Cray
09/26/02 02:27 PM
64.83.29.242
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The A-4 "Spindizzy" (named for the unusual, primitive rotating airfoils on its rear..."propellers" some historians call them) represents the first foray of Quikscell into aerospace production. Pilots on backwater worlds are reportedly already stocking up on life insurance and parachutes.
The A-4 is a simple plane with few pretensions to glory. Its high, tricycle landing gear allows it to handle rough fields well. Its control surfaces are stick-and-pulley primitive, with some pneumatic assistance. The pair of high-strung, two-stroke radial diesels (i.e., a single 50-rated ICE) are air cooled and lubricated by their own fuel - they can absorb damage that would scram a fusion engine or seize-up a water-cooled engine. Though it technically has the speed for it, the "Spindizzy" is not a supersonic aircraft. Excess flank speed (over 5 hexes/turn) is just used for offsetting the drag of bombs. Armor is negligible, good for hailstorms and irrate farmers with shotguns. Engine displays are analog.
What the Spindizzy gives a backwater planet is air support. The ability to drop bombs is a valuable one, especially when enemy ground forces are tied up by friendly ones or there are too many Spindizzy's in the air to shoot down at once. Or the targets cannot shoot back: bridges, for examples, or supply convoys. The rocket launchers are often simply replaced with fuel tanks or two podded MGs.
The fool that sends A-4s against other fighters is hopefully flying one of them, so he can die with the other A-4s. The A-4 is a cheap bomber, little else.
Quikscell A-4 Spindizzy
10 tons conventional fighter
3 tons 50 ICE
....Cruise: 5
....Flank: 8
....Structural Integrity: 5
1 ton controls
0 tons 0 SHS
4 tons fuel
.5 tons armor
....Nose: 2
....Wings: 2
....Rear: 2
1.5 tons 3 RL-10s (RW/LW/nose)
Cost: 85,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: ~70
Hey kiddies: how much does a ton of Semi Guided or Swarm-I LRM ammo cost?
VARIANTS
The RL pods are easily replaced with fuel drop tanks of almost identical size. The centerline RL pod is easily replaced with an ammo pod for two wing-born MGs of almost any make.
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
Edited by Cray (09/26/02 06:56 PM)
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NathanKell
09/26/02 06:14 PM
24.44.238.62
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Awww, did it have to be twin pushers? I'd so love to see the return of the Able Dog...
-NathanKell, BT Space Wars
Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason, than that of blind-folded fear.
Thomas Jefferson |