Cyrano
Sarna News
| |
| Cyrano | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Paulina Weapons |
| Mission | Reconnaissance |
| Type | VTOL |
| Cost | 1,850,000 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 30 tons |
| Armor | Paulina DL Ferro-Fibrous |
| Engine | DAV 220 |
| Speed | 194 km/h |
| Crew | 2 |
| Communications System | Garret M250 |
| Targeting Tracking System | Sky Tracer WL w/ Beagle Active Probe |
| Heat Sinks | 10 |
| Armament |
|
| BV (1.0) | 739[1] |
| BV (2.0) | 459[2][3] |
Description
The Cyrano was developed by the Star League in 2622. It was the heaviest VTOL in the SLDF and its standard attack gunship, providing air support for ground forces and flying escort for Ripper and Nightshade missions. The plant that produced the vehicle on New Vandenberg was destroyed in 2840. Though this was thought to have been perpetrated by pirates financed by the Federated Suns, the Word of Blake informed the Taurian government that it was actually the actions of ComStar during Operation Holy Shroud. The Blakists offered to make it right by rebuilding the factory, which they did in time for new Cyranos to be produced in 3071.[2][4][5]
Capable of a stunning 194 km/h, the Cyrano is an incredibly fast scout. This capability is supplemented by its Beagle Active Probe, which has also made the Cyrano a good training vehicle. The downside is the VTOL's meager one ton of Ferro-Fibrous armor. While speed is normally the best defense for a VTOL, many pilots complained about the Cyrano's virtual inability to shield its internal systems.[2][4][5]
Armament
The Cyrano is armed with a single Fuersturm-C Large Laser, giving it respectable range and firepower. The weapon is aimed by head movements picked up by the pilot's neurohelmet and assisted by a Sky Tracer target-acquisition computer. However the weapon's 5-ton weight makes the craft unbalanced, requiring extensive pilot training to master the Cyrano's flight characteristics.[2][4][5]
Variants
- ML - This variant was produced by Paulina for sale on the open market beginning in the early 3070s. The version lacks the Large Laser, but has a pair of Medium Lasers instead. They are supplemented by five Rocket Launcher 10s. The remaining half-ton is in additional armor.[2] BV (2.0) = 645[6]
- Plasma - This upgraded version may only be purchased by Taurian Concordat forces and their allies. It is more suited to the role of a dragoon or escort as it does not mount an active probe. The "Plasma" variant saves weight by utilizing a Light Fusion Engine for power. That enabled engineers to upgrade the Large Laser to a Plasma Rifle, making this Cyrano a potent vehicle-killer. It is also more hardy as it is protected by three tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor.[2] BV (2.0) = 927[7]
- Royal - The upgraded model used by the SLDF Royal units, the standard engine was replaced with a Extra-Light version. The weight saving allowed the VTOL to carry an extra one and half tons of armor and two side-mounted Anti-Missile Systems with a ton of reloads each, swap its trademark laser for an extended range model and add TAG for good measure. [8] BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 740[9]
Gallery
Cyrano VTOL
Cyrano in Motion
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References
- ↑ Combat Operations, p. 106
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 158-159, "Cyrano VTOL Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 177
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Technical Readout: 2750, pp. 94-95, "Cyrano VTOL Profile"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Technical Readout: 3050 Revised, pp. 198-199, "Ripper VTOL Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 178
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 179
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 141