BLACK SKIES (Excerpt from
Handbook: Clan Goliath Scorpion)
As the Clans of Kerensky responded to the furious spate of design and new construction that emerged from the so-called Hellion Surge, Khan Marcus Solheim and the Scorpion leadership turned their attention towards the long neglected Scorpion aerospace arm. Built to provide ground support for the Scorpion Touman, the Aerospace Fighters and OmniFighters of this branch of the Scorpion military had stagnated and been relegated to a lower priority for decades.
Accordingly, the ability of the Scorpion Touman to win an engagement in the skies had suffered. Although their fleet strength outclassed many other Clans, the inability of their limited number of aerospace assets (primarily of out-dated Star League-era Aerospace Fighters) constantly failed to win victories over other Clans. Disturbed and disquieted by this, Khan Solheim ordered a senior Clan Scientist (Leonard, a former sibkin of the Khan who failed to test as a Warrior, but became an accomplished Scientist in his own right) to quietly examine the effectiveness of the Aerospace Fighter Pilot Phenotype Genetic Program.
His concerns were valid; each successive generation of Pilots had proven weaker and more fragile in physique than Warriors of the MechWarrior Phenotype . . . or even in many cases than Freeborns! Solheim knew the entire problem could not be laid there; the Scorpion Aerospace elements were (by and large) outdated second-line machinery that were almost obsolete. It was, though, an issue that he could address within the Clan. However, over the past decades, fewer and fewer Pilots had managed to win Trials of Position for leadership within the Clan . . . removing a voice for improving that area of the Touman from the leaderships ears.
Scientist Leonard arranged for a Trial of Possession versus Clan Ghost Bear for the Codex records (not genetic material, nor the Warriors themselves, but only the
data on their engagements) of their Pilots. And he compared the results with the data he had on hand from the Scorpions and obtained from other Clans.
The results were striking. The Pilot Phenotype (which Clan Ghost Bear had never adopted, instead using the standard MechWarrior Phenotype or free-birth for Pilots) proved--when carefully measured and adjusted for individual circumstances--only marginally more capable than the Ghost Bear Pilots.
When presented with the results of the study, Khan Solheim took the matter to Scientist-General Dmitri and requested that the Scientists
adjust the Pilot Phenotype Genetic Program. The Scientist-General was opposed to any such change, despite the evidence of just how marginal the ASFPPGP was. In 3009, Khan Solheim removed the Scientist-General from his position in a rarely used prerogative of the Khan.
This move shocked the Clan's Scientist caste to its core . . . but in spite of grumbling within the ranks, they began to comply with the Khan's "request" under the leadership of the newly appointed Scientist-General Leonard.
Eventually, this change would result in the blending and melding of the current generation of Pilot and MechWarrior Phenotypes and the complete phasing out of the separate Pilot program. By 3056--three generations of Warriors later--little trace remained of the original Pilot Phenotype, with Scorpion Pilots more closely resembling the MechWarrior Phenotype. Stronger, more physically fit, and better suited for combat
outside of a cockpit.
But this change addressed only part of the issue.
Khan Solheim recognized the need for new, modern equipment. And the vital requirement for an improvement in Pilot Training and Doctrine.
To that end, he met with Khans Kerlin Ward of Clan Wolf and Terrel N'Buta of Clan Cloud Cobra late in 3008. Solheim requested assistance from both Clans in revamping and revising the Scorpion aerospace training and doctrine. Although Ward was skeptical of any positive results emerging, the inclusion of possible new OmniFighter designs in Solheim's proposal had him rather intrigued. Khan N'Buta, on the other hand, was more than willing to work with Solheim and the Scorpions on designing and fielding one (or more) new OmniFighter designs . . . and if teaching the Scorpion Pilots to better use their abilities was the cost, it was a cost he was willing to pay.
By early 3009, Cobra instructors had arrived at all Primary and Secondary Scorpion Training Facilities and the task of rewriting and implementing a new doctrine had begun. Long tired of the neglect shown to the Aerospace elements of the Clan, the Scorpion Pilots responded with a fervor.
Although some elements of what were adopted were viewed (primarily by Crusaders) as "un-Clan-like", Solheim used his authority and influence to ensure that the program--in full--was adopted and implemented. One critical element that the Cobra trainers stressed was that even under the conditions of
zellbrigen, it was imperative for the two Pilots of a Point to remain in close supporting formation. This provided the second Warrior the means and opportunity to protect and defend his Starmate against another hostile seeking to turn an honorable Trial into a grand melee.
The majority of Clans had long since abandoned this simple concept of "the wingman." Instead, each Pilot sought out a foe and fought for their own personal glory and honor . . . and when fighting in a Grand Melee or against
dezgra opponents quickly found himself isolated and alone--and vulnerable.
Solheim agreed and ordered the new doctrine fully implemented and offered a Trial of Refusal--in melee combat--against any Pilot who felt that he could not comply. There were few challengers, and those who did challenge the Khan were found wanting.
As the Cobra trainers began their work, a team of Warriors and Scientists from the Cobras, the Scorpions, and the Wolves began work on a series of new OmniFighters. Khan Solheim insisted on three points with the new designs.
First, they must be compatible with Scorpion logistical needs and ability to supply. Hence, they could only use a 350XL or 360XL engine. This sharply limited the range of chassis available, but the Cobras saw this as a challenge, whereas the Wolves were not really expecting much to emerge from the design study group in the first place.
Second, Khan Solheim pointed out that a new fighter could be built in a matter of weeks or months . . . but that it took almost two
decades to raise and train a Pilot. He insisted that any new OmniFighter have an almost unheard of level of armor protection. Armor protection thick enough to resist threshold penetration on the nose and wings by Clan Medium Pulse or ER Medium Lasers.
And finally, in a dramatic change from contemporary Clan aerospace doctrine, the Scorpion Khan pushed for the inclusion of a massive
seven-ton fuel tank in every design considered. While the Wolves considered this ludicrous, the Cobras were intrigued. Current Clan three- or four-ton fuel tankage was limited and existing designs with five-ton tankage routinely were able to simply outlast and outmaneuver their Clan opponents because they could use their effective thrust more often, while retaining the fuel to accomplish their mission.
This last requirement was one too many for the Wolves. Khan Ward sent his regrets to Khan Solheim, but he saw little use for fighters that were (in his words) . . . "deliberately designed to be woefully underarmed." He withdrew the Wolf Warriors and Scientists from the design group.
But rumors of the project had reached other ears, and in early 3010, Khan Tobias Cobb of Clan Hell's Horses reached out to Solheim. Interested in OmniFighters designed and optimized for ground strike missions, he offered his assistance in the program. Khan N'Buta took some convincing at receiving help from such an ardent Crusader, but by May he grudgingly agreed.
By 3011, the first of the newly designed prototypes--the 50-ton
Comanche--was ready for test flights and combat trials.
COMANCHECAPABILITIESBuilt on a 50-ton frame derived from (and very similar to) the ancient 45-ton
Firebird Aerospace Fighter design, the
Comanche uses the same Skorpion Type I engine as the newly developed
Sand Devil and
Goliath Scorpion OmniMechs. This engine--rated at 350XL--has been modified for use in OmniFighter by the addition of three thrust chambers for propulsion.
Although the choice of this engine simplified Scorpion logistical efforts, it raised some eyebrows among other Clans. This powerful (and heavy) element of the design gives the
Comanche a safe thrust of 4.5-G's and an emergency overthrust of 7-G's! The same as that of the 40-ton
Batu OmniFighter!
The
Comanche also differs from previously seen Clan OmniFighters in that it carries rather more fuel than is common. Tankage for seven full tons are provided for this design. While there are some who regard this as a waste, several Clans (including Cloud Cobra and Snow Raven) consider it inspired! The larger fuel bunkers allows the Warrior piloting a
Comanche to make longer high-thrust burns and avoid many opponents until their onboard fuel supplies are critical. Combined with the high-thrust of the design, the
Comanche is often able to out-maneuver and out-accelerate its foes.
Realizing that the most valuable part of the
Comanche design was its Pilot, Khan Solheim directed the Scientists and Warriors on the design team to ensure that the new Scorpion design provided sufficient protection to prevent threshold criticals by the most commonly used light weapon systems . . . up to and including the ubiquitous Clan ER Medium and Medium Pulse Lasers. With thirteen tons of Ferro-Aluminum armor plating, the
Comanche carries heavier armor plating than any other Clan Light-weight or Medium-weight OmniFighter design . . . more than
any design save the
Kirghiz,
Jengiz, or the
Scytha. And even the mighty
Scytha only has one additional ton of armor protection over the
Comanche!
Unfortunately, the large fuel load and heavy armor protection left little room for weapons. Omni-Pod space is limited to a mere 12.0 tons and the design carries only ten fixed double-strength heat sinks. Most Clan Warriors see this as a flaw; after all, the 40-ton
Batu (with the same thrust!) has 12 fixed DHS and 16.0 tons of pod-space.
However, to (somewhat) counter the limited pod-space, the design team included space for a dedicated Targeting Computer. Although this system could be omitted, the Scorpions are well known for being obsessed with precision shots that the Targeting Computer allows.
Finally, the design includes two bays for carried ordnance; typically gravity bombs or glide bombs for ground support operations, but sometimes Arrow IV air-to-surface munitions or additional drop-tanks of fuel. The
Comanche retains a safe thrust of 3.5-G's (max thrust of 5.5-G's) even while carrying a full load of ordnance, making it a superb medium weight strike bomber!
CONFIGURATIONThe
Comanche Prime carries just two nose-mounted guns: a pair of ER Large Lasers. Two additional double-strength heat sinks allow for the weapons to be used constantly without straining the power systems or cooling systems of the
Comanche Prime. A two-ton Targeting Computer is also standard equipment, allowing the Pilot to ensure that even his longest range shots are more accurate than those of his foes.
Configuration A has four nose-mounted ER Medium Lasers, supported by two two-gun bays of ER Small Lasers mounted in the wings. Once again, there is a two-ton Targeting Computer standard, and fourteen DHS provides for 100% of the cooling requirements of the design.
One of the most popular configurations among Scorpion Pilots is the
Comanche B. Foregoing any attempt at winning the long-range battle, this configuration instead features a total of fourteen ER Small Lasers! While two are mounted to fire astern as a deterrent to hostile ASF, the remaining twelve (mounted four each in the nose, right wing, and left wing) are intended for offensive use. All fourteen lasers are tied into a two-ton Targeting for maximum accuracy, while twelve double-strength heat sinks provide sufficient cooling for all forward mounted weapons. Finally, Configuration B also carries a nose-mounted ECM Suite, providing additional protection as it closes to knife-fighting range. This configuration excels at providing fire support for ground forces as it is capable of delivering fearsome strafing runs!
Next is the
Comanche C. Like the B, this version also carries a nose-mounted Active Probe and twelve double-strength heat sinks, along with a two-ton Targeting Computer. But the armament is divided between an ER Large Laser (nose mounted) and six ER Small Lasers (two each in the nose, right wing, and left wing). The
Comanche C often operates in concert with the B config, covering the other OmniFighters as they close on their target.
The final configuration in common use by Clan Goliath Goliath Scorpion is the
Comanche D. The main weapon is a nose-mounted ER PPC, supported by eight ER Small Lasers (four each in the right and left wings). All nine weapons are tied into a two-ton Targeting Computer. However, with only the base 10 double-strength heat sinks, it is critical that a Pilot of the D Configuration alternate between the long-ranged and powerful ER PPC and the high-damage short-ranged ER Small Laser bays. Using both on an Alpha Strike will rapidly place the entire OmniFighter in jeopardy of an engine shutdown or having to suffer erratic and uncontrolled vector and acceleration changes.
DEPLOYMENTThe
Comanche is a rarely encountered Clan Omni-Fighter, normally seen only within the Scorpion Touman. However, a handful of examples have made their way into other Clans as
isorla or as the results of trade negotiations. The Cloud Cobras, Hell's Horse, and, Snow Ravens are among those who possess a few and they are considering acquiring more. However, further testing and combat Trials need to be accomplished before any such action will be taken.
During Operation Revival, the
Comanche saw use at the Battle of Tukkayid by Clan Jade Falcon. Needing to rebuild elements of its OmniFighter Stars ravaged by the first few Invasion Waves, the Falcons relied not only on their own production, but obtained OmniFighters from the Home Clans. Including a full Trinary of
Comanches from Clans Goliath Scorpion and Hell's Horses.
Used as strike bombers, the sudden appearance of a previously unseen and unexpected OmniFighter came as a shock to the ComGuard troops. Perhaps it was only human nature, but when the Falcon Trinary approached the battlefield (fully laden with bombs) at maximum thrust, the ComGuards assumed these medium-weight Aerospace Fighters were the strike
escort . . . rather than the actual bombers! This mistake allowed the Falcon
Comanches to penetrate deep into the ComGuard rear and deliver a devastating aerial attack on a divisional headquarters.
However, after this encounter, ComStar made certain that the true capabilities of the
Comanche were known, and Clan Pilots can no longer expect to surprise their Inner Sphere opponents with the speed, agility, endurance, and armor of this OmniFighter.
