Mechwarrior 2: Mercenaries Light Mechs

Local Ditch Gaming > Mercenaries > Mechwarrior 2: Mercenaries Light Mechs

HNT-171 Hornet

A design that has long been out of favor, the Hornet was one of the first 'Mechs to use recovered technology in the hope of improving its performance. The work was done at the high-security Kallon factory on the planet Talon in the Wernke system. The HTN-171 model has appeared in limited numbers in F-C units, mostly in the Sarna March.

The Federated Commonwealth version is far more effective than the old HNT-151. It incorporates the lighter Endo Steel Construction, combined with Ferro Fibrous armor and Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment. The 171 carries a half-ton less armor than the 151 but has virtually the same amount of external protection and significantly more protection against an ammunition explosion.

The MainFire Point Defense Anti-Missile System gives the Hornet better defense against enemy missiles at the cost of a smaller laser. It remains to be seen, however, whether the improved Hornet will prove more valuable on the battlefield.

COM-2D Commando

The Commando COM-2D was designed as an alternative to the more numerous Wasps and Stingers as a reconnaissance 'Mech. While not jump-capable, the Commando has far stronger weapons than either of the more famous scout 'Mechs.

Conceived by engineers at Coventry Defense during the last days of the Protectorate of Donegal, the first prototype Commando was tested in 2463 and carried a large laser on the right arm. Because of the sudden heat generated by the laser was breaking down the lubricants in the 'Mech's wrist and hand, the weapon was later replaced with an SRM four-rack.

The Commando was commissioned by the Protectorate of Donegal in 2466, then adopted by the entire Lyran Commonwealth after the Protectorate became part of it. Though Star League made many attempts to draft the Commando into its own forces, the Commonwealth managed, through clever stalling and subtle lying, to keep the design to themselves. That has proved a prudent move on the part of the Commonwealth.

JVN-10N Javelin

The JVN-10N Javelin is one of the newer recon vehicles used by the armies of the Successor States. First produced in 2751, the light 'Mech still had not been entirely integrated into many 'Mech regiments by the beginning of the First Succession War in 2786. Because of this, many combatants were caught off guard when it appeared on the battlefield. House Davion took a particular interest in the Javelin's development, introducing them into many recon lances. Today, after centuries of Succession Wars, the Javelin has come to be known as a reliable scout 'Mech.

The Javelin's main function is reconnaissance , though it is also used extensively in ambushes. In that regard, the term "sneaky as a Javelin" has become widespread among MechWarriors throughout the Inner Sphere.

UM-R60 Urbanmech

Called upon to produce an effective light 'Mech for city-fighting, Orguss Industries replied with Urbanmech. Cheap to produce, but potent in its assigned duties, the 'Mech was manufactured in large numbers, many of which have survived into the present era. Now common in city garrisons and defensive units, the Urbanmech continues to be an effective battle weapon.

JR7-D Jenner

The Jenner is a relatively modern design, first constructed in 2784 by Diplan Mechyards of Ozawa under contract to House Kurita. It was designed as a fast, hit-and-run guerrilla fighter. With a maximum speed of 118.8 kilometers per hour and a jump capacity of 150 meters, it was hoped that this 'Mech would form the foundation for a new, highly mobile lance.

The origional Jenners mounted two Argra 27C medium lasers and a Diplan HD large laser on a central turret, but this configuration could easily be disarmed by a direct hit to the turret. The medium lasers' targeting system was also plagued with problems. However, because the chassis and mobility sub-systems performed well in trials, designers decided to refit the weapons systems instead of crapping the whole design. The standard ten heat sinks allowed the 'Mech to move swiftly and fire without overheating.

The Jenner was then modified to its current configuration, mounting four Argra 3L medium lasers, two per side, on directionally variable mountings. The Argra 3L replaced the older 27C because is had a better spectral purity and a more rugged focal system.

The Thunderstroke SRM-4 was installed after additional testing showed the need for increased short-range firepower. The resulting 'Mech was the pride of Kurita forces. Designed and built at home, it was the optimum mix of speed, jump capacity, and firepower.

PNT-9R Panther

Designed as a fire support vehicle for reconnaissance units, the prototype Panther was first built for Star League during the closing years of the Cameron Dynasty. After being commissioned in 2739 to produce the 'Mech, Alshain Weapons began immediate delivery of Panthers to League ground troops fighting renegade bandits along the Periphery.

The 'Mech's poor performance in the Battle of St. John pointed both a flaw and a strength in it. The flaw was that the large laser carried in the 'Mech's right hand lacked effective range and power. The strength was the 'Mech's basic hardiness. To improve this battle worthy machine's firepower, Star League engineers replaced the large laser with a PPC.

The Draconis Combine is the only Successor State that today uses the Panther in any significant numbers. The current model, 9R, is a compromise developed by Combine engineers. Though lacking the original Panther's sophistication, its systems are more adaptable to present-day factories.

RVN-3L Raven

Overview: Two decades ago, the Raven was a House Liao experimental attempt to produce a 'Mech that could provide a battalion or regiment with sophisticated electronic-warfare capabilities. The equipment was not a complete success, both because it was too heavy and because it was not sophisticated enough to turn the tide of a battle. Recovered technology has changed all that. Produced only by Hellespont Industries on Sian, the Raven is striding off the assembly line bristling with the most advanced electronics ever seen in the Inner Sphere.