You don’t get to be one of the oldest and most respected BattleMech manufacturers without making profit, and even in the war-torn Inner Sphere, this is true in every Successor or Periphery State.
In the Federated Suns, Achenar BattleMechs follows the same basic rule, only those which makes money survive.
Thus when its upgrade of the Dervish, the DV-7D, didn’t manage to sell as much exemplars as earlier (mostly because of the lack of interest of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth for this simple yet solid design), the marketing department knew they had to do something about it.
Looking at the potential buyers, they quickly discarded the Capellan Confederation, which was not facing the Clans and without any sign of “cold peace†with the Federated Commonwealth. They did the same with the Free Worlds League, which was mass producing their own designs. With the Periphery States lacking the funds to be a profitable market, this only left the traditional enemy of House Davion, House Kurita, which had suffered from the invasion of the Clans and was ready to rebuild its army.
Trying to optimise the production process, the idea of Achenar BattleMechs was to sold “simple†refits of their designs which would allow delayed differentiations and the use of the same lines to produce the Federated designs and the Kuritan ones with the Kuritan versions being finally equipped in a new subsidiary created only for this in the Draconis Combine.
However, this strategy failed when they tried to answer what they saw as the need for a real command ‘Mech, which made it necessary to make changes to the chassis of the DV-7D and prevented the use of a single production line for both designs. Luckily, since the DV-7D was lacking any real success, Achenar was able to change their production line for the new DV-7K lines, deciding to change their production strategy with 4 different new Dervish blending into a kind of C3 unit that could be sold to the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery.
It is to be noted that because of the delayed differentiations by a “factory†in the Draconis Combine with strict control, no Kuritan technology reached at that time the Federated Commonwealth.
Some traits are shared by all the members of the DV-7K family, like an improved armour over their predecessor, the DV-7D but the same mix of advanced tech (Endo-Steel, Ferro-Fibrous Armour, Double Heat Sinks with CASE when needed) and low tech (standard engine and normal Jump Jets). The engineers also took special care (including using false weapon ports) to make all DV-7K look like a regular DV-7D for battle computers.
The DV-7KS is the “soldier†of the family with a Narc Missile Beacon imported like other “new toys†via Kali Yama Weapons Industries Incorporated, a system that allows friendly units to use the signal to guide their missiles to a specific target. Two LongFire V LRM-5, common in the Draconis Combine, gives the Dervish some long range firepower while 4 Medium Lasers and a Medium Pulse one are there to make those trying to sneak at close range pay dearly for it. A C3 Slave Unit is in the head to allow it to serve as a part of a C3 Network. 9 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour gives it some protection when getting into range.
The DV-7KB is there to be part of the battle line. 4 LRM-5 combined with 2 Telos Four-Shot SRM-4 already battle tested in the Panther and 2 Medium Lasers gives it an improved punch over the other Dervishes while a C3 Slave Unit allows it to use the telemetry provided by the other members of its lance to greater effect.
The true wonders of this project are the two command units, the DV-7KM and the DV-7KCM. With one C3 Master, a Large Laser, 2 LRM-5, 2 Medium Lasers and 9.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous Armour, the former is a dedicated Command ‘Mech able to defend itself from most attacks.
The DV-7KCM is clearly lacking in firepower with only 2 Medium Lasers and 2 LRM-5 but fighting is not its main point as the two C3 Master Computers stocked in the torsos allow it to coordinate a full Company of ‘Mechs, letting heavier ‘Mechs bring in their heavier firepower into the game, while the 10.5 tons of armour protect it
No one knows for sure how but the all family of DV-7K has been a sale success in the Draconis Combine, forming the bulk of cavalry support units in the rebuilt units that favours Theodore Kurita’s approach to warfare. The bulk of these ‘Mechs has been assigned to Alshain Avengers, Pesht Regulars and other units getting ready to move against the Clans. It is expected that these designs will soon prove their mettle against the Clan Juggernaut, helping the Inner Sphere to defeat the beast.
Lessons in Marketing, NAIS College of Finance Editions, 3053
Dervish DV-7KS
Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 5 837 817 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5 909 817 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 474
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 275 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54,0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86,4 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Medium Pulse Laser
4 Medium Lasers
2 LRM-5s
1 Narc Launcher
1 C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3,00
Internal Locations: 1 CT, 6 LT, 7 RT
Engine: Fusion Engine 275 15,50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 161 9,00
Armor Locations: 7 LA, 7 RA
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1,00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 24
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 13 21
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 9 15
L/R Leg 13 20
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1,00
Narc Launcher RT 0 2 3,00
2 LRM-5s LT 4 2 4,00
Medium Pulse Laser LT 4 1 2,00
2 Medium Lasers RA 6 2 2,00
2 Medium Lasers LA 6 2 2,00
@Narc (Homing) (12) RT - 2 2,00
@LRM-5 (48) LT - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 0
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 15
5j 3 4 1 0 2 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: SNARC, C3S, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Dervish DV-7KB
Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 5 744 817 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5 831 817 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 479
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 275 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54,0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86,4 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Medium Lasers
4 LRM-5s
2 SRM-4s
1 C3 Computer (Slave)
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3,00
Internal Locations: 7 LT, 7 RT
Engine: Fusion Engine 275 15,50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 161 9,00
Armor Locations: 7 LA, 7 RA
CASE Locations: 1 LT, 1 RT 1,00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 24
Center Torso (rear) 6
L/R Torso 13 21
L/R Torso (rear) 5
L/R Arm 9 15
L/R Leg 13 20
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 LRM-5s RT 4 2 4,00
C3 Computer (Slave) RT 0 1 1,00
2 LRM-5s LT 4 2 4,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
SRM-4 RA 3 1 2,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
SRM-4 LA 3 1 2,00
@LRM-5 (24) RT - 1 1,00
@LRM-5 (24) LT - 1 1,00
@SRM-4 (25) LT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 2
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 5 Points: 15
5j 3 4 2 0 2 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: C3S, CASE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, SRM 1/1/0, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1
Dervish DV-7KM
Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 7 496 317 C-Bills
Total Cost: 7 556 317 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 420
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 275 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54,0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86,4 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
1 Large Laser
2 Medium Lasers
2 LRM-5s
1 C3 Computer (Master)
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3,00
Internal Locations: 7 LT, 7 RT
Engine: Fusion Engine 275 15,50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 170 9,50
Armor Locations: 7 LA, 7 RA
CASE Locations: 1 LT 0,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 26
Center Torso (rear) 7
L/R Torso 13 19
L/R Torso (rear) 7
L/R Arm 9 17
L/R Leg 13 21
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Master) RT 0 5 5,00
2 LRM-5s LT 4 2 4,00
2 Medium Lasers RA 6 2 2,00
Large Laser LA 8 2 5,00
@LRM-5 (48) LT - 2 2,00
Free Critical Slots: 2
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 14
5j 3 3 1 0 2 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: C3M, TAG, CASE, MHQ5, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
Dervish DV-7KCM
Mass: 55 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-D
Production Year: 3052
Dry Cost: 9 697 317 C-Bills
Total Cost: 9 727 317 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1 242
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 275 Fusion Engine
Walking Speed: 54,0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86,4 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 150 meters
Armor: Unknown Ferro-Fibrous w/ CASE
Armament:
2 Medium Lasers
2 LRM-5s
2 C3 Computer (Master)s
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 91 points 3,00
Internal Locations: 1 HD, 1 CT, 4 LT, 6 RT, 1 LA, 1 RA
Engine: Fusion Engine 275 15,50
Walking MP: 5
Running MP: 8
Jumping MP: 5 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 1 CT, 2 LL, 2 RL 2,50
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0,00
Gyro: Standard 3,00
Cockpit: Standard 3,00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA R: SH+UA+LA
Armor: Ferro-Fibrous AV - 185 10,50
Armor Locations: 7 LA, 7 RA
CASE Locations: 1 LT 0,50
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 18 27
Center Torso (rear) 9
L/R Torso 13 20
L/R Torso (rear) 6
L/R Arm 9 18
L/R Leg 13 26
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C3 Computer (Master) RT 0 5 5,00
LRM-5 RT 2 1 2,00
LRM-5 LT 2 1 2,00
C3 Computer (Master) LT 0 5 5,00
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1,00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1,00
@LRM-5 (24) LT - 1 1,00
Free Critical Slots: 0
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 6 Points: 12
5j 2 2 1 0 2 0 Structure: 5
Special Abilities: C3M, TAG, CASE, MHQ10, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA, IF 1
