Batu

Batu
Production information
Manufacturer	Mercer Foundries
Production Year	2987
Model	Prime
Class	Light OmniFighter
Tech Base	Clan
Cost	6,862,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	40 tons
Structural Integrity	9
Frame	Mercer Ultralight
Power Plant	280 XL engine
Armor	Cobra Pattern 12 Ferro-aluminum
Fuel	240
Armament	Primary Configuration 1x ER large laser 4x Medium pulse lasers 1x ER medium laser
Communications System	LongTalk 2
Tracking & Targeting System	Mark IX TTS
Heat Sinks	10 double heat sinks
BV (1.0)	2,215
BV (2.0)	2,495

Description

Developed by Clan Steel Viper and slowly spreading to other Clans, the Batu OmniFighter is primarily an interceptor, fitting the Vipers' standard attack pattern for both ground and air fighting of swift, deadly strikes.

Despite the use of an XL engine and Cobra Pattern 12 ferro-aluminum armor, the Batu is slower and less well armored than most, favoring maneuverability and its considerable 18 tons of available pod space to carry the day. Geared toward the swift first strikes so favored by the Steel Vipers and all the Clans, the Batus limited fuel supply and 10 hardwired double heat sinks drastically limit its staying power.

Weapons and Equipment

The Batu's primary configuration is well suited to its intended dogfighting role. Its main weapon is a nose-mounted ER large laser supported by an under and over wing tip-mounted medium pulse lasers, with an ER medium laser covering the rear of the craft. All of the lasers are linked to an advanced targeting computer to greatly enhanced their accuracy.

Alternate Configurations

• Alternate Configuration A 

  The A configuration is a mix of long and short range weaponry, based around an ER PPC and Narc missile beacon mounted in the nose, with the Narc system linked to four standard SRM-6 launchers, two in each wing. With only a single ton of Narc pods, the included two tons of SRM reloads will outlast it, while an additional double heat sink keeps the PPC firing. BV (1.0) = 1,664, BV (2.0) = 1,975.

• Alternate Configuration B 

  The all laser carrying Batu B configuration is an excellent strafing vehicle, mounting seven medium pulse lasers: three in the nose and two fitted in each wing. An ER medium laser discourages anybody who seeks to interrupt the pilot's strafing run, while the included targeting computer making this configuration's attacks impressively accurate. BV (1.0) = 2,240, BV (2.0) = 2,651.

• Alternate Configuration C 

  A failed attempt at a cool running configuration, the Batu C is built around a Gauss rifle in its nose supported by two ER medium lasers, with twin ER small lasers mounted in the wings. An additional ER medium laser is mounted aft, but pitiful single ton of Gauss reloads forces the pilot's to drop back to their relatively weak laser weaponry. BV (1.0) = 2,028, BV (2.0) = 2,109.

• Alternate Configuration D 

  A recently introduced configuration, the nose-oriented Batu D's forward firing weapon consists of two ER PPCs and a single ER medium laser, with a single ER medium mounted aft. Four additional double heat sinks bring the fighter close to being able to fire alpha strike at will. BV (1.0) = 2,313, BV (2.0) = 2,435.

• Alternate Configuration E 

  The Batu E is apparently geared for anti-DropShip and anti-WarShip operations. The nose carries a single UAC/20 and the aft is protected by four advanced Improved One Shot Streak SRM-2 launchers. The relatively light armor and low fuel supply ensure that this version of the Batu will remain close to base. BV (2.0) = 1,602

• Alternate Configuration Z 

  Developed by The Society, this configuration of the Batu uses a Nova CEWS to share targeting data. A pair of ER medium lasers in each wing provides close-in firepower, while the nose-mounted iATM 12 provides most of the Batu Z's hitting power. An ER small laser covers the craft's aft arc, and a targeting computer helps offset the lower skills of Society-trained pilots.

Gallery

• 

  Original Batu from TRO:3055

• 

  Batu from TRO:3057

• 

  Batu from TRO:3055 Upgrade

Bibliography

• AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
• Combat Operations
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged
• Technical Readout: 3055
• Technical Readout: 3055 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3057
• The Wars of Reaving Supplemental