Technical readout 2866 Rise of the Scavengers

SDR-6X Spider
History:
When the Quartermaster for the Star League Defense
Force Special Operations put out a Request for
Proposals for a new light reconnaissance and attack
BattleMech, Newhart Industries was the first the respond
with the plans for their Spider. In reality, Newhart
Industries had begun design work on the 30-ton ‘Mech
prior to the RFP even being issued. As fast as a Locust
and with a jump capacity even greater than that of the
20-ton Wasp and Stinger, the Spider far exceeded the
design minimums put forth by the SLDF.
Graced with all energy based weapons and built with the
most reliable parts available, it is the sophisticated
Pitban LFT-10 jump jets that really raised the eyebrows
of the SLDF Special Operations forces. The ability of the
LFT-10s to alter the direction of the ‘Mech mid-jump
makes the Spider an extraordinarily maneuverable
BattleMech, perhaps even the most maneuverable ‘Mech
ever built. This ability alone quickly earned it a home
within the vaunted Blackhearts, the elite anti-terrorist
division of the SLDF, and delivery of the SDR-5V began
in earnest in 2650.
Some thirty years prior, in 2620, Newhart Industries
began design and manufacture of the Third Generation
30-ton Hussar BattleMech, which went on to become
one of the most popular reconnaissance ‘Mechs fielded
by regular SLDF forces. With a blazing top speed of
151.2 kph, it is actually faster than the Spider, but
completely lacks any jump capacity. The Hussar also
carries the dubious distinction of being one of the least
armored BattleMechs ever to set foot on the battlefield.
Covered with only 1.5 tons of armor, anything that
manages to hit the machine stands an excellent chance
of crippling it. Armed with a single Newhart turretmounted
extended range large laser and high-efficiency
heat sinks, the Hussar can engage opponents as far
away as 600 meters, giving it extraordinary range and
hitting power for a light ‘Mech.
Newhart Industries got its start building the GLT-3N
Guillotine back in 2499, during the infancy of the
BattleMech industry. The Guillotine went on to become
the standard SLDF heavy 'Mech for decades. The GLT-
3N is a remarkable machine, built on a Crucis-I Endo
Steel chassis, it marks the first use of the advanced light
weight titanium-aluminum steel alloy in the construction
of a BattleMech.
This is one of the main reasons why Newhart Industries
had a reputation for high quality, intelligently designed
and technically advanced BattleMechs, and the SLDF
always kept a tight rein on its factories. Ultimately, this
reputation resulted in the destruction of their main
assembly lines on New Earth during the Amaris Civil War
in 2776. It wasn’t until the Free Worlds League was able
to obtain a set full set of technical drawings and contract
with Nimakachi Fusion Products that the Spider was
returned to production. Due to the advanced materials
and electronics used by both the Hussar and Guillotine,
Nimakachi was unable to return either of those designs
to production.
Capabilities:
The SDR-6X carries a complement of three top-of-theline
Aberdovey medium lasers, one in the chest and one
in each arm. The Abderdovey is generally regarded as
the best medium laser still in production in the Inner
Sphere. Extensive environmental seals and an
integrated shock mount keep the optics free of
particulates and maintain the critical alignment of the
mirrors. Consequently, the laser requires significantly
less maintenance than other models making it well suited
for extended operations and work behind enemy lines,
situations scout pilots often find themselves in while also
giving a significantly more potent bite.
The O/P 500A communications system and the O/P TA
1240 targeting and tracking system are also particularly
well suited for reconnaissance. Fully integrated, they are
capable of transmitting sensor readings as well as verbal
communications long distances, making the Spider an
invaluable tactical resource. However, due to the bulk of
the electronics suite, the cockpit of the Spider lacks
sufficient space for an ejection seat, instead having a
small escape hatch in the rear.
The Pitban LFT-10 jump jets are also unique, giving the
‘Mech the ability to change directions mid-flight. This
ability to pivot in the air makes the Spider and
exceptionally difficult target.
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The -6X variant of the Spider retains this ability although
it sacrifices 30 meters of the original’s jump capacity and
has a slightly lower top speed. To offset this, and to
safeguard the valuable electronics, the -6X uses the
heavier Livingston Ceramics armor instead of the original
and more common Durallex Light, resulting in
considerably more protection and a much more durable
machine.
Variants:
In the 2850’s, Nimakachi Fusion Products created two
variants of the SDR-5V Spider, both targeting an antiinfantry
role.
The -5K removes two of the jump jets and one of the
medium lasers in order to mount machine guns in each
arm. The ammunition is housed in the center torso.
The -5D version removes on the medium lasers,
replacing it with an Akrum Flamer in the right arm.
Neither variant was well accepted. Due to the increasing
scarcity of BattleMechs, the idea of designing a ‘Mech as
an anti-infantry platform was generally considered an
inefficient use of a BattleMech.
Current Manufacturers:
Nimakachi Fusion Products
Tematagi – Free Worlds League
Lapida II – Draconis Combine
Model Cost BV PV
SDR-5V 2,984,540 622 16
SDR-5K 2,727,140 503 16
SDR-5D 2,942,290 524 16
SDR-6X 2,867,540 823 ???
Alpha Strike Statistics
TP: BM SZ: 1 TMM: +3
MV: 14j” Role: Striker
Damage S: 2 M: 2 L: 0
OV: 0
Armor: O O O
Sructure: O O O
Special: ENE