Saxon

Saxon.jpg
Saxon APC
Production information
Manufacturer Cyclops Incorporated

Defiance Industries


Quikscell Company

Production Year 3070[1]
Mission Troop Transport
Type Hover
Cost 1,073,267 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 35
Armor ArcShield Heavy II
Engine GM 175 fusion
Speed 162 km/h
Crew 3
Communications System TharHes KR-A P/Com
Targeting Tracking System TharHes Mars 1
Heat Sinks 10 single
Armament

1x Machine Gun

BV (1.0) 142[2]
BV (2.0) 435[3][4]


Description[edit]

The Saxon APC was meant to be an update to older armored personnel carriers. With improved technologies, old-model APCs were simply too vulnerable and slow. When the LAAF put out a request for new APCs, it was Cyclops Incorporated that responded with a favorable design. The first Saxons entered service with the Second Skye Guards in 3070. The design was so successful that Cyclops was unable to keep up with demand, so they licensed the Saxon to Defiance Industries and the Quikscell Company.[5]

By 3132, thanks to its multiple licensing deals, the Saxon had become a common sight throughout the Inner Sphere, more so than the traditional Hover APC.[6]

One of the Saxon's main advantages is its top speed of 162 km/h. This enables it to quickly get in and out of hot spots. A five-ton infantry bay allows the APC to carry a platoon of unarmored infantry or a squad of battle armor. Nine tons of armor gives it a toughness matched by few light vehicles and protects the infantry inside as well as the Saxon itself.[7]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Saxon's only weapon is a Kicker-2 Machine Gun mounted in its turret. This gives the weapon a wide, if short ranged, field of fire. With its high speed and thick armor, the APC can aid its charges in eliminating their unarmored counterparts.[7]

Variants[edit]

  • Laser 
    A field modification aimed at improving the Saxon's firepower, this variant replaces the Machine Gun with an ER Medium Laser[5]. BV (2.0) = 565[8][9]
  • HQ 
    This variant is produced by Defiance Industries. It transforms the roomy infantry compartment into a mobile headquarters. An extra three tons of Communications Gear helps the officer keep in contact with his or her troops. The turret carries a pair of ER Medium Lasers and TAG to discourage attacks. The Saxon's high speed and copious armor protection make it well-suited to this adaptation[5]. BV (2.0) = 708[10][11]
  • MASH 
    The Quikscell Company's signature variant makes the APC into a field hospital. It features two full trauma theaters and double the amount of Machine Gun ammo.[5] BV (2.0) = 436[12][13]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. MUL online date for the Saxon
  2. Mercenaries Supplemental Update, p. 146
  3. Technical Readout: 3075, p. 49
  4. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 91
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3075, p. 48
  6. MechWarrior: Dark Age - Dossiers and Pilot Cards, p. 65: "Dyan Nova Cat"
  7. 7.0 7.1 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 48-49
  8. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 16
  9. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 93
  10. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 15
  11. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 92
  12. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 17
  13. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge, p. 94

Bibliography[edit]