CST-3S Cestus
Space Gamer 79 (& Challenge 44)
Dale L. Kemper Mass: 65 tons
Chassis: Technicron Type B (modified)
Power Plant: Magna 260
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 65 kph
Jump Jets: Rawlings 55
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Rigid TBC, Type II
Armament:
2 Linblad Long Range Autocannons
2 Halberd VI LRM5 Packs
2 Diverse Optics Type 15 Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Technicron Manufacturing
Communications System: AllComm 250
Targeting and Tracking System: Chichester ASR-14
Overview:
The CST-3S Cestus Type Heavy BattleMech is one of the older heavy 'Mech vehicles remaining in the Succession States' forces. First produced in 2555 A.D., the Cestus was very popular in the glory days of the old Star League. Approximately 100,000 of these 'Mechs were constructed before the beginning of the Succession Wars. Only 5% remain in operation today, mainly due to the serious lack of spare parts and components. Currently, the House of Steiner is fabricating new components for the Cestus but the other Successor States seem to be phasing out the 'Mech for newer, more available types.
The Cestus was designed for long range support of heavy assaults and was usually assigned directly to the assault lances in a ‘Mech regiment. Occasionally this organizational method was modified with the Cestus assigned to a support lance. With its extensive array of long range weapons and heavy armor the Cestus had the staying power necessary in large scale 'Mech engagements.
Capabilities:
The Cestus Type Heavy BattleMech is very useful in its designed role. Its long range armament consists of double arm mounted Linblad Long Range Auto Cannon and torso-mounted Halberd VI Long Range Missile Five Packs. This combination gives the Cestus a hard hitting capability at extremely long ranges that even today's newest 'Mechs have trouble countering. Arm mounted double Diverse Optics Type 15 Medium Lasers also give the 'Mech an offensive weapon effective at short and medium ranges.
The Cestus has average maneuverability for a heavy 'Mech. It does, however, have an advantage over most large 'Mechs in its jump capability. Its twin Rawlings 55 Jump Jets enabled many of these vehicles to take advantage of a tactical situation or escape from one that has turned sour. With its additional heat sinks installed, the Cestus still retains most of its offensive capability even during jump jet operations.
Battle History:
During the First Succession War the numerous Cestus type BattleMechs were part of all front line forces of the Successor States. Because of this their losses were quite high. During the occupation of Malory by House Kurita forces every Cestus type 'Mech in the ten invading regiments was either disabled or destroyed in all out fighting against the House Davion defenders. By the Second Succession War the number of operational Cestus type 'Mechs had dropped dramatically. The surviving units were usually used for long range support and rarely got into heavy combat situations.
More recently, during the Battle of Ellison in 3015 A.D. a support lance of the House Davion invaders composed mainly of Cestus type 'Mechs was forced to defend against an intensive counterattack by House Liao defenders. With the attackers charging through thickly forested terrain the long range capability of the Cestus was made impotent and they were forced to fight at a disadvantage closer in. Within a few minutes the Davion support lance was overwhelmed by a reinforced lance of Liao medium 'Mechs. The entire House Davion invasion group was forced to fall back and regroup, giving the House of Liao one of its rare glimpses of victory.
Variants:
The most prominent variant of the Cestus involves the removal of the jump jet machinery, the additional heat sinks, and two tons of armor so that Long Range Missile 10-packs can replace the 5-packs installed in the left and right torso of the standard model. Although creating an ammunition problem (the Cestus Type 'Mech's missile storage lockers are very difficult to increase in size) this variant increases the long range hitting power of the ‘Mech while sacrificing some of its defensive ability. It is felt that if the Cestus is used in the long range support role as designed most of the defensive components will not be necessary since they won't be involved in heavy combat situations.
Notable 'Mechs and Mech Warriors:
MechWarrior Regie Nogales
During the withdrawal of Kurita forces from the planet Sanderson in 2963 A.D. MechWarrior Regie Nogales and his Cestus "Bad Boy III" were listed as missing, presumed lost by the commander of the 4th Galedon Regulars. This was not the case, however. Nogales' Mech had sustained considerable head damage which had knocked the pilot unconscious and destroyed all of Bad Boy III's directional antennae for the communication system. When the last Kurita DropShip lifted off, Nogales was just coming around in a deep gully some twenty klicks away. When he tried to reach the now empty landing zone, Nogales was immediately spotted by Davion forces and the chase began.
Using his long range weapons to good effect, Nogales attempted to evade the pursuing lance and find time to rig a replacement antennae. With the broken and rough terrain he was able to use his jump jets to good effect keeping any faster enemy scouts from getting near enough to use their long range weapons. Finally, Nogales was able to contact the ships of the Kurita raiding force just before they left orbit and headed for their JumpShip. A flight of AeroSpace fighters was dispatched to support him and the small Leopard Class DropShip Tayatumo Maru detached to pick him up to rejoin his unit and receive the Order of Dracone, Second Class for his excellent tactics.
