Arbalest

Arbalest
Arbalest
Production information
Manufacturer Irece Alpha[1]
Production Year 3077[2]
Model Standard
Class Light
Cost 2,440,417 C-bills[2]
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 25 tons
Chassis Star League NCX[1]
Armor Irece Standard[1]
Engine Vlar 125[1]
Communications System Raldon R1 with ECM suite[1]
Targeting Tracking System Dalban Hirez II[1]
Heat Sinks 10 double heat sinks[1]
Speed 86[1] km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 974[3]
BV (2.0) 1,029[1][2][4]


Description[edit]

The Arbalest was first used during the Word of Blake Jihad by Clan Nova Cat as they sought to improve their second-line forces. The Arbalest's long range firepower makes up for its relatively slow speed when compared to other clan 'Mechs of a similar size. To make production easier and faster, Clan Nova Cat engineers used less expensive components that were readily available in the Inner Sphere. Utilizing a standard engine, standard internal structure, and basic armor allowed the Nova Cats to produce the 'Mech in large numbers. The Arbalest is manufactured on the Nova Cat's enclave capital Irece in the Draconis Combine and can be found throughout the post-Jihad Inner Sphere.[1]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Arbalest is a light 'Mech capable of engaging an enemy at long range, or being used as a light fire support platform. The 'Mech uses its twin Mk.46 Type II LRM-10 launchers to strike an enemy at long range. Should an opponent close, the Arbalest is capable of defending itself at short range with its pair of Series 2a Mk. 5 ER medium lasers. Finally, the head-mounted ECM suite disrupts enemy electronics and proved valuable when disrupting Blakist C3i networks.[1]

Variants[edit]

  • Arbalest 2 
    The Arbalest 2, introduced in 3079[5] removes one of the LRM-10 launchers to add a MASC system. In doing this the 'Mech is capable of disengaging from an enemy that may be beyond its combat capabilities much easier than the standard Arbalest. BV (1.0) = 968[6], BV (2.0) = 967[7][5]
  • Arbalest 3 
    This variation of the standard Arbalest, developed in 3081[8], focuses on improving the capabilities of the 'Mech by using ferro-fibrous armor to increase protection. The Arbalest 3 also replaces the ECM suite with an extra ton of armor to increase protection further. The two arm-mounted lasers are swapped out for a pair of ER small lasers.[1] BV (2.0) = 921[9][8]

Custom Variants[edit]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Arbalest has the following Design Quirk:[11]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Arbalest Pilots

BattleMech Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 Technical Readout: 3085, pp. 142-143, "Arbalest"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 MUL online entry for the Arbalest
  3. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 36
  4. Record Sheets: 3085 Print Edition, p. 39
  5. 5.0 5.1 MUL online entry for the Arbalest 2 variant
  6. Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 37
  7. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 199
  8. 8.0 8.1 MUL online entry for the Arbalest 3 variant
  9. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 200
  10. MechWarrior: Dark Age - Dossiers and Pilot Cards, p. 72: "James Odom"
  11. BattleMech Manual, p. 90 BattleMech Quirk Table - Arbalest Entry.

Bibliography[edit]