Centurion (Aerospace Fighter class)

This article is about the light aerospace fighter. For other uses, see Centurion.

Centurion
Production information
Manufacturer	Jalastar Aerospace Lockheed-CBM Corporation Bordello Military Goods, Inc.
Production Year	2473
Model	CNT-1D
Class	Light aerospace fighter
Tech Base	Inner Sphere
Cost	1,760,995 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	30 tons
Structural Integrity
Frame	Lockheed/CBM 120
Power Plant	Pitban 240 fusion engine
Armor	Rander Special
Fuel
Armament	3x Medium laser
Communications System	Lockheed/CBM Comset86b
Tracking & Targeting System	Rander TA2
Heat Sinks	10 single heat sinks
BV (1.0)	698
BV (2.0)	701

Description

The very first aerospace fighter developed by the Federated Suns, the Centurion boasts surprising longevity in the field for a 30-ton design.

Developing a crash aerospace fighter program after being impressed by the examples produced by the Terran Hegemony, the Federated Suns opted to focus on the twin goals of speed and survivability over firepower. Though primitive when first introduced, the Centurion was well received, equally able to fight in space and atmosphere. Switching to seven and a half tons of BattleMech-grade armor, a 240-rated fusion engine, and increased fuel storage only enhanced the design and ensured its continued production for centuries.

However, despite the noted role it played in the early history of Davion aerospace fighters, the Centurion fell from grace when the Federated Suns acquired various production lines for the Sparrowhawk during the First Succession War. The Star League Defense Force fighter's more advanced electronics and ability to fly while damaged sidelined the older fighter, which was quickly shifted to militia forces. Jalastar Aerospace eventually traded the specifications to the aging fighter to Lockheed/CBM in return for those of the Sabre before closing the original production line in 3000, the now modernized Centurion only produced on Donegal in the Lyran Commonwealth.

Weapons and Equipment

Helping to create the mold from which many light aerospace fighters are based, the Centurion features a simple but effective weapons array consisting of three Maxell medium lasers, one mounted in the nose and one under each wing.

Variants

• CNT-1A 

  The prototype introduced in 2430 for following designs, the Centurion-1A used primitive technology. The cockpit, engine, and armor were all bulkier and less effective than modern versions. Despite this, the 1A carried three medium lasers into combat. BV (2.0) = 568

• CNT-2D 

  A prototype that saw only limited production, the 2D is intended as a short-range interceptor and adds an SRM-6 rack at the cost of reduced armor and fuel levels. BV (2.0) = 757

• CNT-3S 

  Quickly developed by Lockheed/CBM during the maelstrom of the Jihad, the 3S is a redesign that turns the Centurion into a dedicated ground-support fighter. The wing-mounted lasers were replaced by ER medium lasers while the nose laser was dropped for a TAG system, advanced construction components used to boost speed and armor levels. BV (2.0) = 822

Notes

• The Centurion was introduced in AeroTech (1st edition) as one of the six original designs, but lacked a model number, release date, or any description beyond its game stats. It was finally given a detailed description in line with that of other aerospace fighters in Technical Readout: 3075.

• In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to Optio. The model code was changed as well to OP-9. Presumably, this was done to prevent a mix-up with the BattleMech design Centurion.

Gallery

• 

  Original Centurion from TRO:3057

• 

  Centurion on attack run from TRO:3075

Bibliography

• AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
• Combat Operations
• Objectives: Periphery
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
• Technical Readout: 3057
• Technical Readout: 3075