Difference between revisions of "Thunderbird (Aerospace Fighter class)"
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{{Otheruses|the aerospace fighter|the battle armor|Thunderbird (Battle Armor)}}
 
{{InfoBoxASF
 
{{InfoBoxASF
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| image = [[Image:Thunderbird.gif|191px]]
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| image = [[Image:Thunderbird_ASF_3057.png|191px]]
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| name = Thunderbird
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| name = ''Thunderbird''
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| manufacturer = [[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]]<ref>''Objective Raids''p. 68</ref> <br />[[Wangker Aerospace]]<ref>''Handbook House Davion'' p.184 </ref>
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| manufacturer =
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| model = THB-D36
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[[Alliance Aerospace Group]]<ref name="HB:MPSp92">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 92: "Alliance Aerospace Group"</ref>
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| Class = Heavy
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----
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| Tech Base = Inner Sphere
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[[Lockheed-CBM Corporation]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
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| Introduced = [[2487]]
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----
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| Cost = 6,610,500<ref name=CO138>''Combat Operations'', p. 138</ref>
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[[Pinard Protectorates Limited]]<ref name="HB:MPSp119">''Handbook: Major Periphery States'', p. 119: "Pinard Protectorate Limited"</ref>
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| mass = 100 tons
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----
 +
[[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
 +
| Class = Heavy aerospace fighter
 +
| Tech Base = [[Inner Sphere]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
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| production year = 2480
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| 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>
 +
| 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>
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| frame = Lockheed/CBM 300-TRB
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| frame = [[Lockheed/CBM 300-TRB]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
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| power plant = [[Vlar 300]]
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| power plant = [[Vlar 300]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
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| armament = 3 x [[Large Laser]]s <br> 5 x [[Medium Laser]]s <br> 2 x [[LRM-20]]s
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| armor = [[L/CBM AeroSteel]]
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| communications system = [[Neil 6000-a]]
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| Fuel = 5 tons (400 points)
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| tracking & targeting system = [[N&D Longreach]]
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| armament =
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| heat sinks = 25  
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* 3x [[large laser]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
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| BV (1.0) = 1,525<ref name=CO138/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 187</ref>
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* 5x [[medium laser]]<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
−
| BV (2.0) = 1,876<ref name=TRO:3075>''Technical Readout: 3075'', pp. 286-287, "Thunderbird Profile"</ref><br>1,950<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 208</ref>
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* 2x [[LRM-20]]<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+"/>
 +
| heat sinks = 25 [[single heat sink]]s<ref name="TRO:3075p286+"/>
 +
| 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>
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
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]].<ref name=TRO:3075/>
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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+"/>
  
−
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:3075/>
+
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+"/>
  
−
The design is build also on several others plants like:  [[Pinard Protectorates Limited]] on [[Perdition]] <ref>''Handbook Periphery'' p.119</ref>, [[Alliance Aerospace Group]] on [[Marantha]] <ref>''Handbook Periphery'' p.92</ref> and [[Taurus Territorial Industries]] on [[Taurus]] <ref>''Handbook Periphery'' p.118</ref>.
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== 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+"/>
  
−
==Armament==
+
== Variants ==
−
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:3075/>
+
*; 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>
  
−
==Variants==
+
*; 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-D36b - This version of the ''Thunderbird'' 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>
 
  
−
* TRB-D46 - A [[Star League era]] variant originally used by the LCAF and [[SLDF]] that was reintroduced in [[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>
+
*; 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]], 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>
+
*; 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 [[3074]] 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>
+
*; 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. 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>''Experimental Technical Readout: Periphery'', p. 13</ref>
+
== Design Quirks ==
 +
The ''TRB-XTS Thunderbird'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name="XTRO:Pp13"/>
 +
* [[Prototype]]
 +
 
 +
== 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 ==
 +
* 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.
  
−
==Design Quirks==
+
* 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'''.
−
The ''TRB-XTS Thunderbird'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO/>
 
−
* [[Prototype]]
 
−
* [[Rumble Seat]]
 
  
−
==Notes==
+
== Gallery ==
−
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.
+
<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 />
 
<references />
−
*''Technical Readout: 3057'', p. 189
 
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
−
*''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
+
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
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*''[[Combat Operations]]''
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* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
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*''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Periphery]]''
+
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
+
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Periphery]]''
−
*''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
+
* ''[[Handbook: House Davion]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
+
* ''[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]''
−
*''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
+
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
 +
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 +
{{div col end}}
  
−
[[Category:AeroSpace Fighters]]
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[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
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[[Category:Heavy AeroSpace Fighters]]
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[[Category:Heavy Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
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[[Category:SLDF Royal AeroSpace Fighters]]
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[[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes|Thunderbird]]
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[[Category:SLDF 2750 AeroSpace Fighters]]
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[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 12:46, 15 March 2024

This article is about the aerospace fighter. For the battle armor, see Thunderbird (Battle Armor).
Thunderbird ASF 3057.png
Thunderbird
Production information
Manufacturer Alliance Aerospace Group[1]

Lockheed-CBM Corporation[2]

Pinard Protectorates Limited[3]

Taurus Territorial Industries[4]

Wangker Aerospace[5]

Production Year 2480[6]
Model TRB-D36
Class Heavy aerospace fighter
Tech Base Inner Sphere[2]
Cost 6,610,500 C-bills[7]
Technical specifications
Mass 100 tons[2]
Structural Integrity 10[8]
Frame Lockheed/CBM 300-TRB[2]
Power Plant Vlar 300[2]
Armor L/CBM AeroSteel
Fuel 5 tons (400 points)
Armament
Communications System Neil 6000-a[2]
Tracking & Targeting System N&D Longreach[2]
Heat Sinks 25 single heat sinks[2]
BV (1.0) 1,525[7][9]
BV (2.0) 1,876[2]
1,932[6]
1,950[10]

Description[edit]

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 fighters in use across the Inner Sphere in the mid thirty-first century.[2]

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.[2]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

Mounting a laser-intensive weapons load, the Thunderbird is well suited to both dogfighting and strafing runs. A 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.[2]

Variants[edit]

Design Quirks[edit]

The TRB-XTS Thunderbird variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[20]

Notable Pilots[edit]

  • 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 LCS Invincible's relief mission to Hesperus II in 2853. He shot down at least ten DCMS fighters, while his squadron downed two 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.[21]

Notes[edit]

  • The Thunderbird was introduced in the 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.
  • 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.

Gallery[edit]

  • Original TRB-D36 Thunderbird from TRO:3057

  • A Thunderbird in combat from TRO:3075

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Handbook: Major Periphery States, p. 92: "Alliance Aerospace Group"
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 286–287: "TRB-36D Thunderbird"
  3. ↑ Handbook: Major Periphery States, p. 119: "Pinard Protectorate Limited"
  4. ↑ Handbook: Major Periphery States, p. 118: "Taurus Territorial Industries"
  5. ↑ Handbook: House Davion, p. 184: "Wanker Aerospace"
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 MUL online date for the Thunderbird (Aerospace Fighter class)
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Combat Operations, p. 138: "Force Faction Tables"
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 91
  9. ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 187
  10. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 208
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 MUL online date for the TRB-D36b Thunderbird variant
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 91
  13. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 161
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 MUL online date for the TRB-D46 Thunderbird variant
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 209
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 MUL online date for the TRB-D50 Thunderbird variant
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 210
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 MUL online date for the TRB-D56 Thunderbird variant
  19. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 211
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Periphery, p. 13: "TRB-XTS Thunderbird"
  21. ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 286

Bibliography[edit]

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