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Commander COM-3MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 25 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File

Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery
Taurian Concordat Periphery

BATTLEROM IMAGE JULY 14, 3025
** FOR WOLF'S DRAGOONS USE ONLY **

SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 150 5.5T
Gyro: Standard 2T
  Walk: 6 MP
  Run: 9 MP
  Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10  0T
6 in Engine

Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 2.5 5
Head 3 8
Center Torso 8 10/6
L/R Torso 6 8/4
L/R Arm 4 7
L/R Leg 6 9

Standard
Battle Value: 553
C-Bill Cost: 1,861,250
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
2 Heat Sink CT 2 2
1 PPC RA 3 7
2 Heat Sink RA 2 2
  Totals
7 7

Overview:
The Commander COM-3MC was designed after former Tai-i and now Commander Scope Kinugau issued a call for tenders for a light ‘Mech based on the Commando but able to provide long range firepower and command capacities to the numerous light units available to the Magistracy. With this, he thought not only would they be able to carry on better scouting missions but also more missions. The winner of the contest was Canopian Retrofitted Designs, a new company at that time, that had only produced one type of ‘Mech. They asked for the permission to give the name Commander to their new design as a tribute to the Commanders within the Magistracy, a way to show what its role would be and a camouflage as its model name would then be COM-3MC, meaning that for some time, it could mislead the enemies into believing they were facing a standard Commando.

Capabilities:
The design was based on the Commando COM-2D but also on the original version with a Large Laser instead of the different short range missiles systems. The first step was to decide about the speed. Since, it was going to act with designs such as the Stinger, the Wasp, the Commando and other similar ones, the original speed of the Commando had to be retained. The engineers working on the design found out that the problem with the right hand could be solved with a better cooling system and also a better thermal isolation of the weapon. Looking at the different weapons available for long range sniping that had good thermal isolation, they found out that the Parti-Kill Heavy Cannon PPC, already used in the Manticore was perfect for that need. No secondary weapon was provided this would prevent Commanders from being tempted to fight close and personal (something this design is not meant for). The remaining weight was put into armour in order to protect the Commander from being shot easily. To help the design fulfil its role of commanding light units, the most advanced tracking and communication systems available were added, giving the Commander an unique edge for the Periphery. In order to honour Commander Scope Kinugau and to further confuse the opponents, the external appearance was remodelled to look like a Panther. To add to this similitude, a new cooling system is being tested within the centre torso that uses two cooling plugs in one heat sink. So far the only result was a really small increase in the cooling capacity but not worth the investments made. However, the external look of the two heat sinks in the centre torso is just like the SRM-4 found in the Panther.

Configuration / Variants:
The only variant produced so far is being used by Commander Inka Paajanen after her show on Bass. Her COM-31MC is using a salvaged Tacticon B-2000 that should be able to monitor and co-ordinate several lances of light ‘Mechs. The true efficiency of this computer in such a light frame (and with the code rewriting of Canopian Retrofitted Designs) has not been tested in combat but is expected to perform well. However, this variant is likely to remain unique as this advanced battle computer is not produced in the Magistracy and all of them are used on the Cyclop.

Battle History:
Several raids have seen the use of the Commander both in attack and in defence. One of the earliest was a winter defence of Bass in 3025 by elements of the 1st Canopian Fusiliers led by Commander Inka Paajanen. Outnumbered by the heavy forces set up by the pirates (mostly wheeled vehicles), she ordered her force to split and attract as much as the pirates away while regrouping further away. After that, she used the heavy woods of that part of Bass at her advantage to destroy piece by piece, the separated pirates. The ambushes were co-ordinated thanks to the advanced system and took advantage of the difficult ground for wheeled vehicles to block them on the roads and then destroy them piece by piece. The Commander occasionally brought its long range firepower to soften up some targets. At the end of the two days, what was left of the pirate force was a light lance led by a Charger. Seeing that her battered force needed heavily repairs and that this fight might cost precious lives, Commander Paajanen issued a challenge against the Charger in her COM-3MC. Thinking that this was just another version of the Commando with only short range firepower, the pirate went forward and found himself caught in a game he could not win. Staying at long range and using the Commander better speed to keep it that way, Commander Paajanen destroyed the Charger with a few aimed shots, which could not score a hit. Seeing what had happened to the heaviest member of their lance, the other pirates quickly surrendered, much to the relief of the Canopian officer.

Deployment:
This ‘Mech is the only mass produced by Canopian Retrofitted Designs and as such is being sent to all light units commanders to help these units perform more missions and leave only the heaviest fighting to the barely available heavier ‘Mechs. Some talks have been going on with the Taurian Concordat and it is rumoured that several Commander have already been shipped to them for evaluation.

Wehshi WHI-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 30 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File

Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery

BATTLEROM IMAGE FEBRUARY 2, 3034
** FOR THE WATCH USE ONLY **

SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 180 7T
Gyro: Standard 2T
  Walk: 6 MP
  Run: 9 MP
  Jump: 4 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 10  0T
7 in Engine

Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 3 6
Head 3 8
Center Torso 10 14/4
L/R Torso 7 12/2
L/R Arm 5 9
L/R Leg 7 12

Standard
Battle Value: 589
C-Bill Cost: 2,193,620
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Hatchet LA 2 2
1 SRM-6 LT 2 3
1 Ammo (SRM-6) 15 LT 1 1
2 Heat Sink LT 2 2
2 Jump Jets LL 2 1
1 Heat Sink CT 1 1
2 Jump Jets RL 2 1
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
  Totals
13 9
Overview:
After seeing several fire support designs being produced, Commander Bileygr ordered Canopian Retrofitted Designs to work on more close combat designs as defensive operations in restricted areas were likely to erupt in the coming months. Hearing rumours about a new Lyran design displaying a hatchet that could be used in close combat, the engineers at Canopian Retrofitted Designs decided to go ahead and to design a new ‘Mech based on this concept. They were unwilling however to start designing a completely new BattleMech, they decided to use the homegrown VLK-QMC as the basis. With the use of hatchets being an alien concept to the Magistracy Forces, the new ‘Mech was christened the WHI-1MC Wehshi or Barbarian.

Capabilities:
Since it was supposed to be a close combat fighter, the speed of the Wehshi was increased to a maximum of 97 kph. This was made possible by the use of a Warner 180N engine produced in the Taurian Concordat. Not willing to become even more dependent, the Magestrix Command Center agreed on an experimental purchase of a restricted number of such engines before giving or not the final go ahead. In order to be able to add the hatchet, one ton of ammo for the Marlin 6 Pack was removed from the ‘Mech together with two heat sinks. However, the Marlin 6 Pack and the Sutel IX Medium Laser (placed instead of the right arm as in all variants of the Valkyrie) were kept to provide an added punch to the Wehshi. To increase the mobility, 4 jump jets were added, providing the design with a 120 meters jumping capacity. The final result was a ‘Mech that went a step further into the close combat option of the VLK-QMC but that had really the potential to hunt efficiently most light and medium ‘Mechs (the hatchet being too light to fight efficiently heavy and assault 'Mechs). The Wehshi can use its ground speed, jumping capacity and the cover to come within short range of any design and destroy them with the hatchet and the Medium Laser. The decrease in ammo for the SRM-6 means that it can only be used in really short operations even by standards of operations within the mercenaries or as a back-up weapon when facing an unexpected foe too heavy for its hatchet.

Configuration / Variants:
Since this is a rather new ‘Mech, no variant has been produced so far.

Battle History:
Acting under orders from the 2nd Canopian Light Horses to help it repel a major attack from the Capellan Confederation on the new Canopian world of Andarmax, Commander Bileygr recalled all its Kampfgruppen including the new recruits and a new design the WHI-1MC Wehshi called “El Mio Cid” piloted by ‘Mechwarrior Diego “Buch” Carnicero, his latest Canopian recruit. During the first part of a three months battle, the Wehshi as all Bileygr’s Kamfgruppen was sent on deep raids within the Liao area. Due to the peculiar profile of its ‘Mech, Commander Bileygr did not give to “Buch” any peculiar instructions but rather insisted on him causing the maximum havoc within the light and medium ‘Mech forces facing them. This is what he did, hunting through night raids any isolated ‘Mechs from the Kincade’s Rangers that he could found. He was so successful that several scout-hunters Scorpions were sent to hunt the unknown ‘Mech operating in their rear area. The climax was reached when one Scorpion cornered the Wehshi, only to find it running straight ahead with the hatchet ready to be used. The last thing heard from that Scorpion was “Manzi”, an old term used for the Southern Barbarians in the old Chinese Empire. Diego Carnicero emerged within the Canopian zone several days later with a ‘Mech barely able to move (a testimony to the survivability potential of the design) but three kills certified, one of them being stylised as a stinger.

Deployment:
Due to the special profile of this headhunting unit, no further ‘Mech has been produced so far.

That Commando has got a big gun!

And you should see when they act in packs.

Dragon DRG-1MC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 60 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File

Faction Availability
Magistracy of Canopus Periphery

BATTLEROM IMAGE JULY 14, 3025
** FOR WOLF'S DRAGOONS USE ONLY **

SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 300 19T
Gyro: Standard 3T
  Walk: 5 MP
  Run: 8 MP
  Jump: 4 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 16  6T
12 in Engine

Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 6 10
Head 3 9
Center Torso 20 27/12
L/R Torso 14 16/8
L/R Arm 10 14
L/R Leg 14 18

Standard
Battle Value: 1058
C-Bill Cost: 5,242,880
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Medium Laser LA 1 1
1 Medium Laser LT(R) 1 1
2 Ammo (SRM-6) 15 LT 2 2
1 Heat Sink LT 1 1
2 Jump Jets LL 2 2
1 SRM-6 CT 2 3
2 Jump Jets RL 2 2
1 Heat Sink RT 1 1
1 Medium Laser RT 1 1
1 Medium Laser RA 1 1
2 Heat Sink RA 2 2
  Totals
16 13
Overview:
Impressed by the performances of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen, the Magistracy Armed Forces decided to reward them by giving them access to new designs. They decided to give the unit for free a captured and much damaged pirate DRG-1N Dragon. This move was seen as a way of increasing the power of the unit while ensuring that most of its resources would be turned to repairing, and retrofitting, preventing them to become fully autonomous. Interested in increasing the raw power of his unit, Commander Bileygr accepted the gift and turned to Canopian Retrofitted Designs for ensuring that the ‘Mech would be repaired and retrofitted at the lowest cost and as quickly as possible. Furthermore, he wanted a complete change of role for the Dragon, converting it into a close combat design. As soon as he gave them this task, Canopian Retrofitted Designs set up a special team with the goal of fulfilling the vision of Commander Bileygr. The DRG-1MC Dragon is the brainchild of this talented group.

Capabilities:
The first step of the engineers was to replace the cheaper actuators that were the reason for the frequent overhauls of the hip assembly with heavier ones bought at a heavy price. Even if this seemed to go against the initial order, it was seen as a winning move on the long term. The autocannon Imperator A and the Long Range Missiles system Telos DecaCluster had been damaged beyond any hope of repair because of the heavy fights the Dragon had been involved in and the usual lack of maintenance of the Periphery. The design team chose to replace them with closer range weapons. The AC/5 was replaced by a Martell Model 5 Medium Laser. To keep the fragile electronic system in the right arm working in spite of the heat increase, two heat sinks were also installed. The LRM-10 was replaced with the already tried Marklin 6 Pack system fitted with two tons of ammo. As room was still available, another Martell Model 5 was installed in the right torso. At that point of the process, one of the engineers felt that although the ‘Mech had always been considered a mobile one, he lacked the mobility provided by jump jets. The Pitban LFT-50 used on the Shadow Hawk were tried and were found generating enough lifting power to give the Dragoon a 120 meters jump capacity. It was decided that the original Victory 23R Medium Lasers would just go a routine repair cycle as they had always proven to be an efficient design. The mix of different Medium Lasers and the new jumping capacity were too much for the original Eagle Eye SY10-10 Targeting and Tracking System and it began to crash on a regular basis. Unwilling to send such an erratic ‘Mech on the battlefield, it was decided to replace it with a locally produced Magestrix Gamma that although less sophisticated was far more robust and less likely to crash when new weapons were plugged in the system. The last step was to chose between a better heat dissipation capability or the upgrade of the armour. Due to the reputation of the Dragon as a resistant ‘Mech and the increase in the number of energy weapons, it was decided to add four more heat sinks, bringing the total number to the impressive number of 16. The final result is a completely changed Dragon more mobile with an increased damage curve and a better capacity to deal with heat but with a much shorter range than the DRG-1N. This was a ‘Mech that although a bit more costly than the original design was perfectly suited to the missions of Bileygr’s Kampfgruppen.

Configuration / Variants:
As this is a retrofit of the original DRG-1N Dragon, no variant is expected to be designed.

Battle History:
Just as the unit was preparing itself for another assault on Regum II, the operation was called out because of an important uprising on Krimari. Having lost control of the main urban area, the Magestrix Command Center called for help to retake it. Deciding to strike as quickly as possible to minimise the reinforcement of the fortifications by the rebels, Commander Bilgeyr chose not to wait for the forces already sent to Regum II to strike back. Acting upon intelligence provided by loyalists, a plan was devised. The attack would begin with a surprise battle drop near the town hall followed by the capture of the leaders of the movement. Everything went according to the plan with the ‘Mechs taking position to prevent any approach and the infantry cleaning the building. Unfortunately for the mercenaries, a traitor had warned the rebels and the centre of the city had been transformed into one giant trap. Soon all the units were reporting contacts with hostile forces including infantry and ‘Mechs. Unwilling to destroy the city, Commander Bileygr ordered a withdraw outside of the city. While on the move, the DRG-1MC moved into a street with no exit. When making her way back, Commander Auliya Chouada found herself in front of a CPLT-C4 Catapult and a VND-1R Vindicator. Acting without any deliberate thought, she fired all her weapons on both ‘Mechs and managed to cripple them before they could react. Igniting the jump jets, she felt on top of the Catapult destroying it. The surviving rebel pilot decided to run away but was not quick enough as a salvo of missiles in the back destroyed it. With such a quick victory, Commander Auliya Chouada had managed to both destroy the heaviest ‘Mechs available to the rebel forces and to seriously shaken their morale. The rest of the campaign was nothing more than an easy and quick cleaning ending with the rebel leaders being brought before the Crimson Council.

Deployment:
So far only one DRG-1MC has been deployed. Despite some proposals by the Magistracy of Canopus, the Draconis Combine has been unwilling to buy a version of their main heavy ‘Mech designed by some dishonourable mercenary unit.

An interesting 55 tonner circa 3025. Medium range fighter that can certainly do some damage.

SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT: ARCHIVE ID #220
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2004
UPDATE: 10/22/2004
75 DOWNLOADS

Minotaur MNR-10TC
Level: Custom Level 1 / 3025
Technology: Inner Sphere Biped
Tonnage: 60 Tons
Designer: Ice Hellion
Armory: Canopian Retrofitted Designs
DBM (The Drawing Board) File

Faction Availability
Taurian Concordat Periphery

BATTLEROM IMAGE NOVEMBER 25, 3030
** FOR LOKI USE ONLY **

SOLARIS7: BATTLEMECH TECHNICAL READOUT
Equipment Mass
Cockpit: Standard 3T
Engine: Fusion 240 11.5T
Gyro: Standard 3T
  Walk: 4 MP
  Run: 6 MP
  Jump: 0 MP
Standard Heat Sinks: 15  5T
9 in Engine

Internal Structure Armor
Standard Standard
Tons 6 9.5
Head 3 9
Center Torso 20 27/10
L/R Torso 14 16/8
L/R Arm 10 13
L/R Leg 14 16

Standard
Battle Value: 929
C-Bill Cost: 4,746,560
Qty Weapons and Equipment Location Critical Tonnage
1 Autocannon/10 LT 7 12
3 Ammo (Autocannon/10) 10 LT 3 3
1 Heat Sink H 1 1
1 PPC RT 3 7
5 Heat Sink RT 5 5
  Totals
19 22
Overview:
In 3030, the Magistracy of Canopus made a move to facilitate the importation of weapons from the Taurian Concordat. Canopian Retrofitted Designs was allowed to answer a call from the Taurian Defense Force. Conscious that the shrunken size of the Concordat, in comparison with its original holdings in the 2500s meant that in any full-scale war, they would be unable to trade space for time as they did in the Reunification War and that the protection of the manufacturing centers outside of the Hyades Cluster was a priority, the Taurian Defense Force had issued a call for tender for a medium-heavy 'Mech designed for defensive operations along the borders and within urban and industrial centers.

Canopian Retrofitted Designs made a special team for this call, that tried to create a 'Mech with an unique Taurian feeling. In order to do this, they made several interviews with citizens from the Taurian Concordat present within the Magistracy (including the famous Ensign Jean "Gribeauval" Bureau). This led the design part of the team to give special attention to the external appearance. Even the name, Minotaur MNR-10TC was chosen because of its links with the mythology surrounding the bull within the Taurian Concordat.

Capabilities:
The MNR-10TC was built within the tradition of the Atlas and therefore its external look was shaped to create the living image of a minotaur with the head and the horns. However, this peculiar shape decreased the maximal amount of armor that could be used on the 'Mech. However, the Minotaur is still carrying a respectable 9.5 tons of Leviathon Plus armor.

As the design was a heavy 'Mech with its 60 tons, it was decided to give it the normal speed of most heavies with a top speed of 64.8 kph. This is lower than a lot of other designs with the same weight but due to the defensive missions, it was to perform, this was not seen as a problem. In order to move the 'Mech, a Pitban 240 engine was needed but could only be found within the Magestracy. Much to the surprise of the diplomats from the Taurian Concordat, the Magistracy of Canopus quickly agreed on a renegociation of the current commercial agreement linking both realms for the missing components of the different designs from Canopian Retrofitted Designs. The new treaty does not speak anymore of exchanging 'Mechs but focus on weapons against engines.

Since the goal was to create a 'Mech doing concentrated damages at long and middle ranges while the enemies were approaching the outskirts of the cities or industries, the engineers decided to shape the weaponry of the Minotaur along those of the Enforcer, the long trusted Medium 'Mech of House Davion. This is why they gave the MNR-10TC a torso mounted Pontiac 50 with 3 tons of ammo (more than the Enforcer, in order for the Minotaur to stay longer in the field than its rival). This AC/10 was completed by a Donal PPC in the right torso. As close combat could be expected in urban operations, two massive battle fists were added to provide an additional advantage at close quarters. 15 heat sinks were put into the 'Mech, enough for it to fire all its weapons while running with no problem at all.

Special attention was also given to the targeting and communication systems. For both, proven systems already manufactured within the Taurian Concordat had to be selected. This was important as the defensive positions should not be left on the open for an error within these systems. The final choice was made in favor of the Garret Supremesound and the RCA Instatrac Mark X, already used in the Thunderbolt and produced by Pinard Dicolais Electronics.

Configuration / Variants:
Two variants are being already manufactured: the MNR-11TC and the MNR-12TC (although it is difficult to differentiate each version as they have the same external appearance with the horns and the two huge tubes on the torsos).

The MNR-11TC is a close combat specialist. It carries one hatchet (which gives it even more the look of a classical minotaur), two torso mounted Shannon Six-Shooter SRM-6 with two tons of ammo each and two Martell Medium Lasers together with enough jump jets for a 120 meters jump and 17 heat sinks to help cooling down this feared urban fighter.

The MNR-12TC is the long range variant. It carries two torso mounted Delta Dart LRM-15 with two tons of ammo each and two Martell Medium Lasers. To help manage the increased heat generated, 17 heat sinks are being used. As the Minotaur is not supposed to carry a mobile campaign or to be used on real open fields, only one out of every 12 'Mechs produced is a 12TC version.

Battle History:
The first battle of the Minotaur was on the world of Pinard against a pirate raid. Trusting their superior numbers to make the difference and to prevent the defending Concordat Jaegers to establish a firm defensive line, the pirates divided their forces in order to target as much installations from Pinard Dicolais Electronics as possible. Using the advantages offered by their inner lines, the Jaegers managed to repel several thrusts from the pirates. However, the pirates were too numerous and a small force managed to reach the doors of one facilty just before the arrival of the Jaegers. Using its superior middle range firepower, Cornet Jack Brownbear began to tore the smaller 'Mechs to pieces until he saw a Dragon rushing to him. Thinking quickly, he ran towards it and stopped just under the range of the LRM-10, thinking that the pirate would not be willing to get into really close quarters with its two heavy battle fists and that the armor of the Minotaur should protect him long enough from the medium laser and the AC/5. Not able to bring most of its firepower on the MNR-10TC and faced with certain destruction, the pirate had no solution but to leave its 'Mech. By doing this, he forced the remaining pirates to withdraw as they were unable to do serious damages to the Taurians.

Deployment:
The Minotaur is intented to become the standard heavy 'Mech for any regiment within the Taurian Concordat involved in defensive operations. As such, it is deployed in every regiment as fast as possible. However, the priority remains with the regiments deployed along the borders with the Federated Suns.

A mini Warhammer armed with Large Lasers? Not bad!