Difference between revisions of "Corsair"

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==Description==
 
==Description==
Originally an unreliable [[Aerospace Fighter]] developed in the wake of the [[Amaris Civil War]], the ''Corsair'' has been improved over time to be a reliable and safe craftMost of the [[Star League]] era production facilities were located in [[House Davion]] controlled space,  and is seen mostly in [[Federated Suns]] units, although both [[House Marik]] and [[House Kurita]] fly variants.   
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The '''Corsair''' was originally introduced as a means to replace the horrific losses suffered by the [[Star League Defense Force]] following the end of the [[Amaris Civil War]].  A working prototype of the ''Corsair'' had already been produced when the SLDF approached Wangker Aerospace for an easy-to-refit [[Aerospace Fighter]], which allowed them to begin full-scale production within months.  Unfortunately the original V1 series had serious flaws: the fuel tank would rupture when the craft made turns operating in an atmosphere, the landing gear could not support its weight in an emergency landing, and the life support system in the cockpit was easily shatteredWhile such faults would have killed most other designs, the positive aspects of the ''Corsair'' were so impressive the [[Star League]] permitted its continuation while Wangker fixed the issues.  The fuel tank problem would be corrected in the V2 series, while the life support issues were hashed out in the V3 through V8 series, with continuing improvements up to the V12 series.<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 156</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 200</ref>
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The compact laser system and sleek design of the ''Corsair'' makes it a superior aerospace fighter in an atmosphere, rivaling the capabilities of [[Conventional Fighter]]s.  Thirteen and a half tons of armor provides a good amount of protection, while sixteen [[heat sinks]] keeps the all-energy weapon loadout from overheating. It carries of fuel load of five tons and its GM 200 power plant can achieve a maximum thrust of four and a half gravities, with a safe thrust factor of three gravities.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
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Most of Wangker's ''Corsair'' factories were located in the [[Federated Suns]], and so when the Star League fell five years after its introduction House Davion managed to seize control of them, with the [[Free Worlds League]] capturing a single production line on [[Connaught]].  Within five years of the start of the [[First Succession War]] however all of these factories had been destroyed, though through salvage efforts Wangker managed to piece together a new line on [[Axton]] and keep it open over the centuries of constant raiding.  When the Connaught facility was destroyed in the opening shots of the war only a few hundred had been produced for the [[FWLM]], and these eventually fell into the hands of the [[Principality of Regulus]].  When the [[Federated Commonwealth]] was formed debate raged on whether the ''Corsair'' or the ''[[Lucifer]]'' should be the [[AFFC]]'s standard medium fighter, and in mock combat trials the ''Corsair'' won more often than not.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
 
==Armament==
 
==Armament==
Geared towards short range combat, the ''Corsair'' carries a Marshall [[Medium Laser]] in each wing,  with two Exostar [[Small Laser]]s and two Exostar [[Large Laser]]s filling the nose.  For coverage to the stern, the remaining two Exostar [[Small Laser]]s are mounted to the rear to discourage attack from there.
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Geared towards short range combat, the ''Corsair'' carries a a total of two Martell [[Medium Laser]]s and four Exostar [[Small Laser]]s, while two Exostar [[Large Laser]]s gives it some additional reach.  Both medium lasers are located in each wing, with the large lasers and two of the small lasers filling the nose.  For coverage to the stern, the remaining two small lasers are mounted to the rear and tied directly into the targeting systems, giving the pilot extreme accuracy in his rear field of fire.  The compact laser systems are also well-suited for a ground-attack role, while the presence of sixteen heat sinks means the ''Corsair'' can continuously fire both large lasers and fire the medium and small lasers with negligible heat buildup.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
* CSR-V12b - Almost identical to the V14 variant, this version removes the standard weaponry and replaces it with two nose mounted [[ER Large Laser]]s, a nose mounted Medium Laser, and a [[Medium Pulse Laser]] in each wing. It also mounts fifteen double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,388<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 85</ref>
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* CSR-V12b - Almost identical to the V14 variant, this version used during [[Operation Klondike]] removes the standard weaponry and replaces it with two nose mounted [[ER Large Laser]]s, a nose mounted Medium Laser, and a [[Medium Pulse Laser]] in each wing. It also mounts fifteen double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,388<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 85</ref>
  
* CSR-V12M - A [[House Marik]] design, which replaces one of the [[Large Laser|Large Lasers]] with two more tons of armor and three additional heat sinks to help with the heat buildup of this energy weapon dependent craft. Also known as the ''Sand Hawk'' to [[House Kurita]] military units. BV (1.0) = 1,039<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 253</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 80</ref>,  BV (2.0) = 1,121
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* CSR-V12M - A House Marik design, it was introduced among the Regulan areospace forces in an attempt to preserve their dwindling number of ''Corsairs''.  One of the large lasers was replaced for two more tons of armor and three additional heat sinks.  While increasing the craft's survivability it is disliked by many for reducing the ''Corsair'''s firepower. Also known as the ''Sand Hawk'' to [[House Kurita]] military units.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,039<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 253</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 80</ref>,  BV (2.0) = 1,121
  
* CSR-V14 - The V14 was introduced during the early 3050s, which consisted of a simple refit of the standard ''Corsair''. The craft's Large Lasers are exchanged for [[ER Large Laser|Extended-Range Large Lasers]]. Also as a part of the re-design, its heatsinks were upgraded to double capacity. The upgrade came in the form of a refit kit for House Davion ''Corsairs'' and had completely replaced all vintage ''Corsairs'' by the start of the [[FedCom Civil War]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 200 - "Variants".</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,259<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 254</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,330
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* CSR-V14 - The V14 was introduced during the early 3050s, which consisted of a simple refit of the standard ''Corsair'', with the craft's large lasers exchanged for [[ER Large Laser|Extended-Range Large Lasers]]. Also as a part of the re-design, its heat sinks were upgraded to [[double heat sink|double capacity]]. The upgrade came in the form of a refit kit for House Davion ''Corsairs'' and had completely replaced all vintage ''Corsairs'' by the start of the [[FedCom Civil War]].<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,259<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 254</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,330
  
* CSR-V18 - An upgrade of the V14 design, this variant was introduced during the early portion of the [[Jihad]]. In addition to the fighter's ER Large Lasers, the craft has been given a pair of [[Light PPC|Light PPCs]]. Its forward mounted Small Lasers are removed, while its rear facing ones are upgraded to [[ER Small Laser|Extended Range Small Lasers]]. The craft's armor has been exchanged for [[Heavy Ferro-Aluminum]]. It now carries seventeen double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 1,127<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 255</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,127
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* CSR-V18 - An upgrade of the V14 design, this variant was introduced during the early portion of the [[Jihad]]. In addition to the fighter's ER Large Lasers, the craft's forward small lasers were removed and it was given a pair of [[Light PPC|Light PPCs]]. The rear facing ones were upgraded to [[ER Small Laser|Extended Range Small Lasers]] while seventeen double heat sinks keep it cool. Finally the power plant was replaced for an [[XL Engine]] and it's armor exchanged for [[Heavy Ferro-Aluminum]]. Though the outbreak of the Jihad disrupted the distribution of these modern ''Cosairs'', they have since made their way to many [[AFFS]] units and received good reviews.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,127<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 255</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,127
  
* CSR-V20 - This is a variant introduced by [[House Davion]] during the Succession Wars. It replaces the Medium Lasers and Small Lasers with an [[SRM-6]] system and ammo. It is typically seen in the Davions' [[42nd Avalon Hussars|Avalon Hussars 42nd Regiment]]. BV (1.0) = 986<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 256</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 79</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,112
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* CSR-V20 - This variant was introduced by House Davion during the Succession Wars. It replaces the medium and small lasers with an [[SRM-6]] system and ammo. V20s were typically seen in the Davions' [[42nd Avalon Hussars|Avalon Hussars 42nd Regiment]]. BV (1.0) = 986<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 256</ref><ref>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 79</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,112
  
* CSR-X12 ''Corsair'' - Developed under the auspices of the RIGID NIGHT project during the [[Jihad]], this ''Corsair'' variant uses an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[XXL Engine]] to provide approximately 50% more speed than the standard CSR-V12. The existing weapons systems are replaced with [[Clan]] produced pulse lasers: Two [[Small Pulse Laser]]s cover the rear, while another pair of Small Pulse Lasers and four [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s fire forward. The weight savings from the XXL engine allowed engineers to add an extra five tons of standard armor. BV (2.0) = 2,000<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Davion'', p. 12</ref>
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* CSR-X12 ''Corsair'' - Developed under the auspices of the RIGID NIGHT project during the Jihad, this ''Corsair'' variant uses an [[Experimental Technology|experimental]] [[XXL Engine]] to provide approximately 50% more speed than the standard CSR-V12. The existing weapons systems are replaced with [[Clan]] produced pulse lasers: Two [[Small Pulse Laser]]s cover the rear, while another pair of small pulse lasers and four [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s fire forward. The weight savings from the XXL engine allowed engineers to add an extra five tons of standard armor. BV (2.0) = 2,000<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Davion'', p. 12</ref>
  
 
* CSR-12D - This production version of the ''Corsair'' RIGID NIGHT prototype removes the Clan-spec lasers and the XXL engine. Instead a standard XL Engine provides power to the ''Corsair'' while the weapons consist of a [[Large X-Pulse Laser]] and [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]] in the nose, an [[ER Medium Laser]] in each wing, and another [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]] covering the rear. The slightly smaller engine provides nearly 90% of the XXL engine of the RIGID NIGHT, a loss of speed that was thought acceptable. Finally the entire airframe is covered in fourteen and a half tons of [[Heavy Ferro-Aluminium]] armor, which provides enough protection for most dogfights. BV (2.0) = 1,619<ref name=TRO:Proto>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 173</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Prototypes'', p. 87</ref>
 
* CSR-12D - This production version of the ''Corsair'' RIGID NIGHT prototype removes the Clan-spec lasers and the XXL engine. Instead a standard XL Engine provides power to the ''Corsair'' while the weapons consist of a [[Large X-Pulse Laser]] and [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]] in the nose, an [[ER Medium Laser]] in each wing, and another [[Medium X-Pulse Laser]] covering the rear. The slightly smaller engine provides nearly 90% of the XXL engine of the RIGID NIGHT, a loss of speed that was thought acceptable. Finally the entire airframe is covered in fourteen and a half tons of [[Heavy Ferro-Aluminium]] armor, which provides enough protection for most dogfights. BV (2.0) = 1,619<ref name=TRO:Proto>''Technical Readout: Prototypes'', p. 173</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: Prototypes'', p. 87</ref>

Revision as of 17:22, 23 August 2013

Corsair.jpg
Corsair
Production information
Manufacturer Wangker Aerospace
Production Year 2779[1]
Model CSR-V12
Class Medium
Tech Base Inner Sphere
Cost 2,293,958
Technical specifications
Mass 50 tons
Structural Integrity 6
Frame Wangker II
Power Plant GM 200
Fuel 400 - 5 tons
Armament
Communications System Ranker 100B
Tracking & Targeting System Ranker TA800
Heat Sinks 16
BV (1.0) 1,006[2][3]
BV (2.0) 1,190

Description

The Corsair was originally introduced as a means to replace the horrific losses suffered by the Star League Defense Force following the end of the Amaris Civil War. A working prototype of the Corsair had already been produced when the SLDF approached Wangker Aerospace for an easy-to-refit Aerospace Fighter, which allowed them to begin full-scale production within months. Unfortunately the original V1 series had serious flaws: the fuel tank would rupture when the craft made turns operating in an atmosphere, the landing gear could not support its weight in an emergency landing, and the life support system in the cockpit was easily shattered. While such faults would have killed most other designs, the positive aspects of the Corsair were so impressive the Star League permitted its continuation while Wangker fixed the issues. The fuel tank problem would be corrected in the V2 series, while the life support issues were hashed out in the V3 through V8 series, with continuing improvements up to the V12 series.[4][5]

The compact laser system and sleek design of the Corsair makes it a superior aerospace fighter in an atmosphere, rivaling the capabilities of Conventional Fighters. Thirteen and a half tons of armor provides a good amount of protection, while sixteen heat sinks keeps the all-energy weapon loadout from overheating. It carries of fuel load of five tons and its GM 200 power plant can achieve a maximum thrust of four and a half gravities, with a safe thrust factor of three gravities.[4][5]

Most of Wangker's Corsair factories were located in the Federated Suns, and so when the Star League fell five years after its introduction House Davion managed to seize control of them, with the Free Worlds League capturing a single production line on Connaught. Within five years of the start of the First Succession War however all of these factories had been destroyed, though through salvage efforts Wangker managed to piece together a new line on Axton and keep it open over the centuries of constant raiding. When the Connaught facility was destroyed in the opening shots of the war only a few hundred had been produced for the FWLM, and these eventually fell into the hands of the Principality of Regulus. When the Federated Commonwealth was formed debate raged on whether the Corsair or the Lucifer should be the AFFC's standard medium fighter, and in mock combat trials the Corsair won more often than not.[4][5]

Armament

Geared towards short range combat, the Corsair carries a a total of two Martell Medium Lasers and four Exostar Small Lasers, while two Exostar Large Lasers gives it some additional reach. Both medium lasers are located in each wing, with the large lasers and two of the small lasers filling the nose. For coverage to the stern, the remaining two small lasers are mounted to the rear and tied directly into the targeting systems, giving the pilot extreme accuracy in his rear field of fire. The compact laser systems are also well-suited for a ground-attack role, while the presence of sixteen heat sinks means the Corsair can continuously fire both large lasers and fire the medium and small lasers with negligible heat buildup.[4][5]

Variants

  • CSR-V12b - Almost identical to the V14 variant, this version used during Operation Klondike removes the standard weaponry and replaces it with two nose mounted ER Large Lasers, a nose mounted Medium Laser, and a Medium Pulse Laser in each wing. It also mounts fifteen double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 1,388[6]
  • CSR-V12M - A House Marik design, it was introduced among the Regulan areospace forces in an attempt to preserve their dwindling number of Corsairs. One of the large lasers was replaced for two more tons of armor and three additional heat sinks. While increasing the craft's survivability it is disliked by many for reducing the Corsair's firepower. Also known as the Sand Hawk to House Kurita military units.[4][5] BV (1.0) = 1,039[7][8], BV (2.0) = 1,121
  • CSR-V14 - The V14 was introduced during the early 3050s, which consisted of a simple refit of the standard Corsair, with the craft's large lasers exchanged for Extended-Range Large Lasers. Also as a part of the re-design, its heat sinks were upgraded to double capacity. The upgrade came in the form of a refit kit for House Davion Corsairs and had completely replaced all vintage Corsairs by the start of the FedCom Civil War.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,259[9], BV (2.0) = 1,330
  • CSR-V18 - An upgrade of the V14 design, this variant was introduced during the early portion of the Jihad. In addition to the fighter's ER Large Lasers, the craft's forward small lasers were removed and it was given a pair of Light PPCs. The rear facing ones were upgraded to Extended Range Small Lasers while seventeen double heat sinks keep it cool. Finally the power plant was replaced for an XL Engine and it's armor exchanged for Heavy Ferro-Aluminum. Though the outbreak of the Jihad disrupted the distribution of these modern Cosairs, they have since made their way to many AFFS units and received good reviews.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,127[10], BV (2.0) = 1,127
  • CSR-V20 - This variant was introduced by House Davion during the Succession Wars. It replaces the medium and small lasers with an SRM-6 system and ammo. V20s were typically seen in the Davions' Avalon Hussars 42nd Regiment. BV (1.0) = 986[11][12], BV (2.0) = 1,112
  • CSR-X12 Corsair - Developed under the auspices of the RIGID NIGHT project during the Jihad, this Corsair variant uses an experimental XXL Engine to provide approximately 50% more speed than the standard CSR-V12. The existing weapons systems are replaced with Clan produced pulse lasers: Two Small Pulse Lasers cover the rear, while another pair of small pulse lasers and four Medium Pulse Lasers fire forward. The weight savings from the XXL engine allowed engineers to add an extra five tons of standard armor. BV (2.0) = 2,000[13]
  • CSR-12D - This production version of the Corsair RIGID NIGHT prototype removes the Clan-spec lasers and the XXL engine. Instead a standard XL Engine provides power to the Corsair while the weapons consist of a Large X-Pulse Laser and Medium X-Pulse Laser in the nose, an ER Medium Laser in each wing, and another Medium X-Pulse Laser covering the rear. The slightly smaller engine provides nearly 90% of the XXL engine of the RIGID NIGHT, a loss of speed that was thought acceptable. Finally the entire airframe is covered in fourteen and a half tons of Heavy Ferro-Aluminium armor, which provides enough protection for most dogfights. BV (2.0) = 1,619[14][15]

Custom Variants

  • Corsair Bob - Flown by a pilot in the Tsamma Crucis March Militia, this variant of the Corsair replaces the standard CSR-V12's weaponry with a Rotary AC/5 and Streak SRM-6. Engine and speed performance remain the same as the CSR-V12, but an additional half-ton of armor is on the airframe. Three tons of autocannon ammo keep the Corsair Bob in the fight and the ammo efficient Streak launcher only gets one ton of ammunition. BV (1.0) = 1,216[16]

Design Quirks

The CSR-12D Corsair variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[14]

Gallery


Notes

TRO 3039 and RS: 3039 battle values differ. As of this writing have not been corrected in PDF form.

References

  1. MUL online date for the Corsair
  2. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 252
  3. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 78
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 156
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 200
  6. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 85
  7. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 253
  8. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 80
  9. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 254
  10. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 255
  11. Record Sheets: 3039, p. 256
  12. AeroTech 2 Record Sheets, p. 79
  13. Experimental Technical Readout: Davion, p. 12
  14. 14.0 14.1 Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 173
  15. Record Sheets: Prototypes, p. 87
  16. Record Sheets: Unique Fighters, p. 8

Bibliography