Carbine

Carbine
Carbine
Production information
Manufacturer Bluth Corporation
Use ConstructionMech
Model CON-7
Class Light
Introduced 2691[1]
Cost (estimated) 1,562,600 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere IndustrialMech
Mass 30 tons
Chassis Unspecified
Armor Caterpillar IndusWeave
Engine Renault 120 ICE
Communications System Marconi 63-T
Targeting Tracking System None
Heat Sinks None
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 235
BV (2.0) 198[2][3]


Description[edit]

The Carbine, also known simply as "ConstructionMech", was designed for industrial work such as building roads, digging, debris removal, and building construction.[4]

The original CON-1 Carbine came off of Bluth's Little Rock factory on the North American continent of Terra in 2691. It took over 10 years to get the design created by Bluth into production due to a legal battle. Once in production however, the CON-1 was produced at a pace of dozens a week. In 3028 the CON-7 model was introduced, timed to the marriage of Melissa Steiner and Hanse Davion so as to attract the attention of all the Great Houses. However, the announcement of the Fourth Succession War put a slump in sales until after the war ended. The 'Mech was sold all throughout the Inner Sphere until 3058, when the Word of Blake seized Terra, after which all sales ceased and all parts for the machine were removed from the market.

However, new CON-7s have appeared in Chaos March that have been produced after 3058.[5] After the end of the Jihad, Republic of the Sphere investigators discovered that the Word of Blake kept the design in production and made several armed versions to augment their militia forces.[6] These Blakist MODs represented the first mass conversion of IndustrialMechs for militarized MOD use.[7]

By 3132, the design was in use throughout the Inner Sphere. When the HPG Black Out occurred, many of these designs were converted over into makeshift combat 'Mechs.

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The 30-ton IndustrialMech has an unusual design due to its hunchbacked profile. This unusual profile gives the illusion that its cockpit is mounted in front of the main body, while in reality it gave it the stability needed for handling heavy loads. As with all IndustrialMechs, the design uses civilian grade parts in its construction, which include an industrial cockpit, and arms which are hung over the main body. This was done to provide the best possible lifting positions for its SteelTek cargolifter and Lonca backhoe. However, due to the nature of its work handling and digging, the design is unable to twist its torso and must turn its entire body to handle items or tasks.

The CON-7 model is powered by a Renault 120-rated internal combustion engine which allows the 'Mech move at a top speed of 64.8 km/h. Its hull is protected by three tons of Caterpillar IndusWeave industrial armor, giving it enough protection for the hazardous construction sites in which it would be operating. However, the engine is noted for poor fuel efficiency.

Though not armed, the 'Mech can use its lift hoist and backhoe as melee weaponry in an emergency.[8]

Cargo[edit]

Its lift hoist is rated for 15 tons.

Variants[edit]

  • CON-1 (RL) 
    This armed variant of the Carbine trades the lift hoist and backhoe for five Rocket Launcher 15 systems mounted across the torso. Three heat sinks keep the heat under control. This version lacks hand actuators, so physical attacks are more difficult. BV = 296[9][10]
  • CON-7M ConstructionMech MOD 
    This version is the simplest possible MOD: It is a standard CON-7 Carbine with the lift hoist and backhoe replaced by pair of 15-tubed Rocket Launcher systems in each of its arms, as well as a single such launcher mounted in the left torso. Many were created in the Word of Blake Protectorate, but with no fire control or reloads they were of very limited use in combat.[6] BV (2.0) = 306[11][12]
  • CON-9 ConstructionMech MOD 
    This Word of Blake upgrade uses a CON-7 as its base design. While not having the additional features of CON-8, its most noted change is the replacement of CON-7's industrial armor with BattleMech-grade standard armor. BV (2.0) = 246[18][19]
  • CON-9M ConstructionMech MOD 
    The Word of Blake militarized version of the regular CON-9. It retains the civilian design specs which includes BattleMech armor, and was widely used by militia forces as an anti-infantry and missile support unit. It also retained the lift hoist, allowing it to remove obstacles on the battlefield. The CON-9 was used in last-ditch militia actions frequently during Operation SCOUR. The is variant is fitted with an advanced FCS, giving military accuracy to the LRM-10 launcher mounted in the center torso and pair of machine guns fitted in place of the backhoe in right arm actuator. Both of the 'Mech's one-ton ammunition bins are in the right torso.[6] BV (2.0) = 289</ref>[20][21]
  • CON-9M-B ConstructionMech MOD 
    A second militarized version of the CON-9M introduced during the Jihad. Like the 9M, this variant was also fitted with an advanced FCS and standard BattleMech armor. It is armed with singular with a light AC/5 mounted in the in right arm with its two tons of ammunition, while the left arm's lift hoist is exchanged for hand actuator.[6] BV (2.0) = 293[22][23]
  • CON-9M-J ConstructionMech MOD 
    Introduced in the Dark Age, this variant puts a pair of SRM-4 launchers in the center torso, supplemented by a pair of machine guns in the right arm. All ammunition is stored in the right torso. An advanced FCS is present. BV (2.0) = 271[25]

Custom Variants[edit]

  • CON-9M Carbine "Karenna" 
    Used by Steel Wolves freeborn Karenna, removed from active duty in 3133, this variant of the CON-9M wields a lift hoist and a light AC/5. Karenna would grab enemy vehicles with the hoist and gleefully gun them down with the autocannon. BV (2.0) = 280[7][27]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Carbine features the following Design Quirks:

Related IndustrialMechs[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

  • ConstructionMech - This generic version was in use in the 3130s. Considered its own design, it used older 'Mech construction rules in its design. The 'Mech has standard armor, but has same equipment and speed as the Carbine.[28] BV (1.0) = 231
  • ConstructionMech MOD - First seen in the Dark Age year of 3132, this 'Mech has two and a half tons of standard armor, less than the non-MOD ConstructionMech. It is armed with two machine guns with one ton ammo and an LRM-10 launcher with one ton of ammunition.[28] BV (1.0) = 223

Apocryphal Content Ends

Notable Pilots[edit]

See: Category:Notable Carbine Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • Carbines first appeared as the ConstructionMech in original WizKids Dark Age Collectable Miniatures game. This generic version was not given actual name and initially it was considered to be its own design. This is due in part of tabletop version of this being created using older 'Mech construction rules in its design. The 'Mech has standard armor, but has same equipment and speed as the Carbine. This was later integrated in one in the same design.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. MUL Profile for CON-1 Carbine ConstructionMech - Introduction Date Only. This is for purpose when first one came on line.
  2. MUL Profile for CON-7 Carbine - BV2 and Introduction Date.
  3. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 57: CON-7 Carbine - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2
  4. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised, p. 210: CON-7 Carbine - "IN that he helps describes what the Carbine is and its purpose
  5. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 210
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 229
  7. 7.0 7.1 Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 26: "Carbine ConstructionMech MODs"
  8. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised, pp. 210–211: CON-7 Carbine - "Stats and capacities of the CON-7, describing its abilities and features. Including the design quirks
  9. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 66
  10. MUL Profile for CON-1 Carbine (RL) - BV and Introduction Date.
  11. MUL Profile for CON-7M Carbine MOD - BV2 and Era it was operating in.
  12. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 58: CON-7M Carbine MOD - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2
  13. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, p. 216
  14. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 59: CON-8 Carbine - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2 for the upgraded civilian version of Carbine
  15. MUL Profile for CON-8 Carbine - BV2 and Era it was operating in.
  16. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 60: CON-8H Carbine - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2 for the upgraded civilian version of Carbine
  17. MUL Profile for CON-8 Carbine - BV2 and Era it was operating in.
  18. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 61: CON-9 Carbine - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2 for Jihad era civilian version of the Carbine
  19. MUL Profile for CON-9 Carbine - BV2 and Era it was operating in.
  20. MUL Profile for CON-9M Carbine MOD - BV2 and Era it was operating in.
  21. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 62: CON-9M Carbine MOD - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2 for LRM/Machine Gun version of the Carbine
  22. MUL Profile for CON-9M-B Carbine MOD - BV2 and Era it was operating in.
  23. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 63: CON-9M-B Carbine MOD - Record Sheet includes Stats and BV2 for LAC/5 version of the Carbine
  24. Experimental Technical Readout: Caveat Emptor, p. 4
  25. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 88
  26. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 27
  27. Technical Readout: Irregulars, p. 90: "Carbine CON-9M Karenna"
  28. 28.0 28.1 Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I


Bibliography[edit]