Shilone

Description
A medium fighter mostly used by the Draconis Combine, the Shilone has heavier arms and armor than most other fighters in its weight class. Early models suffered a manufacturing defect in the wing joint, resulting in several fatal crashes. All models were later upgraded with new wing joints and have had no structural failures since.

Weapons and Equipment
The SL-17 Shilone mounts a Shigunga LRM-20 and a Diverse Optics Type 10 Large Laser in the nose. For shorter range attacks, two Diverse Optics Type 20 Medium Lasers in the wings can be used to finish the job. In case of another fighter finding itself behind the Shilone, a rear-facing NCK "Thornbush" SRM-4 launcher can dispatch pursuit.

Variants

 * SL-17AC : The most notable variant replaces the nose mounted LRM-20 rack and a heat sink with a pair of Autocannon/2s, with a total ammo loadout of 45 rounds. This allows the Shilone to fight at increased range, surprising the enemy and staying out of harm's way. BV (1.0) = 1,016 , BV (2.0) = 972


 * SL-17R : This simple upgrade of the SL-17 replaces the low-tech heat sinks with double strength versions . BV (1.0) = 1,214, BV (2.0) = 1,230


 * SL-17X : A Jihad-era experimental refit, the fighter has been equipped with 10.5 tons of Ferro-Aluminum armor. Its principal weapon is an Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle with 3 tons of ammunition. While retaining the original 17R's Large Laser, a pair of Clan ER Medium Lasers have fitted, one per wing. In addition to additional armor, the fighter has been given a pair of rear-mounted Chaff Pods. It has 10 Double Heat Sinks to handle new heat curve. BV (2.0) = 1,917


 * SL-18 : This Jihad variant replaces the armor for Ferro-Aluminum, and upgrades the lasers to ER models. A XL Engine is replaced for lighter weight, and removes the original missile launchers, for three MML-7 in the Nose and one in the rear. BV (1.0) = 1,037

Notable Pilots

 * Tyra Miraborg of the Free Rasalhague Republic flew her Shilone on her fateful mission against the Clans in 3050 over Radstadt, when she crashed her fighter into the bridge of the Clan Wolf flagship Dire Wolf, killing ilKhan Leo Showers at the cost of her own life.