Powerman

Powerman
Powerman
Production information
Manufacturer Sitwell Corporation
Use Moving Cargo
Model SC XV
Class Light
Introduced 2764[1]
Cost 1,498,860 C-bills[2]
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere IndustrialMech
Mass 35 tons
Chassis Unspecified
Armor Hughes CommerWeave II [BAR 5]
Engine Skobel 140 ICE
Communications System SineWave 5000
Targeting Tracking System Unspecified
Heat Sinks None
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (2.0) 198[2]


Description[edit]

The Powerman HaulerMech series is a creation of the Sitwell Corporation of Saiph. IndustrialMech was put into production just after Richard Sitwell was laid off by Bluth Corporation and founded his own company to destroy his former employer.

At the time of its creation, Bluth Corporation's Buster class HaulerMech was dominating the market, but the smaller, lighter, and less expensive Powerman overtook the bulkier and clunkier design with ease. Its smaller and more stable design allowed it to load a DropShip in less time than its competitor, and it was noted for its low-maintenance and reliable components. After a massive legal battle, lasting for the entire First Succession War, Sitwell Corporation triumphed over Bluth, with the legal proceedings eventually led to Bluth Corporation's dissolution on a variety of criminal complaints.

The Powerman continued to serve various freight companies over the centuries. By 3067 corporation had introduced the latest version of its venerable HaulerMech: the Powerman XV.[3]

After the Jihad, The Republic of the Sphere controlled most of the production plants that manufactured IndustrialMechs, including the Saiph Powerman line. This proved to be useful when the Republic went to other states for funding to rebuild worlds; the Republic would withhold or approve distribution to various states, based on their willingness to support reconstruction efforts.[4]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Powerman is powered by a Skobel 140 internal combustion engine and is equipped with two GripperTech lift hoists. For protection from the general wear and tear of hauling, the 'Mech's frame is covered with two and a half tons of commercial armor.

Cargo[edit]

The 'Mech is equipped with pair of two ton capacity cargo bays in its side torsos, and a half ton bay located in the central torso.

Variants[edit]

  • XVI HaulerMech 
    Introduced at the dawn of Jihad in 3068, this variant removes the left arm actuator and its lift hoist for a salvage arm. This model is intended for use by 'Mech salvage companies. BV (2.0) = 198[5][6][7]
  • XI-M MOD 
    This is the militarized version of the Powerman, which was introduced in 2801. This variant mounts a machine gun with a half a ton of ammunition in the center torso and a medium laser in each arm; six single heat sinks allow the Powerman's pilot to fire the lasers continuously. To make room for these weapons, technicians removed the lift hoists, and the torso cargo bays were reduced by half. BV (2.0) = 294[8][9][10][11]
  • XI-M-B MOD 
    A second militarized variant produced in 2801, this puts an SRM-4 launcher in each arm and feeds them with one ton of ammunition located in the center torso. Three single heat sinks are added to fight the heat buildup. To make room for these modifications cargo capacity is reduced to two and a half tons, and the lift hoists are removed. BV (2.0) = 277[12][9][13][14]

Design Quirks[edit]

The SC XV Powerman LoaderMech variant has the following Design Quirks:[15]

Notes[edit]

  • Record sheets for the Powerman and its armed variants were first made available in Record Sheets: Operation Klondike. Later they were republished as part of Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs and Exoskeletons. It should be noted that the Powerman's sub-classification as a LoaderMech was changed to HaulerMech with the newer publication. The XI Model of the Powerman, the standard civilian version of the Powerman in the introduced in Operation Klondike Record Sheet book is missing from newer record sheet book. Unclear if this was errata, it was eventually renamed to XV, matching the Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised version.
  • The Militized or MOD version of the Powerman was introduced in Clan Space by the Pentagon Powers as part of their arms race. However, it is unclear if these variants are available to Inner Sphere during this time period.

References[edit]

  1. MUL Profile for Powerman SC XV (standard model) - Introduction year & BV2
  2. 2.0 2.1 Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 73
  3. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, p. 206: "SC Powerman LoaderMech/BC Buster HaulerMech profile".
  4. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 198
  5. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, p. 206: "Variants" - Powerman Salvage variant.
  6. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 83: Powerman XVI "Record Sheet of XVI version, with stats and BV2.
  7. MUL Profile for Powerman XVI HaulerMech - Introduction only listed.
  8. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 74: Stats and BV2 correct, but record sheet is using old name for variant: Powerman XI (Laser)
  9. 9.0 9.1 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 229
  10. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 83: Powerman XVI "Record Sheet of XI-M-B version, with stats and BV2.
  11. MUL Profile for Powerman XI (Laser) - BV2 and intro date, but using old name for variant.
  12. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 55: BV2 and stats are correct, note record sheet is using old name for the variant, Powerman XI LoaderMech (SRM).
  13. Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons, p. 83: Powerman XVI "Record Sheet of XI-M-B version, with stats and BV2.
  14. MUL Profile for Powerman XI LoaderMech (SRM) - BV2 and intro date, but using old name for variant.
  15. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 218: "Powerman Profile"

Bibliography[edit]