StarDate 3/3
John A. Theisen
At the height of its power and influence, the Star League maintained a large, sophisticated ground force in addition to its space fleet. This force included a variety of single- and dual-purpose atmospheric aircraft, each model intended for one or two very specific combat or support functions. Certain military officers did condemn these atmospheric craft as too simple, and even primitive, with their inherent flight limitations. Despite negative appeal, however, these 'airplanes' could and did perform certain tasks as well as, or better than, comparably-equipped AeroSpace Fighters. Perhaps more important, the airplanes were far cheaper to produce and easier to maintain, especially for technicians on remote worlds.
After the First Succession War concluded, the use of conventional airplanes in contemporary warfare slowly saw a resurgence. This was due mostly to severe problems in manufacturing, repairing, and affording the more advanced aerospacecraft. Flight officers were forced by deteriorating socioeconomic, military, and technological conditions to rediscover the combat potential (if any) of these valuable, but less vital, airplanes.
Most modern aviation historians agree that the current version of the BCS-1S Starship One was actually designed on Terra, in the latter half of the 22nd century. This would make the Starship One perhaps the oldest and most enduring aircraft design still in operation today. Other, less detailed accounts even describe the aircraft's origin as beginning more than two centuries earlier, but the majority of these have been disregarded because they lack sufficient proof. Indeed, a number of informed sources have stated that the BCS-lS could not have been manufactured at any earlier time. It is believed that, until the mid-22nd century, Terran designers simply did not have adequate skills in aviation engineering technology to create such an advanced craft.
The Starship One was initially designed to be a low-velocity atmospheric aircraft, suitable primarily for non-combatant duty as a short-range executive courier. In a combat role, it was adapted for a use as an unarmed, low-level forward observation aircraft. Curiously, though it is rumored that a Starship Two, Starship Three, and Starship Four did exist at some time, little is known about these subsequent designs. It is assumed that the first one was the most successful.
At this time, the BCS is seen in widespread use with House Davion and House Steiner, though limited numbers have been captured by the other Houses. Small quantities are still being manufactured, mostly to replace individual losses. Starships are often singly deployed with active BattleMech regiments for ground observation and artillery-spotting duties. A handful of regimental commanders have even tried using it as an airborne command center, with some degree of success. Many efforts have been made to arm the airplane, but they were uniformly unsuccessful. The BCS-1S Starship One remains a very efficient, but unarmed, airplane.
Capabilities:
The Starship One has a unique design, possessing vertically-mounted tipsails, rear-mounted turbine engines, and a tandem wing structure. The aft (main) wing is swept back, while the forward wing has a variable-geometry capability. Both wings, constructed of non-metallic composite materials, generate lift and permit the aircraft to maneuver easily at low speeds. The aft wing contains embedded fuel cells that are drained evenly, helping to maintain a stable center of gravity, regardless of flight length.
The entire airframe, though completely unarmored, is noted for its fundamental soundness and reliability. The engines are small but of an excellent design, and require very little maintenance. However, they quickly lose their efficiency when forced to exceed load specifications, a problem that eliminates the use of extended fuel tanks or any other sizable payload.
Attempts have been made to modify the BCS to carry a weapons payload, but they have also been unsuccessful. No bombs or missiles may be mounted, because the plane's light frame does not possess any substantial underwing attachment points. Moderate external payloads have literally ripped open the wings and fuselages of test planes. Other modifications to place & machine gun or cannon in the nose have failed, because the relatively heavy weapon and ammunition bay shift the craft's center of gravity much too far forward, making in-flight stability nearly impossible. Lasers of varying sizes have been considered, but the aircraft cannot mount heat sinks and thus has no effective way to diminish the residual heat build-up. The fuel tanks have exploded on more than one prototype, after test-firing a single small laser just once. After numerous crashes and near-losses, bock House Davion and House Steiner have given up their efforts to arm the Starship One.
In a more peaceful role, however, the BCS excels. On-board communications and flight control equipment are state-of-the-art, and the cabin facilities and accommodations are among the most lavish and luxurious found in any airborne craft. Certain pilots have taken great risks and much personal expense in keeping their own Starship looking and flying its very best.
In a courier role, the BCS can carry a crew of one or two and up to six passengers in great comfort. A very limited amount of cargo, usually personal effects, may also be included. In an observation role, the bulk of the plane is filled with sophisticated electronic tracking equipment and communication gear. Due to the extra weight, the plane is only able to carry a crew of two: the pilot, and an observer/communications officer. Finally, the aircraft is quite light; with a minimum of wing disassembly, it can be ground-transported by most heavy transports.
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