Difference between revisions of "Rapier"
Sarna News
m (disambig) |
Csdavis715 (talk | contribs) m (columns) |
||
| (36 intermediate revisions by 13 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{otheruses|the aerospace fighter|other uses|Rapier (disambiguation)}} | + | {{otheruses|the aerospace fighter design|other uses|Rapier (disambiguation)}} |
{{InfoBoxASF | {{InfoBoxASF | ||
| − | | image = [[Image:Rapier. | + | | image = [[Image:Rapier ASF TRO3050U.png|191px]] |
| − | | name = Rapier | + | | name = ''Rapier'' |
| manufacturer = [[Bauer Enterprises]] | | manufacturer = [[Bauer Enterprises]] | ||
| model = RPR-100 | | model = RPR-100 | ||
| − | | Class = Heavy | + | | Class = Heavy aerospace fighter |
| Tech Base = Star League | | Tech Base = Star League | ||
| − | | Cost = 5,437,111<ref name=CO107>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref> | + | | Cost = 5,437,111 [[C-bill]]s<ref name=CO107>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref> |
| − | |||
| 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> | ||
| mass = 85 tons | | mass = 85 tons | ||
| − | | frame = Interstar 290M | + | | frame = [[Interstar 290M]] |
| − | | power plant = AeroFord 340 [[ | + | | power plant = [[AeroFord 340]] [[fusion engine]] |
| − | | armament = * | + | | armor = [[PhilterMesh]] |
| − | * | + | | armament = |
| − | * | + | * 1x [[AC/20]] |
| + | * 2x [[PPC]]s | ||
| + | * 1x [[LRM-10]] | ||
| communications system = [[COMHRT II.Q]] | | communications system = [[COMHRT II.Q]] | ||
| − | | tracking & targeting system = Scope 130Y | + | | tracking & targeting system = [[Scope 130Y]] |
| − | | heat sinks = 12 | + | | 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. | + | | 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 [[ | + | 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 | + | 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/> |
==Weapons and Equipment== | ==Weapons and Equipment== | ||
| − | The Bauer Scope 130Y, the innovation at the heart of the ''Rapier'' design, effectively extends the range of all of the mounted weapon systems, and allows the pilot to help direct launched missiles in mid-flight through neural impulses. The ''Rapier'''s weapon systems include a RNG Ranger [[AC/20 | + | The Bauer Scope 130Y, the innovation at the heart of the ''Rapier'' design, effectively extends the range of all of the mounted weapon systems, and allows the pilot to help direct launched missiles in mid-flight through neural impulses. The ''Rapier''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s weapon systems include a [[Autocannon/20#RNG_Ranger|RNG Ranger]] [[AC/20]], twin [[PDVR Piledriver Model 11-D]] [[PPC]]s mounted on opposite sides of the cockpit, and a single [[Cavalier Industries]] [[LRM-10]].<ref name=TRO2750-78-79/><ref name=TRO3050U244-245/> |
==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 [[XL | + | *; 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- | + | *; 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- | + | *; 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- | + | *; 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- | + | *; 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- | + | *; 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-300S : Produced by [[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]] on [[Tharkad]] and introduced after the end of the Jihad the only difference between this airframe and the RPR-300X is that two of the wing-mounted ER | + | *; 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-300S : Produced by [[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]] on [[Tharkad]] and introduced after the end of the [[Jihad]], the only difference between this airframe and the RPR-300X is that two of the wing-mounted [[ER medium laser]]s now cover the rear arc. This allows the ''Rapier''-300S pilot to fire all forward-firing weapons without overheating. BV (2.0) = 1,867<ref name=TRO:Proto>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 181</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Prototypes'', p. 93</ref> | ||
==Design Quirks== | ==Design Quirks== | ||
| − | The | + | The RPR-300S ''Rapier'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=TRO:Proto/> |
* [[Atmospheric Flight Instability]] | * [[Atmospheric Flight Instability]] | ||
| − | * [[Accurate Weapon|Accurate Weapon (ELRM 10)]] | + | * [[Accurate Weapon|Accurate Weapon (ELRM-10)]] |
* [[Improved Life Support]] | * [[Improved Life Support]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==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. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
| − | + | Rapier_TRO2750.png|Original RPR-100 ''Rapier'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]'' | |
| + | Rapier ASF TRO3050U.png|''Rapier'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]'' | ||
| + | rapier-300s.png|Variant RPR-300S ''Rapier'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes|TRO:Proto]]'' | ||
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
| Line 62: | Line 70: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
| − | *''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' | + | {{div col|colwidth=25em}} |
| − | *''[[Combat Operations]]'' | + | * ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' |
| − | *''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner]]'' | + | * ''[[Combat Operations]]'' |
| − | *''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]'' | + | * ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner]]'' |
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]'' | + | * ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]'' |
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]'' |
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: Prototypes]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]'' |
| − | *''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: Prototypes]]'' |
| − | *''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'' | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: Golden Century]]'' |
| − | *''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]'' | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'' |
| − | *''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'' |
| − | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' | |
| + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]'' | ||
| + | * ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' | ||
| + | {{div col end}} | ||
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Heavy Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
| − | [[Category:SLDF Royal | + | [[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
| − | |||
Latest revision as of 20:14, 8 January 2024
- This article is about the aerospace fighter design. For other uses, see Rapier (disambiguation).
| |
| Rapier | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Bauer Enterprises |
| Production Year | 2596[1] |
| Model | RPR-100 |
| Class | Heavy aerospace fighter |
| Tech Base | Star League |
| Cost | 5,437,111 C-bills[2] |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 85 tons |
| Structural Integrity | |
| Frame | Interstar 290M |
| Power Plant | AeroFord 340 fusion engine |
| Armor | PhilterMesh |
| Fuel | |
| Armament | |
| Communications System | COMHRT II.Q |
| Tracking & Targeting System | Scope 130Y |
| Heat Sinks | 12 double heat sinks |
| BV (1.0) | 1,388[2][3] |
| BV (2.0) | 1,544[4] 1,572[5] |
Contents
Description[edit]
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.[6][5]
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, 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.[5]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Bauer Scope 130Y, the innovation at the heart of the Rapier design, effectively extends the range of all of the mounted weapon systems, and allows the pilot to help direct launched missiles in mid-flight through neural impulses. The Rapier's weapon systems include a RNG Ranger AC/20, twin PDVR Piledriver Model 11-D PPCs mounted on opposite sides of the cockpit, and a single Cavalier Industries LRM-10.[6][5]
Variants[edit]
- RPR-100b
- An exclusive design fielded by 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 sinks 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 PPCs with large pulse lasers. The craft's rear is also now covered by a medium pulse laser.[7] BV (2.0) = 1,751[8]
- RPR-100b-EC
- Clan Wolverine replaced the large pulse lasers with Clan-spec versions and the missile launcher with an 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.)[9] BV (2.0) = 1,822[10]
- RPR-101
- This variant is armed with three PPCs in the nose and a pair of medium lasers 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 sinks to keep it from overheating.[11] BV (2.0) = 1,738[4]
- RPR-102
- The RPR-102 has a massive AC/20 firing coaxially with a pair of large lasers, 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 sinks to keep it cool as it Alpha Strikes.[12] BV (2.0) = 1,327[4]
- RPR-200
- An LB 10-X autocannon mounted coaxially with a pair ER PPCs 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 sinks have been fitted into the craft.[13] BV (2.0) = 1,797[4]
- RPR-300
- This Lyran variant of the Rapier was built on Tharkad. This craft fits pairs of PPCs and heavy Gauss rifle in the nose of the craft fed 16 rounds of ammo. The amount of double heat sinks are reduced to 11.[14] BV (2.0) = 2,020[4]
- 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 AC/10s, supplemented by an extended LRM-10 rack, while each wing carries a pair of ER medium lasers. 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 sinks have been installed. Lockheed is attempting to create a production model of this version now. BV(2.0) = 2,007[15]
- RPR-300S
- Produced by Lockheed-CBM Corporation on Tharkad and introduced after the end of the Jihad, the only difference between this airframe and the RPR-300X is that two of the wing-mounted ER medium lasers now cover the rear arc. This allows the Rapier-300S pilot to fire all forward-firing weapons without overheating. BV (2.0) = 1,867[16][17]
Design Quirks[edit]
The RPR-300S Rapier variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[16]
Notes[edit]
- Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a 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[edit]
Original RPR-100 Rapier from TRO:2750
Rapier from TRO:3050 Upgrade
Variant RPR-300S Rapier from TRO:Proto
References[edit]
- ↑ MUL online date for the Rapier
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Combat Operations, p. 107
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 151
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 183
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 244–245: "Rapier Fighter Profile"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Technical Readout: 2750, pp. 78–79: "Rapier Fighter Profile"
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169: "Rapier Variant"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 43
- ↑ Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 62
- ↑ Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 150
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 305
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 306
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 307
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 308
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner, p. 13
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 181
- ↑ Record Sheets: Prototypes, p. 93
Bibliography[edit]
- AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
- Combat Operations
- Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner
- Master Unit List: Battle Values
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)
- Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
- Record Sheets: Prototypes
- Technical Readout: Golden Century
- Technical Readout: 2750
- Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
- Technical Readout: 3057
- Technical Readout: 3075
- Technical Readout: Prototypes