By 3053, the Draconis Combine had decided to restart production of the venerable Spider BattleMech at the new Nimakachi Fusion Products production line on Lapida II. However, rather than simply reproduce the SDR-5V Spider, the DCMS chose to build an improved and upgraded model.
Designated as the SDR-6K Spider, this variant would incorporate a 240-rate Extra Light Fusion Engine, Endo-Steel II internal structure, double strength heat sinks, and see armor protection double from 3.0 tons to 6.0 tons of standard armor plating! The original communications array and targeting/tracking systems were retained, although this decision did prevent Nimakachi from being able to modify the head and cockpit to add an ejection system.
But in the minds of the samurai Warlords and Generals of the DCMS, this lack was nothing of consequence.
Four distinct models were designed and built as prototypes for field testing. The performance of each was considered outstanding, with the new Kurita Spider showing a capacity for engaging against (and surviving said engagements) with many Clan light-weight OmniMechs!
Only the weapons and electronics package differed between the four prototypes: engine rate, heat sinks, jump capacity, and armor remained identical on all four designs.
The SDR-6K1 was the first variant to see field combat trials. This version included a Diplan Inquisitor Beagle Active Probe in the right torso and was armed with a Victory Nickel Alloy Extended-Range Large Laser. Heat neutral on a jumping Alpha Strike, the -6K1 proved to be a superb fast recon asset. The reach of the ER Large Laser and the speed and maneuverability of the base chassis gave this Spider the ability (in most circumstances) to dictate the range at which it could engage other units . . . or whether or not to evade them.
Spider SDR-6K1
Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,429,840 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,429,840 C-Bills
Battle Value: 895
Chassis: Newhart 1200 Deluxe Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Laser
1 Diplan Inquisitor Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
Primary Factory: Lapida II
Communications System: O/P 500A
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P TA 1240
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 51 points 1.50
Internal Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 240 6.00
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT 4.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 14
Center Torso (rear) 3
L/R Torso 7 10
L/R Torso (rear) 3
L/R Arm 5 8
L/R Leg 7 14
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beagle Active Probe RT 0 2 1.50
ER Large Laser CT 12 2 5.00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
8j 1 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: PRB, RCN, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
The SDR-6K2 was almost identical to the -6K1, but replaced the BAP with a New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite. Operating in conjunction with the -6K1, the -6K2 variant provides a recon/strike lance with the ECM support required for the modern battlefield.
Spider SDR-6K2
Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,429,840 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,429,840 C-Bills
Battle Value: 967
Chassis: Newhart 1200 Deluxe Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Standard Armor
Armament:
1 Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Laser
1 New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
Primary Factory: Lapida II
Communications System: O/P 500A
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P TA 1240
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 51 points 1.50
Internal Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 240 6.00
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT 4.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 14
Center Torso (rear) 3
L/R Torso 7 10
L/R Torso (rear) 3
L/R Arm 5 8
L/R Leg 7 14
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1.50
ER Large Laser CT 12 2 5.00
Free Critical Slots: 12
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
8j 1 1 1 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: ECM, ENE, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
The SDR-6K3 and SDR-6K4 likewise were equipped with a BAP (-6K3) and GECM (-6K4), respectively. These variants replaced the Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Laser with four Aberdovy Mark III Medium Lasers (two in the center torso and one each in the right and left arms), along with a Tanadi Citizen C3 Slave Module (located in the head). Once again, the two designs were heat-neutral on a jumping alpha strike, but capable of inflicting far greater damage in close-quarters combat than the -6K1 and -6K2. The C3 Slave Module somewhat alleviated the shorter range of the medium lasers, but engagement range was still limited to a maximum of 270 meters . . . and required a "spotter" to close with the target. Nonetheless, the design was quite popular with MechWarriors of the DCMS.
Spider SDR-6K3
Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,702,840 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,702,840 C-Bills
Battle Value: 947
Chassis: Newhart 1200 Deluxe Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Standard Armor
Armament:
4 Aberdovy Mk III Medium Lasers
1 Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
1 Diplan Inquisitor Beagle Active Probe
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
Primary Factory: Lapida II
Communications System: O/P 500A
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P TA 1240
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 51 points 1.50
Internal Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 240 6.00
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT 4.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 14
Center Torso (rear) 3
L/R Torso 7 10
L/R Torso (rear) 3
L/R Arm 5 8
L/R Leg 7 14
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Beagle Active Probe RT 0 2 1.50
2 Medium Lasers CT 6 2 2.00
C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 9
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 9
8j 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: C3S, PRB, RCN, ENE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
Spider SDR-6K4
Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3053
Dry Cost: 5,702,840 C-Bills
Total Cost: 5,702,840 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,018
Chassis: Newhart 1200 Deluxe Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Pitban 240 Fusion XL Engine
Walking Speed: 86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed: 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets: Pitban LFT-10
Jump Capacity: 240 meters
Armor: Durallex Light Standard Armor
Armament:
4 Aberdovy Mk III Medium Lasers
1 Tanadi Citizen C3 Computer (Slave)
1 New Samarkand Nimbus Guardian ECM Suite
Manufacturer: Nimakachi Fusion Products
Primary Factory: Lapida II
Communications System: O/P 500A
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P TA 1240
================================================================================
Equipment Type Rating Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo-Steel 51 points 1.50
Internal Locations: 2 LT, 2 RT, 3 LA, 3 RA, 2 LL, 2 RL
Engine: XL Fusion Engine 240 6.00
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 8 Standard
Jump Jet Locations: 4 LT, 4 RT 4.00
Heat Sinks: Double Heat Sink 10(20) 0.00
Heat Sink Locations: 1 LT
Gyro: Standard 3.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Actuators: L: SH+UA+LA+H R: SH+UA+LA+H
Armor: Standard Armor AV - 96 6.00
Internal Armor
Structure Factor
Head 3 9
Center Torso 10 14
Center Torso (rear) 3
L/R Torso 7 10
L/R Torso (rear) 3
L/R Arm 5 8
L/R Leg 7 14
================================================================================
Equipment Location Heat Critical Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser RA 3 1 1.00
Medium Laser LA 3 1 1.00
Guardian ECM Suite RT 0 2 1.50
2 Medium Lasers CT 6 2 2.00
C3 Computer (Slave) HD 0 1 1.00
Free Critical Slots: 9
BattleForce Statistics
MV S (+0) M (+2) L (+4) E (+6) Wt. Ov Armor: 3 Points: 10
8j 2 2 0 0 1 0 Structure: 1
Special Abilities: C3S, ECM, ENE, MHQ1, SRCH, ES, SEAL, SOA
By 3055, the Coordinator had reviewed reports of the field trials and authorized full scale production of all four prototype variants. The first new production models entered service with the DCMS in early 3056, often serving in mixed lances with the Combine's latest variants of the Jenner for fast assault and reconnaissance roles. Only a handful of these units have been exported, but those outside the Combine who have received them prize the new Spiders highly.