Thrush

Thrush
Production information
Manufacturer	Mujika Aerospace Technologies
Production Year	2798
Model	TR-7
Class	Light aerospace fighter
Tech Base	Inner Sphere
Cost	1,685,156 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	25 tons
Structural Integrity	12
Frame	Mujika Aerospace Type 12
Power Plant	Rawlings 250
Armor	Starshield
Fuel	400 - 5 tons
Armament	3x Medium laser
Communications System	Endicott Type 22 Master
Tracking & Targeting System	Dwyerson Mark XI
Heat Sinks	10 single heat sinks
BV (1.0)	529
BV (2.0)	476

Description

Nicknamed "The Frisbee" by Capellan pilots, the TR-7 Thrush is a light aerospace fighter typically seen in House Liao DropShip detachments, as well as garrison forces throughout the Confederation. Forsaking armor for speed and firepower like most light aerospace fighters, the Thrush cannot easily take on larger fighters or multiple enemies, but is in its element when scouting or used as a screening force for DropShips. The major drawback of the circular wing's design is that the Thrush can enter an uncontrolled spin on entry to a planetary atmosphere, in a similar fashion to the Draconis Combine's similarly designed Sholagar which was eventually phased out because of its unstable atmospheric flight. The craft usually can be brought back under control, but at the loss of precious seconds of maneuvering.

Weapons and Equipment

The Thrush carries three Kajuka Type 2 "Bright Blossom" medium lasers, more than enough firepower for scouting or screening for an already heavily armed DropShip.

Variants

• TR-5 

  Otherwise identical to the TR-7, this variant upgrades to ferro-aluminum armor, adding one additional armor point per wing.

• TR-7p 

  This variant removes the nose mounted medium laser and upgrades the wing lasers to medium pulse lasers. BV (1.0) = 413

• TR-8 

  Using newer technology, the single heat sinks are upgraded to double heat sinks, and the standard lasers replaced with ER medium lasers. BV (1.0) = 659

• TR-9 

  This version uses an XL engine to free enough weight for two medium re-engineered lasers and three ER medium lasers. It is protected by reflective armor.

Custom Variants

• Thrush "Nanook" 

  The personal fighter of a pilot known only as Nanook, this Thrush was heavily modified by Vining Engineering and Salvage Team to use experimental technology. Armed with two nose-mounted Clan ER medium lasers and a Clan medium pulse laser in each wing, Nanook's Thrush is capable of inflicting significant damage. A rear firing small laser discourages pursuers. For protection the fighter carries a patchwork mix of laser reflective armor on the wings and reactive armor on the nose and aft fuselage. To increase the fighter's top speed, the VEST engineers equipped it with an XXL engine. BV (2.0) = 1,592

• Thrush Maximillian 

  Used by the Maskirovka for high speed insertions, this Thrush variant removes the standard TR-7 engine and replaces it with a 325-rated XL engine. This allows the Thrush Maximillian to reach a top acceleration of nearly 12 gravities. It also carries an additional half-ton of armor protection, six tons of fuel, and is equipped with a one ton cargo bay. To make room for these modifications, two of the medium lasers were removed. BV (1.0) = 410

Notes

• In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Drossel. The model code was accordingly changed to DR-7.

Gallery

• 

  Original TR-7 Thrush from TRO:3025

• 

  TR-7 Thrush from TRO:3025 Revised

Bibliography

• AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
• Experimental Technical Readout: Boondocks
• Field Report 2765: CCAF
• Record Sheets: 3039
• Record Sheets: Unique Fighters
• Second Succession War (sourcebook)
• Technical Readout: 3025
• Technical Readout: 3025 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3039
• Technical Readout: 3057
• Technical Readout: 3150