Arion

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Arion
Arion
Production information
Manufacturer Csesztreg Industriplex Alpha Annex
Production Year 3136[1]
Model Standard
Class Light
Introduced 3136
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan
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[2][3][4]


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.[2]

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 to the size of its equipment, the Arion has limited room left over for weaponry and armor protection. This only left designers 2.5 tons for armor, leading to the use 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 a direct encounter with any heavier combat units, including typical light BattleMechs.

Like all vehicles of 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 two-crew 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.[2]

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.[5]

Design Quirks

The Arion has the following Design Quirks:

References

  1. MUL online date for the Arion
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans, pp. 27-28 & 77 Arion - All information on the Unit.
  3. MUL Profile for the Arion - BV2 and Introduction Year.
  4. Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged, p. 433 - BV2 Record Sheet of Arion.
  5. MUL Profile for the Arion - Alpha Strike Card Info.

Bibliography