Buster

BV XXI Buster HaulerMech
Production information
Manufacturer	Bluth Corporation
Use	HaulerMech
Class	Medium
Introduced	2615
Cost	2,001,000
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere IndustrialMech
Mass	50 tons
Chassis
Armor	Hughes CommerWeave II
Engine	GM 150 ICE
Communications System	Doering Hi-Def Mk II
Heat Sinks	None
Speed	54 km/h
Armament	2x Lift Hoists 3x Cargo Bays
BV (2.0)	228

Description

The Buster class IndustrialMech was created by the Bluth Corporation in 2615. By 2795, the Buster HaulerMech series was so popular that several factories across the Terran Hegemony produced it. The Buster was particularly popular with heavy mining operations, where it could easily load the massive output of a mine into transports quickly. Many DropPorts also used the Buster to load and unload DropShips. The ability to move cargo with more finesse than a vehicle, combined with the leg mounted track system, allowed the Buster to navigate tight spaces.

The introduction of the Powerman family forced the Buster from the number one sales spot. The lawsuits between Bluth Corporation and Sitwell Corporation (the Powerman's producer) alleging industrial espionage, trade secret infringement, and other various charges eventually destroyed Bluth Corporation. The Buster remains in production around the Inner Sphere.

The latest member of the Buster family, the Buster XXI was introduced in 3060. This version is equipped with Tracks and Industrial TSM which makes it even more effective.

During the Jihad, the Word of Blake created several Buster IndustrialMech-MODs for use by the Blake Protectorate Militia.

Weapons and Equipment

As an IndustrialMech, the Buster has no armament. However, for its role as LoaderMech it has two Lift Hoists to help lift additional cargo beyond its own hand actuators.

Cargo

The standard Buster has a Lift Hoist in each arm, and a five ton cargo bay in the left and right torso. The center torso has a one ton cargo bay, allowing the Buster to carry eleven tons of cargo internally.

Variants

• Buster XV 

  This earlier version of the Buster lacks Tracks and Industrial TSM, but is otherwise identical to the Buster XXI. BV (2.0) = 222

Some desperate forces have armed their Busters to oppose BattleMechs. (These modifications are often referred to as "IndustrialMech-MODs". These MOD versions are all equipped with Advanced Fire Control and double the armor protection of the standard Buster, but it remains Commercial Armor so this increased protection is negligible.

• Buster (AC)/Buster XV-M HaulerMech MOD 

  This variant carries an Autocannon/5 in the right torso and an LRM-10 in the left torso. Each weapon has a ton of ammunition. The weapons completely replace the Lift Hoists and Cargo Bays. Five single heat sinks are added. BV (2.0) = 443

• Buster (PPC)/Buster XV-M-B HaulerMech MOD 

  This version puts a Particle Projection Cannon in the right torso, completely filling the Cargo Bay that was mounted there. Ten heat sinks are added to allow the PPC to fire. This version of the Buster removes the Lift Hoists, but keeps a two ton cargo bay in the left torso. BV (2.0) = 475

• Buster XV-M-C HaulerMech MOD 

  This is one of two variants first seen in use by the Word of Blake Protectorate Militia. This Buster was equipped with a Gauss Rifle with two tons of ammunition, backed up by two Rocket Launcher 10s. BV (2.0) = 726

• Buster XV-M-W 

  Another Word of Blake variant, this model carries a single LB 10-X autocannon with a ton of each ammunition type. Unlike the other Buster MODs, it is also equipped with an Ejection Seat. BV (2.0) = 713

Design Quirks

The BC XXI Buster features the following Design Quirks:

• Easy to Pilot
• Gas Hog
• Non-Standard Parts
• Loose Seals

Notes

Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex lists the top speed of the Buster at 44 km/h. This is incorrect according to the TechManual speed calculations, which lists top speed as 1.5 times base speed. The Buster's top speed should therefore be 54 km/h. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike lists the Buster's Running MP as 5, reflecting this change.

Image of the Buster was introduced in Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons. The Buster did not have an image of it's own when it was first mentioned in the original TRO: Vehicle Annex. The artist's signature was not printed on the image, thus initially the artist name was officially unknown. However the artist name was revealed to be Chris Daranouvong.

Stats for the "armed" Buster first appeared in Historical: Operation Klondike and Record Sheets: Operation Klondike. These armed versions would be revisited and later added to the Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised and its later published Record Sheet book for IndustrialMechs and Exoskeletons.

As of this writing, Catalyst Game Lab's Master Unit List for the Buster is incomplete with missing variants from later Record Sheet Book for Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex, Revised. The featured XXI model of the IndustrialMech which does appear in the MUL is missing it's Battle Value.

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: Operation Klondike
• Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons
• Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex
• Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised