S-3 Star Dagger
Mass: 30 Tons
Frame: SD-1
Power Plant: Leneex 210
Armor: Protectorate Standard Plate
Armament:
5 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Protectorate Defense Conglomerate
Primary Factory: Diik
Communication System: Protectorate Electronics Basic Com-1
Targeting & Tracking System: Protectorate Electronics Sureshot
Type: Star Dagger
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Tonnage: 30
Equipment Mass
Engine: 210 9
Safe Thrust: 9
Maximum Thrust: 14
Structural Integrity: 9
Heat Sinks: 12 2
Fuel: 400 5
Cockpit 3
Armor Factor 96 6
Nose 30
Wings 23/23
Aft 20
Weapons and Ammo Location Tonnage
2 Medium Lasers Nose 2
Medium Laser RW 1
Medium Laser LW 1
Medium Laser Aft 1
Overview:
In 3077 Protectorate Defense Conglomerate in the Calderon Protectorate introduced the Star Dagger as their first aerospace fighter. With only limited resources, they were unable to build a modern fighter and had to rely on older, more primitive technologies. Despite the lackluster performance of the fighter, it proved to be a commercial success and was adopted in large numbers by both the Protectorate and many smaller states, included the Fiefdom of Randis, the Fronc Reaches and the Filtvelt Coalition. Soon after the Star Dagger entered production, PDC began looking to try and build a more advanced version of the Star Dagger. The company made many attempts to gain the information and support they needed, but they were stymied at every turn. It was not until the mid 3080s that PDC was finally able to gain the aid it need from a most unexpected source. In the mid 3080s the Protectorate became home to numerous refugees. Some were fleeing the oppressive reign of Protector Tharn of the Taurian Concordat, while others came from former Taurian worlds that were occupied by the Federated Suns. Among these refugees were numerous technicians and engineers, who were quickly hired by PDC. By 3089, these new employees had managed to introduce the TR-A-6 Toro and the following year they introduced the S-3 Star Dagger.
Capabilities:
The S-3 Star Dagger is modern version of the venerable S-2 Star Dagger. By using modern technologies, the designers were able to make major improvements to the design's performance. The S-2's primitive engine was replaced by a modern Leneex 210 model, which not only weighs less but also provides the Star Dagger with additional thrust. Despite these improvements, the Star Dagger is still seen as being slow and sluggish compared to modern light aerospace fighters. However it compensates for these shortcomings with heavy armor and an impressive weapons array.
The S-3 Star Dagger retains the six tons of armor plating that was carried by its predecessor, but replaces the older armor with modern armor that provides 50% better protection for the same mass. The weapons were also upgraded, only the nose mounted medium laser was retained. The nose mounted small laser and all of the Machine Guns were replaced with medium lasers. Not only did this turn the Star Dagger into an excellent strafing platform, it improved the fighters performance in air combat. To help deal with the heat output of the lasers the design team added 2 additional heatsinks.
Deployment:
The majority of the S-3 Star Daggers built to date have been purchased by the Protectorate and assigned to the CPS Redemption. The plane has proven very popular with both pilots and technical crews. A few Star Daggers have been sold to the Fronc Reaches and the Filtvelt Coalition where they are assigned to local garrisons.
Variants:
Currently there are no official variants of the Star Daggers. Several prototypes are being considered for future production. The S-4 version would remove all of the medium lasers and replace them with a nose mounted PPC. Space constraints would also necessitate the removal of 2 heat sinks. This model would be used in much the same way as the Seydlitz aerospace fighter. It is expected that this model will make its first flight within the next year and if it is successful, will enter production alongside the S-3 model.
The S-5 is an advanced tech model. The design would mount a 240 rated engine, further improving maneuverability. In order to make room for the larger engine, 2 heatsinks would be removed. The design mount carry only 5 and half tons of armor, but by using Ferro Aluminum armor, the protection would be nearly the same. The medium lasers would be replaced with extended range models, while double strength heatsinks would help keep the fighter cool. While this model is considered a major improvement, the limited availability of advanced technology in the Protectorate has ensured that this model will remain a paper design for the foreseeable future.
