PH-1 Phantom
Mass: 75 Tons
Frame: PH-1
Power Plant: Leneex 300
Armor: Protectorate Standard Plate
Armament:
2 Donal PPCs
6 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Protectorate Defense Conglomerate
Primary Factory: Diik
Communication System: Protectorate Electronics Com Alpha1-3
Targeting & Tracking System: Protectorate Electronics Sureshot Mk 2
Type: Phantom
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 75
Equipment Mass
Engine: 300 19
Safe Thrust: 6
Maximum Thrust: 9
Structural Integrity: 7
Heat Sinks: 20 10
Fuel: 640 8
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 240 15
Nose 80
Wings 60/60
Aft 40
Weapons and Ammo Location Tonnage
2 PPCs Nose 14
2 Medium Lasers RW 2
2 Medium Lasers LW 2
2 Medium Lasers Aft 2
Overview:
Following the introduction of the S-3 Star Dagger, the Calderon Protectorate began to look for a heavier aerospace fighter for their forces. One of the biggest challenges facing the Protectorate Aerospace Arm was not the lack of equipment, but rather the limited number of pilots in the PDF. It was felt that a heavy fighter would provide better protection for the valuable pilots. Protectorate Defense Conglomeration was tasked with developing a heavy fighter that would become the mainstay of the PDF Aerospace Arm. A further requirement called for the new fighter to be optimized for service about the CPS Redemption. After several years of development, the first prototype of the PH-1 Phantom flew in 3090, with full production beginning in 3093.
Capabilities:
Before the PH-1 Phantom design team began working on the new design, they spent a month on board the CPS Redemption, working along the deck hands responsible for flight operations and fighter maintenance. Armed with this experience they began to develop the new fighter. One of their first decisions was to use a compact frame for the fighter. This would ease handling of the planes on board ships where space is at a premium. They also incorporated numerous access panels in the frame to facilitate maintenance. The rear of the plane is attached with only a few quick release connectors allowing easy access to the 2 engines. A complete engine swap can be performed in less then 30 minutes. As a result the PH-1 is considered a dream by the maintenance crews assigned to it, it is rare for one of these planes to be down for maintenance for more then an hour or 2.
The PH-1 Phantom carries 15 tons of armor on it's frame, providing it with protection equal to that on many heavy fighters. The armor is heaviest on the nose of the plane, where the pilot sits in what is referred to as an armored bathtub. This heavy armor plating around the cockpit provides the pilot with extra protection, especially from enemy flak. It is hoped that this extra armor will protect the pilots from injury or death. The design team also included triple redundant control systems in the Phantom. Two wide separated electrical control systems and a back up mechanical system provide the pilot with control of the engines, maneuvering thrusters and control surfaces. During one of the Phantom's first actions against pirate forces, one plane suffered heavy damage, including the loss of the left wing and multiple hits to the fuselage. Despite losing 1 engine and the primary control system, the pilot was able to return to the Redemption and safely land on board. After reviewing the damage to the plane, it was determined that had the pilot suffered similar damage in a Chippewa or Thunderbird, he would have lost complete control of his plane and in all likeliness would have been lost in deep space.
The Phantoms' weapons array was chosen to ease operations when deployed on the Redemption or other ships. Rather then use bulky ammo weapons that require resupply, they chose to use only energy weapons. The main guns are a pair of nose mounted Particle Cannons. These provide the ship with a powerful punch and are equally effective against enemy fighters and dropships. Supporting these are 6 medium lasers, 2 of which are positioned to cover the rear of the plane.
One of the few controversial decisions made by the design team was to supply the Phantom with an oversized fuel tank. Many critics of the design claim that the space could be better used for additional weaponry. According to the design team, the oversized fuel tank increases the survivability and capabilities of the plane, providing it with an extended radius of operation and allowing it engage in combat for longer periods of time. The fuel system also distributes the fuel into 2 ton tanks spread across the plane. In the event that a fuel tank is hit it can be sealed off from the rest of system, so that the remaining fuel is not vented out into space, leaving the pilot unable to maneuver or return to her base.
Deployment:
The first production runs of the Phantom have been assigned to Air Divisions serving on the CPS Redemption. The new fighter has been enthusiastically received by both the pilots and technicians assigned to them. The Phantom has only seen action a few times against pirate raiders. The Phantom has performed well in each of those actions, accounting for several pirate fighters with no losses.
