Caracal
Overview
In the mid-years of the 29th Century, Clan Snow Raven decided to design and produce a new BattleMech. Intended to provide anti-aerospace/anti-vehicle support to the Raven Touman, the Khans issued a call among the Scientists of their Clan to develop a fast, mobile BattleMech incorporating the lighter, less bulky, harder hitting components and weapons recently developed by the Clans. The design team selected the SLDF Clint as the basis for the new design . . . although the changes in internal structure, engine, weapons, and armor-plating would require manufacturing new frames rather than simply retrofitting older, existing models.
By 2842, the first production models of the Caracal were marching off of the production line and entering the Raven Touman. Although the firepower of the design was relatively light (in comparison to contemporary and future Clan medium-weight designs), the Khans noted that the engineering teams had met all of their requirements. The final production model quickly proved to be a major asset to the Raven forces . . . although the introduction of the OmniMech in the form of the Coyotl just twelve years after the Caracal entered service soon overshadowed this conventional BattleMech (as well as others).
But while the rate of production slowed dramatically, the Caracal remained in active production up until the dark days of the Wars of Reaving. Production rights to the design would eventually spread to a total of six Clans, each of which would leave their own impression on the old war-machine. And the design flourished even in the Toumans of the Clans who did not produce the 'Mech; either as isorla salvaged from the battlefield or acquired through a negotiated deal, the venerable (and effective) Caracal would remain on active duty (albeit in second-line and garrison formations) to this very day.
Capabilities
The Raven design team kept the design at the 40-ton mass of the original Clint, although they did lighten the internal structure skeleton through the incorporation of SR 2830/b Endo-Steel chassis. Although the design plans originally called for the use of a Type 81 240-rate Extra-Light Fusion engine (which would have allowed the Caracal to match the earlier Clint in speed and mobility), the engineers (at the urging of the Warrior caste) instead installed the Type 83 280-rate XL engine (developed from the ubiquitous and famed 280 VOX of the SLDF) that boosted speeds to 75.6 kilometers per hour while walking and 118.8 kph while running. The original Andoran Model JJII Jump Jets were modified and updated (designated as the Andoran Model JJIV) with a seventh jet installed allowing for a maximum jump distance of 210 meters.
Modern communications arrays were looked at, but the original Raldin R1 proved just as effective and capable as more recent designs and was fitted to the Caracal. The superb Sloane 220 Lockover Tracking & Targeting Array was likewise retained; only in recent years has the Sloane been surpassed in quality and ease-of-use by other TTAs.
Armor protection was greatly increased over the original Clint design with the installation of 6.5 tons of Compound C629/k Ferro-Fibrous Armor plating. While this was not the maximum possible amount of armor on a 40-ton 'Mech, it represented more than a 72% increase in effective armor protection versus the SLDF design.
For armament, the design team looked to the original CLNT-1-2R with the Armstrong Buster autocannon. The right arm (which lacks a hand actuator) was fitted with a Type KOV LB-10X autocannon and two tons of ammunition (for a total of 20 bursts of fire). Secondary weapons consist of two Series 2d ER Medium Lasers, placed one each in the left arm and the head. The Caracal design team retained the ten heat sinks of the Clint, but upgraded them to modern (for their time) double-strength freezers.
The end result was a capable and effective medium-weight design with the speed and mobility of many lighter 'Mechs. The heavy (relatively speaking) armor protection allowed the Caracal to remain combat effective and the weapons mix provided adequate damage potential with good range and excellent flexibility for engaging airborne or vehicular targets.
Impressed with the final package, the Raven Khans authorized full-scale production . . . although the production rate was dramatically cut before the design was twenty years old when the sudden and unexpected introduction of the Coyotl OmniMech reduced all conventional BattleMechs to secondary status among the Clans.
Caracal 1
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D
Production Year: 2842
Cost: 7,834,213 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,584
Chassis: SR 2830/b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Type 83 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Andoran Model JJIV
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Forging C629/k Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Type KOV LB 10-X AC
2 Series 2d ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Clan Snow Raven Industrial Complex Chi
Primary Factory: Lum
Communications System: Raidon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Sloane 220 Lockover System
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: RA 0.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 10-X AC RA 2 5 10.00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
@LB 10-X (Cluster) (10) RA - 1 1.00
@LB 10-X (Slug) (10) RA - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 14
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 16
7j 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1
Variants
In 2866, Clan Wolf won production rights for the Caracal, although it was 2872 before the first example walked out of Wolf factories. This variant removes the left arm Series 2d ER Medium Laser and the Type KOV LB-10X auotcannon (with ammunition), replacing them with a Series 7 ER Large Laser and a Type KOQ LB-5X autocannon (with two tons of munitions for a total of 40 bursts), respectively. Although hotter running than the Caracal 1, this Wolf variant is an excellent fast striker with extended range weapons able to engage many opponents from outside of their own range.
Caracal 2
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D
Production Year: 2872
Cost: 7,792,213 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,747
Chassis: SR 2830/b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Type 83 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Andoran Model JJIV
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Forging C629/k Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Series 7 ER Large Laser
1 Series 2d ER Medium Laser
1 Type KOQ LB 5-X AC
Manufacturer: Wolf Clan Site #1
Primary Factory: Strana Mechty
Communications System: Raidon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Sloane 220 Lockover System
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: RA 0.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC RA 1 4 7.00
ER Large Laser LA 12 1 4.00
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20) RA - 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20) RA - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 15
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 17
7j 2 2 2 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Just seven years would pass before Clan Ghost Bear won production rights . . . and they quickly produced a design that caused many Warriors to sit up and take notice. Based on the CLNT-2-4T, this version removes the Type KOV autocannon and instead fits a pair of Type KOJ LB-2X autocannons (along with two tons of ammunition). These weapons, while light on damage, possess a range unequalled in either the Clan Homeworlds or the Inner Sphere and provided the Bears with a superb air-defense unit for their garrisons.
Caracal 3
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D
Production Year: 2879
Cost: 7,694,213 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,400
Chassis: SR 2830/b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Type 83 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Andoran Model JJIV
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Forging C629/k Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
2 Series 2d ER Medium Lasers
2 Type KOJ LB 2-X ACs
Manufacturer: Upsilon Plant 2J
Primary Factory: Strana Mechty
Communications System: Raidon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Sloane 220 Lockover System
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: RA 0.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 LB 2-X ACs RA 2 6 10.00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
@LB 2-X (Cluster) (90) RA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 14
7j 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
It would be 2917 before the next variant appeared in the Homeworlds . . . this one produced by Clan Goliath Scorpion. After obtaining the design from Clan Wolf, the Scorpions set about to modify the Sloane 220 to interface with a dedicated Clan Targeting Computer. To accommodate the weight, the Scorpions restored the left arm weapons mount to a Series 2d ER Medium . . . and then added a third such weapon (also on the left arm). All three ER Medium Lasers and the Type KOQ LB-5X autocannon are tied into a two-ton Targeting Computer placed within the right torso.
Caracal 4
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D
Production Year: 2917
Cost: 7,764,213 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,914
Chassis: SR 2830/b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Type 83 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Andoran Model JJIV
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Forging C629/k Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
3 Series 2d ER Medium Lasers
1 Type KOQ LB 5-X AC
Manufacturer: Roche QuadPlex Alpha
Primary Factory: Roche
Communications System: Raidon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Sloane 220 Lockover System
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: RA 0.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LB 5-X AC RA 1 4 7.00
2 ER Medium Lasers LA 10 2 2.00
Targeting Computer RT - 2 2.00
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Cluster) (20) RA - 1 1.00
@LB 5-X (Slug) (20) RA - 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 19
7j 3 3 1 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Clan Star Adder was next, winning rights from the Ravens in 2934 and producing their own Caracal 5 in 2936. Once again, the Type KOV was removed, but this time the replacement was a hard-hitting Type 9 Ultra AC-10 autocannon! Not as ammo-efficient as the earlier LB-X models, the Adders instead favored the increased damage potential offered by the ability of the Ultra AC in 'double-tap' mode.
Caracal 5
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-D
Production Year: 2936
Cost: 7,722,213 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,759
Chassis: SR 2830/b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Type 83 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Andoran Model JJIV
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Forging C629/k Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Type 9 Ultra AC/10
2 Series 2d ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Sheridan LM-TA 8-10
Primary Factory: Sheridan
Communications System: Raidon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Sloane 220 Lockover System
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: RA 0.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ultra AC/10 RA 3 4 10.00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
@Ultra AC/10 (20) RA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 15
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 18
7j 3 3 2 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
The final version was introduced by Clan Hell's Horses in 3068 following the introduction of the Hyper-Assault Gauss. This model removes the Type KOV and instead fits a Type O HAG-20 (with two tons of ammunition for a dozen shots) in the right arm.
Caracal 6
Mass: 40 tons
Tech Base: Clan
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: F/X-X-E
Production Year: 3068
Cost: 7,834,213 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,922
Chassis: SR 2830/b Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Type 83 280 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 75.6 km/h
Maximum Speed: 118.8 km/h
Jump Jets: Andoran Model JJIV
Jump Capacity: 210 meters
Armor: Forging C629/k Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Type O HAG-20
2 Series 2d ER Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Niles Industrialplex Alpha
Primary Factory: Niles
Communications System: Raidon R1
Targeting and Tracking System: Sloane 220 Lockover System
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 67 points 2.00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 1 LT, 2 RT, 1 LA, 1 LL, 1 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 280 8.00
Walking MP: 7
Running MP: 11
Jumping MP: 7 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 3 LT, 3 RT 3.50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 124 6.50
Armor Locations: 2 LT, 1 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA, 1 LL, 1 RL
CASE Locations: RA 0.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 12 15
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 10 15
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 6 12
L/R Leg 10 15
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HAG-20 RA 4 6 10.00
ER Medium Laser LA 5 1 1.00
ER Medium Laser HD 5 1 1.00
@HAG-20 (12) RA - 2 2.00
Free Critical Slots: 13
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 4 Points: 19
7j 3 3 2 0 2 0 Structure: 2
Special Abilities: CASE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, FLK 1/1/1
Deployment
Primarily assigned to second-line and garrison forces, the Caracal is a common BattleMech in the Clan Homeworlds and Occupation Zones. Assigned to provide air-defense or engage hostile vehicles, it is also effective against BattleMechs and OmniMechs . . . but it is weak against hostile infantry and battle armor.
The design has also become popular among ranking Clan leaders as a dueling BattleMech for Warriors settling a Trial of Grievance, Refusal, or Position. The relatively light damage weapons (in most variants) prevent too much damage from being inflicted on the opposing units and the high mobility of the Caracal allows a Warrior's skill (not high-powered weaponry and luck) to be the deciding factor.
Although there are many Clan BattleMechs available that dwarf the Caracal in firepower, the design has endured and is a favorite of more than one Warrior.
Author
Topic: Caracal: My Vision of What The Clint IIC SHOULD Have Been (Read 387 times)