Difference between revisions of "Leopard (DropShip class)"
("Plethora" means "overabundance or crippling surfeit" and does not mean mere abundance. Please see Guapo, El, "dissertation on a plethora of balloons" for more information :)) |
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| image = Leopard.gif | | image = Leopard.gif | ||
| name = Leopard | | name = Leopard | ||
− | | manufacturer = [[Irian Technologies]] <ref name=DS&JSp17>''Dropships and Jumpships'', p.17 </ref> | + | | manufacturer = [[Irian Technologies]]<ref name=DS&JSp17>''Dropships and Jumpships'', p.17</ref><br />[[Federated-Boeing Interstellar]]<ref name=DS&JSp17/><br />[[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]]<br />[[Taurus Territorial Industries]]<br />[[Bowie Industries]]<ref name=DS&JSp17/> |
| production year = 2537 | | production year = 2537 | ||
− | | year reference = <ref> | + | | year reference = <ref name=MUL>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/4493/ Master Unit List entry]</ref> |
| Use = [['Mech]] Carrier | | Use = [['Mech]] Carrier | ||
| Type = Aerodyne | | Type = Aerodyne | ||
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75,000,000 C-bills (3056 version) | 75,000,000 C-bills (3056 version) | ||
| Revenue/Mission = 60,000 C-bills | | Revenue/Mission = 60,000 C-bills | ||
− | | Introduced = 2537 | + | | Introduced = [[2537]] |
− | | Mass = 1, | + | | Mass = 1,900<ref name=MUL/> |
| Structural Integrity = 7 | | Structural Integrity = 7 | ||
| Length = 66 | | Length = 66 | ||
| Width = 51.6 | | Width = 51.6 | ||
| Height = 22.4 | | Height = 22.4 | ||
− | | Drive System = | + | | Drive System = Star League V84 |
| Safe Thrust = 2 g | | Safe Thrust = 2 g | ||
| Maximum Thrust = 3 g | | Maximum Thrust = 3 g | ||
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| BV (2.0) = 2,854 | | BV (2.0) = 2,854 | ||
}} | }} | ||
− | |||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | A simple and easy-to-maintain design, the '''''Leopard''''' quickly became the standard lance-sized [['Mech]] carrier for the original [[Star League]] and the Great Houses. Its relatively low operating costs and abundant existing replacement parts (with the exception of the drive system) has allowed it to not only survive the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] as a ship class, but become the predominant entry vehicle for [['Mech]] recon, objective raid, and special operations missions. The two fighter bays allow for the lance's air support needs or act as enlarged cargo areas for booty. | + | A simple and easy-to-maintain design, the '''''Leopard''''' quickly became the standard [[lance]]-sized [['Mech]] carrier for the original [[Star League]] and the Great Houses. Its relatively low operating costs and abundant existing replacement parts (with the exception of the drive system) has allowed it to not only survive the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] as a ship class, but become the predominant entry vehicle for [['Mech]] recon, objective raid, and special operations missions. The two fighter bays allow for the lance's air support needs or act as enlarged cargo areas for booty. |
In reference to its layout and allegedly also to its atmospheric handling, the ''Leopard'' is widely known by its nickname, "Brick". | In reference to its layout and allegedly also to its atmospheric handling, the ''Leopard'' is widely known by its nickname, "Brick". | ||
==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
− | The ''Leopard'' has an impressive weapons loadout for such a small [[DropShip]], most useful | + | The ''Leopard'' has an impressive weapons loadout for such a small [[DropShip]], most useful to defend against [[aerospace fighter]]s. It can be easily overwhelmed, however, if swarmed. While it does count on three [[Long Range Missile]] racks for heavy hitting, two [[PPC]]s, five [[Large Laser]]s, and seven [[Medium Laser]]s give it more than enough combat capability when its munitions run out. |
==Cargo== | ==Cargo== | ||
*4 [['Mech]]s | *4 [['Mech]]s | ||
*2 [[ASF]]s | *2 [[ASF]]s | ||
− | The ''Leopard'' can accomodate its regular crew of 9, plus pilots and techs for the vehicles carried. | + | The ''Leopard'' can accomodate its regular crew of 9, plus pilots and techs for the vehicles carried. Notably, it does not provide any extra cargo space. |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
− | The venerable ''Leopard'', like many Succession | + | The venerable ''Leopard'', like many [[Succession Wars era]] survivors, has had numerous modifications made throughout the vessel's class, mostly minor differences owing to the numerous manufacturers throughout known space such as the version produced in the [[Magistracy of Canopus]] that mounts Parti-Kill PPCs instead of the large lasers. Typical refits or modifications include a tank carrier version capable of carrying 12 vehicles. It is also not unknown for ''Leopard'' owners to remove some or all of the 'Mech and aerospace fighter cubicles for 150 tons of cargo space each, and simply use the ''Leopard'' as a cargo ship. |
− | ''Leopard'' as a cargo ship | ||
− | |||
− | |||
Some of the more notable variants include: | Some of the more notable variants include: | ||
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*;Pocket WarShip : Developed by the [[Word of Blake]] at Irian Technologies' [[Clipperton]] yards, the Pocket WarShip refit features a larger more powerful drive system and fifty-four tons of [[Ferro-Aluminum]] armor. The standard weaponry of the upgraded ''Leopard'' is retained, but the 'Mech and fighter bays have been replaced by a single [[Teleoperated]] [[Killer Whale]] [[Capital Missile Launcher]] and an eleven-missile magazine, making the venerable design a considerable threat during the [[Jihad]]<ref name=TRO3075>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 106</ref>. BV (2.0) = 6,607<ref name=TRO3075/>, 7,674<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 223</ref> | *;Pocket WarShip : Developed by the [[Word of Blake]] at Irian Technologies' [[Clipperton]] yards, the Pocket WarShip refit features a larger more powerful drive system and fifty-four tons of [[Ferro-Aluminum]] armor. The standard weaponry of the upgraded ''Leopard'' is retained, but the 'Mech and fighter bays have been replaced by a single [[Teleoperated]] [[Killer Whale]] [[Capital Missile Launcher]] and an eleven-missile magazine, making the venerable design a considerable threat during the [[Jihad]]<ref name=TRO3075>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 106</ref>. BV (2.0) = 6,607<ref name=TRO3075/>, 7,674<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge'', p. 223</ref> | ||
− | *; | + | *;Leopard PA : A pirate-created custom variant of the standard ''Leopard'' which first appeared in [[3075]] over [[Repulse]]. Intelligence reports on the vessel have shown that the vessel was converted into an assault type DropShip with [[Technology Rating|Advanced Technology]] enhancements. The ship's principle weaponry includes 5 ER-PPCs mounted in the nose with a [[PPC Capacitor]] for each of them. Backing up the PPCs is a [[LRM 20]] with [[Artemis IV]] and a pair of [[Small Pulse Laser]]s. Mounted in the broadsides and aft is a pair of [[Binary Laser Cannon]]s. Additional LRM-20s are mounted in its broadsides. Mounted on each of the the wings, the ship has a pair of Small Pulse Lasers. In addition to the Binary Lasers, four Medium Pulse Lasers are mounted to protect the ship's aft. The ship is covered in 38 tons of [[Ferro-Aluminum]] armor, with is concentrated more on the nose. It retains the standard fighter compliment, but also has been given two small craft bays that house [[Battle Taxi]]s. As part of the its marine compliments, it has infantry bays for 4 platoons of [[Jump Troops]]. BV (2.0) = 6,220<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates'' pp. 15, 27 - ''Leopard PA'' - ship info & record sheet.</ref> |
+ | |||
+ | ==Related Designs== | ||
+ | *The ''[[Leopard CV]]'', a dedicated Aerospace Fighter carrier, was inspired by the ''Leopard''. | ||
+ | *The ''[[Broadsword]]'' is a [[Clan]] evolution of the venerable ''Leopard'', refitted them to carry 5 'Mechs as per [[Clan military structure]]. | ||
− | == | + | ==Notes== |
− | * | + | *Originally, the ''Leopard'' was statted to have 1,720 tons of mass (and the upgraded version 1,800). However, this does not comply with the most recent construction rules for DropShips. The [[MUL]] establishes the mass as 1,900 tons, overruling earlier publications. |
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
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*''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' | *''[[DropShips and JumpShips]]'' | ||
*''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates]]'' | *''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates]]'' | ||
+ | *[[Master Unit List]] | ||
*''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge]]'' | *''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge]]'' | ||
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]'' | *''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]'' |
Revision as of 06:14, 12 January 2016
191px | |
Leopard | |
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Irian Technologies[1] Federated-Boeing Interstellar[1] Majesty Metals and Manufacturing Taurus Territorial Industries Bowie Industries[1] |
Production Year | 2537[2] |
Use | 'Mech Carrier |
Type | Aerodyne |
Tech Base | Inner Sphere |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 1,900[2] tons |
Structural Integrity | 7 |
Length | 66 meters |
Width | 51.6 meters |
Height | 22.4 meters |
Drive System | Star League V84 |
Safe Thrust | 2 g |
Max Thrust | 3 g |
Fuel (tons) | 137 tons |
Fuel (days) | 74.5 days |
Armament | 2 x PPCs 3 x LRM-20s 7 x Medium Lasers 5 x Large Lasers |
Armor | Standard Fore: 14 Sides: 13 Aft: 10 |
Crew | 9 |
Escape Pods/Life Boats | 2/0 |
Heat Sinks | 80 (single) |
BV (1.0) | 2,579[3] |
BV (2.0) | 2,854 |
Contents
Description
A simple and easy-to-maintain design, the Leopard quickly became the standard lance-sized 'Mech carrier for the original Star League and the Great Houses. Its relatively low operating costs and abundant existing replacement parts (with the exception of the drive system) has allowed it to not only survive the Succession Wars as a ship class, but become the predominant entry vehicle for 'Mech recon, objective raid, and special operations missions. The two fighter bays allow for the lance's air support needs or act as enlarged cargo areas for booty.
In reference to its layout and allegedly also to its atmospheric handling, the Leopard is widely known by its nickname, "Brick".
Armament
The Leopard has an impressive weapons loadout for such a small DropShip, most useful to defend against aerospace fighters. It can be easily overwhelmed, however, if swarmed. While it does count on three Long Range Missile racks for heavy hitting, two PPCs, five Large Lasers, and seven Medium Lasers give it more than enough combat capability when its munitions run out.
Cargo
The Leopard can accomodate its regular crew of 9, plus pilots and techs for the vehicles carried. Notably, it does not provide any extra cargo space.
Variants
The venerable Leopard, like many Succession Wars era survivors, has had numerous modifications made throughout the vessel's class, mostly minor differences owing to the numerous manufacturers throughout known space such as the version produced in the Magistracy of Canopus that mounts Parti-Kill PPCs instead of the large lasers. Typical refits or modifications include a tank carrier version capable of carrying 12 vehicles. It is also not unknown for Leopard owners to remove some or all of the 'Mech and aerospace fighter cubicles for 150 tons of cargo space each, and simply use the Leopard as a cargo ship.
Some of the more notable variants include:
- Upgrade
- Introduced in 3056, Irian Technologies and Federated-Boeing Interstellar have both released almost identical updated versions of the Leopard, leading to accusations from Federated-Boeing of Irian engaging in industrial espionage. The modern version features improved, though still cramped, crew berths and a more powerful air circulation and filtration system. The Leopards weapon array has also been refitted, switching to ER and pulse energy weapon and adding Artemis IV FCS units to the LRM launchers, supported by switch to Double Heat Sinks. BV(1.0) = 3,211[4], BV (2.0) = 3,376
- Pocket WarShip
- Developed by the Word of Blake at Irian Technologies' Clipperton yards, the Pocket WarShip refit features a larger more powerful drive system and fifty-four tons of Ferro-Aluminum armor. The standard weaponry of the upgraded Leopard is retained, but the 'Mech and fighter bays have been replaced by a single Teleoperated Killer Whale Capital Missile Launcher and an eleven-missile magazine, making the venerable design a considerable threat during the Jihad[5]. BV (2.0) = 6,607[5], 7,674[6]
- Leopard PA
- A pirate-created custom variant of the standard Leopard which first appeared in 3075 over Repulse. Intelligence reports on the vessel have shown that the vessel was converted into an assault type DropShip with Advanced Technology enhancements. The ship's principle weaponry includes 5 ER-PPCs mounted in the nose with a PPC Capacitor for each of them. Backing up the PPCs is a LRM 20 with Artemis IV and a pair of Small Pulse Lasers. Mounted in the broadsides and aft is a pair of Binary Laser Cannons. Additional LRM-20s are mounted in its broadsides. Mounted on each of the the wings, the ship has a pair of Small Pulse Lasers. In addition to the Binary Lasers, four Medium Pulse Lasers are mounted to protect the ship's aft. The ship is covered in 38 tons of Ferro-Aluminum armor, with is concentrated more on the nose. It retains the standard fighter compliment, but also has been given two small craft bays that house Battle Taxis. As part of the its marine compliments, it has infantry bays for 4 platoons of Jump Troops. BV (2.0) = 6,220[7]
Related Designs
- The Leopard CV, a dedicated Aerospace Fighter carrier, was inspired by the Leopard.
- The Broadsword is a Clan evolution of the venerable Leopard, refitted them to carry 5 'Mechs as per Clan military structure.
Notes
- Originally, the Leopard was statted to have 1,720 tons of mass (and the upgraded version 1,800). However, this does not comply with the most recent construction rules for DropShips. The MUL establishes the mass as 1,900 tons, overruling earlier publications.
See Also
Gallery
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Dropships and Jumpships, p.17
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Master Unit List entry
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 202
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 203
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Technical Readout: 3075, p. 106
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 223
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates pp. 15, 27 - Leopard PA - ship info & record sheet.
Bibliography
- AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
- Combat Operations
- DropShips and JumpShips
- Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates
- Master Unit List
- Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge
- Technical Readout: 3025
- Technical Readout: 3025 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3057 - pg 13-14
- Technical Readout: 3057 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3075 - pg, 106-107