Arion

Arion
Production information
Manufacturer	Csesztreg Industriplex Alpha Annex
Production Year	3136
Model	Standard
Class	Light
Introduced	3136
Technical specifications
Mass	35 tons
Chassis	Csesztreg QuadVee 35.2 Endo Steel
Armor	Compound H17 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine	Light Force (Standard) 210
Communications System	CH2 Series Integrated
Targeting Tracking System	Version Gamma-V TTS
Heat Sinks	10 [20] (Laser)
Speed	97 kph km/h
Jump Jets	None
Armament	1x ER Large Laser 2x SRM 4s
BV (2.0)	849

Description

The Arion is a Light Class Hybrid Combat Vehicle/BattleMech known as a QuadVee. Designed during the 3130s by Clan Hell's Horses, its design philosophy was to enable a unit to be a superior of a BattleMech while avoiding issues that a typical combat vehicle. The Arion, like others of its kind are able to transform from a tracked Combat Vehicle into a quadruped BattleMech with a torso-like tank turret.

The Arion was designed as fast moving harasser, being able to use its limited array of weaponry to snipe enemy units it would encounter. However, due to its size and limited space, Arion would be leave Warriors questioning the value of the design along with its other brethren. Initial appearance of the QuadVee allowed Clan Hell's Horses commanders to be able to bid a QuadVee as "vehicle" in Trials using Zellbrigen. Allowing these commanders to double up there forces with 'Mechs, due to a vehicle stars being typically consisting of 10 units.

During late 3130s, the Arion was only used briefly in a few battles using QuadVees, starting on Derf in 3136 in Trial of Possession with Clan Jade Falcon. Used in a all QuadVee Binary with other designs of its kind, the binary fared poorly due to uncertainty on how to properly use the design and not be aware of the design's limitations. The design was successful in its supporting role in the battle on Weingarten in 3139. In the battle the Hell's Horses faced off against the elements of the Second Tyr Assault Cluster from the Rasalhague Dominion. In a less successful effort, a pair of Arions were used as part of a Vehicle Star of the Horse's 91st Mechanized Assault Cluster raid of the Dominion world of Gunzburg. In this raid, Arion's star was crippled but the its QuadVee's unique ability to become BattleMechs allowed them to withdraw under its own power from oncoming defending Second Freemen.

Weapons and Equipment

The Arion is designed for speed, powered by a 210-rated Light Force Fusion Engine. Its 97 kph top speed gives the Arion in either vehicle or Quad 'Mech mode to enable it to avoid too much damage from incoming fire. Due size of its equipment, the Arion has limited room left over for weaponry and armor protection. This left designers to choose to fit it with only 2.5 tons worth of Ferro-Fibrous armor. Due to this low armor protection and its marginal flank speeds, this left likeliness of the design being highly unlike to survive direct encounter any heavier combat units, including typical light BattleMechs.

Like all its kind, its 'Mech weaponry is concentrated in its turret-like torso, being able bring those weapons to bear on any opponent from any direction. With its dual man cockpit, the QuadVee's dedicated Gunner can target multiple targets with much trouble, unlike 'Mechs or Combat Vehicles. The Arion's primary weapon is its Series 7K Extended-Range Large Laser mounted in its center torso. Its secondary weapons are pair of Type 1 Cross-Pattern SRM 4 Launchers, one per each of its side torsos. The Chassis’ integrated CASE allows for it survive a possible ammunition explosion from its 1 ton of SRM reloads.

Notes

In the Alpha Strike Rules set for BattleTech, the Arion has been given Point Value of 9, with Specials including Turret(3/3/1, SRM1/1), SRM1, CASE, and QV.

Design Quirks

The Arion has the following Design Quirks:

• Bad Reputation
• No Ejection System
• Non-Standard Parts

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged
• Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans