The Hacker's Encyclopedia 1998/hackers_encyclopedia.iso/pc/softdox/locust.txt

Text File | 2003-06-11 | 7.2 KB | 157 lines

B A T T L E T E C H

TECHNICAL READOUT 3025

LCT - 1V  LOCUST
----------------

Overview:
     The Locust was one of the most produced and common BattleMechs of the
fallen Star League.  Bergan Industries began production of the 'Mech at eight
of their facilities in 2499, and was still in peak production when the Star
League fell several years later.
     Several variants of the 'Mech have been produced and modified over the
years, creating quite distinct versions.  All modifications involve upgrading
the Locust's firepower.

Capabilities:
     The Locust was originally designed as a light and fast recon vehicle, a
role it has fulfilled well for both the old Star League and the later Suc-
cessor States.  Lightly armed and very mobile, it offers fast recon ability
as well as quick strike capability.  The Locust of 3025 retains these features,
but in many cases also acts as a front-line 'Mech.
     The 'Mech's weakness is its size.  Though it often packs a great deal of
firepower, many Locusts do not have enough heat sinks to be able to use all
their weapons effectively.
     As speed is one of its major assets, The LCT-1V is often placed where the
front is fluid, as it is quick enough to respond to a possible enemy break-
through.  More often, however, the Locust must fight a holding action until
larger, better-equipped 'Mechs can arrive.
     It is the rare MechWarrior who enjoys piloting a Locust for any period of
time.  It is currently the smallest of all 'Mechs used and thus is outclassed
by just about every other 'Mech on the field.  Lacking the jump jets and hands
of smaller 'Mechs, the Locust is limited in close firefights or in 'Mech-to
'Mech combat.
     As a direct hit by almost any weapon on the battlefield can destroy or
quickly cripple a Locust, it is usually deployed in groups of three, which can
have the ability to encircle opposing 'Mechs.  Many large 'Mechs that wander
off in battle have fallen to such an attack.

Battle History:
     During the first Succession War, many commanders of the day were still
using the tactics of warfare developed over the past 200 years of the Star
League and the Reunification War.  As House Kurita forces drove onto the Davion
world of New Avalon, the Davion Generals saw the time had come for bolder
tactics.
     General Kessem of House Davion found his forces dug into a stalemate con-
frontation with Kurita forces on the world of Ludwig.  In a desperate gamble,
he quickly reorganized his troops to form five lances made up almost totally
of Locusts and other fast-moving units.  In a bold attempt, he ordered these
'Mechs to attack the weakened front of the Kurita border.  Davion losses were
staggering, but once the 'Mechs had penetrated the Kurita lines, they quickly
moved to the rear area.
     The Locusts themselves did not pose a threat, but they did manage to pull
off several crack Kurita units off the front line to search them down.  This
allowed General Kessem to mount as strong counter-attack that slowed the fall
of Ludwig by several months.
     In more current battles, House Steiner engaged House Marik on the world
Callison in 3020.  Elements of Marik Mitilia's 10th regiment were supporting
several recon lances composed of Locusts and their variants.  In the city-
fighting at Rolso on Callison, these units more than proved their ability to
navigate narrow streets and play havoc with the infantry in the nearby
buildings.
     During the Davion-Kurita battle over Royal, House Davion saw Locusts at
their best and worst.  On the good side, several all Locust detachments from
the 8th regiment of the Deneb Light Cavalry managed to flank Kurita lines and
caused considerable destruction and confusion in Kurita rear areas.  But this
disruption did not prevent the almost complete annihilation of the 3 companies
of 10th Deneb Locusts who blundered into an ambush of Kurita Heavy and Assault
Lances.
     Another notable engagement involving Locusts was an attack by Helmar
Valasek against a small Kurita garrison on Porthos in 3024.  In that engagement,
a bandit Union class DropShip slid past the fighter cover and disembarked
several fast combat lances consiting of Locusts, Wasps, and Stingers.  In a
lightning attack on an arsenal, the bandits seized the supplies they had come
for and escaped offworld.  Though the Kurita garrison was well defended, its
'Mechs were too slow to pursue the attacking Locusts.

Variants:
     The prototype Locust LCT-1V, with its medium laser and machine gun arm-
ament, is the most common of the class, accounting for more than 75 percent of
the still-functioning Locusts os Succesor State battlefields.  Several short-
run production prototypes were later introduced, and several modifications also
appeared after the start of the first Succesion War.
     Model 1S supports less armor and carries two SRM two-packs, as well as 50
rounds of ammunition and a Martell medium laser.
     The Model 1M Locust reduces its armor and carries two LRM 5-packs, 24
rounds of ammunition, and the popular Martell medium laser.  This version is
used mainly by House Davion's Ceti Hussars.
     Model 1E is the Locust variant least produced and least resembling the
others.  Reducing its armor in favor of more weaponry, the 1E carries two arm-
mounted medium lasers as well as two small lasers.

Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors:

Lieutenant Martha Maveries
     Lietenant Maveries is currently assigned to be recon lance of the 32nd
Lyran Guard's support regiment.  Maveries is a tall, thin woman whose cheeks
sre scarred from a childhood accident.  She pilots a Locust named The Stomper
after her actions in battle in the city of Shull on the planet Alexandria. In
that engagement, Maveries became famous for stepping on small hovercraft and
other vehicles defending the city.

MechWarrior George McPhearson
    Attached to House Davion' Capellan March Militia, McPhearson commands a
light recon unit in the regiment.  He has turned down several opportunities to
pilot larger 'Mechs in favor of his Locust, `Wanda's Wonder', which is named
after his sister, a MechWarrior lost in the battle for Hoan.  He never refers to
hs=is 'Mech as a Locust but rather as "a garbage can with firepower".
McPhearson is respected and well-known throughout the Free Worlds League for his
fighting skill in the small 'Mech.


Technical Data:

Mass: 20 tons
Chassis: Bergan VII
Power Plant: 160 LTV
Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
  Jump Capacity: None
Armor: 1/Star Slab
Armament:
  One Medium Martell Laser
  Two SperryBrowning Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Bergan Industries
Communications System: Garret T10 B
Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 911


Game Data:

Type: LCT-1V Locust        Tons
Tonnage:     20 tons        20
Internal Structure:        2
Engine:     160 LTV        6
   Walking MPs:    8
   Running MPs: 12
   Jumping MPs: 0
Heat Sinks:    10        0
Gyro:                2
Cockpit:            3
Armor Factor:   64        4
        Internal         Armor
        Structure         Value
  Head:        3        8
  Center Torso: 6        10/2
  Rt./Lt. Trso: 5        8/2
  Rt./Lt. Arm:  3        4
  Rt./Lt. Leg:  4        8

Weapons and Ammo:
Type            Loc.    Critical    Tons
Medium Laser        CT    1        1
Machine Gun        RA    1        .5
Machine gun        LA    1        .5
Ammo (MG) 200        CT    1        1