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ZORYA LIGHT TANK
Mass: 35 tons
Motive Type: Tracked
Power Plant: Fusion 175
Cruising Speed: 54 kph
Flank Speed: 86 kph
Armor: Compound Alpha Ferro-Fibrous
Armament: 1 Type OVR-X LB 5-X Autocannon
3 Type V “Longbow” LRM-5 Launchers
Manufacturer: Kraftwerk
Primary Factory: Shadow
Communications System: Consolidated BMR 6c with Electronic Countermeasure Suite
Targeting and Tracking System: TRTTS Mark II

OVERVIEW
   As the final ICE Combat Vehicle produced in Clan space there was tremendous pressure to upgrade this primitive design to acceptable standards. Ironically it was Jade Falcon who initially opposed the Quicksilver Vehicle Upgrades who became the driving force behind the Zorya and the Huitzilopochtli. Motivated by their loss at the Eastern Purgatory Peninsula on Eden and the need to effectively garrison their Occupation Zone the conservative Falcons undertook a proposal by Star Captain Taman Malthus. Witnessing firsthand how effective Conventional Vehicles could be when used properly Malthus postulated that salvaged fusion reactors from Hunter Light Support Tanks could enhance the Zorya’s performance. Like the Sentinel IIC it also utilizes the Type OVR-X LB 5-X Autocannon which can use cluster ammunition that is tremendously useful for engaging tanks, helicopters, and damaged ‘Mechs.
   Meanwhile the Fire Mandrills were also looking a way to improve their Zorya production line at Kraftwerk on Shadow. Falcon merchants contacted the Joint Kindraa Engineering Teams (JKET) at the direction of Khan Crichell with a deal in mind. In return for a share of production they would share their new Zorya design even offering generous financial incentives to undertake necessary factory updates. The proposal was met with universal acclaim even among the normally divisive Mandrill Clan. Moving rapidly, they were able to quickly refit their assembly line and begin production in short order. For their part the Falcons were equally as fast to offer refit kits for existing Zoryas to nearly any interested Clan. This act assured merchants involved in the venture a significant profit margin for their initial investments.

CAPABILITIES
   Finding a suitable replacement for the ICE 140 proved to be easier than first thought. At first Mandrills engineers wanted to use the Fusion 140 Power Plant found on the Odin Scout Tank but in the end realized the large engine utilized by the Falcons was a better choice. The Fusion 175 found on the Svantovit IFV was after all more powerful ton for ton and with this new reactor the Zorya enough speed to keep up with most Clan heavy 'Mechs. This was not the only component culled from the Svantovit which provided much of the enhanced parts for the uprated Zorya. Three tons of Compound Alpha Ferro-Fibrous replaced three and a half tons of aged Forging OTR17b armor plating providing a slight increase in protection. Stripping Type X ‘Short Bow’ LRM Launcher along with its Artemis IV FCS allowed engineers to reduce the turret size. That launcher was then replaced by three smaller Type V “Longbow” LRM-5 Launchers, giving a slight boost in firepower and the ability to engaged multiple targets. Another ton was added to the LRM ammunition bins enabling them to fire constantly for sixteen rounds. In the final analysis the upgrade cost only eleven percent more than the original model.

DEPLOYMENT
   Assigning the first refitted Zoryas to the 1st Raptor Cluster appears to be part of Khan Elias Crichell plan to effectively utilize conventional vehicles. These newly reorganized armored units while still considered support only by the traditional Falcons serve an increasing high profile role in the Occupation Zone. They must contend with uprisings and raids from InnerSphere opponents who show no honor even if other Clans including their own consider them non-combatants. Kindraa Faraday-Tanaga-Kline and their Primate Clusters have made the greatest use of these new Zoryas so far among the Fire Mandrills. These second line units which have bolstered the Kindraa’s strength are composed entirely of conventional forces. Kindraa Payne-Beyl-Grant has deployed the new Zorya on a smaller scale in their Auxiliary Clusters which also serve in their Touman. Kindraa Carrol much like the Falcons considers the Zorya a supporting asset only and will not use it outside third rate clusters. Kindraa Sainze like Burrock and Smoke Jaguar have Forsaken the use of conventional vehicles in combat and refuses to adopt the upgrade. Goliath Scorpion became the third Clan to adopt the new Zorya thanks in part to the introduction of its Minotaur BattleMech which uses the same power plant. The Wolves are the latest to successfully trail for the production rights to the enhanced Zorya which Jade Falcon reluctantly shared following proper combat trials.

VARIANTS
   All the added attention has produced some interesting Zorya variants which could prove quite useful. Swapping the LB 5-X Autocannon for an Ultra Autocannon/5 is the simplest providing extra firepower when desired. Fire Mandrill has implemented perhaps the most radical alteration in some of its Zoryas based on their original design modification. Realizing the integral Heat Sinks provided by the new Fusion Engine present an opportunity for energy weapons they replaced the Autocannon with a Large Pulse Laser. Left over turret space is swallowed up by a fourth LRM-5 Launcher which comes with an additional ton of ammunition. This allows the LRM quartet to fire continuously for eighteen rounds. Finally an Active Probe is added to effectively scan for incoming enemies. This effectively doubles the firepower of the old Zorya and creates a first rate anti-aircraft platform.

Type: Zorya Light Tank
Technology Base: Clan Vehicle
Movement Type: Tracked
Tonnage: 35 tons

Equipment                           Mass
Internal Structure:                         3.5
Engine:            175               10.5
   Type:            Fusion
   Cruising MP:         5
   Flank MP:         8
Heat Sinks:            10               0
Control Equipment:                        2
Lift Equipment:                        0
Turret:                            1
Armor Factor:            57               3

               Armor Value   
   Front          16
   Right/Left Side      9/9
   Rear             9
   Turret         14

Weapons and Ammo:      Location         Tonnage
LB 5-X AC            Turret         7
Ammo (LB-X) 40      Body            2
3 LRM-5s            Turret         3
Ammo (LRM) 48         Body            2
ECM Suite            Body            1