Fire Scorpion

Fire Scorpion
Fire Scorpion
Production information
Manufacturer Roche QuadPlex Alpha
Production Year 2852[1]
Model (base)[2]
Class Heavy
Cost 5,771,150 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 65 tons
Chassis Coriolis Class VI Endo Steel QuadFrame
Armor Forging SA722 with CASE
Engine Fusion 260 Standard
Communications System JNE Integrated
Targeting Tracking System TRTTS Mark II
Heat Sinks 10 single
Speed 65 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,379[3][4]
BV (2.0) 1,546[5][6]


Description[edit]

The Fire Scorpion is a quadrupedal BattleMech designed by Clan Goliath Scorpion scientists to be a totem 'Mech. An earlier model was created in 2834. It is visually similar to a scorpion, complete with a "tail" rising up from the rear of the BattleMech. The claw-like elements near the cockpit are actually armored guards, placed on either side of the head to keep ground troops from sniping at the cockpit. Scientists who designed it apparently believed in a quantity over quality approach, as the Fire Scorpion is rugged, cheap and primarily fielded by second-line forces that defend cities, the role in which it excels. During the absorption of Clan Widowmaker on Roche, the Fire Scorpion developed a reputation as a resilient and deadly urban fighter. Goliath Scorpions usually deploy the ’Mech alongside Elemental forces, allowing its combination of heavy armor and sustainable firepower to facilitate infantry operations in close quarters.

The limited flexibility of the design is due partly to its slow speed, partly its lack of maneuverability-enhancing jump jets, and partly because of its ammunition-dependent weaponry. To counter these flaws, the Fire Scorpion makes use of a staggering fourteen tons of armor and almost a tenth of its mass in ammunition. Ten single heat sinks keep costs low and heat down.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

As a quad design, the Fire Scorpion lacks the amount of internal space that bipedal designs have, so its creators opted for two heavy guns; a Type KOV LB 10-X Autocannon and an Irrlicht Gamma Series Ultra Autocannon/10. Each of these is fed by three tons of ammunition, giving the quad 'Mech enough shots to finish most Trials. To defend against unarmored infantry, the Fire Scorpion carries an Anti-Personnel Pod in each leg.[5]

Variants[edit]

  • Fire Scorpion 2 
    The Fire Scorpion 2, which was introduced 3060 at the prompting of a Star Commander Temujin of the Twentieth Scorpion Cuirassiers[5], removes the weaponry of the base chassis and replaces it with a massive Ultra Autocannon/20, two LRM-10s, and four Machine Guns. This variants continues to excel in urban combat, especially against conventional infantry thanks to its anti-personnel Machine Guns. The inclusion of an Active Probe helps the MechWarrior locate hidden enemies. As with the base variant, ample ammunition ensures that the Fire Scorpion 2 rarely has to withdraw from a battlefield because of reduced ammo stores. BV (1.0) = 1,341[3], (1,340)[7], BV (2.0) = 1,749[8]
  • Fire Scorpion 3 
    This Jihad variant of the Fire Scorpion, introduced 3071, has dropped equipment in favor of adding Jump Jets to the 'Mech. Designed for the role of close-quarters fighting and urban combat, this variant drops its LRM Launchers & A-Pods. In its place the 'Mech has been fitted with four torso mounted AP Gauss Rifles with 2 tons of ammunition. A single Jump Jet has been added in each of the 'Mech's leg actuators. BV (2.0) = 1,904[9]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Fire Scorpion has the following Design Quirks:[10]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Feuerskorpion.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Fire Scorpion
  2. Technical Readout: 3060, pp. 168–169: "Fire Scorpion"
  3. 3.0 3.1 Combat Operations, p. 114
  4. Record Sheets: 3060, p. 170
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3060, pp. 168-169, "Fire Scorpion 'Mech Profile"
  6. Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged, p. 252
  7. Record Sheets: 3060, p. 171
  8. Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged, p. 253
  9. Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged p. 254 - Jihad era variant of the Fire Scorpion.
  10. BattleMech Manual, p. 91 BattleMech Quirk Table - Fire Scorpion Entry.

Bibliography[edit]