imported>Pserratv: /* Variants */

2025-01-29T10:41:12Z

Variants

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{{InfoBoxConvFighter
| image = [[File:Boomerang.jpg|200px]]
| Name = Boomerang
| Manufacturer = [[Cal-Boeing of Dorwinion]]<ref name=TRO3039/>
| Use = Spotter Plane
| Tech Base = [[Inner Sphere]]
| Cost = 68,880<ref name=AT2Rp3>''AeroTech 2 Record Sheets'', p. 3</ref>
| Introduced = [[2888]]<ref name=TRO3039/><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3854/boomerang-spotter-plane-standard MUL online date for {{PAGENAME}}]</ref>
| Mass = 5 tons
| Engine (Type) = [[GM AeroProp Turbine]]
| comsys = [[Achernar Air Whistler]]
| T&T= None
| heat sinks = None
| Armament = None
| Armor = Standard
| Crew = 1
| BV (1.0) = 28<ref name=AT2Rp3/><ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>
| BV (2.0) = 8<ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 172-173, "Boomerang Profile"</ref>
}}

==Description==
Introduced by the [[Federated Suns]] in [[2888]] and named for its V-shape, the '''Boomerang''' is a typical example of the spotter planes used by the armed forces of the [[Successor States]]. It acts as a mobile spotter for artillery units and as a forward observer for advancing 'Mechs.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 124-125, "Boomerang Spotter Plane Profile"</ref>

Though the use of spy planes for air reconnaissance fell by the wayside upon introduction of spy satellites as far back as the twenty-first century, the massive technological decline after the collapse of the [[Star League]] returned it to its former prominence. The first aerial reconnaissance plane designed in [[Succession Wars era]], the Boomerang's most obvious features is its long main wings, smaller forewings and large rear-mounted propeller. While resulting in an oddly proportioned plane, it makes the craft highly fuel efficient, very short takeoff and extremely maneuverable, only enhanced by the fact it can be disassembled quickly and stowed aboard even the smallest [[DropShip]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/>

The lightweight Boomerang does not have many of the computer-guided systems common to larger aircraft, which monitor the pilot's actions. A Boomerang pilot must therefore have a natural flair for flying to get the most out of the vehicle while avoiding situations where its lack of weaponry or significant armor will lead to its destruction.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The Boomerang's "armament" consists of two [[Recon Camera|automatic cameras]] working in infrared as well as standard light. The cameras see clearly even at night, enabling the Boomerang to function in all but the worst weather conditions. The two cameras can work independently, locking on to two separate targets and relaying the information back.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/>

==Variants==
The Boomerang serves as a good example of the spotter planes in use among the various Successor States, with most conforming to the same basic form and stats.
*; Chameleon : A Free Worlds League variant from [[2895]] armed with a [[Machine Gun]] prepared to fire phosphorus [[tracer]]s to mark enemy positions.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/><ref>http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3849/boomerang-spotter-plane-chameleon MUL Chameleon]</ref>
*; Dragonfly : A Capellan variant from 2895<ref name=TRO3039/><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3850/boomerang-spotter-plane-dragonfly MUL Dragonfly]</ref>
*; Hyperion: A Free Worlds League variant from [[2912]]<ref name=TRO3039/><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3851/boomerang-spotter-plane-hyperion MUL Hyperion]</ref>
*; Quick Dart : A Lyran variant from 2895 without cammeras and additional armour.<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3025R/><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3852/boomerang-spotter-plane-quick-dart MUL Quick Dart]</ref>
*; Shuriken : A Combine variant from [[2901]]<ref name=TRO3039/><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3853/boomerang-spotter-plane-shuriken MUL Shuriken]</ref>
*; Warbler : A Lyran variant from 2910<ref name=TRO3039/><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3855/boomerang-spotter-plane-warbler MUL Warbler]</ref>

==Notes==
*In the original ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]'' the Boomerang was profiled as a unit constructed with the conventional fighter rules, since support vehicle rules did not yet exist at the time. As such, it had a 9/14 thrust rating. Because this is ''absurd'' while also expressly breaking rules for how fast a prop-driven aircraft can be, in ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]'' it was changed into a support aircraft. Key features now include a reasonable 4/6 thrust rating and the Ultralight, STOL, and Propeller-Driven chassis modifications. The Recon Camera was retained. The aircraft's cost is reduced to 46,836 and the BV remains 8.
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Bumerang'''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Boomerang Spotter Plane TRO 3025.jpg|Original ''Boomerang'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
Boomerang.jpg|''Boomerang'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
Boomerang AT2r.png|''Boomerang'' from ''[[AeroTech 2 Revised Edition|AT2r]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
*''[[AeroTech 2 Record Sheets]]''
*''[[Combat Operations]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
*''[[Master Unit List]]''

[[Category:Conventional Fighters|Boomerang]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Boomerang - Revision history

imported>Pserratv: /* Variants */