Infiltrator

(Redirected from Infiltrator Mk. I)
Infiltrator MkI BA LTMEG.png
Infiltrator
Production information
Manufacturer Albion Advanced Technologies and Products[1]
Production Year 3050[2]
Use Scout
Weight Class Light
Tech Base Inner Sphere
Cost 298,400 C-bills
Introduced 3050
Technical specifications
Mass 750 kg
Top Speed 21.6 km/h
Armament

1x Grenade Launcher

Armor Type Prototype Stealth
BV (1.0) 15
BV (2.0) 18[3]

Description[edit]

The Infiltrator is part of the so-called "first generation" of battle armor created by the Federated Commonwealth. Thanks to salvage captured from the Clans, the New Avalon Institute of Science was able to reverse engineer the technology for battlesuits, and decided to create a lighter type than the Inner Sphere Standard which was geared towards reconnaissance and stealth. The result was a unit armored with an early form of stealth armor and sophisticated sensing equipment, meant to operate deep behind enemy lines and gather intelligence. The first prototype Infiltrator was sent to the 1st Somerset Strikers in 3050 to take part in their campaign against Clan Jade Falcon; for reasons unknown the Strikers chose as its first test operator Cadet Katiara Kylie, an aerospace fighter pilot. The suit's first combat experience came during live-fire exercises on Waldorff V when the renegade Falcon's Claws unit unexpectedly attacked. Despite being taken by surprise and having to fight in swampy terrain, the Infiltrator proved itself by using its stealth systems to hide from the enemy and launch surprise attacks. Based on its performance the Infiltrator was approved for full-scale production shortly thereafter.[4][5]

As the Infiltrator began reaching combat units, its shortcomings became apparent to many. Infiltrator operators began to dub their suits the "Waddle" for its ungainly gait and poor mobility. The advanced stealth armor it carried, while hiding the suit from enemy detection, was only strong enough to resist small-arms fire, and its paltry firepower was only sufficient for taking on unarmored infantry and vehicles. These disadvantages were only further highlighted when FedCom commanders overestimated the suit's capabilities and sent them on missions more suited to combat-focused battle armor.[4][5]

While eventually superseded by the Infiltrator Mk. II, the original Infiltrator Mk. I suit as it now became known continued to see service throughout the Federated Commonwealth, with thousands of suits stationed across the Commonwealth by the time of the FedCom Civil War. Used for its intended mission by those who know its capabilities, the Infiltrator is an excellent suit for the mission of deep reconnaissance and raiding. Since the FedCom schism special forces units have continued to use the original Infiltrator suit, as well as military commanders in both the AFFS and LAAF unable to procure the more advanced model.[4][5] As of 3070, the Infiltrator Mk. I is no longer in production.[1]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The only weapon on the Infiltrator is a Grenade Launcher carried in the left arm. Firing a burst of five grenades at once, the launcher has limited offensive value against most combat units. The right arm ends in a Basic Manipulator, however the Infiltrator is not set up for making anti-'Mech attacks or being transported via OmniMech. While it can achieve a top speed of 21.6 km/h, the suit has an ungainly gait, likened to a "waddling toy robot", and hence its nickname.[4][5]

The centerpiece of the Infiltrator are its stealth and sensor systems. Clad in 500kg of Prototype Stealth armor, the Infiltrator mimics the capabilities of a combination ECM/IR Sneak Suit mounting radar, infrared, and acoustic-suppressing systems. Used in combination with conventional stealth techniques the Infiltrator is able to sneak into enemy-controlled areas, where it begins gathering and recording data via passive heat sensor, magnetic-anomaly detectors, and other equipment. Unfortunately this armor provides only enough protection to stop a single hit from a medium laser.[4][5]

Variants[edit]

  • Special Ops 
    Given its nature, it is unsurprising that the Infiltrator became popular with the intelligence agencies that operated within the Federated Commonwealth. This special ops variant, first deployed in 3062, was created specifically to help those individuals in their specific tasks. The grenade launcher was replaced with an Anti-Personnel Weapon Mount and sensors were removed for a Remote Sensor Dispenser, Improved Sensors, and a Laser Microphone. These all assist in information-gathering, but still allow the unit to engage in headhunter missions.[5] BV (1.0) = 18, BV (2.0) = 19[6]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to Grenzgänger (Frontier Runner).


Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Handbook House Davion p. 169
  2. MUL online date for the Infiltrator
  3. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 13
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Lostech: The MechWarrior Equipment Guide, p. 84
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 14–15
  6. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 14

Bibliography[edit]