Siren (Aerospace Fighter class)

Siren
Production information
Manufacturer	unstated
Model	SL-23
Class	light aerospace fighter
Tech Base	Inner Sphere
Cost	unstated
Technical specifications
Mass	30 tons
Structural Integrity	4
Frame	unstated
Power Plant	60 fusion
Armor	unstated
Fuel	105
Armament	1x PPC 1x small laser 1x medium laser
Communications System	unstated
Tracking & Targeting System	unstated
Heat Sinks	12 single
BV (1.0)	n/a
BV (2.0)	n/a

During the early days of the First Succession War, the Draconis Combine wanted a low-speed ground attack craft; the Siren was the result.

Description

Designers started with a big weapon and then built an aerospace fighter around it. Expectations were not met, with the craft's low speed and lack of secondary weaponry limiting its performance.

Deployed mainly in second-line forces, the Siren is also service with a handful of regular House units serving on the Periphery border.

Adequate in its role of attacking 'Mechs, armor, and infantry, attempts to use it without air superiority in place have led to a negative reputation.

Weapons and Equipment

The Siren has a PPC in the nose and little else; a small laser sits beside the PPC and a medium laser in the tail. This dependence on a single weapon has led to some pilots having the PPC replaced. The fuel tanks are larger than average but the slow speed of the fighter makes it a moot point, as any pursuing craft will shoot it down before it runs out of gas. The armor is plentiful and well-placed, giving the pilot some sense the fighter will perform its mission in theory if not in practice. Sufficient heat sinks are mounted to allow the PPC to be safely fired at full thrust.

Variants

One known field variant replaces the PPC with four medium lasers and extra heat sinks.

Canonicity

Stardate magazine is no longer considered a canonical source, making the Siren apocryphal.

Bibliography

• Stardate Volume 3, Number 3