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EQL-1Z EQUALIZER

Mass: 70 tons
Chassis: Martial QLZ EndoSteel
Power Plant: GM 210 Fusion
Cruising Speed: 32 kph
Maximum Speed: 54 kph
Jump Jets: None
   Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Durallex Heavy
Armament:
   2 Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifles
   4 Martell Medium Lasers
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries, StarCorp Industries, Independence Weaponry
   Primary Factory: Hesperus, Terra, Quentin
Communications System: O/P 3000 COMSET
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 1500 ARB

Overview:
   One of the first allied defense projects rushed into production by the InnerSphere was this twin Gauss Heavy BattleMech. Originally a FedCom concept, codenamed Mjolnir, designed as a stopgap measure to combat the technological superiority of Clan ‘Mechs. During his recovery Prince Hanse Davion insisted that the proliferation of the InnerSphere Gauss Rifle was the best way to tactically counter the continued threat posed by the invaders. To that end, the AFFC directed Defiance Industries to investigate the possibilities of rapidly adapting a Warhammer to do just that. Since Defiance was already working on a similar project of its own it was well suited to quickly finish construction. While prototype work began cooperation made possible by the Martial Accords also drew in assistance from ComStar and the Draconis Combine. In order to promote acceptance among the Alliance militaries the design was renamed the Equalizer in hopes that it would finally level the battlefield.

Capabilities:
   The Equalizer bares the classic look of the Warhammer but there some obvious visual differences like a thicker armored hide and larger main guns. It also lacks the distinctive missile rack and searchlight mounts of its precursor for an overall appearance that is stockier. Thanks to the newly opened ComStar Archives ancient designs like the Galahad and Hammerhands were extensively studied to avoid any potential pitfalls while searching for new enhancements. The most noted of these were the addition of protected actuators which help deal with the recoil of the Gauss Rifles. Inspiration also came from the much larger Gunslinger in development which sped production and resulted in rapid break throughs.
   Two enormous Poland Main Model A Gauss Rifles mounted in the respective arms of the Equalizer are its main arsenal. Each of these massive rail guns is supplied by sixteen rounds of ammunition which is thought to be enough for a single engagement. Some designers pushed for more ammo stored in the torsos but this would have taken away from the BattleMech’s supporting weapons. Four Martell Medium Lasers are just one of the components borrowed from its predecessor because of their dependability just like the venerable O/P electronic systems. In fact, the lightweight Martial QZ EndoSteel chassis is closely modeled after the original StarCorp 100 skeleton of the Warhammer as well. Retaining these core systems has not only retained its forebearer’s ruggedness but technicians appreciate the familiarity of its inner workings.
   Thirteen and a half tons of Durallex Heavy armor plating provides near maximum protection to this seventy-ton war machine. While good for a Heavy ‘Mech it has weak armor compared to Assault Mechs which can have almost a third more protection. Powered by a nine-ton GM 210 Fusion Engine it’s slow top speed of fifty-four kilometers per hour is comparable to most heavy assault units of the InnerSphere. This is most troublesome to critics of the design who point out the lightning speed of most Clan OmniMechs who can simply outmaneuver it. However, it must be pointed out that this power plant makes the Equalizer extremely tough to kill and cheap to produce with each unit costing only a little over six million C-bills. Thanks to ten Double Heat Sinks the design also runs extremely cool even when pushed to its limit. At maximum performance it can only generate eighty percent of maximum hear dispersal rates meaning that overheating would be extremely unlikely.

Deployment:
   At the start of 3054 three allied manufacturers have completed limited production runs which have been routed to frontline forces serving along the Clan Occupation Zone. First shipments to the 1st Sword of Light on Luthien, 321st Division on Orestes, and the 10th FedCom RCT on Pandora have been completed. These troops will conduct extensive field tests along this defensive perimeter before being declared ready for battle. Hopefully approval will be quick so mass production of this BattleMech can be authorized in order to augment InnerSphere forces along the rest of the border. Rapid mass production of this relatively simple bulwark ‘Mech is hoped to cushion the collapse of foreign arms suppliers in the Free Worlds League. While the breakdown of House Marik jeopardizes the logistics chain along the invaders route of advance projects like the Equalizer may yet save the day. Future shipments for AFFC, ComGuards, DCMS, and even remaining Rasalhague Kungsarme units all along the border is already hotly anticipated. As of yet no mercenaries are slated to receive these units but many are eagerly awaiting initial performance reports followed by an open sales market. It is also hoped that more manufacturers like Achernar BattleMechs of New Avalon will license production rights in the near future bolstering future manufacturing.

Type: Equalizer
Technology Base: Inner Sphere - Level 2
Tonnage: 70

Equipment                        Mass
Internal Structure:      EndoSteel         3.5
Engine:            210            9
   Walking MP:      3
   Running MP:      5
   Jumping MP:      0
Heat Sinks:         10 (20)         0
Gyro:                        3
Cockpit:                         3
Armor Factor:         216            13.5

      Internal Structure   Armor Value
Head            3         9
Center Torso      22         32 / 11
R/L Torso         15         22 / 8
R/L Arm         11         22
R/L Leg         15         30

Weapons and Ammo      Location      Critical   Tonnage
Gauss Rifle         Right Arm      7      15
Ammo (Gauss) 16       Right Arm      2      2
Gauss Rifle         Left Arm      7      15
Ammo (Gauss) 16       Left Arm      2      2
Medium Laser          Right Torso   1      1
Medium Laser          Left Torso      1      1
2 Medium Lasers       Center Torso   2      2

Cost = 6,165,900 C-bills