Sabutai B

         The Smoke Jaguar’s Sabutai heavy OmniFighter packs an awesome array of firepower. This is paid for, however, by a relative reduction of armor protection for the fighter, which is only partly offset by the application of ferro-aluminum armor. The basic chassis has a poor heat dissipation rate, given the massive firepower potential, a problem that can lead to a loss of control during battle. The difficulty has been rectified somewhat by the addition of extra heat sinks and also by the use of more efficient weaponry in some configurations.

         The main weapon of the primary Sabutai is a nose-mounted Gauss cannon, with an extended range small laser mounted directly above. This variant also boasts an impressive array of weaponry in the wings, with each bearing an extended range PPC, coupled with a deadly accurate large pulse laser. The fighter’s rear is covered almost as an afterthought by two ER small lasers. To help cope with the heat output, six double heat sinks have also been mounted along the fuselage and wings.
         The A variant packs an incredible punch in the form of a matching set of underwing autocannon, both being the largest available in the Ultra series. These are backed up by a LB 20-X, which is mounted under the fighter’s nose. Should the pilot expend all his ammunition, he is well advised to return to base, for the Sabutai’s only other forward-firing armament consists of three extended range small lasers. A pair of medium lasers covers the rear of the craft, which helps the fighter discourage pursuit.
         The B variant is rare, having been seen only with the Nova Cat and Steel Viper Clans. It boasts a large array of sophisticated electronics, not the least of which is an ECM suite, which provides protection from fire control and sophisticated sensor systems. These permit the craft to fulfill its role as an artillery spotter, using the TAG system to designate for Arrow IV artillery missiles launched from ground vehicles. The B carries five forward-launching LRM-20s, two in each wing, and one in the nose, which can take advantage of deployed Narc pods. The remainder of the weaponry consists of a large pulse laser, firing from the nose, and a rear-firing medium pulse laser.
         The C variant is a exceedingly efficient machine, equally well suited for strafing and dog fighting, though its all-energy-weapon configuration makes it exceptional at the former. The fighter has four ER large lasers, arranged in a nose quad mount, with an ER small laser forming the core. The wings each mount three ER medium lasers, usually arranged in a triangular pattern at the wing root. To vent excess heat, most of the surface of this variant is covered with heat dissipation units, which add twenty-two tons to the standard cooling system.

         A brand-new design, the Sabutai was first used in real combat during the Trials of Position that determined the participants in the Clan invasion of the Inner Sphere.