Bileygr
Thanks.
No problem Ice, I thought it was only appropriate.
Working on the 4D and 4S still but let me post the 4F for your review.
LCT-4F LOCUSTMass: 20 tons
Chassis: Bergan VII Modified Endo Steel
Power Plant: LTV 160 XL
Cruising Speed: 86 kph
Maximum Speed: 130 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: 1s/StarSlab Standard Armor
Armament: 1 Martell Extended Range Large Laser
2 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Bullrun Concepts
Primary Factory: Solaris VII
Communications System: Garret T10-B
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 911
OVERVIEW The 3rd Marik Civil War threatened to derail any rebuilding the InnerSphere militaries hoped to accomplish in the near term. The Free Worlds League which had served as the main supplier of advanced lostech weaponry to the Great Houses since the Outreach Conference in 3051. The nation’s factional breakdown following the assassination of Captain-General Thomas Marik altered this arrangement. While a very small number of Marik industries continue to keep up their foreign contracts at this time most have diverted all military items to their own domestic war goals. Thankfully ComStar stepped forward to help fill this void by opening Terra and its numerous mothballed factories to its new anti-Clan allies. As part of the recently established Martial Accords the Order has agreed to provide Star League equipment in return for raw materials delivered from nearby Federated Commonwealth and Draconis Combine worlds. This new exchange in the Terran Corridor is rapidly replacing the missing equipment which the League would have provided. The situation also made possible some interesting opportunities for newcomers like Bullrun Concepts who have been granted sanctuary on Solaris VII. Their flagship redesign of the Locust, the LCT-4F, is now being built in partnership with OmniTech Industries on the Game World for the ComGuards and their allies.
CAPABILITIES With ComStar assistance Bullrun engineers were able to obtain proper licensing from Bergan Industries as well as its partners in order to manufacturer the Locust on Terra. Thankfully this included rights to the Bergan VII Modified Endo Steel chassis which was introduced just a few years ago. This advanced lightweight frame based on the original Bergan VII provides crucial weight savings for the design and was made possible by existing orbital foundries long maintained in the Sol system. Like all the new ‘4 series’ Locusts the LCT-4F is built around an Extra Light Engine namely the LTV 160 XL. Newly manufactured on Solaris VII for this BattleMech it allows the Locust to maintain its traditional movement profile while saving even more mass for weaponry and equipment. The bulky nature of these lostech innovations which are high priced is a drawback for some who also cite the XL Engine’s fragility. Advocates respond that the already fragile nature of the twenty-ton BattleMech requires such an investment for survival on the modern battlefield and its vastly improved arsenal proves that. Mounting a Martell Extended-Range Large Laser in the center torso gives this Locust substantial direct firepower in close, and a reach farther than that of a standard PPC. In each arms a Martell Medium Laser was placed to provide supplemental fire for the new main laser making this Light BattleMech a real threat on the battlefield. Additionally, the heat sinks were doubled in strength to high-tech Star League ‘freezers’ which dissipate all waste heat on a running Alpha Strike. As a heat neutral design with its all-energy weapon arsenal means that this war machine can operate independently indefinitely making it an exceptional raider. Bullrun also made a point of modularizing what it could like the 4D and 4S designs allowing for relatively fast swaps of weapons if so desired. The 4F also returned to the somewhat superior protection of the four ton 1s/StarSlab armor plating which was featured originally on the 1V. While this is ninety-three percent of the theoretical maximum the limitations inherent to twenty-ton BattleMechs really prevent any amount of armor from being effective. So, while it is better than the 3M its speed and longer-range weaponry offer it the best protection such a design can get. The LCT-4F also retains the traditional electronic systems of the Locust which are still highly reliable after all these years of service.
DEPLOYMENT Previously the ComGuards utilized the LCT-1V Locust only sparingly as they primarily relied on the Star League Mercury and Thorn as their primary twenty-ton BattleMechs. Tukayyid altered that equation as this model is rapidly entering their depleted ranks as a tiny sniper. Divisions of the 12th Army were the first to receive new shipments of this BattleMech and the reviews have been overwhelmingly positive. Welcomed by many as an ideal raider in future operations against the Clans it seems to be paired well with its light brethren in the Order. While some advocate for the discontinuation of these ultra-light designs in favor of heavier twenty-five ton designs their rapid construction provides a continuous source of replacement equipment.
While the AFFC sees this in much the same way it utilizes the 4F less than its natively manufactured 4D and 4S Locusts. While these designs are available to its anti-Clan allies production realities and native pride do play a significant factor in its deployment outside the Order. This can be clearly seen in AFFS and LCAF units who prefer their own Locusts over those of outsiders. What is left of the Rasalhague Kungsarme being more dependent on ComStar for any assistance that it may provide has incorporated a number of these Locusts into its remaining units. Select mercenaries in the service of ComStar like Brion’s Legion and the Bluecoats also have been spotted utilizing the LCT-4F. Once refits for the Martial Alliance have been completed and eventual expansion of this new facility occurs it is assumed that Solaris Gladiators will be seen piloting this new ‘4’ series model in the arenas.
Type: LCT-4F Locust
Technology Base: InnerSphere Level 2
Tonnage: 20 tons
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure: EndoSteel 1
Engine: 160 XL 3
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks: 10 (20) 0
Gyro: 2
Cockpit: 3
Armor Factor: 64 4
Internal Structure Armor Value
Head 3 8
Center Torso 6 10 / 2
R/L Torso 5 8 / 2
R/L Arm 3 4
R/L Leg 4 8
Weapons and Ammo: Location Criticals Mass
ER Large Laser Center Torso 2 5
Medium Laser Right Arm 1 1
Medium Laser Left Arm 1 1
Cost = 2,656,000 C-bills