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{{Otheruses|the aerospace fighter|the battle armor|Thunderbird (Battle Armor)}}
 
 
{{InfoBoxASF
 
{{InfoBoxASF
| image = [[Image:Thunderbird_ASF_3057.png|191px]]
+
| image = [[Image:Thunderbird.gif|191px]]
| name = ''Thunderbird''
+
| name = Thunderbird
| manufacturer =
+
| manufacturer = [[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/><br/>[[Wangker Aerospace]]<ref name="HB:HDp184">''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 184, "Wanker Aerospace"</ref><br/>[[Pinard Protectorates Limited]]<ref name="HB:MPSp119">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 119, "Pinard Protectorate Limited"</ref><br/>[[Alliance Aerospace Group]]<ref name="HB:MPSp92">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 92, "Alliance Aerospace Group"</ref><br/>[[Taurus Territorial Industries]]<ref name="HB:MPSp118">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 118, "Taurus Territorial Industries"</ref>
[[Alliance Aerospace Group]]<ref name="HB:MPSp92">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 92: "Alliance Aerospace Group"</ref>
 
----
 
[[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
----
 
[[Pinard Protectorates Limited]]<ref name="HB:MPSp119">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 119: "Pinard Protectorate Limited"</ref>
 
----
 
[[Taurus Territorial Industries]]<ref name="HB:MPSp118">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 118: "Taurus Territorial Industries"</ref>
 
----
 
[[Wangker Aerospace]]<ref name="HB:HDp184">''Handbook: House Davion'', p. 184: "Wanker Aerospace"</ref>
 
 
| model = TRB-D36
 
| model = TRB-D36
| Class = Heavy aerospace fighter
+
| Class = Heavy
 
| Tech Base = [[Inner Sphere]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| Tech Base = [[Inner Sphere]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 +
| Introduced = 2480<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| production year = 2480
 
| production year = 2480
 
| year reference = <ref name="MUL1">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5231/thunderbird-trb-d36 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 
| year reference = <ref name="MUL1">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5231/thunderbird-trb-d36 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
| Cost = 6,610,500 [[C-bill]]s<ref name="COp138">''Combat Operations'', p. 138: "Force Faction Tables"</ref>
+
| Cost = 6,610,500<ref name="COp138">''Combat Operations'', p. 138, "Force Faction Tables"</ref>
 
| mass = 100 tons<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| mass = 100 tons<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| structural integrity = 10<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 91</ref>
 
| structural integrity = 10<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 91</ref>
 
| frame = [[Lockheed/CBM 300-TRB]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| frame = [[Lockheed/CBM 300-TRB]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| power plant = [[Vlar 300]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| power plant = [[Vlar 300]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
| armor = [[L/CBM AeroSteel]]
 
| Fuel = 5 tons (400 points)
 
 
| armament =
 
| armament =
* 3x [[large laser]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
3x [[Large Laser]]s<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/><br>
* 5x [[medium laser]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
5x [[Medium Laser]]s<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/><br>
* 2x [[LRM-20]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
2x [[LRM-20]]s<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| communications system = [[Neil 6000-a]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| communications system = [[Neil 6000-a]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
| tracking & targeting system = [[Targeting-Tracking System#N|N&D Longreach]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
| tracking & targeting system = [[N&D Longreach]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
| heat sinks = 25 [[single heat sink]]s<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
| heat sinks = 25<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 
| BV (1.0) = 1,525<ref name="COp138"/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 187</ref>
 
| BV (1.0) = 1,525<ref name="COp138"/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 187</ref>
| BV (2.0) = 1,876<ref name="TRO:3075p286+">''Technical Readout: 3075'', pp. 286–287: "TRB-36D Thunderbird"</ref><br>1,932<ref name="MUL1"/><br>1,950<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 208</ref>
+
| BV (2.0) = 1,876<ref name="TRO:3075p286+">''Technical Readout: 3075'', pp. 286-287, "TRB-36D Thunderbird"</ref><br>1,932<ref name="MUL1"/><br>1,950<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 208</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
  
==Description==
+
== Description ==
While sporting a large and rather unconventional look, the '''''Thunderbird''''' is an old standby design and one of the most common, if dated, heavy [[aerospace fighter]]s in use across the [[Inner Sphere]] in the mid thirty-first century.<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
While sporting a large and rather unconventional look, the '''''Thunderbird''''' is an old standby design, one of the most common if dated heavy [[Aerospace Fighter]]s in use across the [[Inner Sphere]] in the mid 31st century.<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
  
Created in [[2480]] as part of an alliance between the Lockheed Corporation of [[Gibbs]] and CBM Aerospace of [[Donegal]], the original ''Thunderbird'' was built for the [[LCAF]] as an assault fighter, well suited to air-to-ground attack and [[DropShip]] escort missions in the so-called [[Age of War]]. Despite its less than sleek look, the sturdy and dependable ''Thunderbird'' spread across the [[Star League]] as a number of other manufacturers were able to precisely duplicate the fighter, ensuring the design survived the centuries.<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
Created in [[2487]] as part of an alliance between the Lockheed Corporation of [[Gibbs]] and CBM Aerospace of [[Donegal]], the original ''Thunderbird'' was built for the [[LCAF]] as an assault fighter, well suited to air-to-ground attack and [[DropShip]] escort missions in the so-called [[Age of War]]. Despite its less than sleek look, the sturdy and dependable ''Thunderbird'' spread across the [[Star League]] as a number of other manufacturers were able to precisely duplicate the fighter, ensuring the design survived the centuries.<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
  
 
== Weapons and Equipment ==
 
== Weapons and Equipment ==
Mounting a laser-intensive weapons load, the ''Thunderbird'' is well suited to both dogfighting and strafing runs. A [[LRM-20#FarFire_Maxi-Rack|FarFire Maxi-Rack]] [[LRM-20]] in each wing is supplemented by a [[RAMTech 1200]] [[large laser]] and [[Maxwell]] [[medium laser]], with further large and medium lasers mounted in the fighter's awkward nose. Four tons of missile reloads give the LRM launchers reasonable combat endurance, while two aft-mounted medium lasers discourage pursuit.<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
+
Mounting a laser-intensive weapons load, the ''Thunderbird'' is well suited to both dogfighting and strafing runs. A FarFire Maxi-Rack [[LRM-20]]s in each wing is supplemented by a RAMTech 1200 [[Large Laser|Large]] and Maxwell [[Medium Laser]], with further large and medium laser mounted in fighter's awkward nose. Four tons of missile reloads give the LRM launchers reasonable combat endurance, while two aft mounted medium lasers discourage pursuit.<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
  
 
== Variants ==
 
== Variants ==
*; TRB-D36b : This version of the ''Thunderbird'' was developed in [[Introduction Year::2715]]<ref name="MUL2"/> utilized an extralight powerplant and mounted an [[ER large laser]], [[Gauss rifle]], and [[medium laser]] in each wing. The nose carried an ER large laser and a pair of medium lasers. The D36b carried two tons of Gauss rifle ammunition and 24 [[double heat sink]]s. BV (2.0) = 2,826<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 91</ref><ref name="MUL2">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3227/thunderbird-trb-d36b/ MUL online date for the TRB-D36b Thunderbird variant]''</ref><ref name=HOKp161>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 161</ref>
+
*;TRB-D36b : This version of the ''Thunderbird'' developed in [[Introduction Year::2715]]<ref name="MUL2"/>, mounted an [[ER Large Laser]], [[Gauss Rifle]], and Medium Laser in each wing. The nose carried an ER Large Laser and a pair of medium lasers. The D36b carried two tons of Gauss Rifle ammunition and twenty four double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 2,826<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 91</ref><ref name="MUL2">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3227/thunderbird-trb-d36b/ MUL online date for the TRB-D36b Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
  
*; TRB-D46 : A [[Star League era]] variant developed in [[Introduction Year::2724]]<ref name="MUL3"/> originally used by the LCAF and [[SLDF]] that was reintroduced in [[Reintroduction Year::3055]]. It uses three [[ER large laser]]s and [[Artemis IV FCS]]-enhanced [[LRM-15]]s in place of the [[LRM-20]]s with four tons of ammo. Other improvements includes one less heat sink, but all 24 remaining are [[double heat sink]]s; filling out the remaining space is an extra ton of fuel (480 points) and five more tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 2,320<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 209</ref><ref name="MUL3">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5232/thunderbird-trb-d46/ MUL online date for the TRB-D46 Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
+
*;TRB-D46 : A [[Star League era]] variant developed in [[Introduction Year::2724]]<ref name="MUL3"/> originally used by the LCAF and [[SLDF]] that was reintroduced in [[Reintroduction Year::3055]]. It uses [[ER Large Laser]]s and [[Artemis IV FCS]] enhanced [[LRM-15]]s. Other improvements includes [[Double Heat Sink]]s, an extra ton of fuel and five more tons of armor. BV (2.0)= 2,320<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 209</ref><ref name="MUL3">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5232/thunderbird-trb-d46/ MUL online date for the TRB-D46 Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
  
*; TRB-D50 : A variant developed by [[Pinard Protectorates Limited]] in [[Introduction Year::3065]],<ref name="MUL4"/> the D50 uses [[ferro-aluminum]] armor and lacks the [[LRM-20]]s. A second [[medium laser]] is added to each wing, while the medium laser from the nose is replaced with an [[AC/10]] and two tons of ammunition. The rest of the saved weight is spent on nine more [[single heat sink]]s and an increase in armor. BV (2.0) = 1,828<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 210</ref><ref name="MUL4">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5233/thunderbird-trb-d50/ MUL online date for the TRB-D50 Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
+
*;TRB-D50 : A variant developed by [[Pinard Protectorates Limited]] in [[Introduction Year::3065]]<ref name="MUL4"/>, the D50 uses [[Ferro-Aluminum]] armor and lacks LRMs. A second medium laser is added to each wing. The medium laser from the nose is replaced with an [[AC/10]] and two tons of ammunition. The rest of the saved weight is spent on nine more standard heat sinks and an increase in armor. BV (2.0)= 1,828<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 210</ref><ref name="MUL4">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5233/thunderbird-trb-d50/ MUL online date for the TRB-D50 Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
  
*; TRB-D56 : Developed by Lockheed/CBM in [[Introduction Year::3074]]<ref name="MUL5"/> from the D46, the D56 is a heavy fighter and [[DropShip]] hunter which uses an [[XL engine]], 17 tons of [[ferro-aluminum]] armor and 20 [[double heat sink]]s. The D56 is armed with a [[heavy PPC]] and [[UAC/10]] in the nose and twin tail-mounted [[ER small laser]]s in its tail, backed up by [[Artemis IV]]-enhanced [[LRM-20]]s and wing-mounted [[ER medium laser]]s. BV (2.0) = 2,665<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 211</ref><ref name="MUL5">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5234/thunderbird-trb-d56/ MUL online date for the TRB-D56 Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
+
*;TRB-D56 : Developed by Lockheed/CBM in [[Introduction Year::3074]]<ref name="MUL5"/> from the D46, the D56 is a heavy fighter/[[DropShip]] hunter which uses an [[XL Engine]], seventeen tons of Ferro-Aluminum armor and twenty double heat sinks. The D56 is armed with a [[Heavy PPC]] and [[Ultra AC/10]] in the nose and twin tail-mounted [[ER Small Laser]]s in its tail, backed up by Artemis enhanced LRM-20s and wing mounted [[ER Medium Laser]]s. BV (2.0)= 2,665<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 211</ref><ref name="MUL5">''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5234/thunderbird-trb-d56/ MUL online date for the TRB-D56 Thunderbird variant]''</ref>
  
*; TRB-XTS : This ''Thunderbird'' refit was developed by the [[Word of Blake]] through a shell company, [[Rim Salvage]], during the [[Jihad]]. The ''Thunderbird'' carried a [[RAC/5]] in each wing, along with a [[large pulse laser]] equipped with a [[Laser Insulator]]. The main weapons, however, were the paired [[Centurion Weapon System]]s in the nose. These could, in theory, shut down an enemy craft without inflicting damage on it. 19 [[double heat sink]]s and 15 tons of [[ferro-aluminum]] armor protected the craft. BV (2.0) = 2,494<ref name="XTRO:Pp13">''Experimental Technical Readout: Periphery'', p. 13: "TRB-XTS Thunderbird"</ref>
+
*;TRB-XTS : This ''Thunderbird'' refit was developed by the [[Word of Blake]] through a shell company, Rim Salvage in [[Introduction Year::]]. The ''Thunderbird'' carried a [[Rotary AC/5]] in each wing, along with a [[Large Pulse Laser]] equipped with a [[Laser Insulator]]. The main weapons, however, were the paired [[Centurion Weapon System]]s in the nose. These could (in theory) shut down an enemy craft without inflicting damage on it. Nineteen double heat sinks and fifteen tons of Ferro-Aluminum armor protected the craft. BV (2.0) = 2,494<ref name="XTRO:Pp13">''Experimental Technical Readout: Periphery'', p. 13, "TRB-XTS Thunderbird"</ref>
  
 
== Design Quirks ==
 
== Design Quirks ==
 
The ''TRB-XTS Thunderbird'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name="XTRO:Pp13"/>
 
The ''TRB-XTS Thunderbird'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name="XTRO:Pp13"/>
 
* [[Prototype]]
 
* [[Prototype]]
 
+
* [[Rumble Seat]]
== Notable Pilots ==
 
* [[Dustin Weaver]] piloted one of the last functional Star League D46 models during the Succession Wars. A famed ace, Weaver led a heavy fighter squadron as part of the [[Invincible (Individual Tharkad-class WarShip)|LCS ''Invincible'']]<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Eighth Battle of Hesperus II|relief mission]] to [[Hesperus II]] in 2853. He shot down at least ten [[DCMS]] fighters, while his squadron downed two [[Assault DropShip|assault DropShips]] and a [[Vigilant]]-class corvette. Weaver stayed on Hesperus rather than return to [[Tharkad]] with the ill-fated [[WarShip]]. Four years later, Weaver was still assigned to the defense of Hesperus when Combine forces attacked. Weaver was killed in an attack run on an [[Overlord]] DropShip.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 286</ref>
 
  
 
== Notes ==
 
== Notes ==
* The ''Thunderbird'' was introduced in the ''[[AeroTech#Notes|AeroTech]]'' as one of the six original designs, but lacked model number, release date, or any description beyond its game stats. [[Randall Bills]], the [[FanPro]] BattleTech Line Developer, provided a few more details (era, model number) in the official file released with [[HeavyMetal Aero]]. The ''Thunderbird'' was finally detailed at length in ''Technical Readout: 3075'', pages 286–287.
+
The ''Thunderbird'' was introduced in the [[AeroTech]] as one of the six original designs, with no model number, release date, or 'fluff.' [[Randall Bills]], the [[FanPro]] BattleTech Line Developer, provided a few more details (era, model number) in the official file released with [[HeavyMetal Aero]]. The ''Thunderbird'' was finally detailed at length in ''Technical Readout 3075'', pp. 286-287.
  
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Donnervogel'''''. The model code was accordingly changed before, but altered after the hyphen to '''DRV-G4'''.
+
== References ==
 
 
== Gallery ==
 
<gallery>
 
File:Thunderbird_ASF_3057.png|Original TRB-D36 ''Thunderbird'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3057|TRO:3057]]''
 
File:Thunderbird_ASF_3075.png|A ''Thunderbird'' in combat from ''[[Technical Readout: 3075|TRO:3075]]''
 
</gallery>
 
 
 
==References==
 
 
<references />
 
<references />
  
==Bibliography==
+
== Bibliography ==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 
 
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
 
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
Line 84: Line 62:
 
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''
 
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''
 
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
 
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
 
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
{{div col end}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
 
[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
 
[[Category:Heavy Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
 
[[Category:Heavy Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
 
[[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
 
[[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]
 

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