Technical readout 2866 Rise of the Scavengers

FS9-N Firestarter
History:
Launched by Argile Technologies of Skye in 2550, the
Firestarter was designed from the ground up to serve as
an incendiary BattleMech, a role at which it excels. In
fact, it is the standard against which all other incendiary
‘Mechs are compared. The original design, the FS9-A
carried a blazing array of four Purity L-Series Flamers,
including one mounted in the center rear torso, along
with a pair of Defiance B3S small lasers. In 2703, the
popular FS9-H was introduced which continues to
dominate the battlefield today. Replacing the small
lasers with a pair of torso mounted Deprus RF machines
guns and reducing the armor by one ton, the FSH-9 is
capable of wreaking havoc on infantry and lightly
armored vehicles.
However, the Firestarter gained its notoriety from its
ability to quickly and easily ignite massive fires on the
battlefield. Capable of spewing copious amounts of
superheated plasma directly from its GM 210 fusion
engine in a full 360 degree circle, there is almost nothing
a Firestarter can’t set afire.
In the hands of skilled pilot, many Firestarters have sent
walls of flame advancing towards entrenched enemy
lines, flushing them out of their defensive positions.
Others have used strategically created fires to funnel or
even trap enemy units in specific areas. Few ‘Mechs
have influenced tactical doctrine to the extent this 35-ton
‘Mech has.
Often the smoke generated by these fires is as useful as
the fire itself. Given appropriate prevailing winds, huge
smoke clouds can cloak an advance on an enemy
position, or if needed, cloak a withdrawal or to hamper
pursuing force.
The Firestarter is also frequently selected to lead raids
deep behind enemy lines. With no ammunition
dependency, a top speed of almost 100kph, and a jump
capacity of 180 meters, the Firestarter can penetrate
enemy lines quickly and operate for extended periods. It
is also an ideal choice for destroying weapon depots,
ammunition dumps, and refueling points, jobs it can
accomplish quickly with its multitude of Purity L-series
flamers. These targets are also often guarded by softer
units, such as infantry and light armor companies, which
are particularly susceptible to the Firestarter’s armament.
What the Firestarter isn’t, however, is a front line
BattleMech. Armed with only medium lasers and
relatively lightly armored compared to other ‘Mechs, it
had limited range and lacks a major anti-‘Mech weapon
system, forcing it to have to get dangerously close in
order to engage.
Capabilities:
As the number of BattleMechs continuously declines, the
Firestarter is found in increasing numbers on the front
lines of the battlefield. The FS9-N has been designed
with just this reality in mind. While maintaining the
‘Mechs traditional incendiary capabilities, the FS9-N can
also serve as a quick strike, high intensity fighter.
The flamer in the rear center torso has been replaced in
favor of an additional forward facing Magna Mk II
medium lasers, giving the FS9-N a full complement of
three medium lasers, along with three flamers. The two
machine guns found on the –H have also been removed.
In their place, two more heat sinks have been installed.
This ability to dissipate significantly more heat allows the
–N a much higher rate of fire than past versions. This is
especially handy when the Firestarter finds itself in the
middle of one of the blazes it has set. Twelve heat sinks
allows the ‘Mech to continue to operate in high heat
environments while maintaining it offensive capability.
Heat is every bit as much a ‘Mech’s enemy as another
‘Mech, capable of rendering it just as inoperable as
weapon damage. Another tactic often employed by bold
Firestarter pilots is bathing enemy units in the
superheated plasma from their trio of flamers, forcing
them to shutdown from overheating. While risky, this
tactic can reap rich dividends by capturing enemy
BattleMechs with very little damage.
Variants:
The first Firestarter to emerge from the factory in 2550
carried two small lasers instead of the later machine
guns and added a ton of armor. It carried the FS9-A
designation.
At the same time the –A was introduced, Argile
Technologies also introduced the –K version. The –K
version converts the Firestarter into a potent scout.
Carrying a large laser, two small lasers, and a pair of
flamers, it was quickly overshadowed by its brothers as
the value of a dedicated incendiary unit was realized.
At that time the SLDF and the heavily regulated armies
of the Great Houses could afford to have numerous
specialized ‘Mechs in their forces. This variant is now a
highly sought after variant, but due to its age and limited
production run, quite difficult to find.
There are rumors Argile Technologies plans to introduce
a new version of the Firestarter in the near future, or
perhaps it will simply choose to revisit the –K version.
Current Manufacturers:
Argile Technologies
Skye – Lyran Commonwealth
Cost
FS9-A 3,075,975 773 19
FS9-K 3,069,225 763 18
FS9-H 3,045,600 694 19
FS9-N 3,081,375 772 ???
Alpha Strike Statistics
TP: BM SZ: 1 TMM: +2
MV: 12j” Role: Striker
Damage S: 2 M: 1 L: 0
OV: 1
Armor: O O O
Sructure: O O O
Special: HT 1/-/-
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