] armor, which provides enough protection for most dogfights. The variant use a [[Rander 200B]] communications system. BV (2.0) = 1,619<ref name=TRO:Proto>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 173</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Prototypes'', p. 87</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; ''Corsair'' Bob : Flown by a pilot in the [[Tsamma Crucis March Militia]], this variant of the ''Corsair'' replaces the standard CSR-V12's weaponry with a [[RAC/5]] and [[Streak SRM-6]]. Engine and speed performance remain the same as the CSR-V12, but an additional half-ton of armor is on the airframe. Three tons of autocannon ammo keep the ''Corsair'' Bob in the fight and the ammo efficient Streak launcher gets one ton of ammunition. BV (1.0) = 1,216<ref>''Record Sheets: Unique Fighters'', p. 8</ref>

==Design Quirks==
The CSR-12D ''Corsair'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=TRO:Proto/>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Weak Undercarriage]]

==Notes==
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Corsair'' was among the aerospace fighters for which he invented the name and wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its art and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.

* TRO 3039 and RS: 3039 battle values differ. As of this writing have not been corrected in PDF form.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Korsar'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''KSR-V12'''. The variant V12M aka ''Sand Hawk'' was perfectly translated to '''Wüstenfalke'''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Corsair_3025.jpg|Original CSR-V12 ''Corsair'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
Corsair TRO3025Revised.png|CSR-V12 ''Corsair'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
Corsair-12d.png|Variant CSR-12D ''Corsair'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes|TRO:Proto]]''
Corsair FMComStar.jpg|A ''Corsair'' being refueled, from ''[[Field Manual: ComStar|FM:ComStar]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
*''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
*''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Davion]]''
*''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
*''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
*''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
*''[[Record Sheets: Prototypes]]''
*''[[Record Sheets: Unique Fighters]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]]
[[Category:Medium Aerospace Fighter classes]]
[[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]