Mad Dog (Vulture)One of the most commonly seen heavy ‘Mechs, the Mad Dog has been seen in every Clan touman. Originally named as an affront by the Smoke Jaguars about their hated rivals the Wolf and Coyote clans, the design was built with inspiration from the Timber Wolf and Lupus ‘Mechs from the same said clans. The Mad Dog is a versatile mobile missile platform with very sharp fangs, sacrificing armor for stopping power. In our recent evaluations of the commonly seen configurations we have taken note of a number of possible replacements for our own Toumans. Seeing that its fundamental weakness is its armor capability we have focused our efforts on increasing the range of its weapon loadouts to ensure its survivability in the field.
Reported by
Star Colonel Imelda Talasko
5th Assault Cluster, Alpha Galaxy, Clan Star Adder
Prime
Weapons Loc Heat
ER Large Laser LA 12
ER Large Laser RA 12
Medium Pulse Laser LA 4
Medium Pulse Laser RA 4
LRM 15 LT 5
Streak SRM 6 RT 4
Streak SRM 6 RT 4
ER Small Laser CT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
LRM 15 LT 16
Streak SRM 6 Ammo RT 15
Equipment Loc
Artemis IV FCS LT
Double Heat Sink LT
Double Heat Sink LA
Analysis of Battle ROMs from the Invasion Clans shows that versatility is key with the unorthodox tactics seen by the Inner Sphere forces. Our suggestion for the new Prime Configuration was inspired by the previous Configuration B. Downgrading the LRM-20 to a 15, removing one of the Medium Pulse Lasers as well. Adding two Double Heat Sinks and an Artemis to support its LRM for increased missile accuracy. It holds enough ammunition for its missile batteries for most engagements.
 
Configuration A
Weapons Loc Heat
Large Pulse Laser LA 10
Large Pulse Laser RA 10
LRM 15 RT 5
LRM 15 LT 5
Ammo Loc Shots
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo RT 16
LRM 15 (Clan) Artemis-capable Ammo LT 16
Equipment Loc
Artemis IV FCS LT
Artemis IV FCS RT
ECM Suite HD
Double Heat Sink RT
Double Heat Sink LT
A commonly seen variant amongst our own cluster toumans already this variant is inspired by the old Prime Configuration. Keeping the Large Pulse Lasers but removing the Medium Pulse Lasers and downgrading the LRM 20 to LRM 15s, we’ve been to effectively double the amount of missiles from its original configuration. Adding in twin Artemis systems will allow for more accurate missile fire. Estimates show this will increase damage 12 to 15%. Adding an ECM suite and two additional heat sinks. This variant will be able to hide from its enemies before raining down continuous damage upon its foe.
 
Configuration B
Weapons Loc Heat
LRM 15 LA 5
LRM 15 RA 5
LRM 20 LT 6
LRM 20 RT 6
Small Pulse Laser CT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
LRM 20 Ammo LT 6
LRM 15 Ammo LT 8
LRM 20 Ammo RT 6
LRM 15 Ammo RT 8
LRM 20 Ammo CT 6
Equipment Loc
Artemis IV FCS LA
Artemis IV FCS RA
Artemis IV FCS LT
Artemis IV FCS RT
Double Heat Sink LL
Taking its role and running with it. This gunboat variant is armed with twin LRM 20s with twin LRM 15s to rain down death about foes either directly or indirectly. Backed up by a single small pulse laser for any infantry or battlearmors that come upon the mech. While ammo may become a concern for a lengthened engagement with its speed and ability to stay at a distance with most foes it will allow the ‘Mech to disengage for ammo replenishing.
 
Configuration C
Weapons Loc Heat
ER PPC LA 15
Gauss Rifle RA 1
LRM 10 LT 4
LRM 10 RT 4
ER Small Laser CT 2
ER Small Laser CT 2
Ammo Loc Shots
Gauss Ammo RA 16
LRM 10 Ammo LT 12
LRM 10 Ammo RT 12
This configuration has some of the most direct damage weaponry amongst the suggested new Configurations we have proposed. Armed with the massive Gauss Rifle, corresponding ER PPC and twin LRM 10s this ‘Mech can whittle away the armor of most heavier ‘Mechs and destroy lighter ‘Mechs at ranges that some ‘Mechs are not even able to engage at. Twin ER Small Lasers round out its weapon load for any foes that are able to close the distance.
 
Configuration D
Weapons Loc Heat
ER PPC LA 15
ER PPC RA 15
Ultra AC/5 RT 1
Ammo Loc Shots
Ultra AC/5 Ammo RT 40
Equipment Loc
Targeting Computer LT
Double Heat Sink LA
Double Heat Sink RA
Double Heat Sink CT
One of the few variants that doesn’t carry any missile systems. Mobile and accurate this design can take advantage of its targeting computer and speed to destroy its mechs quickly. Used often in duels this variant is quite common with our Cavalier Clusters.
 
Configuration E
Weapons Loc Heat
ER Large Laser CT 12
LB 10-X AC RA 2
LB 10-X AC LA 2
Ammo Loc Shots
LB 10-X AC Ammo RT 10
LB 10-X AC Ammo LT 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo RT 10
LB 10-X Cluster Ammo LT 10
Another variant without any missile batteries Configuration E is our antivehicle and antifighter version. Armed with Twin LB 10X with a total of 40 rounds of ammunition and backed with a single ER Large Laser. This design can stay on the field for extended periods of times.
 
Configuration F
Weapons Loc Heat
ER Large Laser RA 12
ER Large Laser RA 12
ER Large Laser LA 12
Streak SRM 4 LT 3
Streak SRM 4 RT 3
Ammo Loc Shots
Streak SRM 4 Ammo RT 25
Streak SRM 4 Ammo LT 25
Equipment Loc
Targeting Computer LT
Double Heat Sink LL
Double Heat Sink RL
Another version that takes advantage of the Targeting Computer. Configuration F Mounts three Extended Range Lasers for long range concentrated fire upon its foes. Backed by twin Streak SRM-4s for any foes that are able to close the distance.
Configuration G
Weapons Loc Heat
Arrow IV LT/LA 10
Arrow IV RT/RA 10
Ammo Loc Shots
Arrow IV Smoke Ammo LT 5
Arrow IV Homing Ammo LT 5
Arrow IV Cluster Ammo RT 5
Arrow IV Homing Ammo RT 5
A rare variant that has been used for supporting fire, Mounted by Twin Arrow IV artillery systems. This variant has only been used in limited engagements with pirates, bandits and Inner Sphere battles.
Configuration H
Weapons Loc Heat
Ultra AC/20 RA 7
SRM 6 RT 4
SRM 6 RT 4
SRM 6 LT 4
SRM 6 LT 4
ER Medium Laser LA 5
Ammo Loc Shots
Ultra AC/20 Ammo RT 5
Ultra AC/20 Ammo RT 5
SRM 6 Ammo RT 15
SRM 6 Ammo LT 15
Equipment Loc
Jump Jets LL
Jump Jets LL
Jump Jets RL
Jump Jets RL
Jump Jets CT
Our single suggestion for as a brawler class variant. This configuration is our sole version outfitted with jump jets allowing for full maneuverability on the battlefield. Outfitted with the mammoth Ultra AC/20 along with 4 SRM 6 launchers this variant is designed to enter the field and waste its foes as quickly as possible before pulling back for possible rearming. Primarily used by our units that are defending our resources and the occasional duel.