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{{otheruses|the aerospace fighter design|other uses|Rapier (disambiguation)}}
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{{otheruses|the [[aerospace fighter]] design|other uses|Rapier (disambiguation)}}
 
{{InfoBoxASF
 
{{InfoBoxASF
 
| image = [[Image:Rapier ASF TRO3050U.png|191px]]
 
| image = [[Image:Rapier ASF TRO3050U.png|191px]]
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| Tech Base = Star League
 
| Tech Base = Star League
 
| Cost = 5,437,111 [[C-bill]]s<ref name=CO107>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref>
 
| Cost = 5,437,111 [[C-bill]]s<ref name=CO107>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref>
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| Introduced = 2596
 
| production year = 2596
 
| production year = 2596
 
| year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2642/rapier-rpr-100 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 
| year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2642/rapier-rpr-100 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
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| heat sinks = 12 [[double heat sink]]s
 
| heat sinks = 12 [[double heat sink]]s
 
| BV (1.0) = 1,388<ref name=CO107/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 151</ref>
 
| BV (1.0) = 1,388<ref name=CO107/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 151</ref>
| BV (2.0) = 1,544<ref name=MUL183>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 183</ref><br>1,572<ref name=TRO3050U244-245>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 244–245: "Rapier Fighter Profile"</ref>
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| BV (2.0) = 1,544<ref name=MUL183>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 183</ref><br>1,572<ref name=TRO3050U244-245>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 244-245, "Rapier Fighter Profile"</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
The '''''Rapier''''' was the staple heavy [[aerospace fighter]] of the [[SLDF]] since its introduction, despite coming from an unusual source: the toy manufacturer [[Bauer Enterprises]]. Bauer's unexpected decision to enter the military aerospace market in [[2590]] was a complete surprise to everyone, since it was better-known for making remote-controlled aerospace models than the real deal. However, their decision was based upon a new invention from one of their researchers, the veteran [[Dr. Lionel Rajan III]], who developed a revolutionary neurocontrol device. This device used overlapping wave signals to produce a three-dimensional image of what the toy was "seeing" in the operator's mind. The SLDF was impressed with this revolutionary targeting and tracking system, especially since the [[Reunification War]] still raged with no end in sight, and gave the toy company a chance. A number of different prototypes, including a heavy [[Land-Air 'Mech]], were rejected but it was the ''Rapier'' which won Bauer Enterprises its contract, with full production beginning in [[2595]].<ref name=TRO2750-78-79>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 78–79: "Rapier Fighter Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3050U244-245/>
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The '''''Rapier''''' was the staple heavy [[aerospace fighter]] of the [[SLDF]] since its introduction, despite coming from an unusual source: the toy manufacturer [[Bauer Enterprises]]. Bauer's unexpected decision to enter the military aerospace market in [[2590]] was a complete surprise to everyone, since it was better-known for making remote-controlled aerospace models than the real deal. However, their decision was based upon a new invention from one of their researchers, the veteran [[Dr. Lionel Rajan III]], who developed a revolutionary neurocontrol device. This device used overlapping wave signals to produce a three-dimensional image of what the toy was "seeing" in the operator's mind. The SLDF was impressed with this revolutionary targeting and tracking system, especially since the [[Reunification War]] still raged with no end in sight, and gave the toy company a chance. A number of different prototypes, including a heavy [[Land-Air 'Mech]], were rejected but it was the ''Rapier'' which won Bauer Enterprises its contract, with full production beginning in [[2595]].<ref name=TRO2750-78-79>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 78-79, "Rapier Fighter Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3050U244-245/>
  
 
Besides its revolutionary [[Bauer Scope 130Y]], the ''Rapier'' boasted good maneuverability and protection compared to craft of similar mass, sporting 12 tons of [[Philter Mech]] myomer-weave armor plating. It was widely deployed throughout the SLDF, with less advanced versions lacking the Scope 130Y used by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. Though the factory on [[Tharkad]] was never attacked during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the ''Rapier'' still suffered from the loss of technological knowledge during that period, with downgraded versions of the fighter produced throughout the [[Inner Sphere]]. Only [[ComStar]] and the [[Word of Blake]] are known to still field [[Star League]]-quality ''Rapiers''.  Bauer Enterprises was poised to begin production of new models of the ''Rapier'' when a Blakist assault in late [[3067]] destroyed the Tharkad factory, though enough of the facility apparently survived to roll out a few of the new variant.<ref name=TRO3050U244-245/>
 
Besides its revolutionary [[Bauer Scope 130Y]], the ''Rapier'' boasted good maneuverability and protection compared to craft of similar mass, sporting 12 tons of [[Philter Mech]] myomer-weave armor plating. It was widely deployed throughout the SLDF, with less advanced versions lacking the Scope 130Y used by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]]. Though the factory on [[Tharkad]] was never attacked during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], the ''Rapier'' still suffered from the loss of technological knowledge during that period, with downgraded versions of the fighter produced throughout the [[Inner Sphere]]. Only [[ComStar]] and the [[Word of Blake]] are known to still field [[Star League]]-quality ''Rapiers''.  Bauer Enterprises was poised to begin production of new models of the ''Rapier'' when a Blakist assault in late [[3067]] destroyed the Tharkad factory, though enough of the facility apparently survived to roll out a few of the new variant.<ref name=TRO3050U244-245/>
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==Variants==
 
==Variants==
*; RPR-100b : An exclusive design fielded by [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal]] commands, the RPR-100b ''Rapier'' replaces the standard [[AeroFord 340]] with a 340-rated [[XL engine]].  The RPR-100b also adds a trio of [[double heat sink]]s and [[CASE]], upgrades the [[LRM-10]] to an [[LRM-20]] slaved to an [[Artemis IV FCS]], increases the LRM ammo to three tons, and replaces the [[PPC]]s with [[large pulse laser]]s. The craft's rear is also now covered by a [[medium pulse laser]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169: "Rapier Variant"</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,751<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 43</ref>
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*; RPR-100b : An exclusive design fielded by [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal]] commands, the RPR-100b ''Rapier'' replaces the standard [[AeroFord 340]] with a 340-rated [[XL engine]].  The RPR-100b also adds a trio of [[double heat sink]]s and [[CASE]], upgrades the [[LRM-10]] to an [[LRM-20]] slaved to an [[Artemis IV FCS]], increases the LRM ammo to three tons, and replaces the [[PPC]]s with [[large pulse laser]]s. The craft's rear is also now covered by a [[medium pulse laser]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169, "Rapier Variant"</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,751<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 43</ref>
  
 
*; RPR-100b-EC : [[Clan Wolverine]] replaced the [[large pulse laser]]s with Clan-spec versions and the missile launcher with an [[LRM-20|improved LRM-20]]. Additional armor, heat sinks, fuel, and autocannon ammo use up the rest of the weight freed by the lighter weapons. (Note: '''EC''' is an abbreviation used by historians to designate "Early Clan" designs.)<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 62</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,822<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 150</ref>
 
*; RPR-100b-EC : [[Clan Wolverine]] replaced the [[large pulse laser]]s with Clan-spec versions and the missile launcher with an [[LRM-20|improved LRM-20]]. Additional armor, heat sinks, fuel, and autocannon ammo use up the rest of the weight freed by the lighter weapons. (Note: '''EC''' is an abbreviation used by historians to designate "Early Clan" designs.)<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 62</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,822<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 150</ref>
  
*; RPR-101 : This variant is armed with three [[PPC]]s in the nose and a pair of [[medium laser]]s split between its wings, with another pair of medium lasers are mounted on the aft of the craft, covering its rear firing arc. The craft carries 20 [[double heat sink]]s to keep it from overheating.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 305</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,738<ref name=MUL183/>
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*; RPR-101 : This variant is armed with three [[PPC]]s in the nose and a pair of [[medium laser]]s split between its wings, with another pair of medium lasers are mounted on the aft of the craft, covering its rear firing arc. The craft carries 20 [[double heat sink]]s to keep it from overheating<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 305</ref>. BV (2.0) = 1,738<ref name=MUL183/>
  
*; RPR-102 : The RPR-102 has a massive [[AC/20]] firing coaxially with a pair of [[large laser]]s, along with an [[LRM-10]] launcher. The craft carries 10 rounds of autocannon ammunition and 12 volleys of missile ammo for its launcher. It has 16 [[double heat sink]]s to keep it cool as it [[Alpha strike (Tactic)|Alpha Strikes]].<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 306</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,327<ref name=MUL183/>
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*; RPR-102 : The RPR-102 has a massive [[AC/20]] firing coaxially with a pair of [[large laser]]s, along with an [[LRM-10]] launcher. The craft carries 10 rounds of autocannon ammunition and 12 volleys of missile ammo for its launcher. It has 16 [[double heat sink]]s to keep it cool as it [[Alpha strike (Tactic)|Alpha Strikes]]<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 306</ref>. BV (2.0) = 1,327<ref name=MUL183/>
  
 
*; RPR-200 : An [[LB 10-X autocannon]] mounted coaxially with a pair [[ER PPC]]s is located in the nose of this variant alongside the [[LRM-10]]. The autocannon has been given 20 rounds of ammo split between two bays while the LRM is still fed by 12 volleys worth of missiles. 14 [[double heat sink]]s have been fitted into the craft.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 307</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,797<ref name=MUL183/>
 
*; RPR-200 : An [[LB 10-X autocannon]] mounted coaxially with a pair [[ER PPC]]s is located in the nose of this variant alongside the [[LRM-10]]. The autocannon has been given 20 rounds of ammo split between two bays while the LRM is still fed by 12 volleys worth of missiles. 14 [[double heat sink]]s have been fitted into the craft.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 307</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,797<ref name=MUL183/>
  
*; RPR-300 : This [[House Steiner|Lyran]] variant of the ''Rapier'' was built on [[Tharkad]]. This craft fits pairs of [[PPC]]s and [[heavy Gauss rifle]] in the nose of the craft fed  16 rounds of ammo. The amount of [[double heat sink]]s are reduced to 11.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 308</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,020<ref name=MUL183/>
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*; RPR-300 : This [[House Steiner|Lyran]] variant of the ''Rapier'' was built on [[Tharkad]]. This craft fits pairs of [[PPC]]s and [[heavy Gauss rifle]] in the nose of the craft fed  16 rounds of ammo. The amount of [[double heat sink]]s are reduced to 11<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 308</ref>. BV (2.0) = 2,020<ref name=MUL183/>
  
 
*; RPR-300X : This unique variant of the ''Rapier'' was designed by the [[Word of Blake]] when they controlled [[Tharkad]]. The craft's main weapons are removed and replaced by a pair of nose-mounted [[Hyper-Velocity_Autocannon/10|hyper-velocity AC/10]]s, supplemented by an [[extended LRM-10]] rack, while each wing carries a pair of [[ER medium laser]]s. Multi-ton ammunition magazines allow the RPR-300X to remain in the fight longer, which was a key limitation of the RPR-300. Protection comes from [[heavy ferro-fibrous]] armor, and 15 [[double heat sink]]s have been installed. Lockheed is attempting to create a production model of this version now. BV(2.0) = 2,007<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 13</ref>
 
*; RPR-300X : This unique variant of the ''Rapier'' was designed by the [[Word of Blake]] when they controlled [[Tharkad]]. The craft's main weapons are removed and replaced by a pair of nose-mounted [[Hyper-Velocity_Autocannon/10|hyper-velocity AC/10]]s, supplemented by an [[extended LRM-10]] rack, while each wing carries a pair of [[ER medium laser]]s. Multi-ton ammunition magazines allow the RPR-300X to remain in the fight longer, which was a key limitation of the RPR-300. Protection comes from [[heavy ferro-fibrous]] armor, and 15 [[double heat sink]]s have been installed. Lockheed is attempting to create a production model of this version now. BV(2.0) = 2,007<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner'', p. 13</ref>
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==Notes==
 
==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 ''Rapier'' was among the aerospace fighters for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:2750; for some of these he also designed the stats.
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* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [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 ''Rapier'' was among the aerospace fighters for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:2750; for some of these he also designed the stats.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
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==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 
 
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
 
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
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* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]''
{{div col end}}
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[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]]
 
[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]]
 
[[Category:Heavy Aerospace Fighter classes]]
 
[[Category:Heavy Aerospace Fighter classes]]
 
[[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes]]
 
[[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes]]

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