Sparrowhawk

Description
The Sparrowhawk was designed and debuted in 2520 as a fighter escort for larger attack craft (heavy ASFs, assault DropShips, etc.). The high rate of thrust also allows it to be a superb first-response unit. The craft has a unique armor ejection system installed, so that the pilot may manually release the damaged armor if it would hinder atmospheric re-entry. The Rander 100 communications system is considered one of the most reliable in any ASF. After the Star League fell, the Federated Suns appropriated the fighter's factories on Quentin, and continued producing the fighter until a Draconis Combine attack on the facility destroyed them.

Weapons and Equipment
The Sparrowhawk is armed only with laser weapons, increasing its combat persistence. Two Martell Medium Lasers mounted in the nose provide accurate short- and medium-range firepower. Two wing-mounted Exostar Small Lasers add additional short-range punch, although their accuracy is limited, particularly if the fire control system suffers combat damage.

Variants

 * SPR-H5K : This Kuritan variant (introduced in 3018) removes both Medium Lasers and replaces them with another four Small Lasers, mounted in the nose & fuselage. This increases the rate of firepower, but the targeting system, which was not matched, can be easily overtaxed. BV (1.0) = 505, BV (1.0) = 505


 * SPR-6D : Introduced in 3051, this Star League-quality variant swaps each of the original lasers with pulse versions, increasing its combat capability by over seven percent. BV (1.0) = 680, BV (2.0) = 729


 * SPR-7D : This variant was developed during the FedCom Civil War. The medium lasers in the nose are upgraded to Medium Pulse Lasers. The small lasers in the wing were replaced with an ER Medium Laser, with 10 double heat sinks for better heat management. BV (1.0) = 945


 * SPR-7Dr : This 3130 refit removes the Medium Pulse Laser and ER Lasers of the -7D. In their place are two nose-mounted Medium Re-engineered Lasers and an ER Small Laser in each wing. BV (2.0) = 789


 * SPR-8H : This Davion variant (introduced in 2906) replaces both Medium Lasers and one Small Laser with one Holly SRM-2 rack and ammunition space. Due to its unpopularity, it is only seen (rarely) in the Capellan March Militia. BV (1.0) = 452, BV (2.0) = 466


 * SPR-DH : This variant of the Sparrowhawk was manufactured by KukkTransportation Industries, developed by the Outworlds Alliance in 3076. Carrying a Primitive Engine and Primitive Cockpit, the SPR-DH is equipped with a pair of Medium Lasers and ER Small Lasers. Compared to the SPR-H5, the DH carries only a little more than half the armor protection. For all these faults however, the SPR-DH is popular with mercenary forces and militia units in the Outworlds Alliance. BV (2.0) = 486