Torrent

Revision as of 18:52, 25 January 2014 by Wrangler (talk | contribs) (→‎Variants)
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
Introduced 2093[1]
Technical specifications
Mass 200 Tons
Speed 6
Top Speed 60 Kph
Power Plant Internal Combustion Engine
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 and History

Originally used by the United States of North America's Air Force, the Torrent 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 and 23rd centuries. As time passed, between the 24th and 25th centuries, newly introduced Aerospace Fighters came onto the scene. Since its tendency to fly low and slow made it highly vulnerable 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 corporations 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 formed 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 and 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.

During the Jihad the Capellan Confederation restarted Torrent production. The end of the Jihad didn't mean the end of Torrent production however.[2]

Weapons and Equipment

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 and a Squealer I ECM suite.[3]

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.

Design Quirks

The Torrent has the following Design Quirks:[4]

  • Atmospheric Flyer
  • Poor Performance
  • Internal Bomb Bay

Cargo

None

Variants

  • Torrent-IC - Used to carry Jump Infantry for HALO drops, this version of the aircraft began service in 2118.[5]
  • Torrent-FC - Introduced in 2115 as airborne refueling tanker, the version of the aircraft features several refueling drogues and a large fuel reservoir.[6]
  • Torrent-ASW - An ancient Terran variant introduced in 2111, 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.[7]
  • Torrent (Fire Fighter) - Introduced in 2300, this version of aircraft is demilitizated and used it Bombay capacities to put out large fires.[8]

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.

Notes

As of this writing, the Torrent Heavy Bomber has no canon published record sheets or Battle Value at this time.

References

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

Bibliography