Difference between revisions of "Rusalka"

From MechWarrior: Living Legends Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (g fluff updated)
m
 
(21 intermediate revisions by 5 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{ASF
 
{{ASF
| Image = File:Rusalka_mwll.png
+
| Image = File:Rusalka.png
| ImageSize =  
+
| ImageGif = File:Rusalka_spin.gif
 
| Faction = Inner Sphere
 
| Faction = Inner Sphere
 
| Tonnage = 65
 
| Tonnage = 65
| Tickets = 9
+
| Tickets = 10
| Tier = 9
+
| Tier = 10
 +
 
 
| Class Prime = Attacker
 
| Class Prime = Attacker
| Price Prime = 95 700
+
| Price Prime = 97 700
 
| ArmorT Prime = 24 973
 
| ArmorT Prime = 24 973
 
| Engine Prime = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine Prime = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver Prime = 5.3
 
| Maneuver Prime = 5.3
 
| MaxSpeed Prime = 467
 
| MaxSpeed Prime = 467
 +
| TurnSpeed Prime = 290
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
 
| Weapons Prime = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[LRM10|Air LRM10]]
 
<li>2x [[LRM10|Air LRM10]]
Line 21: Line 23:
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>7 [[DHS]]
 
<li>7 [[DHS]]
 +
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Class A = Fighter
 
| Class A = Fighter
| Price A = 87 000
+
| Price A = 88 500
 
| ArmorT A = 24 973
 
| ArmorT A = 24 973
 
| Engine A = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine A = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver A = 6.6
 
| Maneuver A = 6.6
 
| MaxSpeed A = 488
 
| MaxSpeed A = 488
 +
| TurnSpeed A = 285
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
 
| Weapons A = <ul>
<li>1x [[LBX10|Air LBX10]]
+
<li>2x [[LXPL|LXPL]]
<li>6x [[SXPL|Air SXPL]]
 
 
<li>2x [[Thunderbolt|Air TBolt]]
 
<li>2x [[Thunderbolt|Air TBolt]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip A = <ul>
 
| Equip A = <ul>
<li>1 [[DHS]]
+
<li>[[EOptics]]
 +
<li>5 [[DHS]]
 +
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 46: Line 51:
 
| Maneuver B = 5.3
 
| Maneuver B = 5.3
 
| MaxSpeed B = 467
 
| MaxSpeed B = 467
 +
| TurnSpeed B = 290
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
 
| Weapons B = <ul>
<li>1x [[Gauss|Air Gauss]]
+
<li>1x [[Gauss]]
 
<li>2x [[ERPPC]]
 
<li>2x [[ERPPC]]
 
<li>2x [[Bomb#Cluster|Bomb (CL)]]
 
<li>2x [[Bomb#Cluster|Bomb (CL)]]
Line 60: Line 66:
  
 
| Class C = Fighter
 
| Class C = Fighter
| Price C = 79 500
+
| Price C = 84 100
 
| ArmorT C = 24 973
 
| ArmorT C = 24 973
 
| Engine C = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine C = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver C = 6.6
 
| Maneuver C = 6.6
 
| MaxSpeed C = 488
 
| MaxSpeed C = 488
 +
| TurnSpeed C = 285
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
 
| Weapons C = <ul>
<li>6x [[ML|Air ML]]
+
<li>3x [[RAC2|Air RAC2]]
<li>2x [[SSRM6|Air SSRM6]]
+
<li>4x [[ERSL|Air ERSL]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip C = <ul>
 
| Equip C = <ul>
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
<li>1 [[DHS]]
+
<li>0 [[DHS]]
 +
<li>3 [[free tons]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Class D = Attacker
 
| Class D = Attacker
| Price D = 87 500
+
| Price D = 93 500
 
| ArmorT D = 24 973
 
| ArmorT D = 24 973
 
| Engine D = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine D = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver D = 5.3
 
| Maneuver D = 5.3
 
| MaxSpeed D = 467
 
| MaxSpeed D = 467
 +
| TurnSpeed D = 280
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
 
| Weapons D = <ul>
 
<li>1x [[HPPC]]
 
<li>1x [[HPPC]]
Line 89: Line 98:
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>[[EOptics]]
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 
<li>2 [[DHS]]
 +
<li>0 [[free tons]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
<li>10.5t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
  
 
| Class E = Bomber
 
| Class E = Bomber
| Price E = 96 600
+
| Price E = 98 600
 
| ArmorT E = 25 888
 
| ArmorT E = 25 888
 
| Engine E = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine E = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver E = 4.1
 
| Maneuver E = 4.1
 
| MaxSpeed E = 448
 
| MaxSpeed E = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed E = 295
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
 
| Weapons E = <ul>
 
<li>1x [[RAC5|Air RAC5]]
 
<li>1x [[RAC5|Air RAC5]]
Line 112: Line 123:
  
 
| Class F = Bomber
 
| Class F = Bomber
| Price F = 98 500
+
| Price F = 100 500
 
| ArmorT F = 25 888
 
| ArmorT F = 25 888
 
| Engine F = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine F = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver F = 4.1
 
| Maneuver F = 4.1
 
| MaxSpeed F = 448
 
| MaxSpeed F = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed F = 295
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
| Weapons F = <ul>
 
<li>1x [[HGauss|Air HGauss]]
 
<li>1x [[HGauss|Air HGauss]]
Line 130: Line 142:
  
 
| Class G = Bomber
 
| Class G = Bomber
| Price G = 107 000
+
| Price G = 104 000
 
| ArmorT G = 25 888
 
| ArmorT G = 25 888
 
| Engine G = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Engine G = Hermes 325 XL
 
| Maneuver G = 4.1
 
| Maneuver G = 4.1
 
| MaxSpeed G = 448
 
| MaxSpeed G = 448
 +
| TurnSpeed G = 295
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
 
| Weapons G = <ul>
 
<li>2x [[SRM4|Air SRM4]]
 
<li>2x [[SRM4|Air SRM4]]
Line 142: Line 155:
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
 
| Equip G = <ul>
 
| Equip G = <ul>
<li>2 [[DHS]]
+
<li>1 [[DHS]]
<li>3 [[free tons]]
+
<li>4 [[free tons]]
 
<li>11t [[Armor]]
 
<li>11t [[Armor]]
 
</ul>
 
</ul>
Line 152: Line 165:
 
| Armor T = 3424
 
| Armor T = 3424
  
| Version = 0.11.2
+
| Version153 = 0.16.1
 
}}
 
}}
The '''Rusalka''' is a [[Inner Sphere]] [[Aerospace]] dogfighter with excellent speed and armor for dueling other fighters. Capable of sustained bursts of up to five-and-a-half Gs, one of these fighters can be more than enough for an enemy to handle. Most identified configurations in Lore focus on energy weapons for maximum combat endurance, enabling this agile fighter to hang in the fight longer.
+
 
Note in Stats the Maneuverability / Max Speed between the 3 different classes.
+
The '''Rusalka''' is an [[Inner Sphere]] [[Aerospace]] dogfighter with excellent speed and armor for dueling other fighters. Capable of sustained bursts of up to five-and-a-half Gs, one of these fighters can be more than enough for an enemy to handle. Most identified configurations in Lore focus on energy weapons for maximum combat endurance, enabling this agile fighter to hang in the fight longer.
 +
 
 +
Note in Stats the; Maneuverability / Max Speed / Optimal Turning Speed, between the 3 different classes.
  
  
Line 161: Line 176:
  
 
===Prime===
 
===Prime===
Classification Attacker-class aircraft which is equally at home knocking out Aero adversaries as well as ground units. 7 [[DHS]] and [[EOptics]] really come into play for the "Prime" allowing it to reach out with it's 2x [[LRM10|Air LRM10s]]. 4x [[ERML|Air ERML]] can really put the hurt on and if that does't get their attention say hello with the [[HPPC|Heavy PPC]]. Loaded in the under belly are 2x [[Bomb|Laser Guided Bombs]] great when someone decides to [[NARC]] or [[TAG]] for you. But fret not, when dead fired, it will fly where the crosshair was pointing upon launch. Bombing from the clouds with pin-point accuracy.
+
A flexible Attacker capable of hitting most targets, though it requires long attack runs which can leave it vulnerable. A [[HPPC|Heavy PPC]] delivers splash damage (and huge heat spikes) while four [[ERML|Air ERML]] pick out specific components for destruction. The two [[LRM10]] racks are nice to have, although they alert targets to your approach and add to an already toasty per-run heat burden. Two [[Bomb|Laser Guided Bombs]] enhance the first run alpha strike or help pick off damaged foes, but beware the painfully long [[staring|stare time]] required to guide them in—if you break off, the bombs will miss. All in all, a viable Rusalka but not one commonly seen.
  
 
===Variant A===
 
===Variant A===
Classification Fighter-class aircraft the more expensive of the Duo Fighters and for good reason. It houses Two [[TBolt|Air TBolts]] which lock-on at 750m and can chase down your Air Foe for quite some time keeping them off balance while you pepper them with [[LBX10|Air LBX10]]. If you prefer take aim, hold the fire button an start ripping their armor off with Six [[SXPL|Air SXPLs]], that will surely ruin their day. Like the "C" only 1 [[DHS]] is on board so be mindful of your heat.
+
A Fighter with a strong focus on air-to-air combat. Two [[TBolt|Air TBolts]] seek out and destroy enemy fighters' engines while 2x [[LXPL|Large X-Pulse Lasers]] chew through armor. Larger fighters can't ignore you, making this a good counter to enemy [[Shiva]]s and [[Xerxes]]. But the lack of a single high-alpha damage source makes it harder to engage smaller, more nimble targets.
  
 
===Variant B - ''"Morrigan"''===
 
===Variant B - ''"Morrigan"''===
Classification Attacker-class aircraft, Mounting [[EOptics]] to survey the battlefield, [[BAP]] for increased radar range and long range offensive weaponry, the Rusalka B is right at home as a sniping aircraft or ground based units. One [[LtGauss|Air LtGauss]] can reach out as far as the eye can see, while the 2x [[ERPPC|ERPPC]] strikes not far behind. Just remember two [[DHS]] can barely handle the heat load. Strapped to the under belly are two [[Bomb|Cluster Bombs]] great for when you want to disrupt a column heading into battle. One [[Free ton|Free Ton of Ammo]] needs to be loaded up prior to takeoff.
+
A long-range Attacker with a [[BAP]] for enhanced target detection, and an [[Gauss]] and two [[ERPPC|ERPPC]]s as long-range armament. Because the weapons don't share a travel time, they are probably best fired in separate groups. Two [[Bomb|Cluster Bomb Units]] will help soften or finish up targets if the airspace is permissive, but the Morrigan is generally a better pick for situations where you can't get close to your targets due to ground fire.
  
===Variant C - ''"PoPo"''===
+
===Variant C===
Classification Fighter-class aircraft an the least expensive of the two fighters, its primary weapons are Six [[ML|Air Medium Lasers]] produce a devastating Alpha strike but with only 1 [[DHS]] a long cool down will be required leaving you defenseless for that time. Two [[SSRM6|Air SSRM6]] will constantly screen shake your opponent at the same time whittling down armor. [[EOptics]] round out the package.
+
A Fighter with plenty of ammo for its three [[RAC2|Air Rotary AutoCannon 2]]s. The spin-up on the autocannons means it's best to use them as hoses, especially against larger air targets; correct the stream of tracers onto the target. WWithin 400m, four [[ERSL|Air Small Extended Range Lasers]] add a useful hitscan alpha. Like the Rusalka A, this variant is best used to deny airspace to large enemy ASF.
  
 
===Variant D - ''"Incus"''===
 
===Variant D - ''"Incus"''===
Classification Attacker-class aircraft that comes more than equipped to Knock on Hell's Door. Two [[MRM30|Air MRM30s]] produce enough fire power and screen shake to make Satan sit up and take notice. Time to open the Doors to Hell, well then just press the fire button on the [[HPPC]]. We all know the old saying Blow Them to Hell, then let fly your 2x [[Bomb|High Explosive Bombs]], pull up hard while saying Have Fun Rotting in Hell. [[EOptics]] to look back on your devastation and 2 [[DHS]] to help cool you on your way home. Enjoy the Ride.
+
The premium Attacker variant, and probably the most commonly sighted Rusalka on the field, the 'Incus' is limited not by ammunition or armor but by the endurance of its heat sinks. Each attack run deals out massive splash damage and screenshake with two [[MRM30|Air MRM30s]] and an [[HPPC]], and the addition of two [[Bomb|High Explosive Bombs]] on the first pass can often secure a single-pass kill. But between weapons fire and afterburner, the Incus will probably leave each pass with heatsink damage. It's not uncommon to suicide by melting yourself by using all your weapons when your heatsinks are already damaged. Note that in a pinch the [[HPPC]] is a decent air to air weapon.
  
 
===Variant E===
 
===Variant E===
Classification Bomber-class aircraft, being of such it is the least maneuverable of the Rusalka configurations. Carrying Two [[Bomb|Laser-Guided Bombs]] which work best in tandem with [[NARC]] or a [[TAG]] spotter, they have a drop Range between 100m - 1500m. To help soften things up while on your bomb run use the Dual [[LRM20|Air LRM20s]] to distract your enemy. The [[RAC5|Air RAC5]] and 2x [[ERML|Air ERMLs]] are good for clearing the road and offer some Air Defense. [[EOptics]], 3 [[DHS]] for heat control and a whopping 5 [[Free ton|Free Tons of Ammo]] so load up before you head out.
+
When aided by a [[NARC]] or [[TAG]], the Rusalka E as a truly formidable weapons platform. This allows the E can strike from over 1300m away with two [[LRM20|Air LRM20s]] and two [[Bomb|Laser Guided Bomb]]s. When acquiring its own targets, the E should launch it's bombs from just inside 1500m from the target while flying at top speed (but not at high heat since LGBs cause a lot of heat). Then, cut the throttle to zero as the bombs are guided toward their target and the LRMs [[lock on]]. Then the E becomes a [[staring|stare-down]] plane with even more damage in the form of a [[RAC5|Air RAC5]] and 2x [[ERML|Air ERMLs]]. Funds permitting, the whopping 5 [[Free ton|Free Tons of Ammo]] should be used for a single ton of RAC ammo and four spare bombs.
 +
{{Commentbox
 +
| Comment1= On its own, the Rusalka E is far less scary than the Rusalka F (the HGauss one). The E also can't deal with enemy aircraft as well as the F. But where the E truly excels is when there are friendlies providing targeting in the form of NARC or TAG. The E can rain down Laser-Guided Bombs and LRMs with impunity on a far cheaper and more maneuverable chassis than the Shiva G or the Xerxes A. The most comparable plane to the E is the Visigoth F. The only real advantages of the Rusalka E over the Visigoth F are price and shape, since the Visigoth F has more distinct, easier to hit wings. For players that don't expect to acquire their own targets, a 5th LGB can be taken instead of a ton of RAC ammo.
 +
| Writer1= - Warlord Kentax }}
  
 
===Variant F - ''"Malleus"''===
 
===Variant F - ''"Malleus"''===
Classification Bomber-class aircraft, flown by pilots with focused tunnel vision to hunt prey. Squeezing the trigger on the [[HGauss|Air HGauss]] announces your arrival in a big way. For those to stupid to move and just standing there, use the two [[LPL|Air LPLs]] to nudge them along. Finally the light at the end of the tunnel, your just above 40m to avoid the splash damage, enemy is lined up, you release your barrage of [[Bomb|Cluster Bombs]] as that warm, fuzzy feeling comes over you. Just like the "E" - [[EOptics]], 3 [[DHS]] for heat control and a whopping 5 [[Free ton|Free Tons of Ammo]] so load up before you head out.
+
Like its cousin the Incus, the Malleus is built around a single massive main gun—in this case, an[[HGauss|Air HGauss]]. Although technically a Bomber, the Malleus can down enemy ASF in as little as one or two hits with this weapon, and two [[LPL|Air LPLs]] are perfect for finishing off damaged rivals. As soon as you've fired the Heavy Gauss you can break off your run, but the closer you get to the target before firing the more damage it'll do, creating an interesting risk/reward tradeoff. Five free tons let you carry spare Heavy Gauss ammo as well as four reloads for your pair of [[Bomb|Cluster Bombs]], which should be used to pile area damage onto a target you've breached with your guns. Enemy ASF must respect the Malleus whenever it's present, making you a double threat to air and ground alike—but also a primary target for enemy fighters.
  
 
===Variant G===
 
===Variant G===
Classification Bomber-class aircraft, for those pilots who like to hammer down. Two [[PPC|Particle Projection Cannons]] shake things up. Followed by a [[UAC20|Air UAC20]] causing irreparable damage. If the foe still isn't convinced send some [[SRM4|Air Short-Range Missiles]] his way. Oh hell just release the 2 [[Bomb|High Explosive Bombs]] and he can reminisce while in the after life. 2 [[DHS]], 3 [[Free ton|Free Tons]] an you are on your way.
+
A Bomber with two standard [[PPC|Particle Projection Cannons]] and an [[UAC20|Air UAC20]], which will deliver massive screenshake and damage—if you can survive the long, flat run required to use the autocannon. By the time you're on top of the target, short range missiles and [[Bomb|High Explosive Bombs]] provide followup and the chance for a one-pass kill. Four [[Free ton|Free Tons]] allow for bomb reloads. This variant is not well suited for contested airspace, but can absolutely devastate targets in more permissive environments.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
==History==
 +
Rusalka was released in update 0.9.2, alongside the [[Anubis]] and [[Mithras]].
  
==Trivia==
 
The '''Rusalka''' is an [[Inner Sphere]] [[Aerospace]] fighter. It was released in update 0.9.2, alongside the [[Anubis]] and [[Mithras]].
 
  
 
==Canon==
 
==Canon==

Latest revision as of 22:15, 27 July 2023

Rusalka
Rusalka spin.gif
360v4.png
Rusalka.png
360v4.png
Faction Inner Sphere
Ticket cost: 10 upon destruction
Tier: 10
Tonnage: 65 tons
Variant Armament
Variant Weapons Equipment
Prime:
Class: Attacker
Price: 97 700 CBills
Total Armor: 24 973
Maneuverability: 5.3
Max Speed: 467 km/h
Opt. Turning: 290 km/h
A:
Class: Fighter
Price: 88 500 CBills
Total Armor: 24 973
Maneuverability: 6.6
Max Speed: 488 km/h
Opt. Turning: 285 km/h
B:
Class: Attacker
Price: 100 500 CBills
Total Armor: 24 973
Maneuverability: 5.3
Max Speed: 467 km/h
Opt. Turning: 290 km/h
C:
Class: Fighter
Price: 84 100 CBills
Total Armor: 24 973
Maneuverability: 6.6
Max Speed: 488 km/h
Opt. Turning: 285 km/h
D:
Class: Attacker
Price: 93 500 CBills
Total Armor: 24 973
Maneuverability: 5.3
Max Speed: 467 km/h
Opt. Turning: 280 km/h
E:
Class: Bomber
Price: 98 600 CBills
Total Armor: 25 888
Maneuverability: 4.1
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 295 km/h
F:
Class: Bomber
Price: 100 500 CBills
Total Armor: 25 888
Maneuverability: 4.1
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 295 km/h
G:
Class: Bomber
Price: 104 000 CBills
Total Armor: 25 888
Maneuverability: 4.1
Max Speed: 448 km/h
Opt. Turning: 295 km/h
Armor Points Distribution
B
LW
RW
E
T
9305
3573
3573
5062
3424

All stats current as of release 0.16.1


The Rusalka is an Inner Sphere Aerospace dogfighter with excellent speed and armor for dueling other fighters. Capable of sustained bursts of up to five-and-a-half Gs, one of these fighters can be more than enough for an enemy to handle. Most identified configurations in Lore focus on energy weapons for maximum combat endurance, enabling this agile fighter to hang in the fight longer.

Note in Stats the; Maneuverability / Max Speed / Optimal Turning Speed, between the 3 different classes.


Roles and Gameplay Hints

Prime

A flexible Attacker capable of hitting most targets, though it requires long attack runs which can leave it vulnerable. A Heavy PPC delivers splash damage (and huge heat spikes) while four Air ERML pick out specific components for destruction. The two LRM10 racks are nice to have, although they alert targets to your approach and add to an already toasty per-run heat burden. Two Laser Guided Bombs enhance the first run alpha strike or help pick off damaged foes, but beware the painfully long stare time required to guide them in—if you break off, the bombs will miss. All in all, a viable Rusalka but not one commonly seen.

Variant A

A Fighter with a strong focus on air-to-air combat. Two Air TBolts seek out and destroy enemy fighters' engines while 2x Large X-Pulse Lasers chew through armor. Larger fighters can't ignore you, making this a good counter to enemy Shivas and Xerxes. But the lack of a single high-alpha damage source makes it harder to engage smaller, more nimble targets.

Variant B - "Morrigan"

A long-range Attacker with a BAP for enhanced target detection, and an Gauss and two ERPPCs as long-range armament. Because the weapons don't share a travel time, they are probably best fired in separate groups. Two Cluster Bomb Units will help soften or finish up targets if the airspace is permissive, but the Morrigan is generally a better pick for situations where you can't get close to your targets due to ground fire.

Variant C

A Fighter with plenty of ammo for its three Air Rotary AutoCannon 2s. The spin-up on the autocannons means it's best to use them as hoses, especially against larger air targets; correct the stream of tracers onto the target. WWithin 400m, four Air Small Extended Range Lasers add a useful hitscan alpha. Like the Rusalka A, this variant is best used to deny airspace to large enemy ASF.

Variant D - "Incus"

The premium Attacker variant, and probably the most commonly sighted Rusalka on the field, the 'Incus' is limited not by ammunition or armor but by the endurance of its heat sinks. Each attack run deals out massive splash damage and screenshake with two Air MRM30s and an HPPC, and the addition of two High Explosive Bombs on the first pass can often secure a single-pass kill. But between weapons fire and afterburner, the Incus will probably leave each pass with heatsink damage. It's not uncommon to suicide by melting yourself by using all your weapons when your heatsinks are already damaged. Note that in a pinch the HPPC is a decent air to air weapon.

Variant E

When aided by a NARC or TAG, the Rusalka E as a truly formidable weapons platform. This allows the E can strike from over 1300m away with two Air LRM20s and two Laser Guided Bombs. When acquiring its own targets, the E should launch it's bombs from just inside 1500m from the target while flying at top speed (but not at high heat since LGBs cause a lot of heat). Then, cut the throttle to zero as the bombs are guided toward their target and the LRMs lock on. Then the E becomes a stare-down plane with even more damage in the form of a Air RAC5 and 2x Air ERMLs. Funds permitting, the whopping 5 Free Tons of Ammo should be used for a single ton of RAC ammo and four spare bombs.

Player Comments:
On its own, the Rusalka E is far less scary than the Rusalka F (the HGauss one). The E also can't deal with enemy aircraft as well as the F. But where the E truly excels is when there are friendlies providing targeting in the form of NARC or TAG. The E can rain down Laser-Guided Bombs and LRMs with impunity on a far cheaper and more maneuverable chassis than the Shiva G or the Xerxes A. The most comparable plane to the E is the Visigoth F. The only real advantages of the Rusalka E over the Visigoth F are price and shape, since the Visigoth F has more distinct, easier to hit wings. For players that don't expect to acquire their own targets, a 5th LGB can be taken instead of a ton of RAC ammo.
- Warlord Kentax


Variant F - "Malleus"

Like its cousin the Incus, the Malleus is built around a single massive main gun—in this case, anAir HGauss. Although technically a Bomber, the Malleus can down enemy ASF in as little as one or two hits with this weapon, and two Air LPLs are perfect for finishing off damaged rivals. As soon as you've fired the Heavy Gauss you can break off your run, but the closer you get to the target before firing the more damage it'll do, creating an interesting risk/reward tradeoff. Five free tons let you carry spare Heavy Gauss ammo as well as four reloads for your pair of Cluster Bombs, which should be used to pile area damage onto a target you've breached with your guns. Enemy ASF must respect the Malleus whenever it's present, making you a double threat to air and ground alike—but also a primary target for enemy fighters.

Variant G

A Bomber with two standard Particle Projection Cannons and an Air UAC20, which will deliver massive screenshake and damage—if you can survive the long, flat run required to use the autocannon. By the time you're on top of the target, short range missiles and High Explosive Bombs provide followup and the chance for a one-pass kill. Four Free Tons allow for bomb reloads. This variant is not well suited for contested airspace, but can absolutely devastate targets in more permissive environments.


History

Rusalka was released in update 0.9.2, alongside the Anubis and Mithras.


Canon

The second in the Word of Blake's Spectral trio of Omnifighters, the Rusalka is among the Blakists' greatest feats of aerospace engineering. Incorporating excellent speed, maneuverability, and protection into one craft, Blakist engineers managed to make enough room to allow 33 tons of pod space. This all converges to make the Rusalka an especially deadly dogfighter, all the more augmented by the fighter's high endurance, thanks to its fixed eleven double heatsinks. The Prime - or Invictus - configuration mounts an ERPPC, an LRM-15 with Artemis IV, four ER Medium Lasers, two Medium Pulse Lasers, and an aft-mounted ER Small Laser.

Date Introduced 3071 during the Era known as "Jihad" (3068 - 3085) - Unit Role: Fast Dogfighter

BattleTech Reference