Merlin (BattleMech)

This article is about the 60-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Merlin.
Merlin (BattleMech)
Merlin
Production information
Manufacturer Alliance Defenders Limited[1]

Mountain Wolf BattleMechs[1][2]


Sabanillas Mining Company


Vandenberg Mechanized Industries[2]

Production Year 3010[3]
Model MLN-1A[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 4,911,200 C-bills[3]
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 60 tons
Chassis Heavy Star QAT-4
Armor Longanecker PlastiSteel
Engine Pitban 240
Communications System Magestrix Alpha
Targeting Tracking System Magestrix Gamma
Heat Sinks 18 single
Speed 64 km/h
Jump Jets Pitban LFT 50
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,039[4][5]
BV (2.0) 1,217[1][3][6]


Description[edit]

The Merlin debuted in 3010 as a product of the rebuilt Mountain Wolf BattleMechs. The Merlin was hailed as a technological marvel at the time of its release, as it was the first completely new design to be developed in over 100 years. What made this 'Mech even more remarkable was the state of the company at the time of its development.

Indeed, the Merlin became the salvation of Mountain Wolf BattleMechs. For centuries, the company was barely a name among 'Mech manufacturers and had been without any production facilities following the destruction of its Vendrell plant in 2945. Two members of the company designed a new 'Mech based on 3010 technology with parts and components commonly produced across the Inner Sphere.

The design, however, was rejected by Mountain Wolf's CEO, Michael O'Leary, despite his focused efforts towards company survival. After his death, his son, Brandon O'Leary, succeeded him as CEO, and upon sealing a deal with Outworlds Alliance President Ronaine Avellar, Merlin production began at the Alpheratz plant. The new 'Mech was so successful that it not only saved the company but was soon produced in a new factory built on Vendrell.[7]

The Merlin became so popular that a member of House Avellar bought one for his niece, Rowan Avellar, in 3029. Even in that year, however, the 'Mech was very rarely seen among Inner Sphere House units. In contrast, it became more prolific among mercenary groups, as it was cheap to buy and capable of serving multiple roles. Wolverton's Highlanders were noted for having the largest concentration of Merlins in a mercenary inventory.[8][9]

Characteristics[edit]

The Merlin uses components that are all reliable and readily available, making it both durable and easy-to-repair. Limited production seems the only obstacle preventing it from becoming ubiquitous. The 'Mech is powered by a Pitban 240 fusion engine that gives it a top speed of 64.8 km/h. The Merlin carries ten and a half tons of armor, which is a respectable amount of protection for its weight. Additionally, the Merlin carries eighteen heat sinks to handle its heavy heat load.[4]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Merlin is armed to be able to engage an enemy at any range. For long range combat, the 'Mech carries a Magna Hellstar PPC and a Holly LRM-5 launcher. To protect itself at medium to short ranges, a pair of Martell Model 5 medium lasers provide the Merlin with respectable short range firepower. Finally, to protect the 'Mech against infantry attacks, the Merlin has a Zippo Flamer and a Sperry Browning Machine Gun. Four Pitban LFT-50 series jump jets allow the 'Mech to travel up to 120 meters in the air.[4]

Variants[edit]

  • MLN-1D 
    This version of the Merlin keeps the generalist approach of prior models by only upgrading a few systems. Each arm mounted medium laser has been replaced by a Light PPC increasing the Merlin's long range punch while also hindering it up close. The original machine gun has been replaced with a Heavy Machine Gun and a half ton of ammunition. CASE in the left torso protects both the HMG and LRM ammunition. Thirteen double heat sinks do a good job of keeping the 'Mech cool. BV (2.0) = 1,370[2]
  • MLN-1E 
    A subvariant of sorts of the MLN-1D this variant drops the Heavy Machine Gun and one heat sink to replace the LRM with an MML-5 and two tons of ammunition protected by CASE II. BV (2.0) = 1,369[17]
  • MLN-1P 
    This Merlin variant is a deadly infighter. Only the flamer and LRM-5 remain from its original armament. Each arm now holds a Medium Variable Speed Pulse Laser and the right torso now contains a Large Variable Speed Pulse Laser. These highly accurate lasers give this Merlin a devastating damage capacity up close. Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor covers this variant and thirteen double heat sinks can struggle to keep this variant cool. BV (2.0) = 1,182[18]
  • Merlin C 
    This Clan Snow Raven variant completely rebuilds the 'Mech with Clan technology. Survivability of this variant is improved through the use of Ferro-Lamellor armor. The traditional torso-mounted PPC is now a Clan grade ER PPC. Both arm mounted medium lasers have been replaced by Improved Heavy Medium Lasers. A Heavy Machine Gun sits in the left torso alongside the traditional Flamer. A Streak LRM-5 resides in the right torso. Eighteen Clan double heat sinks keep this design cool in most situations. BV (2.0) = 1,870[2]

Custom Variants[edit]

  • MLN-1B Merlin Porter 
    A uniquely customized Merlin introduced in 3064,[19] which was created by a tech named Porter Romero on Armington. He salvaged the 'Mech from a pirate raid during the 3060s. Using a wrecked militia Bulldog for parts, he replaced the ruined PPC and LRM-5 with the tank's Large Laser and SRM 4 Launcher as well as adding additional armor. BV (1.0) = 909[20][19]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Merlin has the following Design Quirks:[23]

Notes[edit]

  • The Merlin was the first sample 'Mech used to demonstrate the 'Mech construction rules with the Battledroids rulebook, where it appears in a slightly different configuration owing to slightly different construction rules. Like the Chameleon, it was largely overlooked until it finally received a proper entry in Technical Readout: 3058.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 112–113: "MLN-1A Merlin"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26, p. 7
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 MUL online date for the Merlin (BattleMech)
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, pp. 142–143: "MLN-1A Merlin"
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 256
  6. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 264
  7. Seal The Deal in Shrapnel, issue #11, pp. 213–218
  8. There's No We in Mercenary, p. 125
  9. Technical Readout: 3058, p. 120
  10. 10.0 10.1 MUL online date for the Merlin MLN-1B variant
  11. Combat Operations, p. 136
  12. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 257
  13. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 265
  14. 14.0 14.1 MUL online date for the Merlin MLN-1C variant
  15. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 258
  16. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 266
  17. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26, p. 24
  18. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26, p. 25
  19. 19.0 19.1 MUL online date for the Merlin MLN-1B (Porter) variant
  20. Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs, p. 8: Merlin Porter - Custom Variant published by BattleCorps website
  21. 21.0 21.1 MUL online date for the Merlin MLN-SX variant
  22. Experimental Technical Readout: Boondocks, pp. 4, 17: MLN-SX Merlin - Experimental Prototype Merlin
  23. BattleMech Manual, p. 93: BattleMech Quirk Table - Merlin Entry

Bibliography[edit]