INTRODUCTION

General,

     With the recent leak of our older reports on Aegis Equipment, I thought it best to compile and accurate and more informative version for your eyes only. Don't worry, I didn't take too much of my free time to do so, but a recent and fresh perspective on our inventory seemed like a worthwhile project. I feel it is especially important, with both the Treaty expiring this year, and the current uncertainly in the political arena at this time. You never know when we might even be forced to face common equipment.

     I know what you're thinking, that Aegis has been very careful to insure it only sells to allies, but recent Intelligence reports seem to indicate old and valued friends may soon be moving to enemy waters, check the black folder on the right hand side of your desk, and that isn't even counting the rift between Kariban and Bell Dynamic. I know what side you are on that Sir, but Bell Dynamic has started to shift a lot more of its production to Solaris, ostensibly for a higher profit due to the Treaty restrictions I know, but that also means that their less than exclusive client list will now have greater access to the more advanced products the Aegis Conglomerate produces. With all the backstabbing and double dealing that is sure to be going on in the next few years, you need to keep your eye on this.

     I will be sure to keep you abreast of any new developments we have coming in over the next few years, you know what projects I'm talking about, but it won't hurt to keep it all in a easily accessed file for your convenience. Good reading Sir, and I hope I didn't make things too dry for you.

-Captain Hunter Yashida
March 27th, 3133

OOC Disclaimer: While much of the following art has been both painted and often created in photoshop, it is done by using the designs found often by other fans, random artists, and from the official art created for the Battletech franchise. I in no way wish to take credit for their imagination, and while I might have 'bashed' designs together myself, none of it would have been possible without their work.

The Kestrel Battle Armor did not have an easy birth. Initially the design, much like its sister the Mongoose, was developed out of modifications made to the Nighthawk LP/A that the 12th Star Guards had discovered. Initially only having twelve of the rare technology, when the Guards discovered more on the planet of Erewhon that were missing any sort of jumping capability, they got to work modifying common infantry jump packs to replace such a vital part of the Nighthawk's mobility. In the process the technical crew for the Shadow Cats began developing an enhanced Jump Jet system.

The brainchild of Jerred Briggs and Orion Durrant, the Kestrel was designed around the role that the Infantry Squad Delta, nicknamed 'Kestrel Squad', had taken up as expert urban combatants. The first set of suits had a series of problems, but even as technical difficulties were fixed in the field, the suits still had little armor compared to the other Star Guard armors. Kestrels rarely were used in extensive combat, instead becoming city guardians and expert ambushers.

Just before the Jihad began, the Kestrel Mk II was released, adding a heat sensor and modular weapon mount, allowing it to become a headhunting unit in its city environments. The addition of versatility in weapon load out, thanks to the modular mount, meant that the various Kestrel squads could begin branching out and showing how solid of a design it was, though the lack of armor was always a sore point in the design.

In 3093, the Kariban Motor Company made a breakthrough in their armor research that had been going on for over 20 years. Using the various technical data and examples taken from Clan Smoke Jaguar 50 years before, Kariban had finally developed the light weight armor the Clans used in their own Battle Armor designs. This allowed the Kestrel Mk III to now actually carry as much armor than their previous bane, the Elemental Battle Armor. When one includes the AP Gauss Rifle and the Bearhunter Autocannon, both weapons Aegis has managed to obtain through clandestine means, the Kestrel now has a much wider range of operations then before.

Deployment: While it has not seen any combat within the Guards, the Mk III has performed well along the Capellan front and in the buffer state between the Draconis Combine and Federated Suns.


Notable Units

Sergeant Major Aeneas Karrde: Aeneas Karrde was a controversial figure in the history of the Guards, with his sudden transfer in 3049 to the discovery of his resistance cell on Wotan, being the source of a variety of conspiracy theories and hack documentaries since his death in 3118. While his original Delta Squad was killed in action during the taking of the Nemesis, Karrde forged a squad from the resistance cell of Star Guard infantry that had survived the initial battles on Wotan, and was greeted back to the Shadow Cats with the arrival of the Kestrel Mk I.
Karrde  and his 'Kestrel' squad was famous for pushing the boundaries of the machines, and they became famous for shutting down and even co-opting city defenses during the annihilation of Smoke Jaguar. Karrde later went on to found the Guards' civil police force Everwatch, and even reenlisted with his Delta Squad during the Jihad, where they were well known for hunting down Manei Domini with extreme prejudice.



        Classic BattleTech Battle Armor Technical Readout
                            VALIDATED

Type/Model:    Kestrel Mk III
Tech/Era:      Mixed Tech  /  3067 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type:  Humanoid
Weight Class:  Medium Battle Armor (751 - 1,000 kg)
Rules:         Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed:  10.8 km/h
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor Type:    Standard

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Kestrel
Equipment:                                          Slots    Mass
Chassis Type:  Medium Class Humanoid                  0       175
Motive System: Ground Movement (1 MP) (Clan)          0         0
               Jump Jets       (3 MP)                 0       150
               Jump Booster (Body, +1 Jump MP)        2       125
Armor Type:    10 Points Standard                     0       250

Manipulators:
  Left Arm:    Battle Claw                            0        15
  Right Arm:   None                                   0         0

Weapons and Equipment                Loc     Shots  Slots    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Modular Weapon Mount                 RA               1        10
AP Gauss Rifle(C)*                   Body      40     2       200
Magnetic Clamps(IS)                  Body             2        30
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          LA               1         5
 (Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       LA               0         0
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          LA               1         5
 (Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       LA               0         0
Heat Sensor                          Body             1        25
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                               8       990
Slots & Mass Left:                                    1        10

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:55, Sun 30 July 2017.

The Mongoose was the first, and some claim greatest, design of Tech Chief Orion Durrant. A certifiable genius, Durrant developed the base of the Mongoose in 3048 with only few years of studying the Nighthawk LP/A and limited resources. Easily the equal of anything else the Inner Sphere produced, and only after they had reversed engineered the Clan Elemental BA years later. The Mongoose was so good for the time period that it secured several engagements against the Clan Elementals they faced, even though it was heavily outgunned by its counterpart. In 3053 Orion developed the Mk II, the first upgrade to a Star Guard BA system it was met with a great deal of anticipation, and it didn't fail to disappoint.

While lacking the missile systems most Armor were designed with at the time, the Mongoose was the first Inner Sphere or Clan Battle Armor to be able to ride any sort of Battlemech into combat with its Magnetic Clamp system, developed again by Durrant along with a then Sergeant Virginia Sainze. Its upgrade from a Support PPC to a small laser pushed its combat capabilities to come closer to the standard of the Elemental, but it was the Mk II's Mechanical Jump Booster that made it so revolutionary, as now the Mongoose would move faster along the ground than any other humanoid Battle Armor while still keeping a leaping distance of 30 meters.

While they later sold rights to the technology for a large profit, the booster made Kariban a major player in Battle Armor design. While Mk II wasn't his final work, it certainly was considered one of his most refined. In 3116, his son Connor Durrant continued the refinement using the advancements Kariban and the Star Guards had developed, exchanging the old Small Laser for a Nidavellir ER Small Laser, along with the new Blackguard II stealth armor, making the Mongoose hit harder from a farther distance while being practically invisible to sensors. With an AP weapon mount to round out its armament, the Mongoose remains an excellent Battle Armor and is considered the troop standard for the 12th Star Guards.

Deployment: While the Guards have yet to use the Mongoose in conflict themselves, its use in the Federated Suns next to the Cavalier and Infiltrator II along the Capellan borders and the ever active buffer zone with the Draconis Combine has been nothing short of stellar.


Notable Units

Colonel Virginia Sainze: Probably the most famous Mongoose Operator in the Guards, Colonel Sainze helped pioneer battle armor tactics and operations as a member of the elite Alpha 'Mongoose' Squad. While she was effective in the Mk I, it was in the Mk II where she won the most acclaim, fighting in the annihilation of Clan Smoke Jaguar, the FedComm Civil War, and later early stages of the Jihad before the duties of Command had her more behind the lines than in the front of them. While the Grey Death Legion might have popularized the use of shaped charges against Battlemechs, it was Sainze and her Alphas that adapted it to Battle Armor, and continued to advocate it over bogging the suit down with a more permanent SRM arrangement.

Captain Arran: A Jade Falcon Elemental, Captain Arran was captured by the Second's 10th Company in 3050 during their daring raid on the Fredasa Warship that came to be known as the Nemesis. Caught out of his armor, Arran still managed to incapacitate a Nighthawk clad trooper before being captured himself. Later a member of the Shadow Hawk Company, and a founder of the 5th Regiment, Arran is possibly best known for his use of the Elemental Battle Armor over the Mongoose. However in 3058, with supplies and parts for the Elementals running low before the great push against the Smoke Jaguars, Arran ordered his troops to convert to specially sized sets of the Mongoose Mk II. Since then,  the Athemas of the 5th Regiment always choose to use the Mongoose over any other Guard Armor.




Type/Model:    Mongoose Mk III
Tech/Era:      Mixed Tech  /  3132 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type:  Humanoid
Weight Class:  Medium Battle Armor (751 - 1,000 kg)
Rules:         Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed:  42.4 km/h
Jump Capacity: 30 Meters
Armor Type:    Improved Stealth

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Mongoose Mk III
Equipment:                                          Slots    Mass
Chassis Type:  Medium Class Humanoid                  0       175
Motive System: Ground Movement (4 MP)                 0        80
               Jump Movement (1 MP)
Armor Type:    10 Points Improved Stealth             5       350

Manipulators:
  Left Arm:    Vibro Battle Claw                      0        50
  Right Arm:   Armored Glove                          0         0

Weapons and Equipment                Loc     Shots  Slots    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Small Laser(C)                       Body             2       250
Magnetic Clamps(IS)                  Body             2        30
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          RA               1         5
 (Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       RA               0         0
Mechanical Jump Booster              Body             0        50
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                              10       990
Slots & Mass Left:                                    0         0


This message was last edited by the GM at 18:52, Sun 13 Aug 2017.

History

Kariban Motors started out as a leader in the Battle Armor industry, having a full design developed before even the Clan Invasion, and has continued to update and perfect those original designs. However in the past eighty years of development, Battle Armor has gone far beyond what it once was, and with far more specialist designs over the common trooper suit. It was with this in mind that Kariban began to develop a new round of models that would push their engineering to the edge, but with the proposed discontinuation of the current Wolverine Mk. III design and its upgrade into an Assault class set of armor, there was now a gap in Kariban's production line.

First designed in 3127 the Coywolf was one of many proposed designs, but it was thanks to a partnership with Clan Wolf in Exile and Arc-Royal MechWorks that it managed to win development funds. Arc-Royal MechWorks had long had a working relationship with Kariban Motors, having a decades standing license for the Nighthawk Mk. XXX, that reflects the relationship between the Kell Hounds and the 12th Star Guards. Using the company as a intermediary between the Aegis Partner and the exiled Clan, engineers from both sides aided each other in developing two different suits. For the Wolves it was the Cuchulainn Support Armor, which is still in Trials but expected to be in production in 3134, while for Kariban it was the Coywolf Heavy Trooper.

Named for a mixed breed of Wolves and Coyotes from the North American continent on Terra, the Coywolf follows in the same designation pattern of smaller predators who hunt larger or more dangerous ones. This was a deliberate decision, as the Coywolf was created not only be a Heavy Trooper suit, but also to be a consummate hunter of any other machine on a battlefield. To produce such a possibility, but understanding the limits of a heavy frame, a radical new system was developed to allow the changing of the Coywolf's armament, without the use of a modular weapons mount. While it is not as versatile, and is a far too lengthy process to enable quick swapping of weapons like a modular mount would, it allows the Coywolf to fill a variety of roles while also providing its heavy protection and stealth capabilities.

Capabilities

In its most common deployment, the Coywolf uses a cutting edge Battle Armor LB-X Autocannon as its primary weaponry. This weapon will allow a squad of Battle Armor to inflict as much cumulative damage as a BattleMech sized LB 20-X Autocannon. This makes it not only a savage weapon against common infantry, but also one of the best anti-vehicle weapons available to Battle Armor. While perhaps not the best in a role of 'Mech hunters, Coywolfs squads have proven to be highly effective at disabling already damaged 'Mechs in a perfectly salvagable condition. This ability has seen them often used in ambush tactics after forcing an enemy force to retreat, or by circling around the enemy lines. While it also carries a Heavy Battle Claw for the rare time it is forced into close quarters combat, it also has an AP Weapon Mount on the underside of its left arm, a position that has been called into question due to the inefficiency in aiming any weapon from it. What none object to is the addition of the Firedrake Needler to the same arm that makes it highly effective in battling conventional infantry.

Defensively the Coywolf uses the same Blackguard Stealth Armor the Mongoose Mk. III platform does, but with the maximum protection it can achieve on a Heavy Frame. This, along with its almost token Jump Jet, allows it to have both mobility and a protective screen of electronic interference that makes it much harder to hit. Often Squads will take advantage of this by choosing their battlegrounds as carefully as possible, and Coywolf Troopers are known to be experts at using the terrain against their opponents. Kariban also added a version of its powerful Nightsister communications suite to give the suit the flexibility and ability to break through most interference when in the rougher terrain.

With Magnetic Clamps to allow for a multitude of transport options the Coywolf can be carried by quick 'Mechs and vehicles to be dropped into position, or dropped in by VTOL to be sent ahead to scout rough terrain.

Deployment

Currently all production runs of the Coywolf have been reserved for the 12th Star Guards, who with all Aegis products have a two year exclusive clause that can be activated, but already orders have been placed by the Federated Suns for half of the production in 3133. Additionally, Kariban has pre-gifted two platoons worth of Coywolf suits to the Kell Hounds.

Among the Guards, Coywolf Troopers are mostly chosen from its ranks of Mongoose users due to some similarities in their systems, but recently ten sets of Armor were set aside for Nemis Combat Academy, allowing for Coywolf Troopers to be trained from the very start of their careers.

Variants: A Arm, B Arm, C Arm, D Arm, E Arm

With its ability to change configurations, albeit at a much slower rate than its contemporaries with Modular Weapon Mounts, the Coywolf has had several 'arms' developed to allow it to fulfill the role and weapon needs of its unit, though this has to be decided and installed ahead of time due to the three to six hours it requires. While these are not true Variants, they are also not true modular configurations, but the engineers have unimaginatively labeled them with A, B, C, D, and E Arms.

A Arm is the most prolifically used set up of the Coywolf next to its primary configuration. Replacing the LB-X Autocannon with the Clan-spec ER Small Laser as its main weapon, the Coywolf becomes a very credible threat to any enemy on the field, though still confined to relatively short ranges. Squads of A Arm Coywolves are often matched with a squad of the primary, with the As meant to strip armor for the primary's LB-Xs.

The B Arm is primarily meant to be a hunter of other Battle Armor. With a Plasma Rifle taking its place on the right arm, this is a weapon of both terror and efficiency. While it can be used against both enemy armor and 'Mechs, its range is stunted, leaving the Coywolf far too exposed to make that its primary focus.

The C Arm is the only configuration that uses a missile system, the SRM-6, and thus becomes the only primary Kariban design that does use a missile system. Possibly the most powerful configuration in terms of firepower, the C are most often used as preset ambushers, and with its arm mounting allowing it to still jump, they are surprisingly maneuverable.

The D Arm is meant to be even more of an urban and rough wilderness fighter than the primary configuration, with a heavy mortar that allows a variety of ammunition types to be used. It is primarily centered on defeating enemy infantry during assault that lead into the urban, or even partisan domains. While not terribly effective against armored opponents, but due to the nature of the weapon, it is possible to fire upon enemies without them able to respond in kind, depending on the terrain and position of course.

Finally the E is a greater departure. With a Medium Laser equipped in a Detachable Weapons Pack, the Coywolf has an effective long range weapon that provides synergy with its Stealth Armor, though certainly at the cost of its mobility. Mostly brought into battle by friendly 'Mech units, the E often carries an additional infantry weapon strapped to its armor for when its Medium Laser has run out of power. At that point it ejects the weapon and takes up the infantry weapon and its restored mobility in order to shift targets, and fight more conventional forces.




                            
Type/Model:       Coywolf Heavy Trooper
Tech/Era:         Mixed Tech/Dark Ages
Chassis Type:     Humanoid
Weight Class:     Heavy Battle Armor (1,001 - 1,500 kg)
Production Year:  3130

Ground Speed:  21.6 km/h
Jump Capacity: 30 meters
Armor Type:    Improved Stealth

Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
    Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Nightsister 4-BSS
Targeting and Tracking System: Knight X5

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Coywolf Heavy Trooper
Equipment:                                          Slots    Mass
Chassis Type:  Heavy Class Humanoid                   0       300
Motive System: Ground Movement (2 MP) (Clan)          0        80
               Jump Jets       (1 MP)                 0       125
Armor Type:    14 Points Improved Stealth             5       490

Manipulators:
  Left Arm:    Heavy Battle Claw                      0        20
  Right Arm:   None                                   0         0

Weapons and Equipment                Loc     Shots  Slots    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
BA LB-X AC                           RA        20     2       400
Magnetic Clamps                      BD        -      2        30
Firedrake Needler                    LA        30     1        50
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          LA               1         5
 (Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       LA               0         0
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                              11     1,500
Slots & Mass Left:                                    1         0

Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: Improved Communications, Modular Weapon

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Fri 09 Mar 2018.

One of the last projects Orion Durrant worked on, the Wolverine was the result not of his initial work with the Nighthawks and Mongooses, but actually was an attempt to improve the Sloth. The Result was the Wolverine, a heavy quad BA design that was intended to be tough, hit hard, and move at a reasonable speed. The Original Wolverine did just that, as there were at least four variants added over the years in order have the armor fill various roles that were needed from it. It was in 3070 that the Mk II debuted with its modular turret system, allowing it to be far more adaptive to the needs of the Guards.

It was a difficult time for the Mk II however, with Kariban's Bristol plant destroyed; most Mk II's were converted from the original Mk I. Meanwhile Kariban techs worked day and night to get hand built armors out to the troops who needed them in the middle of the Jihad. Still the Wolverines were well worth it, with their massed firepower dangerous even to a Battlemech. While the meat grinder that the Jihad turned into could have been the extinction of the Wolverine, the quad design managed to pull through, and when the first limited lines on Alci started up, the Mk II was one of the first to get shipped out to the lines.

In 3114, the Mk II was developed quickly with the recent breakthrough in light weight armor for the various systems. Really, the Mk III is little more than a simple upgrade of the armor, though there remain rumors of experimental Wolverines that have included Myomer boosters.

Deployment: While the Mongoose and Kestrel have often been sold outside of the Guards, the Wolverine is a design that is almost exclusively deployed in the Star Guards. While like all Battle Armor the 4th Regiment has a good number, the Wolverine is actually the prefered Armor of the 2nd and 7th Regiment.


Noted Units

Sergeant Major Hillary Durnham: Sergeant Durnham, or as he was more often called Sergeant Roll, was the leader of the elite Beta Squad. While he died in the early years of the Jihad, his use of the Wolverine is still considered inspired. Squad Beta, or the Wolverines, were the most comfortable in the shift from the Nighthawk and Mongoose systems into the Quad style that is so different.




        Classic BattleTech Battle Armor Technical Readout
                            VALIDATED

Type/Model:    Wolverine Mk III
Tech/Era:      Mixed Tech  /  3100 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type:  Quad
Weight Class:  Heavy Battle Armor (1,001 - 1,500 kg)
Rules:         Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed:  43.2 km/h
Armor Type:    Standard

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Wolverine Mk III
Equipment:                                          Slots    Mass
Chassis Type:  Heavy Class Quad                       0       300
Motive System: Ground Movement (4 MP)                 0       160
Armor Type:    13 Points Standard                     0       325

Manipulators:
  Left Arm:    None                                   0         0
  Right Arm:   None                                   0         0

Weapons and Equipment                Loc     Shots  Slots    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Modular Turret Mount (8 slots)       Body             9       110
 Man-Portable Plasma Rifle(IS)*2     ----    (20*2)  (4)      600
 Heavy Machine Gun (C)*4             ----    (50*4)  (4)      600
 AP Gauss Rifle (C)*3                ----    (20*3)  (6)      600
 LRM 4 (C)*2                         ----    (4*2)   (8)      546
 Medium Laser (IS)                   ----    (30)    (3)      500
 Advanced SRM 4 (C)                  ----    (4*2)   (8)      540

------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                               9     1,500
Slots & Mass Left:                                    0         0

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:59, Sun 30 July 2017.

The last, and possibly greatest, of Orion Durrant's creations, the Jaguar was designed and built just before his death in 3056. Durrant was probably the greatest Battle Armor designer in history, and this Assault suit is certainly proof of that, as it was the first assault design by either the Clans or the Inner Sphere, and its armament was so heavy that it was nearly twenty years before another comparable design was manufactured. Heavily inspired and based on the Clan's Elemental armor, Durrant became obsessed with making the most powerful armor he could conceive of exclusively for the Guards. It is generally believed that his constant work on the design was the cause of the stress induced heart attack that took his life.

The original Jaguar was equipped with two Small Lasers and an SRM launcher similar to the Elemental, and heavily armored with salvaged Clan armor, making it rare and only used in specific roles. Still, it more than proved its worth through the Great Refusal, the FedComm Civil War, and even the Jihad. It took the position best as either directly assaulting and urban center, or defending one, something it proved most viciously against the Manei Domini. In the early 32nd Century Bryan Durrant, Orion's Son and CEO of Kariban Motors, began a major overhaul of all the Battle Armor designs, determined to bring the level of their abilities to equal those of the Clans.

The Mk II is part of the effort, with a massive change of its original armament. Now Sporting a Medium laser and two AP Gauss Rifles, the Jaguar remains not just a threat to Battlemechs, but to any vehicle or BA opponent though at a cost of some of its original speed. While it could have been armored more heavily, instead they decided to go with their most advanced Stealth Armor, making it even more suited to urban combat and fortified defense.

Picture Shown: A member of the Snow Leopard Squad on exercises in District 1.

Variants: While there are still some of the original suits in service to the Guards, they mostly serve as ceremonial Guards for the Guardian's Heart Fortress.

Noted Units

Captain Armand: One of the Elemental Bondsmen gained after the Great Refusal, Armand was known to be initially leery of piloting the Jaguar instead of an Elemental, but at the time the giant suited almost required Elementals to use it. By the beginning of the Jihad though, he and his squad were famed for their actions while in Jaguars. It was in fact Armand's squad, the Snow Leopards, who took the central control node of Thorin's partial SDS. Thought it cost Captain Armand his life, his legacy continued on in House Artio, and many Elementals from the 5th Regiment believe it is the greatest of honors to be assigned a Jaguar.



        Classic BattleTech Battle Armor Technical Readout
                            VALIDATED

Type/Model:    Jaguar Mk II
Tech/Era:      Mixed Tech  /  3067 / CBT Rules
Chassis Type:  Humanoid
Weight Class:  Assault Battle Armor (1,501 - 2,000 kg)
Rules:         Level 3, Standard design

Ground Speed:  21.6 km/h
Armor Type:    Blackguard III (Improved Stealth)

------------------------------------------------------------------
Type/Model:    Jaguar
Equipment:                                          Slots    Mass
Chassis Type:  Assault Class Humanoid                 0       550
Motive System: Ground Movement (2 MP)                 0       160
Armor Type:    12 Points Basic Stealth                0       360

Manipulators:
  Left Arm:    Heavy Battle Claw                      0        20
  Right Arm:   None                                   0         0

Weapons and Equipment                Loc     Shots  Slots    Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------
Medium Laser(IS)                     RA        30     3       500
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          LA               1         5
 (Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       LA               0         0
AP Gauss Rifle(C)*                   Body      40     2       200
AP Gauss Rifle(C)*                   Body      40     2       200
Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount          LA               1         5
 (Anti-Personnel Weapon Space)       LA               0         0
------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTALS:                                              11     2,000
Slots & Mass Left:                                    3         0

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:18, Sun 30 July 2017.

When the 4th Regiment was formed, it took several years for it to truly find its feet as far as tactics went. The heavier use of Battle Armor meant that it had to be complimented with fast and active Battlemechs, able to help their smaller cousins get in and out of a fight. As they grew, the use of artillery became a favorite, with many squads equipping one member with a Light TAG that would call down the fire from the skies. During the Jihad though, the Regiment noticed that it became a difficult process, having to first insert the squads with either a Battlemech strike or APC's that were targets in the sky.

When the factories began producing machinery on Alci, Colonel Sainze requested that they develop a cheap and quick scout that could double in spotting duty, freeing up her resources in battle as well as giving them the edge such a scout could bring. Basing it on several other similar designs found among the Clan salvage they had, within three months they were able to produce a prototype, and soon enough were producing limited numbers of the new hovercraft. In a departure from Kariban's usual use of wheeled vehicles, the Cherokee was the first hovercraft they had developed, and the first version has several design faults because of this.

However, by the second run of the vehicle the Cherokee's issues had been solved, and now it has become a strong presence in all of the Regiments. Equipped with a pair of medium lasers as protection, along with an SRM-2 loaded with Inferno missiles to discourage enemy Battle Armor, the Cherokee can use its TAG to guide in artillery fire, while moving in and out of lines with a quick speed. The addition of its active probe only bolsters its abilities as a Scout.

Image Shown: A Cherokee on exercises near the jungles of District 5.

Cherokee Scout Hovertank

Mass: 25 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: Hovercraft
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-F-A
Production Year: 3132
Cost: 1,668,750 C-Bills
Battle Value: 616

Power Plant: Kariban Standard 120 FE
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor:  Omega IV Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    2  ER Medium Lasers
    1  SRM-4
    1  TAG
    1  Bloodhound Active Probe
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
    Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 432
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware Advanced 2J

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      15 points                2.50
Engine:             Fusion Engine                120                       6.00
    Cruise MP:  10
    Flank MP:   15
Heat Sinks:         (IS) Single Heat Sink        10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         1.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            2.50
Turret:                                                                    0.50
Armor:              Heavy Ferro-Fibrous          AV -  79                  4.00

                                                      Armor
                                                      Factor
                                               Front     20
                                          Left/Right   15/15
                                              Turret     16
                                                Rear     13

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TAG                                          T         0         1         1.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers                      T         10        2         2.00
(CL) SRM-4                                   T         3         1         1.00
Bloodhound Active Probe                      BD        0         1         2.00
@SRM-4 (Inferno) (25)                        BD        -         0         1.00
@SRM-4 (25)                                  BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 9
10h        2       2       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: TAG, BH, RCN, TUR(2/2/0)


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:58, Sun 30 July 2017.

The Sikorsky is the product of years of research by Kariban, but it only came into actual being in 3085. From the very first example they were given, Aegis began work on understanding every piece of the Clan Omnimech. While this would later prove to be the basis of the Nidavellir crafted weapons that give the Guards such an edge, it also had the side benefit of teaching all three Aegis Partners how to create the modular pods for their various products. For Kariban it began with the S-Series hovertanks, but as their previous JXD VTOL had lost most of its efficiency as an APC, they began to implement it in other directions.

Originally the Sikorsky was meant to only be an APC, but after continued lobbying by the 2nd Regiment's Colonel for a larger variety of vehicles, the Guards approached Kariban on expanding its catalog. This proved unfeasible due to the restrictions they had at the time, only able to produce on Alci, but the perfect compromise came when one enterprising engineer offered to turn the new APC into an Omnivehicle. The changes would allow each variant to carry what was needed for a variety of roles, while the base vehicle itself was both tough and fast enough to provide the flexibility needed.

While in its Prime Configuration, it uses a single ER PPC to provide firepower, it also has a standard APC variant, a missile carrier and long range fire configuration, and a Battle Armor stealth insertion configuration. While the final configuration has slowly been phased out since the introduction of the Darkhawk, the Sikorsky has remained the common APC for all of the Regiments, with it commonly returning to be configured back into an attack version quickly after dropping off its troops.

Recently, a new configuration has been implemented, called SAR. A pared down MASH operating theater was installed into an omnipod that provides a level of life saving equipment that would ordinarily be reserved for an established field hospital. Its purpose however remains moving the severely injured or stranded personnel back from the front lines. It includes a pair of AMS systems for defense from both the front and rear, while a set of AP Gauss Rifles provide cover for its SAR teams, along with an LRM 5 that can also load smoke rounds to provide visual cover. A four ton infantry compartment provides room for both the less injured that are picked up, and the LP/A equipped combat medtechs who run these missions. It is know that the majority of Sikorskys configured this way are currently in the 1st Regiment, as the vehicle's primary duty as APC is being overtaken by the newer Hamerkop.

Image Shown: A Sikorsky in Prime Configuration on patrol

Sikorsky OmniCopter

Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: VTOL OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3085
Cost: 2,725,000 C-Bills
Battle Value: 312

Power Plant: Kariban 100 100 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 129.6 km/h
Armor: Juggernaut II Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    15.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
    Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 264
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware 0J2

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      15 points                3.00
Engine:             XL Engine                    100                       2.50
    Cruise MP:  8
    Flank MP:   12
Heat Sinks:         (IS) Single Heat Sink        10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         1.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            3.00
Armor:              Heavy Ferro-Fibrous          AV -  99                  5.00

                                                      Armor
                                                      Factor
                                               Front     30
                                          Left/Right   24/24
                                                Rear     19
                                               Rotor     2


Notes: Features the Following Design Quirks: VTOL Rotor Arrangement.
================================================================================
Loadout Name: Prime                                          Cost: 5,425,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,390

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         (IS) Single Heat Sink        15                        5.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER PPC                                  FR        15        1         6.00
Angel ECM                                    BD        0         1         2.00
(CL) Targeting Computer                      BD        -         1         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 14
8v         2       2       2       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AECM, ENE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: A                                              Cost: 3,525,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 845

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) Medium Pulse Lasers                   FR        8         2         4.00
2 (CL) Anti-Missile Systems                  FR        2         2         1.00
Infantry Compartment (8.0 tons)              BD        0         1         8.00
@Anti-Missile System (48)                    BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 8
8v         2       2       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, ENE


================================================================================
Loadout Name: B                                              Cost: 4,500,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,623

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) LRM-15s                               FR        10        2         7.00
    Artemis IV FCS                           FR        -         0         2.00
2 (CL) ER Medium Lasers                      FR        10        2         2.00
@LRM-15 (Artemis) (32)                       BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 16
8v         4       4       3       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, IF 2


================================================================================
Loadout Name: C                                              Cost: 6,350,000
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 908

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) LRM-10s                               FR        8         2         5.00
Infantry Compartment (4.0 tons)              BD        0         1         4.00
Angel ECM                                    BD        0         1         2.00
Bloodhound Active Probe                      BD        0         1         2.00
@LRM-10 (24)                                 BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 9
8v         2       2       2       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AECM, BH, RCN, LRM 1/1/1, IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: SAR                                            Cost: 3,437,500
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 618

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) LRM-5                                   FR        2         1         1.00
2 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles                       FR        2         2         1.00
(CL) Anti-Missile System                     FR        1         1         0.50
(R) (CL) Anti-Missile System                 RR        1         1         0.50
MASH (3.5 tons)                              BD        0         1         3.50
Infantry Compartment (4.5 tons)              BD        0         1         4.50
@AP Gauss Rifle (40)                         BD        -         0         1.00
@LRM-5 (Smoke) (24)                          BD        -         0         1.00
@Anti-Missile System (24)                    BD        -         0         1.00
@LRM-5 (24)                                  BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 6
8v         1       1       1       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:11, Wed 17 Apr 2019.

While the Guards have developed the Sikorsky, an Omni-VTOL that can  be configured to act as an APC, there are certain missions and certain situations where it simply won't do the job. Instead, the developers at Kariban looked to the past of the Shadow Cats and the experimental Blackhawk vehicle. While the Blackhawk was destroyed in 3050 on Steelton, its blueprints were still available, but the missing component remained the stealth armor. While the Capellan Confederation developed a stealth armor in 3067, Kariban scientists had already created an advanced, yet cost prohibitive, design in 3063 that never made it out of its prototype stage. Thanks to the examples of the Capellan design, Kariban was able to make a breakthrough in both vehicle and BattleMech stealth armor, putting working models out with both just before the Jihad.

Taking advantage of this technology, Kariban strove to create a highly specialized design that would be ideal for Battle Armor special operations. The Darkhawk is meant to quietly slip behind enemy lines and deploy special operation suits. Armed with only two Shuriken 430 AP Gauss Rifles mounted to its front, it is not meant to fight unless it is absolutely required. Recently, Kariban has been replacing the older electronics developed by Aegis with its own designs, and with the Nightsister 3RS in particular is known for its ability to cut through enemy ECM or unfavorable conditions, has made this an anticipated move by those who field the design. In addition, the use of Kariban's proprietary Chies Watchdog C.E.W.S. system for the stealth powering ECM has replaced the previous Clan-Spec Jaguar suites.

The Darkhawk is not heavily distributed, the Federated Suns have purchased the bulk of production, though the line on Alci keeps Haddings' forces well equipped. Used by elite battle armor units it is rare to see more than two per battalion outside of the 4th Regiment.

Variants: There are currently no manufactured variants of the Darkhawk, though some older models still sport Heavy Machine Guns in place of the current AP Gauss Rifles.


Darkhawk (BA Carrier)

Mass: 30 tons
Tech Base: Mixed
Motive Type: VTOL
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A
Production Year: 3132
Cost: 6,337,500 C-Bills
Battle Value: 587

Power Plant: KM 160 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor: Blackguard Vehicle Stealth Armor
Armament:
    2 Shuriken 430 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles
    1 Cheis Watchdog CEWS
    1 Unknown CASE
    1 Infantry Bay (8.0 tons)
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
    Primary Factory: Bristol, Alci
Communications System: Nightsister 3RS w/ ECM
Targeting and Tracking System: Diane Sharpshooter

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      15 points                3.00
Engine:             XL Engine                    160                       4.50
    Cruise MP:  10
    Flank MP:   15
Heat Sinks:         (IS) Single Heat Sink        10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         1.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            3.00
Armor:              Vehicle Stealth Armor        AV -  96                  6.00

                                                      Armor
                                                      Factor
                                               Front     27
                                          Left/Right   23/23
                                                Rear     21
                                               Rotor     2

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles                       FR        2         2         1.00
Watchdog CEWS                                BD        0         1         1.50
CASE                                         BD        -         1         0.50
Infantry Bay (8.0 tons)                      BD        0         1         8.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40)                         BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      3    Points: 6
10v        1       1       0       0      1     0   Structure:  2
Special Abilities: ECM, STL, WAT, CASE

This vehicle is subject to the following Design Quirks: Dual VTOL Rotor Arrangement, Improved Communications
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Thu 23 July 2020.

The last vehicle designed by Angus Macleod, the S-Series was born in the midst of the Jihad out of salvage. Being cut off from their usual suppliers and without the Bristol or Solaris plant, the Guards and their 12 Star Alliance began using what they had at hand to rearm their machines, but some things just weren't useful. One of those things were hovercraft drives and skirts. Seeing things were unlikely to improve on the supply front, Macleod began to collect the various hovercraft parts and slapping them together into a workable Hovertank to help bring the number of tools the Guards had access too.

While the S-Series performance was lackluster during the Jihad, something that could be excused due to its patchwork construction, those who piloted it seemed to fall in love with the machine. Until this point, the Guards had avoided Hover vehicles as a rule, but with the large support of the S-Series pilots they requested that a production version of the tank be developed. Closely working with Kariban's team, Macleod redesigned the S-Series to become an Omnivehicle, due to the needed flexibility the Guards requested and the various variants the first version had due to it using whatever was left over.

Still a favorite, the S-Series is most popular among the 7th Regiment, though it does boast decent representation in the Second and the Fourth. Further, it is actually very popular among the Lyran Commonwealth, a strange thing when one considers their reputation towards heavier vehicles and Battlemechs. The Kell Hounds and Clan Wolf in Exile both also seem to find favor in the design, and in 3098 Kariban licensed out the design to both groups for their own production in exchange for extensive aid in fusion engine development.

Image Shown: A 5th Regiment S-Series on maneuvers near Olympus.

S-Series Hovertank

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: Hovercraft OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Clan Invasion
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3070
Cost: 9,914,583 C-Bills
Battle Value: 481

Power Plant:  Kariban 265 Fusion XL Engine
Cruise Speed: 108.0 km/h
Flanking Speed: 162.0 km/h
Armor:  Juggernaut II Heavy Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
    17.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban
    Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 342
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware XJ7

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      25 points                5.00
Engine:             XL Engine                    265                      10.50
    Cruise MP:  10
    Flank MP:   15
Heat Sinks:         (IS) Single Heat Sink        10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         2.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            5.00
Turret:                                                                    1.50
Armor:              Heavy Ferro-Fibrous          AV - 168                  8.50

                                                      Armor
                                                      Factor
                                               Front     41
                                          Left/Right   33/33
                                              Turret     34
                                                Rear     27

================================================================================
Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASE                                         BD        -         0         0.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 5
10h        0       0       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, ENE, TUR()


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Cizin (Prime)                                  Cost: 10,870,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,851

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat Sinks:         (IS) Single Heat Sink        20                       10.00

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 (CL) ER Medium Lasers                      T         20        4         4.00
2 (CL) SRM-2s                                T         4         2         1.00
CASE                                         BD        -         0         0.00
(CL) Targeting Computer                      BD        -         1         1.00
@SRM-2 (50)                                  BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 19
10h        4       4       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(4/4/0)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Saladin (A)                                    Cost: 11,202,083
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,805

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Ultra AC/20                             T         7         1        12.00
2 (CL) ER Small Lasers                       T         4         2         1.00
CASE                                         BD        -         0         0.00
@Ultra AC/20 (20)                            BD        -         0         4.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 18
10h        4       4       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(4/4/0)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Pegasus (B)                                    Cost: 14,145,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,758

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) ER Medium Laser                         T         5         1         1.00
TAG                                          T         0         1         1.00
2 (CL) LRM-5s                                T         4         2         2.00
2 (CL) Streak SRM-6s                         T         8         2         6.00
CASE                                         BD        -         0         0.00
Angel ECM                                    BD        0         1         2.00
Bloodhound Active Probe                      BD        0         1         2.00
@LRM-5 (24)                                  BD        -         0         1.00
@Streak SRM-6 (30)                           BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 18
10h        4       4       1       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, TAG, CASE, AECM, BH, RCN, TUR(4/4/1), IF 1


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Regulator (C)                                  Cost: 10,770,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,610

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(CL) Gauss Rifle                             T         1         1        12.00
CASE                                         BD        -         0         0.00
(CL) Targeting Computer                      BD        -         1         3.00
@Gauss Rifle (16)                            BD        -         0         2.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 16
10h        2       2       2       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, CASE, TUR(2/2/2)


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Maxim (D)                                      Cost: 11,820,833
Tech Rating/Era Availability: X/X-X-X-A                       BV2: 1,001

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 (CL) SRM-6s                                T         8         2         3.00
2 (CL) AP Gauss Rifles                       T         2         2         1.00
2 (CL) Laser Anti-Missile Systems            T         10        2         2.00
CASE                                         BD        -         0         0.00
Infantry Bay (8.0 tons)                      BD        0         1         8.00
@SRM-6 (15)                                  BD        -         0         1.00
@SRM-6 (Smoke) (15)                          BD        -         0         1.00
@AP Gauss Rifle (40)                         BD        -         0         1.00

BattleForce Statistics
MV      S (+0)  M (+2)  L (+4)  E (+6)   Wt.   Ov   Armor:      6    Points: 10
10h        3       3       0       0      2     0   Structure:  3
Special Abilities: OMNI, AMS, CASE, TUR(3/3/0, SRM 2/2/0), SRM 2/2/0


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:02, Sun 30 July 2017.

History

If there was ever a craft that exemplified the phrase, "Jack of all Trades," it is the Sikorsky Omnicopter. Long used as the primary VTOL carrier for the 12th Star Guards' Battle Armor, continuous exercises since it was first produced in 3085 have shown that while it can perform in multiple roles, it cannot claim to be excellent at any one of them. While even its harshest critics have not denied that it will continue to have value and serve in the roles it has for over four decades, Kariban realized that the need for a more dedicated Battle Armor carrier was needed.

Initially attempting to work with Clan Sea Fox to license their Cardinal Transport, after nearly a year of negotiation, Kariban would turn to patterning their own design off of the performance of the Fox vehicle. It would take several years to perfect the super-heavy design of what would become known at the Hamerkop, and there were several complete redesigns of its integrated Jet Booster and dual engine configuration, but in 3129 the first prototype began its trials.

Still, the design was expensive, and while Kariban had done much to defray many of the costs, considering the XXL engine had already been developed for other projects, the ferro-fibrous armor that was initially used proved that such an expensive machine was still as fragile as an ordinary helicopter. Once again Kariban turned to Clan Sea Fox for inspiration, and after acquiring a sample of the Clan's Ferro-Lamellor armor and a tremendous development cost, Kariban Scientists were able to replicate its effect with the use of the living steel material. A boon to a dozen other projects in the works, though it made a difficult trading partner in Clan Sea Fox.

With this final addition to the Hamerkop, it passed its remaining trials with flying colors, a rugged and fast transport that included Omni technology, allowing it to carry various different formations and Battle Armor. While it will never pass as an assault craft, it definitely is a master of its trade.

Capabilities

With a pod space of 20 tons the Hamerkop is already an impressive Battle Armor carrier, with its primary configuration able to carry two squads of Battle Armor. With a Large Pulse Laser as its main weapon, the VTOL has a decent punch if it is forced to engage more combat able units, while its pair of LRM-5 systems are often used to deliver smoke rounds to a landing site and provide cover for its occupants as they disembark. A pair of AP Gauss Rifles are used to clear out enemy infantry at any LZ, while its VTOL Jet Booster can push its speed up to 167 kph to allow for quick insertions and escapes, only adding to the protection the ferro-lamellor gives.

Deployment

With manufacturing numbers still relatively low, the Hamerkop has slowly filtered into the 12th Star guards. While numbers promise to pick up, it will be some time before it has managed to replace or even equal the number of Sikorskys. Favorite tactics in the 4th Regiment already involve using all three configurations in the same flight group to carry a mix of Battle Armor, and to provide for different roles in securing a landing zone.

Configurations

Like the Primary Configuration, both of the current alternatives focus primarily on delivering Battle Armor and Infantry. The B Configuration uses a total of six Micro-Pulse Lasers to provide some cover fire at a landing zone, along with a Laser AMS to protect it from missile fire. Sixteen tons are used to open up more bay space, allowing for the configuration to carry an entire platoon of Medium Battle Armor, or two squads of Assault frames.

Configuration B opts to make lift capabilities of the Hamerkop twelve tons, using most of its remaining weight for an MML-5 to provide both long range strikes to clear a landing zone, while using inferno loads to clear out enemy infantry and Battle Armor.




Hamerkop VTOL

Mass: 50 tons
Tech Base: Inner Sphere
Motive Type: VTOL OmniVehicle
Rules Level: Tournament Legal
Era: Dark Ages
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Production Year: 3132

Power Plant: KM 215 Fusion XXL Engine
Cruise Speed: 86.4 km/h
Flanking Speed: 129.6 km/h (168.7 km/h)
Armor: WhiteGuard Ferro-Lamellor
Armament:
    20.0 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Kariban Motors
    Primary Factory: Alci
Communications System: Magni 264
Targeting and Tracking System: Fireware OJ2

================================================================================
Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Standard                      50 points               10.00
Engine:             XXL Fusion Engine            215                       5.00
    Cruise MP:  8
    Flank MP:   12 (16)
Heat Sinks:         Single Heat Sink             10                        0.00
Control Equipment:                                                         2.50
Lift Equipment:                                                            5.00
Armor:              Ferro-Lamellor               AV -  98                  7.00

                                                      Armor
                                                      Factor
                                               Front     31
                                          Left/Right   22/22
                                                Rear     21
                                               Rotor     2


Notes: Features the following Design Quirks: VTOL Rotor Arrangement (Dual).


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Standard Equipment
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster                            BD         -         1          .50


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Primary Configuration
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A
Rules Level: Experimental Tech

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster                            BD         -         1          .50
Infantry Compartment (8.0 Tons)             BD         -         1         8.00
Large Pulse Laser (C)                       FR         10        1         6.00
LRM-5 (C)                                   FR         2         1         1.00
LRM-5 (C)                                   FR         2         1         1.00
AP Gauss Rifle                              LS         -         1          .50
AP Gauss Rifle                              RS         -         1          .50
@ LRM-5 (24)                                BD         -         1         2.00
@ AP Gauss Rifle (40)                       BD         -         1         1.00


================================================================================
Loadout Name: Configuration A
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster                            BD         -         1          .50
Infantry Compartment (16.0 tons)            BD         -         1        16.00
1 Lasers AMS                                FR         5         1         1.00
3 Micro Pulse Laser (C)                     FR         3         3         1.50
3 Micro Pulse Laser (C)                     AFT        3         3         1.50

================================================================================
Loadout Name: B
Tech Rating/Era Availability: E/X-X-E-A

Equipment           Type                         Rating                   Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Equipment                                 Location    Heat     Spaces     Mass
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VTOL Jet Booster                             BD        -         1          .50
Infantry Compartment (12.0 Tons)             BD        -         1        12.00
2 MML-5                                      FR        6         2         6.00
@MML-5 (LRM) (24)                            BD        -         0         1.00
@MML-5 (SRM) (20)                            BD        -         0         1.00

================================================================================

This message was last edited by the GM at 02:48, Mon 25 Mar 2019.