Torrent

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Torrent.jpg
Torrent Heavy Bomber
Production information
Manufacturer Various
Use Strategic Bomber
Strike Craft
Tech Base Tournment Legal
Chassis Type (Size) Fixed Wing (Large)
Equipment Rating
Cost ???
Introduced Late 21st Century
Technical specifications
Mass 200 Tons
Speed 6
Top Speed 60 Kph
Power Plant ICE
Fuel (Type/Range) Petrochemical/371 Km
Armament 4 x Machine Guns, SRM-6, ECM, Advanced Fire Control
Heat Sinks None
Armor 73 (BAR 6)
Crew 10 (3 + 2 Officers, 6 Gunners)
BV (1.0) ???
BV (2.0) ???



Description & History

Originally used by the United States of North America's Air Force, it was one of its most popular designs during the late 21st Century. The design was inherited by the Terran Alliance when it was formed in 2086.

The Torrent features thrust vectoring and fly-by-light equipment, eliminating the need for a horizontal rudder and gives it the ability to use the short runways found on new colonies. However, the bomber requires a full runaway and rocket assistance to carry a full bomb load. The vehicle also features one of the earliest ECM suites.

As new equipment was introduced, older vehicles such as the Torrent were passed on to the militias of various newly formed colony worlds between the 22nd & 23rd centuries. As time passed, between the 24th & 25th centuries, newly introduced Aerospace Fighters came onto the scene. Since its tendency to fly low & slow made it highly vunerable to the new fighters, they forcibly retired the design from most planetary militias, but not all.

In its day, it was produced in large numbers by several corportations claiming to be the originators of the design.

General Aleksandr Kerensky brought almost a full wing of these aircraft with him during the SLDF's Exodus. They saw action during the Pentagon Civil War, notably with the newly form Clans forces.

However, by 3068, only one corporation still produced parts for the Capellan Confederation on Bellatrix. The corporation is still active producing parts for the aircraft and once a year produces a complete Torrent Heavy Bomber as a token vehicle for collectors & museums.

When it is found in service in the Inner Sphere, the design is usually being used as a fire fighting aircraft known as a [Water Bomber].

Armament & Capacities

The Torrent features four nose-mounted Machine Guns, with one ton of ammunition. A six-tube short range missile launcher is mounted aft with one ton of ammunition. The aircraft is protected by three and a half tons of Hubris heavy armor & a Squealer I ECM suite

The design has 15 tons of bombs on its external hardpoints.

When used as a fire fighter, the aircraft is equipped with water-filled bombs on its hardpoints.

Cargo

None

Variants

*Torrent-IC - Used to carry Jump Infantry for [HALO drops].

*Torrent-FC - A refueling variant featuring several refueling drogues and a large fuel reservoir.

*Torrent-ASW - An ancient Terran variant mounting Torpedos and specialized anti-submarine warfare equipment. This design variant no longer exists, but historical documents state that it was utilized by the United States of North America's four armies station around the continent in the 2100s.

Notable Aircraft & Crews

  • Venom's Kiss - This is a Torrent-IC variant used by Clan Goliath Scorpion during the Pentagon Civil War. The Kiss was made famous during a daring raid by saKhan Jenna Scott and his paratroopers to seize control of the rebel's primary communications station on the world of Dagda. The successful raid lead to the defeat of the rebel forces. To honor the crew of Venom's Kiss, the aircraft is on display in the antechamber of the Clan's Genetic Repository.

References

  • Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, pp. 120-121

Bibliography