Zero

Zero
Production information
Manufacturer	Blow/Hookson Technologies
Model	ZRO-114
Class	Light AeroSpace Fighter
Tech Base	Star League
Cost	1,601,545
Technical specifications
Mass	35 tons
Structural Integrity	7
Frame	Saroyan Cavalier
Power Plant	Bangkock 140 Fusion Engine
Fuel	400 points
Armament	1 Large Laser 1 LRM-10 1 Medium Laser
Communications System	Orbitcom Model 11
Tracking & Targeting System	PS/1/12
Heat Sinks	10
BV (1.0)	738
BV (2.0)	881

Description

The Zero debuted in 2703 as a light, well-armed and armored Aerospace Fighter for the SLDF. It was designed with heavy firepower at a variety of ranges, while also being faster and better-armored than other light fighters. In particular, the Zero's wings are mounted in front of the pilot, along with the engine cooling system, as a means of providing protection against ground fire during an assault. The wings of the Zero can also fold back, saving hangar space, but also enabling a couple of unique tactics. During atmospheric operations, folding the wings can allow for an extra burst of speed, especially in a dive. Another tactic used by Zero pilots is to fold the wings while approaching the atmospheric interface. By deploying the wings at just the right moment, the Zero can literally bounce off the atmosphere.

The Zero's only drawback is its dispersed fuel system, with five separate tanks holding a ton each of fuel. Should the battle computer malfunction or one of the myriad fuel lines connecting them is severed, the Zero can easily lose most of its fuel in a matter of seconds. Though the fuel lines, and the craft itself, are well-protected with ten tons of standard armor, Zero pilots must be well aware of this potential problem.

Zeroes disappeared from the Inner Sphere during the Succession Wars, though ComStar was able to maintain, and later upgrade, their stock of fighters for use during the Battle of Tukayyid, and the Clans maintained a few for use by disreputable, or solahma, units. Since then, ComStar and Word of Blake have begun deploying upgraded versions of the fighter more frequently in the Chaos March.

Armament

The Zero's weapon systems are all tried and battle-tested. The Holly LRM-10 system provides it with long range firepower, while the two Blow/Hookson Technologies laser systems, the Blow Mark III Large Laser and Blow Mark II Medium Laser, are dependable and durable in even the most extreme situations. The Large Laser is also unique in that the pilot can adjust its focus between five different settings in mid-flight. At its narrowest, the Mark III is capable of producing a devastating coherent beam, while at its widest it can disrupt the target's electronics and tracking system. Other lasers, including the Mark II, can only be adjusted by a ground crew, and are typically set to produce a concentrated beam.

Variants

• ZRO-115 - Not to be outdone by the Clans, Comstar upgraded their Star League era Zero and introduced this variant in 3055. They removed the LRM-10 launcher and Large Laser and replaced it with a Kingslaughter ER PPC and 2 Streak SRM-2 launchers. The older model's single heatsinks were upgraded to double heatsinks to combat the increased heat generated by its new weapons. BV (2.0) = 985

• ZRO-116b - This variant introduced in 2707 traded all of the standard weaponry for a nose-mounted Large Pulse Laser and three Medium Pulse Lasers for support. One Medium Pulse laser was mounted in the nose, while the others were mounted in each wing. The single heat sinks were replaced with ten double strength freezers to keep the heat under control. BV (2.0) = 1,044

Bibliography

• Combat Operations
• Master Unit List
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Record Sheets: Operation Klondike
• Technical Readout: 2750
• Technical Readout: 3057
• Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade