StarDate 3/3
John A. Theisen
Record Sheet:
ARN-E1 Ariane
After seizing large quantities of the SYD-2l Seydlitz fighters during the fall of the Star League, officials of House Steiner discovered their new light fighter was virtually worthless in a ground-support role. A slightly larger fighter, with more armor and a longer flight endurance, was needed to serve in Air Lances of attacking Steiner BattleMech regiments.
The more suitable ARN-El Ariane was the solution. This fighter, though far too slow and vulnerable for air-to-air combat, was ideal for attacking enemy troop concentrations in combined-arms operations. Few Arianes remain, but those that do are usually found in Air Lances of regular border regiments, and are sometimes even paired up with a Seydlitz Air Lance for mutual protection. In areas where they are being phased out, Arianes are commonly made available to mercenary units in House Steiner's employ.
Capabilities:
Some see the Ariane as a series of strengths and weaknesses that roughly cancel each other out. In fact, there is almost no margin for error in performance should the AeroSpace Fighter Pilot desire to attain planetary orbit. In addition, the engine is too small for effective use as a bomb-carrying craft, and any such payload creates control difficulties exceeding the advantages. Also on the minus side: although the AC/5 mounted in the nose is a fine weapon, only a very limited supply of ammunition is carried. This flaw may sharply restrict the aircraft's combat potential by running out at a critical moment. The recoil from the autocannon is also something of a problem, as it causes the light fighter's entire airframe to shudder when it is fired.
On the plus side, the Ariane's fuel tanks provide adequate mission endurance. The craft is well-armored, a necessity when attacking ground troops who are able to return fire. Most importantly, the unusual combination of AC/5 and medium laser has proven to be an excellent one, because the two weapons: 1) produce almost no heat; 2) permit multi-target selection; 3) offer short- and long-range capability in a comparatively small fighter; and, 4) keep the Ariane combat-worthy if either the AC/5 runs out of ammo, or the laser is destroyed.
Pilots, as a whole, also enjoy the Ariane because it has one of the most pleasing cockpits of any AeroSpace Fighter anywhere, regardless of size. Though still necessarily cramped, the thickly-cushioned pilot's seat is more comfortable and the flight controls and displays are better arranged and easier to read than those found aboard most other craft. This degree of relative luxury has caused ARN pilots to nickname themselves "joyriders".
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