Brunel

Brunel.jpg
Brunel Dump Truck
Production information
Manufacturer Achernar Heavy Industries[1]
Production Year 2637[2]
Use Construction,
Cargo Transport,
Debris removal
Tech Base Inner Sphere
Chassis Type (Size) Large (Wheeled)
Equipment Rating D/C-C-B
Introduced 2637
Technical specifications
Mass 150 tons
Top Speed 50 km/h
Power Plant ICE
Fuel (Type/Range) Petrochemical/ 909 km
Communications System Unspecified
Targeting Tracking System Unspecified
Fire Control System Basic
Armament None
Heat Sinks None
Armor Unspecified
Barrier Armor Rating (BAR) 6
Crew 3 enlisted/non-rated

Description[edit]

Originally designed for Basantapur Fine Metals in 2637, the Brunel Dump Truck was conceived for germanium strip-mining operations on the world of Colorado. The massive vehicle was designed to haul over 200 tons of ore from these mines. Shortly after its conception, the Brunel gained popularity over its Earthwerks competitors. The vehicle continues its service in the Inner Sphere, with production continuing at Achernar Heavy Industries.[1]

The vehicle is among others which gained popularity among subculture racing fans who compete with the trucks in truck pulling and racing competitions. These trucks are modified with more powerful engines and other equipment that voids the manufacturer's warranty.[1]

Equipment and Capabilities[edit]

The Brunel is designed for off-road work. Its dump box is designed to carry over 54.2 tons of cargo or ore. The vehicle has four tons of Commercial Armor protecting it from damage.[1]

The truck features the Off-road Chassis and Controls Modification, with a dump mechanism to remove ore and debris from its bed. It also has a forward-mounted Backhoe to load its dump box.[1]

Variants[edit]

During the Pentagon Civil War in Clan Space, the warring factions known as the Pentagon Powers militarized existing civilian vehicles they had on hand to help bolster their dwindling military forces. The Brunel trucks were converted into rudimentary combat vehicles with strapped-on weapons systems.

Meanwhile in the Inner Sphere, similar refits to these vehicles occurred, listed below. Other ad hoc refits/variants not listed have been said to use Mortars and PPCs among other weapon systems. These variants usually had a main armament that was rear-facing through the back of the dump box, with anti-infantry weapons in the cab. A basic fire control system was equipped to guide whatever weapons were mounted to the truck.[3]

  • Brunel Dump Truck (AC)
    Used in 2801, this was one of two known combat conversions used by the Pentagon Powers. Principally an ambush vehicle, this conversion was fitted with three Class-20 Autocannons mounted rearward in its dump box. Each of its guns had single ton of ammunition allotted to them. Only as minor defense against infantry attacks, a pair of Machine Guns were mounted forward. The weapon systems were controlled by a Basic Fire Control system, giving them some accuracy. The chassis's commercial armor was replaced with nine tons of standard armor, with the majority of armor protection focused to the rear of the vehicle to protect the main weapons. BV (2.0) = [4]
  • Brunel Dump Truck (LRM)
    The second refit/variant introduced and used by the Pentagon Powers starting in 2801. This was a long-range fire support vehicle. The conversion was fitted with four 20-tubed Long-Range Missile Launchers mounted rearward in its dump box. The launchers had five tons of ammunition fed from its ammo bin. Like the AC refit/variant, this conversion shared some modifications which included a Basic Fire Control system and the nine tons of standard armor with the majority of armor protection focus to the rear of the vehicle. BV (2.0) = [5]

Notes[edit]

As of this writing, the Standard version of the Brunel does not have a record sheet published for it. All variants of the Brunel including those listed in Historical: Operation Klondike do not have published record sheets at this time. However, the MUL does provide the Battle Value for the armed variants in the Historical. The armed variants listed above from TRO: VA Revised similarly have not been given a MUL Listing. Units appearing in TRO:VAR have yet to be listed.

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised, p. 26: "Brunel Dump Truck"
  2. online date for the Brunel
  3. Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised, p. 230: "Armed and Dangerous/Support Vehicles" - Brunel Dump Truck
  4. Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 158: "Vehicle Refits/Dump Truck" – "Brunel named as basis of the AC twenty variant of the Brunel used during the Pentagon Wars. No BV assigned from source, no record sheet made for it
  5. Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 158: "Vehicle Refits/Dump Truck" – "Brunel named as basis of the LRM twenty variant of the dump truck used during the Pentagon Wars. No BV assigned from this source, no record sheet made for it

Bibliography[edit]