Sholagar

Description
A circular wing design similar to the Thrush, the Sholagar is another heavily armed light fighter. Mainly seen in House Kurita forces, and introduced after the fall of the Star League, the Sholagar began a phase out program in 3002 when Akiro Kurita, nephew of then-Coordinator Hohiro Kurita, was killed during a routine patrol while flying a Sholagar. A decades old report of the circular wing design flaws that had been swept under the rug was found, and additional evidence provided in a technological exchange with House Liao on the Thrush design, which experiences similar problems. Its atmospheric flight problems aside, the Sholagar is a top space fighter, although has some problems with heat buildup.

Weapons and Equipment
With a Hovertek SRM-4 rack in the nose, and a Diverse Optics Type 20 Medium Laser in each wing, the Sholagar is heavily armed for a light fighter. With six tons of armor to back up the armament, it has more staying power in a fight than most other light fighters.

Variants

 * SL-21G : - Following the end of Sholagar production in 3045 after a long decline, the DCMS felt a shortage of light aerospace fighters when Clan Smoke Jaguar captured the factory in 3050 that produced the S-4 Sai, the Sholagar's successor. Retired Tai-sho Reggie Hotspurn, a legendary ace pilot from the Fourth Succession War, suggested a refit of retired Sholagars to the relatively low-tech SL-21G specifications. Eschewing double heat sinks or advanced weaponry, the use of a 280 XL fusion engine allowed for a doubling of the fuel capacity and the addition of four small lasers, as well as half a ton of storage space. Combat Value: 1626


 * SL-21L : Replaces the SRM-4 pack with two more Medium Lasers in the nose. This further adds to the heat problem, but gives the Sholagar a stronger punch and no ammo dependence. BV (1.0) = 734 , BV (2.0) = 735


 * SL-22 : This variant used an XL Engine and dropped the standard armor for 6.5 tons of Ferro-Aluminum. The lasers have been upgraded to ER models, and the SRM launcher is replaced for a MML 7 tube. The heat sinks were changed to double heat sinks for better cooling. BV (1.0) = 802


 * SL-27X : This variant uses experimental technology to improve combat performance. Mounting an XXL Engine to provide thrust, the SL-27X carries three Light PPCs as its main offensive armament. This is backed up by an Improved One Shot SRM-4 for a quick firepower augmentation. Defensively, the SL-27X uses an Angel ECM Suite to jam enemy sensor systems. BV (2.0) = 1,322