Buster

Buster
Buster
Production information
Manufacturer Bluth Corporation
Use HaulerMech
Model BV XXI
Class Medium
Introduced 2615[1][2]
Cost 2,001,000 C-bills[3]
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere IndustrialMech
Mass 50 tons
Chassis Unspecified
Armor Hughes CommerWeave II
Engine GM 150 ICE
Communications System Doering Hi-Def Mk II
Targeting Tracking System None
Heat Sinks None
Speed 54[4] km/h
Armament
BV (2.0) 228[5]


Description[edit]

The Buster IndustrialMech was created by the Bluth Corporation in 2615 and by 2795 was so popular that several factories across the Terran Hegemony produced it. The Buster was particularly popular with heavy mining operations, where it could easily load the massive output of a mine into transports quickly. Many DropPorts also used the Buster to load and unload DropShips. The ability to move cargo with more finesse than a vehicle, combined with the leg mounted track system, allowed the Buster to navigate tight spaces.[1]

The introduction of the Powerman family forced the Buster from the number one sales spot. The lawsuits between Bluth Corporation and Sitwell Corporation, the Powerman's producer alleging industrial espionage, trade secret infringement, and other various charges eventually destroyed Bluth Corporation. The Buster remains in production around the Inner Sphere.[1]

The latest member of the Buster family, the Buster XXI was introduced in 3060. This version is equipped with tracks and industrial TSM which makes it even more effective.[1][6][5]

During the Jihad, the Word of Blake created several Buster IndustrialMech-MODs for use by the Blake Protectorate Militia.[7] Some desperate forces also armed their Busters to oppose BattleMechs.[7] These MOD versions were all equipped with advanced fire control and double the armor protection of the standard Buster, but it was still commercial armor, so this increased protection was negligible.[8]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

As an IndustrialMech, the Buster has no armament. However, for its role as LoaderMech it has a lift hoist in each arm, and a five ton cargo bay in the left and right torso. The center torso also has a one ton cargo bay, allowing the Buster to carry eleven tons of cargo internally.[1][9][10]

Variants[edit]

  • XV 
    This earlier version of the Buster lacks tracks and industrial TSM, but is otherwise identical to the Buster XXI. BV (2.0) = 222[11]
  • Buster (PPC)/Buster XV-M-B HaulerMech MOD 
    This version puts a PPC in the right torso, completely filling the cargo bay that was mounted there. and 10 single heat sinks are added to allow the PPC to fire. This version of the Buster removes the lift hoists, but keeps the two ton cargo bay in the left torso. BV (2.0) = 475[14][7][15]
  • XV-M-C HaulerMech MOD 
    One of two variants first seen in use by the Word of Blake Protectorate Militia, this Buster was equipped with a Gauss rifle with two tons of ammunition, backed up by two RL-10s. BV (2.0) = 726[16]
  • XV-M-W 
    Another Word of Blake variant, this model carries a single LB 10-X autocannon with one ton of each ammunition type. Unlike the other Buster MODs, it is also equipped with an ejection seat. BV (2.0) = 713[17]

Design Quirks[edit]

The BC XXI Buster features the following Design Quirks:[4]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See: Category:Notable Buster Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • Being called the "Buster" and built by the Bluth Corporation is an obvious out-of-universe reference to the popular TV series Arrested Development, featuring the Bluth Family (and their self-named Corporation) of which Buster Bluth is a member.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, p. 206: "Buster 'Mech Profile"
  2. MUL Profile for Buster XXI HaulerMech - Introduction Year.
  3. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 76
  4. 4.0 4.1 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 218: "Buster Profile"
  5. 5.0 5.1 Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 89
  6. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 218
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 229
  8. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, pp. 85–88
  9. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 76: Buster record sheet
  10. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 89: Buster XXI
  11. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 84
  12. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 77
  13. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 85
  14. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 78
  15. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 86
  16. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 87
  17. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 88
  18. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 110
  19. Experimental Technical Readout: Caveat Emptor, p. 6

Bibliography[edit]