Sarna News: Bad 'Mechs - Icestorm

Difference between revisions of "Zero"

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| Class = Light AeroSpace Fighter
 
| Class = Light AeroSpace Fighter
 
| Tech Base = Star League
 
| Tech Base = Star League
 +
| Introduced = [[2703]]
 
| Cost = 1,601,545<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref>
 
| Cost = 1,601,545<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 107</ref>
 
| mass = 35 tons
 
| mass = 35 tons
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| BV (2.0) = 881<ref name=TR3050>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 230</ref>
 
| BV (2.0) = 881<ref name=TR3050>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 230</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
 +
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
The '''''Zero''''' debuted in [[2703]] as a light, well-armed and armored [[Aerospace Fighter]] for the [[SLDF]].  It was designed as a light fighter with heavy firepower 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, 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.  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''''' debuted in 2703 as a light, well-armed and armored [[Aerospace Fighter]] for the [[SLDF]].  It was designed as a light fighter with heavy firepower 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, 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.  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 is severed, the ''Zero'' can easily lose most of its fuel in a matter of seconds.  Though the fuel lines, and the craft itself, is well-protected with ten tons of standard armor, ''Zero'' pilots must be well aware of this potential problem.<ref name=TR2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 64-65</ref>
 
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 is severed, the ''Zero'' can easily lose most of its fuel in a matter of seconds.  Though the fuel lines, and the craft itself, is well-protected with ten tons of standard armor, ''Zero'' pilots must be well aware of this potential problem.<ref name=TR2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 64-65</ref>

Revision as of 15:07, 12 December 2011

Zero.JPG
Zero
Production information
Manufacturer Blow/Hookson Technologies
Model ZRO-114
Class Light AeroSpace Fighter
Tech Base Star League
Cost 1,601,545[1]
Technical specifications
Mass 35 tons
Structural Integrity 7[2]
Frame Saroyan Cavalier
Power Plant Bangkock 140 Fusion Engine
Fuel 400 points[3]
Armament
Communications System Orbitcom Model 11
Tracking & Targeting System PS/1/12
Heat Sinks 10
BV (1.0) 738[4]
BV (2.0) 881[5]

Description

The Zero debuted in 2703 as a light, well-armed and armored Aerospace Fighter for the SLDF. It was designed as a light fighter with heavy firepower 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, 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. 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.[5]

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 is severed, the Zero can easily lose most of its fuel in a matter of seconds. Though the fuel lines, and the craft itself, is well-protected with ten tons of standard armor, Zero pilots must be well aware of this potential problem.[6]

Zeroes disappeared from the Inner Sphere during the Succession Wars, though ComStar was able 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.

Armament

The Zero's weapon systems are all tried and battle-tested. The Holly LRM 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.[6]

Variants

  • ZRO-115 - Not to be outdone by the Clans, Comstar upgraded their Star League era Zero. They removed the LRM-10 launcher and Large Laser and replaced it with a Kingslaughter ER PPC and 2 Streak SRM-2 launchers. The older model's single heatsinks were upgrade to double heatsinks to combat the increased heat generated by it's new weapons. BV (2.0) = 985[7]
  • ZRO-116b - This variant traded in all the standard weaponry for a nose mounted Large Pulse Laser with three Medium Pulse Lasers (mounted in the nose and each wing) in support. The single heat sinks were traded in for ten double strength freezers to keep the heat under control. BV (2.0) = 1,044[8]

References

  1. Combat Operations, p. 107
  2. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
  3. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84
  4. Combat Operations, p. 107
  5. 5.0 5.1 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 230
  6. 6.0 6.1 Technical Readout: 2750, p. 64-65
  7. Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 190
  8. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 84

Bibliography