Source: Technical Readout 3025
Mass: 50 tons
Frame: Wangker II
Engine: GM 200
Armament:
2 Martell Medium Lasers
4 Exostar Small Lasers
2 Exostar Large LasersManufacturer: Wangker Aerospace
Communications System: Ranker 100B
Targeting and Tracking System: Ranker 100B
Overview:
The CSR-Vl2 Corsair was built to supplement the Star League's fighter contingent after the overthrow of Stefan the Usurper. The craft was built by Wangker Aerospace on a variety of worlds, most of which are now in Davion-claimed space.
The original design of the craft, the Vl series, had several flaws. The fuel tank tended to rupture during tight turns in flights within the atmosphere. The landing system of the craft did not support it well in emergency landings. Finally, the life support system in the cockpit was easily shattered, leading to an unacceptably high rate of pilot fatalities.
Attempts to correct these problems resulted in the V2 series, with a completely redesigned fuel tank. The landing and life support problems were eventually corrected in the V3 through V8 series, with each improvement making the fighter more reliable.
Capabilities:
The Corsair's weaponry is geared mostly to attacking at close ranges. The one exception is the craft's Exostar large lasers, a long-range weapon that is also effective closer in. As a tight-attack vessel, the Corsair is capable of closing with an enemy and sustaining a prolonged firefight.
Two of the CSR-Vl2's small lasers are rear mounted and tied directly into the sensor and targeting systems, which gives the pilot extreme accuracy even in the rear field of fire.
The CSR-Vl2 Corsair is one of the better planetary atmospheric fighters because of its compact laser systems, vastly improved from the bulky and inaccurate missile systems used in the Succession Wars. The craft's aerodynamic design also allows it to operate and turn well within atmosphere, making it a deadly opponent able to make many of its kills at low altitudes. Lastly, the Corsair's 16 heat sinks permit more frequent use of its weapons systems.