Rapier

Revision as of 16:47, 6 October 2019 by Sergey (talk | contribs) (→‎Variants: Grammar cleanup for the RPR-200)
This article is about the aerospace fighter. For other uses, see Rapier (disambiguation).
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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[2]
Technical specifications
Mass 85 tons
Structural Integrity
Frame Interstar 290M
Power Plant AeroFord 340 Fusion Engine
Fuel
Armament
Communications System COMHRT II.Q
Tracking & Targeting System Scope 130Y
Heat Sinks 12 (Double)
BV (1.0) 1,388[2][3]
BV (2.0) 1,544[4]
1,572[5]

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 the 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 craft boasted good maneuverability and protection compared to craft of similar mass, sporting twelve 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 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

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 Autocannon, twin PDVR Piledriver Model 11-D PPCs mounted on opposite sides of the cockpit, and a single Cavalier Industries LRM-10 System.[6][5]

Variants

  • RPR-101 
    This variant is armed with 3 PPCs in the nose and a pair of Medium Lasers split between both of its wings. Additionally, 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 over heating[9]. BV (2.0) = 1,738[4]
  • RPR-200 
    A LB 10-X Autocannon co-axed with a pair Extended Range PPCs is mounted in the nose of this variant. The LRM-10 is retained and mounted in the nose as well. The autocannon has been given 20 rounds of ammo split between two bays. The LRMs still mount 12 rounds of ammunition. Fourteen double heat sinks have been fitted into the craft.[11] BV (2.0) = 1,797[4]
  • 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[12]. 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. 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[13]
  • 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[14][15]

Design Quirks

The RPR-300S Rapier variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[14]

Gallery

References

  1. MUL online date for the Rapier
  2. 2.0 2.1 Combat Operations, p. 107
  3. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 151
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 183
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 244-245, "Rapier Fighter Profile"
  6. 6.0 6.1 Technical Readout: 2750, pp. 78-79, "Rapier Fighter Profile"
  7. Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169, "Rapier Variant"
  8. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 43
  9. Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 305
  10. Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 306
  11. Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 307
  12. Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 308
  13. Experimental Technical Readout: Steiner, p. 13
  14. 14.0 14.1 Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 181
  15. Record Sheets: Prototypes, p. 93

Bibliography