Rapier

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Rapier
Production information
Manufacturer	Bauer Enterprises
Model	RPR-100
Class	Heavy AeroSpace Fighter
Tech Base	Star League
Cost	5,437,111
Technical specifications
Mass	85 tons
Structural Integrity
Frame	Interstar 290M
Power Plant	AeroFord 340 Fusion Engine
Fuel
Armament	1 AC/20 2 PPCs 1 LRM-10
Communications System	COMHRT II.Q
Tracking & Targeting System	Scope 130Y
Heat Sinks	12 (Double)
BV (1.0)	1,388
BV (2.0)	1,544 1,572

Description

The Rapier evolved from a revolutionary targeting and tracking system designed by toy manufacturer Bauer Enterprises, which projected the battlefield in three-dimensions within one's mind's eye. The system, developed in 2590, led to prototype AeroSpace Fighters and Land-Air 'Mechs, but it was the Rapier which won Bauer Enterprises its contract.

Armament & Capabilities

The Bauer Scope 130Y, the innovation of the Rapier, effectively extends the range of all of the designs weapon systems, and allows the pilot to help direct launched LRMs mid-flight. The Rapier's weapon systems include a RNG Ranger Autocannon, twin PDVR Piledriver Model 11-D PPCs, and a single Cavalier Industries LRM-10 System. The Rapier also boasts good maneuverability and is well protected compared with craft of similar mass.

Variants

• RPR-100b - An exclusive design fielded by SLDF Royal commands, the RPR-100b Rapier replaces the standard AeroFord 340 with a 340 XL Engine. The RPR-100b adds a trio of Double Heat Sinks and CASE, upgrades the LRMs to LRM-20s slaved to Artemis IV FCS, increases the LRM ammo from 1 ton to 3, and replaces the PPCs with Large Pulse Lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,751

• RPR-101 - Armed with 3 PPCs in the nose, the with single Medium Laser mounted in of its wings. Pair of additional Medium Lasers are found pointed aft. The craft has carries 20 Double Heat Sinks, to keep it from over heating. BV (2.0) = 1,738

• RPR-102 - The craft has massive Assault Class Autocannon, co-axed by pair of Large Lasers, and a 10 Tube Long Range Missile launcher. The craft carries 10 rounds of autocannon ammunition and 12 volleys of missile ammo for its launcher. It has 16 Double Heat Sinks keep the Rapier cool as it Alpha Strikes. BV (2.0) = 1,327

• RPR-200 - LB 10-X Autocannon is mounted in its nose, co-axed with pair Extended Range PPCs. The LRM-10 is retained and mounted in nose as well. The autocannon has been given 20 rounds of ammo split between two bays. It LRM's still mounts 12 rounds of ammunition. 14 Double Heat Sinks have been fitted into craft. BV (2.0) = 1,797

• RPR-300 - This Lyran variant of the Rapier built on Tharkad. This craft fits pairs of PPCs and Heavy Gauss Rifle in the nose of the craft. The craft allows for 16 rounds of ammo for the big gun. The craft's Double Heat Sinks are reduced to 11. BV (2.0) = 2,020

• RPR-300X - This unique variant of the Rapier was designed by the Word of Blake when they controlled Tharkad. It carries fifteen double heat sinks. The craft's main weapons are removed and replaced by a pair of nose mounted Hypervelocity Autocannon/10s, supplemented by an Extended LRM-10 rack. Each wing carries a pair of ER Medium Lasers. Multi-ton ammunition magazines allow the Rapier X to remain in the fight longer, which was a key limitation of the RPR-300. Protection comes from Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor. Lockheed is attempting to create a production model of this version now. BV(2.0) = 2,007

• RPR-300S - 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

Bibliography

• Combat Operations
• Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)
• Technical Readout: 2750
• Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3075
• Technical Readout: Prototypes