Typhoon AS-80A

Mass: 80 tons
Chassis: TriStar VacMold80
Power Plant: Starheart 240
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Maximum Speed: 86.4 kph
Armor: TriStar Starweave
Armament:
     1 PPC
     6 Medium Laser
     2 LRM 15
Manufacturer: TriStar Interstellar
     Primary Factory: Memphis
Communication System: TriStar Multilink II
Targeting & Tracking System: TriStar Longreach 2 with Multilink
Introduction Year: 3005
Tech Rating/Availability: D/X-E-D-D
Cost: 4,544,680 C-bills

Overview
Originally nicknamed 'TFINAV' in it's early design phases, the Typhoon is built on a much older design - the Rim World Republic's Vulcan. 20 examples of the Vulcan were purchased in the Taurian Concordant in the late 2980's by TriStar for jumpship protection, Federate Suns fighters began unavailable for purchase to private non mercenary companies at the time. When it came time to put Common Heart in place, the design teams found the Vulcan chassis they were using as test mule to be a fundamentally sound design, and seeing nothing inherently wrong, based the Typhoon heavy fighter around it.

Capabilities
The Typhoon is built to be a survivable brawler, striking with LRMS until her batteries run dry and then closing with PPC and lasers to finish the job. Twin laser guard her rear from more nimble opponents, and she carries enough armor and fuel to fit the profile. Although lacking the range of a Slayer or the sheer onslaught of fire offered by a Stuka, the Typhoon personifies the driving design ethos of the Common Heart program - Good Enough for Long Enough.

Deployment
Typhoons are used as Dropship and Jumpship escorts in the TriStar commercial fleet, as well as with Periphery March militia forces, TriStar Guard mercenary forces, with very limited resale.

Type: Typhoon
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Tonnage: 80
Battle Value: 1,679