Shilone

Shilone
Production information
Manufacturer	Wakazashi Enterprises
Production Year	2796
Model	SL-17
Class	Medium aerospace fighter
Tech Base	Inner Sphere
Cost	3,399,045 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	65 tons
Structural Integrity	6
Frame	Wakazashi III
Power Plant	Shinobi 260
Armor	Naketsu AeroWeave Standard
Fuel	400 - 5 tons
Armament	1x Large laser 1x LRM-20 2x Medium lasers 1x SRM-4
Communications System	Duoteck 100
Tracking & Targeting System	RCA Instatrac Mark XI
Heat Sinks	20 single heat sinks
BV (1.0)	1,149
BV (2.0)	1,266

Description

A medium aerospace fighter mostly used by the Draconis Combine, the Shilone has heavier arms and armor than most other fighters in its weight class. Early models suffered a manufacturing defect in the wing joint resulting in several fatal crashes, however all models were later upgraded with new wing joints and have had no structural failures since. An interesting point of design, pilots enter and exit through an access hatch on the fighter's belly.

Weapons and Equipment

The SL-17 Shilone mounts a Shigunga LRM-20 and a Diverse Optics Type 10 large laser in the nose, supported by two Diverse Optics Type 20 medium lasers in the wings for closer ranges and finishing weakened targets. In case of another fighter finding itself behind the Shilone, a rear-facing NCK "Thornbush" SRM-4 launcher can dispatch the pursuer.

Variants

• SL-17AC 

  The most notable variant replaces the nose-mounted LRM-20 rack and a single heat sink with a pair of AC/2s, with a total ammo loadout of 45 rounds. This allows the Shilone to fight at increased range, surprising the enemy and staying out of harm's way.
  BV (1.0) = 1,016 , BV (2.0) = 972

• SL-17R 

  This simple upgrade of the SL-17 replaces the single heat sinks with double strength versions. BV (1.0) = 1,214, BV (2.0) = 1,230

• SL-17X 

  A Jihad-era experimental refit by Pablito Reynolds, this variant has been equipped with 10.5 tons of ferro-aluminum armor. Its principal weapon is an improved heavy Gauss rifle with three tons of ammunition and, while it retains the original 17R's large laser, a pair of Clan ER medium lasers have fitted on each wing. In addition to the additional armor, the fighter has been given a pair of rear-mounted chaff pods. 10 double heat sinks are installed to handle new heat curve. BV (2.0) = 1,917

• SL-18 

  This Jihad variant replaces the armor with ferro-aluminum, and upgrades the lasers to ER models. An XL engine is substituted for lighter weight, and replaces the original missile launchers with three MML-7s in the nose and one in the rear. BV (1.0) = 1,037

Notable Pilots

• Tyra Miraborg: A pilot from the Free Rasalhague Republic, Tyra Miraborg flew a Shilone on her fateful mission against the Clans in 3050 over Radstadt, when she crashed her fighter into the bridge of the Clan Wolf flagship Dire Wolf, killing ilKhan Leo Showers at the cost of her own life.

Notes

• Plastic SL-17 is included in BattleTech Salvage Box: Shilone

Gallery

• 

  Original SL-17 Shilone from TRO:3025

• 

  SL-17 Shilone from TRO:3025 Revised

• 

  Shilone from ForcePack RS Wave Two

• 

  Shilone miniature from BattleTech Salvage Box: Shilone

Bibliography

• AeroTech 2 Record Sheets
• Combat Operations
• Experimental Technical Readout: Kurita
• Lethal Heritage
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Objective Raids
• Record Sheets: 3039
• Technical Readout: 3025
• Technical Readout: 3025 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3039
• Technical Readout: 3057