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STF-1R STARFIRE

Mass: 60 tons
Chassis: Kallon Type XV EndoSteel
Power Plant: Hermes 360 XL
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
   2 Blankenburg Technologies 200 Extended Range Particle Projection Cannons
   2 Magna Mk II Medium Lasers
   1 Magna Mk I Small Laser
Manufacturer: Kallon Industries
   Primary Factory: Terra
Communications System: Garret T-11 A
Targeting and Tracking System: Garret D2j

Overview:
   As ComStar prepared for the great battle of Tukayyid many new BattleMech concepts were tested. Techs utilizing salvaged parts from boneyards assembled some intriguing hybrid designs that successfully mixed components from multiple 'Mechs in order to create a new war machine. One of their most successful melds was this advanced Rifleman chassis powered by a Lancelot engine featuring Warhammer PPC arms. Unfortunately, these amalgamations were derisively referred to as 'FrackenMechs' that are often seen in backwater regions of the InnerSphere or the Periphery. Most times these ramshackled wrecks are poorly constructed and barely able to function which is far from the standards of the ComGuards. Armed with perfectly preserved Star League BattleMechs this 'bastardized testbed' was never seriously considered for front line service against the Clans despite its impressive capabilities. So, in spite of being far more sophisticated and polished then its poor frontier brethren this proposed sixty-ton hybrid could not overcome the same bias. Massive materiel losses during the Tukayyid conflict and defections afterwards appears to have altered that thinking forever. Needing to make good on the immediate equipment shortfall the Precentor Martial authorized further refurbishments of this ‘Mech he dubbed the Starfire. The recent Martial Accords also paved the way for greater cooperation between ComStar, the Great Houses, and corporations like Kallon Industries. Agreeing to spearhead new construction at their recently announced Terran facility this fast Heavy ‘Mech with imposing long-range firepower is poised to become a staple of the rebuilding ComGuards for years to come.

Capabilities:
   The experimental Kallon Type XV EndoSteel chassis that was still on the drawing board during the Clan Invasion had its development expedited on Terra by ComStar. Thankfully the Cradle of Humanity already had sophisticated orbital foundries running before the Battle of Tukayyid requiring only the molds be built to complete the core of this new design. Not only does this concept use the Rifleman’s skeletal structure but so too have the original Garret electronic systems been retained. Also available courtesy of Krupp Stellar Technologies was the Mars built Hermes 360 Extra Light Engine used on the Lancelot. This power plant, either newly constructed or refurbished for use here, propels the sixty-ton-BattleMech to speeds approaching one hundred kilometers per hour. This allows the Starfire to maintain its distance so that it can use two Blankenburg Technologies 200 Extended Range Particle Projection Cannons to hammer away at opponents. While not as hard hitting as Clan OmniMechs they pack a respectable punch which can threaten any of them. Two Magna Mk II Medium Lasers and a single Magna Mk I Small Laser are also included but they are really only to be used in support of the main ER PPCs if adversaries successfully close. While the sixteen Double Heat Sinks can maintain the Starfire’s smooth operation at long range use of these secondary weapons can cause overheating. Eleven tons of Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous previously used on lostech variants of the JagerMech, Axman, and Wolverine afford the design an impressive ninety-eight percent of maximum armor protection so the war machine can take a pounding.  All this cutting-edge equipment comes at a high price however, nearly fourteen million C-bills. Additionally, lower arm or hand actuators had to be removed to create greater internal space for bulky cutting-edge systems. While this does enable it to rotate its arms in combat the lack of interior room makes maintenance difficult for Techs who have to squeeze into some pretty tight spaces.

Deployment:
   Made exclusively for the ComGuards many are postulating that this BattleMech will eventually replace the aging Lancelot in the Order’s ranks. For now, salvaged and newly built Starfires are being delivered as fast as possible to make good on battlefield losses sustained at Tukayyid. Kallon’s newly opened Terran plant located in Nanjing, China is just starting production which is quite impressive. This feat is due in no small part to carefully mothballed Star League facilities, significant foreign investment, and most of all cooperation made possible by the Martial Accords. Some speculate because of this mutual support that the Starfire will eventually be deployed by other InnerSphere powers. However, the hybrid ‘Mech with a special name has already won a place within the Order and its proliferation to others may not be in the cards.
   
Type: Starfire
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 60 tons

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:         EndoSteel         3
Engine:            360 XL         16.5
   Walking MP:         6
   Running MP:         9
   Jumping MP:         0            0
Heat Sinks:            16 (32)            6
Gyro:                           4
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:            197            11

         Internal Structure   Armor Value
   Head            3         9
   Center Torso      20         27 / 9
   R/L Torso         14         21 / 7
   R/L Arm         10         20
   R/L Leg         14         28

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
ER PPC            Right Arm      3      7
ER PPC            Left Arm      3      7
Medium Laser         Right Torso      1      1
Medium Laser         Left Torso      1      1
Small Laser         Center Torso      1      .5

Cost = 13,771,600 C-bills