MAORI
Overview"So, the dinner was exquisite and the company enjoyable, but what proposition does the Khan of Clan Goliath Scorpion have for fetting me, my top scientists, and my senior Pilot this evening?" Ian Hawker asked as the lower-caste servants cleared the last of the dishes from the table.
Ariel Suvorov grinned brightly at the Diamond Shark Khan. "Why, Ian," she answered. "Why do you assume I have an ulterior motive? And a proposition, at that?"
Hawker snorted out a bark of laughter. "You are a Scorpion, Ariel, and your breed does NOTHING without a reason."
"Well, as it just so happens, I do have a subject that I wanted to broach with you tonight," and her eyes sparkeled, "perhaps even a proposition."
She stood and motioned her guests towards the roaring fireplace and the comfortable chairs arrayed before it. Ian snorted again and he nodded, standing as well, quickly followed by Marcus Faulk and Scientist Tam.
"I presume that the subject you wish to broach is another Quicksilver collaboration?" the Shark Khan asked.
"Aff," Ariel answered. "We Scorpions have a concept for new 65-ton OmniFighter . . . but I must admit that we require some . . .," and she paused for a moment before saying the words that no Khan liked to utter, "
assistance in order to transform the concept into reality."
"Ah," mused Ian as he sat down in a chair and lifted a glass of dessert wine. "I thought as much. Why should the Sharks provide you with that assistance, Ariel? True, the
Sand Devil project will generate profits, but that one victory is no surety of another."
"Because together we can win again and the potential profits will outweigh the costs to you."
Ian took a sip of his sherry and nodded. "Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I am here, and I am listening. Not that listening implies agreement, Ariel."
"No, of course not," she answered, before turning to the Shark pilot resting before the fire. "Star Colonel Faulk," she began, "could you tell me what the Clans, as a whole, are lacking in our current OmniFighter programs? In the weight classes that remain which the ilKhan has set our sights upon?"
Marcus frowned. "To be truthful, there is very little else that we actually
need Khan Suvorov. Not now that your
Sarmatian, the Cloud Cobra
Apache, and the Snow Raven
Zulu have been green-lighted for production." He paused and considered before he nodded his head. "Of course, many of our heavier fighters are rather exclusive designs, so perhaps we could use a general-purpose OmniFighter to contend with the
Jagatai and
Sabutai, something slower than the
Turk and
Visigoth, but with sizeable pod-space and decent protection."
"Neg," Ariel answered, drawing a raised eyebrow from Ian Hawker. "The Clans need a low-cost, relatively speaking, of course, medium-weight OmniFighter that can match the firepower of many of those heavy-weight designs you have cited. However, we field
three OmniFighters that can generate a max thrust of 4.5-g's, and two more with a thrust of 5.5-g's. What we are lacking is a mid-range design with a max thrust of 4-g's that is affordable, robust, and enduring."
Now Faulk frowned. "There is the
Jengiz and
Kirghiz in that role . . .," but he was interupted.
"Both of which are
heavy-weight designs, and both of which belong to the Ghost Bears. Who are very stubborn in their refusal to share with, or sell to, other Clans."
"The Wolves do also have the right to produce a limited number of
Jengiz annually," Ian pointed out.
"A limited number, which they keep for themselves. What I, and my Scientists, propose is this, gentlemen. Our two Clans collaborate a new 65-ton OmniFighter with the same thrust profile of the
Jengiz and
Kirghiz. One that carries an impressive amount of armor and fuel and can simply outlast our opponents, yet has enough pod-space to mount even the heaviest of weaponry."
She paused and smiled at Ian Hawker. "You do see the potential profit in such a design,
quiaff?"
"Aff," he answered. "What do you need from my Clan?"
"Two things. My sources tell me that you are looking at the development of a 65-ton standard Aerospace Fighter for use by second-line and garrison forces; at the present time, the Scoprions are unable to design and produce a frame for our new
Maori. We need to use yours; modified as a OmniFighter."
The Shark Scientist jerked upright in her seat. "The
Ammon is just a computer model and simulation at this time! We haven't even begun to develop the schematics for production!"
The Scorpion held up her hand. "Which means that you still have time to modify the frame for Omni-pods,
quiaff?"
There was no answer, but Ariel nodded. "Aff. And we will need a factory to produce the frame when the
Maori wins this competition."
"Can it be done? In a short time-frame?" asked Ian.
"It is possible, my Khan," the Scientist answered. "But we'll have to work out the gremlins while the frame undergoes flight-testing and Trials . . . there could be all sorts of unforeseen difficulties that we will have to iron out on the fly."
"And the second thing you need?"
"The Sharks will have to produce the 195-rate extra-light fusion engine my Scientists believe will suffice to power to the design."
Ian Hawker snorted again. "That is
all you want? Only the
frames and
engines, as well as the factories to produce them! The start-up costs alone will be consid- . . .,"
"Will be outweighed by the potential profits that this design will generate. The Blood Spirits, Burrocks, Cloud Cobras, Fire Mandrills, Hell's Horses, Ice Hellions, Nova Cats, and Star Adders
will purchase this design in bulk from your factories . . . and
mine." Ariel interjected. "My Scorpions will provide the comm system and TTA array, modified from our existing
Fire Scorpion production facility, as well as the Compound GS ferro-aluminum armor from our
Sarmatian line."
"Faulk?" asked Ian.
The pilot shrugged. "It does fill a hole in our Toumans that I had not even realize existed, my Khan. And she's right about the potential profits . . .
IF we win the competition."
"The potential rewards outweigh the risks, Ian," Ariel added. "And what Khan is not, at heart, a gambler?"
Ian Hawker took another sip of his sherry and then he nodded. "And what do the Sharks get out of this deal?"
"Full production rights to all orders above and beyond what my Scorpions can produce."
Ian took another sip and then he shook his head. "Done.
BUT, if your
Maori does not win I also want full compensation for our expenditures on your behalf. Payable over the next twenty years, of course."
Ariel winced. "Agreed."
"Then I do believe we have a deal, Scorpion," the leader of the Diamond Sharks answered.
AeroTech 2 Vessel Technical Readout
VALIDATED
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Base)
Tech: Clan / 3052
Vessel Type: Aerospace OmniFighter
Rules: Level 2, Custom design
Rules Set: AeroTech2
Mass: 65 tons
Frame: Ripscale Type-3
Length: 18 meters
Power Plant: Consolidated 195 XL Fusion
Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Armor Type: Compound GS Ferro-aluminum
Armament:
1 Guardian II ECM Suite
36.0 tons pod-space
Manufacturer: Roche QuadPlex Alpha; Arcadia Plant CM-T15
Location: Roche (QuadPlex); Arcadia (CM-T15)
Communications System: JNE Integrated
Targeting & Tracking System: TRTTS Mark II
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Base)
Mass: 65 tons
Equipment: Mass
Power Plant: 195 XL Fusion 4.00
Thrust: Safe Thrust: 5
Maximum Thrust: 8
Structural Integrity: 6 .00
Total Heat Sinks: 10 Double .00
Fuel: 7.00
Cockpit & Attitude Thrusters: 3.00
Armor Type: Ferro-aluminum (269 total armor pts) 14.00
Standard Scale Armor Pts
Location: L / R
Nose: 72
Left/Right Wings: 72/72
Aft: 53
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 0 29.00
Tons Left: 36.00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 7,746,364 C-Bills
Battle Value: 827
Cost per BV: 9,366.82
Weapon Value: 0 (Ratio = .00)
Damage Factors: SRV = 0; MRV = 0; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: -/-/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 8
Specials: omni, ecmCapabilitiesMassing 65-tons, the
Maori is a joint development from Clans Diamond Shark and Goliath Scorpion for Project Quicksilver. Using a prototype frame stemming from a conceptual computer modeling originating with the proposed Diamond Shark
Ammon design (and hastily modified for the incorporation of Omni-pods), the new fighter was hastily hand-assembled by teams of Laborers, Technicians, and Scientists from both Clans.
Although unproven, the Ripscale-3 frame promises superb atmospheric performance; however, some Shark scientists are concerned about the removal of internal cross-bracing to allow for the use of Omni-pods. This removal was believed to have an impact on the structural integrity of the design slightly, preventing the use of a high-powered engine. However, tests revealed that despite the removal of the internal cross-bracing, the frame design remained just as strong as the original concept.
But high-thrust was never the goal of the Scorpion-Shark development team. A Consolidated 195 Extra-Light Fusion engine provides power for the electronics and weapon systems, as well as generating 2.5-g's of safe thrust and 4-g's of maximum overthrust. Based upon existing 195s taken from captured
Lucifer ASFs, the Consolidated engine is a new design just emerging from Shark factories.
Seven full tons of internal fuel tankage (an almost unheard of amount among Clan fighter craft!) provides the
Maori with exceptional endurance and range. Combined with the
fourteen tons of Compound GS ferro-aluminum armor plating provided by Clan Goliath Scorpion, the
Maori promises to be very robust and difficult to damage. The armor plating on the nose and wings is thick enough to resist penetration by IS Large Lasers and lighter weapons, while the tail is rated to stop internal damage by IS Medium Pulse Lasers and lighter weapons. This heavy level of armor protection exceeds that of the
Jagatai,
Sabutai, and
Jengiz heavy fighters, making the new OmniFighter quite durable in combat.
The Scorpions provided the JNE Integrated communications system along with a modified version of the Mark II TRTTS targeting & tracking array; both of which were originally used on the
Fire Scorpion BattleMech. Simple and reliable systems, the inclusion of software upgrades allows them to make the translation from planetary combat to the vast ranges of aerospace operations without problem. The radar, forward-looking infrared, and thermal sensors of the
Maori were taken directly from the Scorpion
Sarmatian production line; this commonality of parts decreases the logistics demands of the new fighter.
Although only the standard ten double-strength heat sinks were fixed within the frame, the Scorpions insisted upon the installation of a Guardian II ECM Suite for additional defensive coverage. Despite the heavy armor, above average fuel tankage, and fixed ECM, the
Maori retains enough internal volume and mass to accommodate 36.0 tons of pod-mounted weaponry and equipment, along with internal bays allowing the fighter to carry up to thirteen tons of slung ordnance. Unlike many older fighters, the
Maori is able to carry all of that ordnance within a single center-line fuselage bay, and is thus able to accommodate even the largest of weapon systems (albeit, not without significant acceleration and maneuvering penalties).
The smaller engine also reduced overall production cost to below that of the 60-ton
Visigoth and all heavier Clan current production OmniFighters. This (relatively) low-cost in resources makes the
Maori appealing for a number of Clans that have limited resources to expend on outfitting their Touman.
ConfigurationsThe
Maori Prime is armed with a pair of nose-mounted LB-20X autocannons fed by six tons of ammunition (15 tandem bursts). Typically, the fighter will carry a mixed load of cluster and slug, trading accuracy for raw firepower as needed. Eight Extended-Range Small Lasers are the secondary weapons, mounted three each in the right and left wing, with the remaining two firing astern. Twelve double-strength heat sinks compensate for the heat of all forward-firing weapons.
Configuration A features twin Ultra AC-10 autocannons in the nose with four tons of ammunition (20 tandem bursts or 10 tandem double-shots). Each wing carries two ER Medium Lasers with an additional two firing astern. Sixteen DHS allows the configuration to fire all forward weapons (with the UACs on double-tap) without generating any excess overheat.
Configuration B carries twin Gauss Rifles in the nose with three tons of ammunition (12 tandem shots). Secondary weapons consist of four Medium Pulse Lasers (two each in the right and left wing) and two ER Small Lasers (firing astern). Only the base ten DHS are mounted, but this is sufficient to allow for all forward-firing weapons.
Configuration C was created at the insistence of the Diamond Sharks. The main guns are two LRM-20 launchers in the nose, both with Artemis IV fire-control and fed by four tons of ammunition (for 12 double salvoes). Secondary weapons are six ER Medium Lasers (three per wing) and two ER Small Lasers (astern); all of which are tied into a two-ton Targeting Computer. Twenty-one DHS allows for the full use of all forward weapons.
Configuration D is armed only with pulse lasers for maximum accuracy. The nose mounts twin Large Pulse Lasers, along with a Medium Pulse Laser, while each wing and the tail carry two Medium Pulse Lasers. Twenty DHS are more than sufficient to cool this configuration.
The
Maori E is armed with two nose-mounted ER PPCs, four ER Medium Lasers (two in each wing), and two ER Small Lasers (mounted astern). All guns are tied into a four-ton Targeting Computer, while twenty-five DHS provides full cooling for the forward weapons.
Configuration F also carries a four ton Targeting Computer, this one linking four nose-mounted ER Large Lasers and two rear-mounted ER Medium Lasers. Twenty-four DHS allows the Pilot to fire the nose ER Large Lasers without concerns over excess heat production.
Finally, the
Maori G was designed as an infighter. Twelve ER Medium Lasers provide almost unheard of levels of firepower, albeit at the expense of extensive range. Mounted four each in the nose and wings, thirty DHS are provided to dissipate the incredible levels of heat produced. Two ER Small Lasers in the tail are almost an after-thought, although all fourteen guns are tied into a three-ton Targeting Computer.
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Prime)
Total Heat Sinks: 12 Double 2.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 LB 20-X AC Nose 12 12 -- -- 12 24.00
Ammo (LB 20-X) 30 --- 6.00
3 ER Small Laser RW 5 -- -- -- 6 1.50
3 ER Small Laser LW 5 -- -- -- 6 1.50
2 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 4 1.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 28 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 10,101,552 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,901
Cost per BV: 5,313.81
Weapon Value: 2,398 (Ratio = 1.26)
Damage Factors: SRV = 50; MRV = 15; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 5/2/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 19
Specials: omni, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration A)
Total Heat Sinks: 16 Double 6.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Ultra AC/10 Nose 15 15 -- -- 12 20.00
Ammo (Ult AC/10) 40 --- 4.00
2 ER Medium Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
2 ER Medium Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
2 ER Medium Laser Aft 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 42 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 9,740,489 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,136
Cost per BV: 4,560.15
Weapon Value: 2,781 (Ratio = 1.30)
Damage Factors: SRV = 50; MRV = 40; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 6/6/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 21
Specials: omni, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration B)
Total Heat Sinks: 10 Double .00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Gauss Rifle Nose 15 15 15 -- 2 24.00
Ammo (Gauss) 24 --- 3.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
2 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 4 1.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 22 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 9,274,255 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,410
Cost per BV: 3,848.24
Weapon Value: 2,670 (Ratio = 1.11)
Damage Factors: SRV = 59; MRV = 43; LRV = 8; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 6/6/3, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 24
Specials: omni, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration C)
Total Heat Sinks: 21 Double 11.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 LRM 20+ArtIV Nose 16 16 16 -- 12 12.00
Ammo (LRM 20) 24 --- 4.00
3 ER Medium Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 15 3.00
3 ER Medium Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 15 3.00
2 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 4 1.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 Targeting Computer 2.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 46 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 10,277,942 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,705
Cost per BV: 3,799.61
Weapon Value: 3,030 (Ratio = 1.12)
Damage Factors: SRV = 73; MRV = 53; LRV = 8; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 8/8/3, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 27
Specials: omni, if, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration D)
Total Heat Sinks: 20 Double 10.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 Large Pulse Laser Nose 10 10 10 -- 20 12.00
1 Medium Pulse Laser Nose 7 7 -- -- 4 2.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
2 Medium Pulse Laser Aft 7 7 -- -- 8 4.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 48 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 9,121,052 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,420
Cost per BV: 3,769.03
Weapon Value: 3,200 (Ratio = 1.32)
Damage Factors: SRV = 58; MRV = 53; LRV = 8; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 6/6/2, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 24
Specials: omni, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration E)
Total Heat Sinks: 25 Double 15.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 ER PPC Nose 15 15 15 -- 30 12.00
2 ER Medium Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
2 ER Medium Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
2 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 4 1.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 Targeting Computer 4.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 54 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 9,522,692 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,890
Cost per BV: 3,295.05
Weapon Value: 3,166 (Ratio = 1.10)
Damage Factors: SRV = 61; MRV = 45; LRV = 11; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 6/6/3, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 29
Specials: omni, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration F)
Total Heat Sinks: 24 Double 14.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 ER Large Laser Nose 10 10 10 10 48 16.00
2 ER Medium Laser Aft 7 7 -- -- 10 2.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 Targeting Computer 4.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 58 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 9,541,739 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,588
Cost per BV: 3,686.92
Weapon Value: 3,485 (Ratio = 1.35)
Damage Factors: SRV = 43; MRV = 37; LRV = 14; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 4/4/4, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 26
Specials: omni, ecm
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class/Model/Name: Maori (Configuration G)
Total Heat Sinks: 30 Double 20.00
Weapons and Equipment Loc SRV MRV LRV ERV Heat Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 ER Medium Laser Nose 7 7 -- -- 20 4.00
4 ER Medium Laser RW 7 7 -- -- 20 4.00
4 ER Medium Laser LW 7 7 -- -- 20 4.00
2 ER Small Laser Aft 5 -- -- -- 4 1.00
1 ECM Suite Aft -- -- -- -- 0 1.00
1 Targeting Computer 3.00
1 C.A.S.E. Equipment Body .00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS: Heat: 64 65.00
Tons Left: .00
Calculated Factors:
Total Cost: 9,622,067 C-Bills
Battle Value: 2,966
Cost per BV: 3,244.12
Weapon Value: 3,351 (Ratio = 1.13)
Damage Factors: SRV = 86; MRV = 66; LRV = 0; ERV = 0
BattleForce2: MP: 5, Armor/Structure: 7 / 0
Damage PB/M/L: 9/9/-, Overheat: 0
Class: FM; Point Value: 30
Specials: omni, ecmDeploymentTo date, only ten
Maori OmniFighters have been completed . . . and these have required Scorpion and Shark engineers to assemble the fighters by hand. Initial trials on Strana Mechty have indicated the design is quite tough and packs a considerable punch, but as the Shark scientists predicted, there have been a number of malfunctions and glitches with the hastily produced design. Most have so far been minor, but one complete airframe has been destroyed (and the Pilot killed) when the
Maori Prime unexpectedly lost engine power on final landing approach.
This incident (although not uncommon among prototype aerospace and OmniFighters) occurred
after the design was accepted for the Quicksilver Trials. Combined with the other minor system failures and glitches, the crash has resulted in some Clans (especially those with entries of their own) to call for the Scorpions and Sharks to withdraw the
Maori from competition. To date, however, the ilKhan has refused to order such, although he has instructed the technicians of the Ebon Keshik to triple-check the air-frames, engines, and electronics before further test flights.
Author
Topic: Quicksilver Program #23: 65 ton Clan Omnifighter (Read 2403 times)