Zero

Zero ASF TRO3050U.png
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]

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]

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]

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Zero
  2. Combat Operations, p. 107
  3. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
  4. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
  5. Combat Operations, p. 107
  6. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 57
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 230-231, "Zero Fighter Profile"
  8. Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 326
  9. 9.0 9.1 Technical Readout: 2750, p. 64-65
  10. MUL online date for the ZRO-115 Zero
  11. Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 190
  12. Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 327
  13. MUL online date for the ZRO-116b Zero
  14. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
  15. Historical: Operation Klondike, p.160
  16. 16.0 16.1 Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar, p. 12

Bibliography[edit]