Burke (Combat Vehicle)
Sarna News
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| Burke | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Foretechno |
| Mission | Fire Support, static defense vehicle |
| Type | Tracked |
| Cost | 3,075,625 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 75 Tons |
| Armor | Acbar 55 Ferro-Fibrous |
| Engine | GM 150 Fusion |
| Speed | 32 kph km/h |
| Crew | 3 |
| Armament |
3 x Particle Projection Cannons, Ten-Tube Long Range Missile Launcher |
| BV (1.0) | 597 |
| BV (2.0) | ??? |
Description & History
The Burke was created as a static defense vehicle for the Star League Defense Force in 2580. Foretechno corporation of Terra had great difficulties producing the tank, suffering from irregular production runs until 2650. Through 50 years of uneven production, the maintenance for the vehicle became difficult. By this time, the corporation was in grave trouble, and was ultimately taken over by Leopard Armor in 2755.
The tank is noteworthy for its devastating long-range firepower. Due to its ponderous speed and lack of short ranged weaponry, SLDF frontline forces disliked the vehicle, though garrison forces highly prized it. Member-states of the Star League employed the Tank in their private armies.
Leopard Armor was destroyed in 2778 during the Star League Civil War. This cut off parts and support for Burkes in service of the Great Houses; without support for the surviving tanks, the model disappeared by the end of the multiple century conflict.
Only in secret did ComStar's ComGuard units maintain a number of these vehicles operational in the Inner Sphere. The Clans, whom themselves are descendants of SLDF maintain a number of them as well, particularly Clan Hell's Horses.
ComGuard put the tanks to good use at the Battle of Tukayyid in 3051. Additionally, Word of Blake defectors took many of these tanks with them after the break with their brothers in Comstar.
It is thought that the tank's extinction may be at hand with Jihad fury of destruction cutting through the Inner Sphere.
Armaments & Capabilities
The Vehicle's main armament consists of three turret-mounted Chalker Model 25 Particle Projection Cannons. These are backed up by a fixed forward LRM 10 launcher with one ton of ammunition.
The vehicle is powered by a GM 150 Rated Fusion Engine, pushing the vehicle at a slow maximum speed of 32 kph. The Burke's slow speed is partially compensated for with its six tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor.
Variants
- Burke (Heavy PPC) - Word of Blake & ComStar forces upgraded their existing Burkes at the beginning of the Jihad. They replaced three PPCs with two Supernova Heavy PPCs in the turret, while the LRM10 was replaced by a Four-Tube Streak Short Range Launcher in front of the tank. It was given an additional two tons of Armor. An Improved C3 Network Computer System was installed to give the tank crew unprecedented targeting ability.