Tatsu

Tatsu 3067.png
Tatsu
Production information
Manufacturer Wakazashi Enterprises
Production Year 3063[1]
Model MIK-O
Class Medium OmniFighter
Tech Base Inner Sphere
Technical specifications
Mass 70 tons
Structural Integrity 7
Frame Wakazashi VII-Modular
Power Plant Shinobi 210 XL engine
Armor Naketsu MetalWeave Standard
Fuel
Armament

Primary Configuration

Communications System Garret T22
Tracking & Targeting System Neko Megane 6
Heat Sinks 10 double heat sinks
BV (1.0) 1,301[2][3]
BV (2.0) 1,577[4]

Description[edit]

The first Draconis Combine OmniFighter built from the ground up, the Tatsu was designed primarily with ground-attack missions in mind.[2]

Attempting to leverage their development of OmniMech technology in 3052 into the production of OmniFighters, development was more problematic than expected, but eventually resulted in a morale boosting Omni conversion of the Sai in the late 3050's. Not willing to let matters rest with a rather hodgepodge conversion of an existing aerospace fighter, Wakazashi Enterprises immediately began work on a totally new OmniFighter that would be built from the ground up, which began mass production in 3063.[2]

The goal with the Tatsu was to create an OmniFighter that could deliver a maximum amount of damage to ground-based targets, and the use of an XL engine provides the fighter with an impressive 41 tons of pod space to accomplish this. While armored with standard Naketsu MetalWeave instead of ferro-aluminum to avoid cramping the pod space available, an impressive 16.5 tons still provides it superb protection for a craft of its size. However, like many OmniFighters, pod space comes before in-built heat dissipation, with only 10 double heat sinks fixed on its base chassis.[2]

It is said that the Tatsu owes part of its look and maneuverability to the Dragon Dove found on Dover.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Primary configuration is a good example of the ground attack–oriented design of the Tatsu, mounting an MRM-10 rack and two ER medium lasers in the nose, supported by a large pulse laser and medium pulse laser in each wing. Those ground forces who thought the Tatsu missed them are in for a shock, with a massive MRM-30 mounted aft. Carrying enough missiles to provide 24 reloads for both launchers, four additional double heat sinks attempt to stave off a deadly ammunition explosion.[2]

Alternate Configurations[edit]

  • Alternate Configuration A 
    The A configuration is a high-energy strafer, carrying two ER PPCs in its nose supported by eight medium pulse lasers, four to a wing. An additional 11 double heat sinks strain to keep all the waste heat in check. BV (1.0) = 1,596[2][6] BV (2.0) = 1,864[7]
  • Alternate Configuration B 
    An anti-vehicle ground attack design, the B configuration mounts an LB 10-X AC in its nose, supported by an Artemis IV FCS-enhanced LRM-15 and two ER medium lasers in each wing. Two tons of autocannon and missile reloads keep their respective weapons firing, while two more double heat sinks fight to prevent an ammunition explosion. BV (1.0) = 1,542[2][8] BV (2.0) = 1,990[9]
  • Alternate Configuration C 
    A ground attack missile boat, the C configuration mounts two Streak SRM-6 launchers in its nose supported by two mammoth MRM-40s, one per wing. Lacking any backup energy weaponry, the Tatsu C must withdraw once its two tons of Streak ammo and six combined tons of MRM reloads are expended. BV (1.0) = 1,392[2] (1,466)[10] BV (2.0) = 1,866[11]
  • Alternate Configuration D 
    Developed during the Jihad, this configuration puts a pair of MML-9 launchers in each wing, supported by a nose-mounted ER large laser. The Tatsu's after aspect is protected by twin set of ER medium lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,666[12]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Tatsu
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Technical Readout: 3067, pp. 150-151, "Tatsu OmniFighter Profile"
  3. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 125
  4. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 261
  5. Handbook: House Kurita, p. 170, "Creatures"
  6. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 126
  7. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 262
  8. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 127
  9. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 263
  10. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 128
  11. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 264
  12. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 265
  13. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 266
  14. Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 211

Bibliography[edit]