Difference between revisions of "Zero"
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{{InfoBoxASF | {{InfoBoxASF | ||
− | | image = [[ | + | | image = [[Image:Zero ASF TRO3050U.png|191px]] |
− | | name = Zero | + | | name = ''Zero'' |
| manufacturer = [[Blow/Hookson Technologies]] | | manufacturer = [[Blow/Hookson Technologies]] | ||
| model = ZRO-114 | | model = ZRO-114 | ||
− | | Class = Light | + | | Class = Light aerospace fighter |
| Tech Base = Star League | | Tech Base = Star League | ||
− | | | + | | production year = 2703 |
− | | Cost = 1,601,545<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref> | + | | year reference = <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3635/zero-zro-114 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> |
+ | | Cost = 1,601,545 [[C-bill]]s<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref> | ||
| mass = 35 tons | | mass = 35 tons | ||
| structural integrity = 7<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 84</ref> | | structural integrity = 7<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 84</ref> | ||
− | | frame = Saroyan Cavalier | + | | frame = [[Saroyan Cavalier]] |
− | | power plant = Bangkock 140 [[ | + | | power plant = [[Bangkock 140]] [[fusion engine]] |
+ | | armor = [[SlabPanzer V]] | ||
| Fuel = 400 points<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 84</ref> | | Fuel = 400 points<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 84</ref> | ||
− | | armament = * | + | | armament = |
− | * | + | * 1x [[Large laser]] |
− | * | + | * 1x [[LRM-10]] |
− | | communications system = Orbitcom Model 11 | + | * 1x [[Medium laser]] |
− | | tracking & targeting system = PS/1/12 | + | | communications system = [[Orbitcom Model 11]] |
− | | heat sinks = 10 | + | | tracking & targeting system = [[PS/1/12]] |
+ | | heat sinks = 10 [[single heat sink]]s | ||
| BV (1.0) = 738<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 57</ref> | | BV (1.0) = 738<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 57</ref> | ||
| BV (2.0) = 881<ref name=TR3050>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 230-231, "Zero Fighter Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 326</ref> | | BV (2.0) = 881<ref name=TR3050>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 230-231, "Zero Fighter Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 326</ref> | ||
Line 24: | Line 27: | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | The '''''Zero''''' debuted in 2703 as a light, well-armed and armored [[ | + | The '''''Zero''''' debuted in 2703 as a light, well-armed and armored [[aerospace fighter]] for the [[SLDF]]. It was designed with heavy firepower usable at a variety of ranges, while also being faster and better-armored than other light fighters. In particular, the ''Zero''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s wings are mounted in front of the pilot, along with the engine cooling system, as a means of providing protection against ground fire during an assault. The wings of the ''Zero'' can also fold back, not only saving hangar space but also enabling a couple of unique tactics. During atmospheric operations, folding the wings can allow for an extra burst of speed, especially in a dive, while another tactic used by ''Zero'' pilots is to fold the wings while approaching the atmospheric interface; by deploying the wings at just the right moment, the ''Zero'' can literally bounce off the atmosphere.<ref name=TR3050/> |
− | The ''Zero'''s only drawback is its dispersed fuel system, with five separate tanks holding a ton each of fuel. Should the battle computer malfunction or one of the myriad fuel lines connecting them | + | The ''Zero''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s only drawback is its dispersed fuel system, with five separate tanks holding a ton each of fuel. Should the battle computer malfunction or one of the myriad fuel lines connecting them be severed, the ''Zero'' can easily lose most of its fuel in a matter of seconds. Though the fuel lines and the craft itself are well-protected with 10 tons of [[standard armor]], ''Zero'' pilots must be well aware of this potential problem.<ref name=TR3050/><ref name=TR2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 64-65</ref> |
− | ''Zeroes'' disappeared from the [[Inner Sphere]] during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], though [[ComStar]] was able to maintain, and later upgrade, their stock of fighters for use during the [[Battle of Tukayyid]], and the [[Clans]] maintained a few for use by disreputable, or [[solahma]], units. | + | ''Zeroes'' disappeared from the [[Inner Sphere]] during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], though [[ComStar]] was able to maintain, and later upgrade, their stock of fighters for use during the [[Battle of Tukayyid (3052)|Battle of Tukayyid]], and the [[Clans]] maintained a few for use by disreputable, or ''[[solahma]]'', units. Since then, ComStar and [[Word of Blake]] have begun deploying upgraded versions of the fighter more frequently in the [[Chaos March]].<ref name=TR3050/> |
− | == | + | ==Weapons and Equipment== |
− | The ''Zero'''s weapon systems are all tried and battle-tested. | + | The ''Zero''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s weapon systems are all tried and battle-tested. The [[Holly]] [[LRM-10]] system provides it with long range firepower, while the two [[Blow/Hookson Technologies]] laser systems, the [[Blow Mark III]] [[large laser]] and [[Blow Mark II]] [[medium laser]], are dependable and durable in even the most extreme situations. The large laser is also unique in that the pilot can adjust its focus between five different settings in mid-flight. At its narrowest the Mark III is capable of producing a devastating coherent beam, while at its widest it can disrupt the target's electronics and tracking system. Other lasers, including the Mark II, can only be adjusted by a ground crew and are typically set to produce a concentrated beam.<ref name=TR3050/><ref name=TR2750/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
− | * | + | *; ZRO-115 : Not to be outdone by the Clans, [[Comstar]] upgraded their Star League era Zero and introduced this variant in [[3055]]<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3636/zero-zro-115 MUL online date for the ZRO-115 ''Zero'']''</ref>. The [[LRM-10]] launcher and [[large laser]] are removed, being replaced by a [[Kingslaughter]] [[ER PPC]] and two [[Streak SRM-2]] launchers. The older model's [[single heat sink]]s were upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s to combat the increased heat generated by its new weapons. BV (2.0) = 985<ref>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 190</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 327</ref> |
− | * | + | *; ZRO-116b : This variant introduced in [[2707]]<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3637/zero-zro-116b MUL online date for the ZRO-116b ''Zero'']''</ref> traded all of the standard weaponry for a nose-mounted [[large pulse laser]] and three [[medium pulse laser]]s for support. One of the medium pulse lasers was mounted in the nose, while the others were mounted in each wing. The [[single heat sink]]s were also replaced with 10 [[double heat sink|double strength freezers]] to keep the heat under control. BV (2.0) = 1,044<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 84</ref><ref name=HOKp160>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.160</ref> |
− | * | + | *; ZRO-CX-3 : In [[3073]] this ''Zero'' variant was built by [[ComStar]] [[Adept]] [[Jacob Arevalo]] as part of [[ComStar]]'s rearmament program to extend the effective range of the ZRO-115 even more. The [[ER PPC]] was upgraded to use a [[PPC capacitor]] and the [[Streak SRM-2]] launchers were replaced by a single [[Enhanced LRM-5]] launcher.<ref name=XTRO:CSp12>''Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar'', p. 12</ref> |
+ | |||
+ | ==Design Quirks== | ||
+ | The ''Zero ZRO-CX-3'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:CSp12/> | ||
+ | * [[Atmospheric Flyer]] | ||
+ | * [[Fragile Fuel Tank]] | ||
+ | * [[Prototype]] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ==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 ''Zero'' 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> | ||
+ | Zero_TRO2750.png|Original ZRO-114 ''Zero'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]'' | ||
+ | Zero ASF TRO3050U.png|''Zero'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]'' | ||
+ | Zero AT2r.png|''Zero'' from ''[[AeroTech 2 Revised Edition|AT2r]]'' | ||
+ | </gallery> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references/> | ||
+ | |||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
* ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' | * ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' | ||
Line 50: | Line 70: | ||
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]'' | * ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]'' | ||
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'' | ||
+ | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'' | ||
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' | ||
− | |||
− | + | ||
− | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
− | [[Category:Light | + | [[Category:Light Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
− | [[Category:SLDF Royal | + | [[Category:SLDF Royal Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
Latest revision as of 13:47, 18 December 2023
Zero | |
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Blow/Hookson Technologies |
Production Year | 2703[1] |
Model | ZRO-114 |
Class | Light aerospace fighter |
Tech Base | Star League |
Cost | 1,601,545 C-bills[2] |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 35 tons |
Structural Integrity | 7[3] |
Frame | Saroyan Cavalier |
Power Plant | Bangkock 140 fusion engine |
Armor | SlabPanzer V |
Fuel | 400 points[4] |
Armament |
|
Communications System | Orbitcom Model 11 |
Tracking & Targeting System | PS/1/12 |
Heat Sinks | 10 single heat sinks |
BV (1.0) | 738[5][6] |
BV (2.0) | 881[7][8] |
Contents
Description[edit]
The Zero debuted in 2703 as a light, well-armed and armored aerospace fighter for the SLDF. It was designed with heavy firepower usable at a variety of ranges, while also being faster and better-armored than other light fighters. In particular, the Zero's wings are mounted in front of the pilot, along with the engine cooling system, as a means of providing protection against ground fire during an assault. The wings of the Zero can also fold back, not only saving hangar space but also enabling a couple of unique tactics. During atmospheric operations, folding the wings can allow for an extra burst of speed, especially in a dive, while another tactic used by Zero pilots is to fold the wings while approaching the atmospheric interface; by deploying the wings at just the right moment, the Zero can literally bounce off the atmosphere.[7]
The Zero's only drawback is its dispersed fuel system, with five separate tanks holding a ton each of fuel. Should the battle computer malfunction or one of the myriad fuel lines connecting them be severed, the Zero can easily lose most of its fuel in a matter of seconds. Though the fuel lines and the craft itself are well-protected with 10 tons of standard armor, Zero pilots must be well aware of this potential problem.[7][9]
Zeroes disappeared from the Inner Sphere during the Succession Wars, though ComStar was able to maintain, and later upgrade, their stock of fighters for use during the Battle of Tukayyid, and the Clans maintained a few for use by disreputable, or solahma, units. Since then, ComStar and Word of Blake have begun deploying upgraded versions of the fighter more frequently in the Chaos March.[7]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Zero's weapon systems are all tried and battle-tested. The Holly LRM-10 system provides it with long range firepower, while the two Blow/Hookson Technologies laser systems, the Blow Mark III large laser and Blow Mark II medium laser, are dependable and durable in even the most extreme situations. The large laser is also unique in that the pilot can adjust its focus between five different settings in mid-flight. At its narrowest the Mark III is capable of producing a devastating coherent beam, while at its widest it can disrupt the target's electronics and tracking system. Other lasers, including the Mark II, can only be adjusted by a ground crew and are typically set to produce a concentrated beam.[7][9]
Variants[edit]
- ZRO-115
- Not to be outdone by the Clans, Comstar upgraded their Star League era Zero and introduced this variant in 3055[10]. The LRM-10 launcher and large laser are removed, being replaced by a Kingslaughter ER PPC and two Streak SRM-2 launchers. The older model's single heat sinks were upgraded to double heat sinks to combat the increased heat generated by its new weapons. BV (2.0) = 985[11][12]
- ZRO-116b
- This variant introduced in 2707[13] traded all of the standard weaponry for a nose-mounted large pulse laser and three medium pulse lasers for support. One of the medium pulse lasers was mounted in the nose, while the others were mounted in each wing. The single heat sinks were also replaced with 10 double strength freezers to keep the heat under control. BV (2.0) = 1,044[14][15]
- ZRO-CX-3
- In 3073 this Zero variant was built by ComStar Adept Jacob Arevalo as part of ComStar's rearmament program to extend the effective range of the ZRO-115 even more. The ER PPC was upgraded to use a PPC capacitor and the Streak SRM-2 launchers were replaced by a single Enhanced LRM-5 launcher.[16]
Design Quirks[edit]
The Zero ZRO-CX-3 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 Zero 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 ZRO-114 Zero from TRO:2750
Zero from TRO:3050 Upgrade
Zero from AT2r
References[edit]
- ↑ MUL online date for the Zero
- ↑ Combat Operations, p. 107
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
- ↑ Combat Operations, p. 107
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 57
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 230-231, "Zero Fighter Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 326
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Technical Readout: 2750, p. 64-65
- ↑ MUL online date for the ZRO-115 Zero
- ↑ Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 190
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 327
- ↑ MUL online date for the ZRO-116b Zero
- ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
- ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p.160
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar, p. 12