Difference between revisions of "Ironsides"
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{{InfoBoxASF | {{InfoBoxASF | ||
− | | image = [[Image:Ironsides. | + | | image = [[Image:Ironsides ASF TRO3050U.png|191px]] |
− | | name = Ironsides | + | | name = ''Ironsides'' |
| manufacturer = [[Brooks Incorporated]] | | manufacturer = [[Brooks Incorporated]] | ||
| model = IRN-SD1 | | model = IRN-SD1 | ||
− | | Class = Medium | + | | Class = Medium aerospace fighter |
| Tech Base = Star League | | Tech Base = Star League | ||
− | | Cost = 3,862,795<ref name=CO107>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref> | + | | Cost = 3,862,795 [[C-bill]]s<ref name=CO107>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref> |
− | |||
| production year=2613 | | production year=2613 | ||
| year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1624/ironsides-irn-sd1 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | | year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1624/ironsides-irn-sd1 MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | ||
| mass = 65 tons | | mass = 65 tons | ||
− | | frame = Lockhead FairFax | + | | frame = [[Lockhead FairFax]] |
− | | power plant = Thankor 260 [[ | + | | power plant = [[Thankor 260]] [[fusion engine]] |
− | | armament = * | + | | armor = [[SearWeave]] |
− | * | + | | armament = |
− | * | + | * 5x [[SRM-6]]s |
+ | * 2x [[PPC]]s | ||
+ | * 2x [[Medium laser]]s | ||
| communications system = [[OP/1/2/3.66 Mk IIa]] | | communications system = [[OP/1/2/3.66 Mk IIa]] | ||
| tracking & targeting system = [[Ryder Track IV]] | | tracking & targeting system = [[Ryder Track IV]] | ||
− | | heat sinks = 10 | + | | heat sinks = 10 [[double heat sink]]s |
| BV (1.0) = 1,179<ref name=CO107/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 110</ref> | | BV (1.0) = 1,179<ref name=CO107/><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 110</ref> | ||
| BV (2.0) = 1,466<ref name=TRO3050U240-241>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 240-241, "Ironsides Fighter Profile"</ref><ref name=MUL180>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 180</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 349</ref> | | BV (2.0) = 1,466<ref name=TRO3050U240-241>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 240-241, "Ironsides Fighter Profile"</ref><ref name=MUL180>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 180</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 349</ref> | ||
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
− | The '''''Ironsides''''' was designed in [[2613]] as a heavily armed aerospace fighter. Its manufacturer, [[Brooks Incorporated]], offered 500 prototypes of the design to any command that wished to field test the design; as such, examples of the ''Ironsides'' were deployed by the [[ | + | The '''''Ironsides''''' was designed in [[2613]] as a heavily armed medium [[aerospace fighter]]. Its manufacturer, [[Brooks Incorporated]], offered 500 prototypes of the design to any command that wished to field-test the design; as such, examples of the ''Ironsides'' were deployed by the [[Star League Defense Force]] as well as every [[Inner Sphere]] power, and even the [[Rim Worlds Republic]]. Though a costly ploy for the company, the result was a fighter field-tested in a variety of environments and situations, resulting in the production model having few if any bugs.<ref name=TRO2750-74-75>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 74-75, "Ironsides Fighter Profile"</ref> |
− | As a medium | + | As a medium fighter, the ''Ironsides'' is lightly armored with 11.5 tons of [[StarWeave]] [[standard armor]], but it carries impressive firepower for its weight class. This is thanks in part to the IRN-SD1 engine, which uses an alignment system to shift the engine's position relative gravitational and velocity influences, to produce an design more compact than others while having the same power-to-weight ratio. The craft's only other design flaw was an inadequate cooling system of only 10 [[double heat sink]]s and limited ammunition stores, lending the ''Ironsides'' for use mainly in quick-strike missions thanks to a devastating first-strike capability.<ref name=TRO2750-74-75/><ref name=TRO3050U240-241/> |
As is true elsewhere, production of the ''Ironsides'' would suffer during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], with an initial five factories reduced to one by [[2910]]. The [[Carver V]] plant would eventually be shut down as a cost-saving measure, and by [[3050]] most ''Ironsides'' still located within the [[Inner Sphere]] were family heirlooms or museum pieces. The Carver factory would be reopened by the [[Word of Blake]] at a later date to produce superior variants to fight in the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3050U240-241/> | As is true elsewhere, production of the ''Ironsides'' would suffer during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], with an initial five factories reduced to one by [[2910]]. The [[Carver V]] plant would eventually be shut down as a cost-saving measure, and by [[3050]] most ''Ironsides'' still located within the [[Inner Sphere]] were family heirlooms or museum pieces. The Carver factory would be reopened by the [[Word of Blake]] at a later date to produce superior variants to fight in the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3050U240-241/> | ||
==Weapons and Equipment== | ==Weapons and Equipment== | ||
− | The wide range of weapons mounted on the ''Ironsides'' allowed it to fill many of the gaps in fighter technology of the time. Its primary weapon systems are five Yaeger-6 [[SRM-6 | + | The wide range of weapons mounted on the ''Ironsides'' allowed it to fill many of the gaps in fighter technology of the time. Its primary weapon systems are five [[Yaeger-6]] [[SRM-6]]s, two in each wing and one in the nose, which can be targeted in groupings from the individual launchers or separately to maintain a spread. However, limited storage space means there is only one ton of ammo, which is just enough for 3 salvos from each of the 5 launchers. These SRMs are backed up by paired [[Ringer Technologies Model 1]] [[PPC]]s also in the nose, which use high-density chamber coils to create a narrower beam that will not disrupt the SRM's flight path. The narrower beams also concentrate firepower on a smaller area, though these hot-running weapons are partly responsible for the fighter's poor heat management. Finally the ''Ironsides'' has two wing-mounted [[Allied Technologies Model 2]] [[medium laser]]s, which have proven to be a constant thorn in the fighter's sides; extensively firing these lasers can rupture the power-chain housing which controls the flow of power to the weapons, resulting in an explosion and considerable damage to the wing structure. Three recall efforts failed to eliminate the problem, resulting in many modern pilots having little respect for the fighter.<ref name=TRO2750-74-75/><ref name=TRO3050U240-241/> |
− | The weapon systems in the ''Ironsides'' are controlled by the Ryder Track II targeting system, which is able to not only independently track targets from sensors placed in several locations throughout the fighter rather than a single, central cluster, but also allows an [[Alpha strike (Tactic)|alpha strike]] without disrupting any of the individual systems' effectiveness.<ref name=TRO2750-74-75/><ref name=TRO3050U240-241/> | + | The weapon systems in the ''Ironsides'' are controlled by the [[Ryder Track II]] targeting system, which is able to not only independently track targets from sensors placed in several locations throughout the fighter rather than a single, central cluster, but also allows an [[Alpha strike (Tactic)|alpha strike]] without disrupting any of the individual systems' effectiveness.<ref name=TRO2750-74-75/><ref name=TRO3050U240-241/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
− | *;IRN-SD1b : The IRN-SD1b ''Ironsides'', designed and deployed exclusively for [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal]] commands, saves space by installing an [[XL | + | *; IRN-SD1b : The IRN-SD1b ''Ironsides'', designed and deployed exclusively for [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal]] commands, saves space by installing an [[XL engine]]. The craft increases the SRM ammunition by one ton, adds [[CASE]] and five additional [[double heat sinks]], and upgrades the [[PPC]]s to [[ER PPC]]s<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169, "Ironsides Variant"</ref>. BV (2.0) = 1,653<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 41</ref> |
− | *;IRN-SD1b-EC : Introduced by [[Clan Steel Viper]] this variant replaces the SRM- | + | *; IRN-SD1b-EC : Introduced by [[Clan Steel Viper]] this variant replaces the [[SRM-6]]s with prototype [[Streak SRM-4]]s. (Note: '''EC''' is an abbreviation used by historians to designate "Early Clan" designs.)<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 62</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,996<ref>''Technical Readout: Golden Century'', p. 141</ref> |
− | *;IRN-SD2 : A rare variant of the ''Ironsides'', the IRN-SD2 mounts three [[ | + | *; IRN-SD2 : A rare variant of the ''Ironsides'', the IRN-SD2 mounts three [[large laser]]s in the nose section in place of the [[PPC]]s, with the extra room allowing for an additional ton of SRM ammo. This resulted in a longer endurance during skirmishes.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 298</ref>. BV (2.0) = 1,388<ref name=MUL180/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 350</ref> |
− | *;IRN-SD3 : A Word of Blake variant, this model uses the SD2 frame to mount an [[ER PPC]] and [[ER | + | *; IRN-SD3 : A [[Word of Blake]] variant, this model uses the SD2 frame to mount an [[ER PPC]] and [[ER large laser]] in the nose, and replace the [[SRM-6]]s with five [[MRM-10]]s with 120 rounds of ammunition.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)'', p. 299</ref>. BV (2.0) = 1,399<ref name=MUL180/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 351</ref> |
− | *;''Ironsides'' CX-19 : This [[ComStar]]-built variant combines [[Clan]] and [[Inner Sphere]] technology. The craft carries seven [[Streak SRM-6]] launchers backed by two tons of ammunition | + | *; ''Ironsides'' CX-19 : This [[ComStar]]-built variant combines [[Clan]] and [[Inner Sphere]] technology. The craft carries seven [[Streak SRM-6]] launchers backed by two tons of ammunition, while additional firepower comes from five Clan-spec [[ER medium laser]]s. Engine performance and armor protection remain unchanged.<ref name=XTRO:CSp14>''Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar'', p. 14</ref> |
==Design Quirks== | ==Design Quirks== | ||
Line 53: | Line 54: | ||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
− | In German products the unit's proper name was translated to '''Eisenbeiß''', which roughly translates ''Iron Bite''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''ESN-BS1'''. | + | * 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 ''Ironsides'' 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. |
+ | |||
+ | * In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Eisenbeiß''', which roughly translates ''Iron Bite''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''ESN-BS1'''. | ||
==Gallery== | ==Gallery== | ||
<gallery> | <gallery> | ||
− | + | Ironsides_TRO2750.png|Original IRN-SD1 ''Ironsides'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]'' | |
− | + | Ironsides ASF TRO3050U.png|''Ironsides'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]'' | |
</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
Line 65: | Line 68: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
− | *''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' | + | * ''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]'' |
− | *''[[Combat Operations]]'' | + | * ''[[Combat Operations]]'' |
− | *''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]'' | + | * ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar]]'' |
− | *''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]'' | + | * ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]'' |
− | *''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]'' |
− | *''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)]]'' |
− | *''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]'' | + | * ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]'' |
− | *''[[Technical Readout: | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]'' |
− | *''[[Technical Readout: | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]'' |
− | *''[[Technical Readout: | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3057]]'' |
− | *''[[Technical Readout: | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]'' |
− | *''[[Technical Readout: | + | * ''[[Technical Readout: Golden Century]]'' |
+ | |||
[[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]] | [[Category:Aerospace Fighter classes]] |
Latest revision as of 13:47, 18 December 2023
Ironsides | |
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Brooks Incorporated |
Production Year | 2613[1] |
Model | IRN-SD1 |
Class | Medium aerospace fighter |
Tech Base | Star League |
Cost | 3,862,795 C-bills[2] |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 65 tons |
Structural Integrity | |
Frame | Lockhead FairFax |
Power Plant | Thankor 260 fusion engine |
Armor | SearWeave |
Fuel | |
Armament |
|
Communications System | OP/1/2/3.66 Mk IIa |
Tracking & Targeting System | Ryder Track IV |
Heat Sinks | 10 double heat sinks |
BV (1.0) | 1,179[2][3] |
BV (2.0) | 1,466[4][5][6] |
Contents
Description[edit]
The Ironsides was designed in 2613 as a heavily armed medium aerospace fighter. Its manufacturer, Brooks Incorporated, offered 500 prototypes of the design to any command that wished to field-test the design; as such, examples of the Ironsides were deployed by the Star League Defense Force as well as every Inner Sphere power, and even the Rim Worlds Republic. Though a costly ploy for the company, the result was a fighter field-tested in a variety of environments and situations, resulting in the production model having few if any bugs.[7]
As a medium fighter, the Ironsides is lightly armored with 11.5 tons of StarWeave standard armor, but it carries impressive firepower for its weight class. This is thanks in part to the IRN-SD1 engine, which uses an alignment system to shift the engine's position relative gravitational and velocity influences, to produce an design more compact than others while having the same power-to-weight ratio. The craft's only other design flaw was an inadequate cooling system of only 10 double heat sinks and limited ammunition stores, lending the Ironsides for use mainly in quick-strike missions thanks to a devastating first-strike capability.[7][4]
As is true elsewhere, production of the Ironsides would suffer during the Succession Wars, with an initial five factories reduced to one by 2910. The Carver V plant would eventually be shut down as a cost-saving measure, and by 3050 most Ironsides still located within the Inner Sphere were family heirlooms or museum pieces. The Carver factory would be reopened by the Word of Blake at a later date to produce superior variants to fight in the Jihad.[4]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The wide range of weapons mounted on the Ironsides allowed it to fill many of the gaps in fighter technology of the time. Its primary weapon systems are five Yaeger-6 SRM-6s, two in each wing and one in the nose, which can be targeted in groupings from the individual launchers or separately to maintain a spread. However, limited storage space means there is only one ton of ammo, which is just enough for 3 salvos from each of the 5 launchers. These SRMs are backed up by paired Ringer Technologies Model 1 PPCs also in the nose, which use high-density chamber coils to create a narrower beam that will not disrupt the SRM's flight path. The narrower beams also concentrate firepower on a smaller area, though these hot-running weapons are partly responsible for the fighter's poor heat management. Finally the Ironsides has two wing-mounted Allied Technologies Model 2 medium lasers, which have proven to be a constant thorn in the fighter's sides; extensively firing these lasers can rupture the power-chain housing which controls the flow of power to the weapons, resulting in an explosion and considerable damage to the wing structure. Three recall efforts failed to eliminate the problem, resulting in many modern pilots having little respect for the fighter.[7][4]
The weapon systems in the Ironsides are controlled by the Ryder Track II targeting system, which is able to not only independently track targets from sensors placed in several locations throughout the fighter rather than a single, central cluster, but also allows an alpha strike without disrupting any of the individual systems' effectiveness.[7][4]
Variants[edit]
- IRN-SD1b
- The IRN-SD1b Ironsides, designed and deployed exclusively for SLDF Royal commands, saves space by installing an XL engine. The craft increases the SRM ammunition by one ton, adds CASE and five additional double heat sinks, and upgrades the PPCs to ER PPCs[8]. BV (2.0) = 1,653[9]
- IRN-SD1b-EC
- Introduced by Clan Steel Viper this variant replaces the SRM-6s with prototype Streak SRM-4s. (Note: EC is an abbreviation used by historians to designate "Early Clan" designs.)[10] BV (2.0) = 1,996[11]
- IRN-SD2
- A rare variant of the Ironsides, the IRN-SD2 mounts three large lasers in the nose section in place of the PPCs, with the extra room allowing for an additional ton of SRM ammo. This resulted in a longer endurance during skirmishes.[12]. BV (2.0) = 1,388[5][13]
- IRN-SD3
- A Word of Blake variant, this model uses the SD2 frame to mount an ER PPC and ER large laser in the nose, and replace the SRM-6s with five MRM-10s with 120 rounds of ammunition.[14]. BV (2.0) = 1,399[5][15]
- Ironsides CX-19
- This ComStar-built variant combines Clan and Inner Sphere technology. The craft carries seven Streak SRM-6 launchers backed by two tons of ammunition, while additional firepower comes from five Clan-spec ER medium lasers. Engine performance and armor protection remain unchanged.[16]
Design Quirks[edit]
The Ironsides CX-19 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 Ironsides 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.
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Eisenbeiß, which roughly translates Iron Bite. The model code was accordingly changed to ESN-BS1.
Gallery[edit]
Original IRN-SD1 Ironsides from TRO:2750
Ironsides from TRO:3050 Upgrade
References[edit]
- ↑ MUL online date for the Ironsides
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Combat Operations, p. 107
- ↑ AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 110
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 240-241, "Ironsides Fighter Profile"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 180
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 349
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: 2750, pp. 74-75, "Ironsides Fighter Profile"
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169, "Ironsides Variant"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 41
- ↑ Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 62
- ↑ Technical Readout: Golden Century, p. 141
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 298
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 350
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League), p. 299
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 351
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar, p. 14
Bibliography[edit]
- AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
- Combat Operations
- Experimental Technical Readout: ComStar
- Master Unit List: Battle Values
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)
- Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
- Technical Readout: 2750
- Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
- Technical Readout: 3057
- Technical Readout: 3075
- Technical Readout: Golden Century