Excalibur (BattleMech)

This article is about the 70-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Excalibur.

Excalibur
Production information
Manufacturer	Independence Weaponry Skobel MechWorks Yankee Weapons Systems
Production Year	2619
Model	EXC-B2
Class	Heavy
Cost	16,075,087 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	70 tons
Chassis	Corbine 1
Armor	Pribak 9000 with CASE
Engine	Ford 350 XL
Communications System	Faulk 203 Comset
Targeting Tracking System	KBC Starsight Model QTA1
Heat Sinks	11 single
Speed	86 km/h
Armament	1x Gauss rifle 1x LRM-20 with Artemis IV 1x anti-missile system
BV (1.0)	1,361
BV (2.0)	1,533

Description

The Excalibur is designed to engage an enemy at long range and use its mobility to dictate the ranges of the engagement. The 'Mech is named for the appearance of the muzzle and dummy hand on the right arm, which reminded the design team of the look of a medieval Terran sword. The EXC-B2 first saw service in 2620 and served with SLDF forces well in Operation Smother and the Amaris Civil War. However, the Excalibur has proven to be most potent when supported by other types of BattleMechs, primarily due to insufficient armor. Excalibur MechWarriors were often derisively called "Streakers" during the Amaris Coup due to their hit-and-run attacks and refusals of stand-up fights. By the time of Operation EXODUS, most surviving examples were found in the 328th Royal BattleMech Division and left with General Kerensky. Through the Succession Wars and Clan Invasion era, the Excalibur became an exceptionally rare sight in the Inner Sphere; less than a dozen chassis survived in ComStar caches, fielded by the Com Guards and later Word of Blake Militia, and limited examples with the eccentric mercenary group Snord's Irregulars. The Excalibur had a bit of a revival due to Yankee Weapons Systems novel production of the 'Mech on New Earth in 3058.

Weapons and Equipment

The 'Mech has an impressive top speed of 86.4 km/h, which is made possible through the use of a Ford 350 XL engine. The Excalibur carries a relatively light seven and a half tons of armor, with CASE in both side torsos to protect against an ammunition explosion. With its mission of long-range combat, the Excalibur does not need a very large amount of armor protection. The Excalibur dissipates its waste heat through the use of eleven heat sinks. For added protection against missile attacks, the Excalibur had a McArthur anti-missile system.

As its primary weapon, the Excalibur carries a powerful Grizzard Model 200 Gauss rifle that has an effective range of up to six hundred and sixty meters. This is backed up by an Ingrid Systems LRM-20 with an Artemis IV fire control computer for increased missile accuracy.

Variants

• EXC-B1 

  This version was the basis for the EXC-B2 eventually adopted by the SLDF. The only difference is that it carries a single Strafe 44 Small Pulse Laser in place of the CASE systems. BV (2.0) = 1,549

• EXC-B2b 

  The B2b is very similar to the B2, except that the use of an Endo Steel structure allows for an additional three and a half tons of armor. This variant was utilized by the SLDF Royals. BV (2.0) = 1,715

• EXC-B2b-EC 

  Created by Clan Wolf in the Golden Century, the SLDF weaponry was replaced by an Improved Gauss Rifle, Improved LRM-20 with Artemis IV, and a prototype ER medium laser. CASE was added to the anti-missile system, as well as four more tons of armor. Double heat sinks replaced the singles used by the SLDF. (Note: EC is an abbreviation used by historians to designate "Early Clan" designs.) BV (2.0) = 2,008

• EXC-C1 

  The C1 configuration of the Excalibur increases its defensive combat capabilities. This was done by removing the anti-missile system from the 'Mech, as well as removing one of the heat sinks, though the remainder were upgraded to double heat sinks. The tonnage saved goes toward adding an additional medium laser and increasing the 'Mech's armor protection to nine tons. BV (1.0) = 1,456, BV (2.0) = 1,637

• EXC-CS 

  Following the fall of Terra in 3058, ComStar no longer had any factories, let alone ones that could produce the Excalibur. They solved the latter problem in mid-3067 by contracting with Independence Weaponry on Quentin to produce a variant that has been well-received in both the Com Guards and DCMS. The CS removes the Gauss Rifle to make way for a Lord's Light 2 ER PPC and twelve double heat sinks. Four ER medium lasers and an ER Small Laser ensure that the Excalibur CS is a threat at close range, as well. Thirteen and a half tons of armor protect this variant better than any other configuration of the Excalibur. A Targeting Computer helps guide the direct-fire weapons. Finally, Triple Strength Myomer harnesses the heat buildup of the CS to make it faster. BV (1.0) = 1,553, BV (2.0) = 2,174

• EXC-D1 

  The variant is a radical reworking of the Excalibur by Word of Blake that was first reported to have been seen in 3067 on Outreach. All the weapons are removed to make way for eleven and a half tons of armor and enough jump jets to vault the 'Mech up to one hundred and fifty meters at a time. A short-range arsenal is in place for the remaining tonnage, anchored by a rotary autocannon/5. It, along with two ER medium lasers, are made more accurate through an advanced Targeting Computer. A Streak SRM-6 enables highly-accurate missile fire. An Improved C3 CPU aids in targeting with the other five members of the Level II. BV (1.0) = 1,824, BV (2.0) = 1,949

Custom Variants

• EXC-C1 Excalibur Cernunnos 

  Mysterious Excalibur variant reportedly piloted by a former Clan Smoke Jaguar warrior of the Aerospace pilot genotype. This warrior has been code named by intelligence agencies as Cernunnos. This Clanner's mysterious 'Mech has been completely refitted with additional armor and revision of its principal weapons' layout. The Gauss Rifle has been replaced with a Star League tech ER PPC and fitted with an LB 20-X Autocannon and 3 tons of ammunition. The 'Mech is protected by 12 tons of armor with CASE protecting the ammunition. BV (1.0) = 1,420

Design Quirks

The Excalibur has the following Design Quirks:

• Vestigial Hands

Gallery

• 

  Original EXC-B1 Excalibur from Rhonda's Irregulars

• 

  Excalibur from TRO:3058

Bibliography

• Combat Operations
• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: 3055/3058
• Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)
• Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged
• Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
• Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs
• Rhonda's Irregulars
• Technical Readout: 3058
• Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3075
• Technical Readout: Golden Century