Editing Catapult

{{otheruses|the iconic 65-ton BattleMech|other uses|Catapult (disambiguation)}}
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Catapult_BTRSAGoAC.jpg
|name=''Catapult''
|manufacturer=
[[Hollis Incorporated]]<ref name=TRSWp118f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 118–119: "CPLT-C1 Catapult"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3039 -->
----
[[Yori 'Mech Works]]<ref name=TRSWp118f />
|production year=2561
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/478/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model=CPLT-C1<ref name=TRSWp118f />
|cost= 5,790,125 C-bills 
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|feet=biped
|mass=65
|chassis=[[Hollis Mark II]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|armor=[[Durallex Heavy]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|engine=[[Magna 260]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|comsys=[[O/P COM-211]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|T&T=[[O/P 1078]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|heat sinks=15 [[Heat Sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|speed=64 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|jumpjets=[[Anderson Model 21]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRSWp118f /> -->
*2x [[LRM-15]]
* 4x [[medium laser]]
|BV (1.0)=1,165<ref name=CO122/>
|BV (2.0)=1,399<ref name=TRSWp118f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 147</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Catapult''''' is an offense oriented, second-line fire-support [[BattleMech]] initially produced from [[Introduction Year::2561]] to [[2563]] on a limited contract for the [[Terran Hegemony]]. Representing Hollis Incorporated's first foray into the 'Mech market, the ''Catapult'' was produced in record numbers over its initial three-year period from the company's brand-new, state-of-the-art factory.  However, when the contract came up for review in [[2563]], the Hegemony decided not to renew it; while the ''Catapult'' had performed adequately at its role, it was not quite what they wanted.  With large numbers of the 'Mech still in the field, the ''Catapult'' would continue to see use in the [[Star League Defense Force]] with second-line and specialist formations such as mountaineering [[regiment]]s.  When the factory constructing them switched over to the more-successful ''[[BattleMaster]]'', Hollis' limited production of spare parts couldn't keep the design's numbers from dwindling.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

When the Star League fell, many of the remaining ''Catapults'' joined [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] on his [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]].  The [[Capellan Confederation]] collected most of the ''Catapults'' that remained in the Inner Sphere, and the Hollis factory on [[Corey]] briefly produced new models and spare parts. At the same time, the [[Draconis Combine]] managed to seize a sizable force in their capture of [[Dieron]].  The renewed production ended when the Corey factory was destroyed at the onset of the [[First Succession War]], ensuring the rarity of the ''Catapult'' during the rest of that [[Succession Wars era|bloody era]].  Entire invasions were commenced simply to seize the remaining number of these 'Mechs, particularly those launched by the [[Federated Suns]] against the Confederation.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Many variants of this venerable design were produced through its lifetime, and the ''Catapult'''s rarity began to reverse in [[3033]] when Yori 'Mech Works was contracted by the [[DCMS]] to restart production of the CPLT-K2 on [[Al Na'ir]].  The greatest change to the chassis came later, with the introduction of the CPLT-C3, which swapped out the original's LRMs for much larger and more powerful artillery missiles.  These models were put to excellent use, especially when paired with ''[[Raven]]s'', and paved the way for new design advancements.<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 72</ref>

In the years prior to and after the [[Clan Invasion]], the Confederation and Combine retained the largest number of existing ''Catapults'', though many [[Periphery]] realms would field some of the centuries-old models, and more variants would be produced for decades.<ref name=TRO3050u/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The primary weapons of the ''Catapult'' are two Holly [[LRM-15]] launchers which allow the ''Catapult'' to give friendly units fire support at ranges of over 600 meters.  In case an enemy closes to within the LRMs' minimum range the 'Mech carries four Martell [[medium laser]]s, which are usually enough to dissuade most light and medium 'Mechs from closing with the ''Catapult''.  Since the ''Catapult'' was designed to stand well behind the main line of battle, it lacks anti-[[infantry]] weapons or arms for close-quarters combat.  Its greatest weakness though is ammunition: only one ton, or eight reloads, for each launchers gives the ''Catapult'' a level of endurance which is barely acceptable.<ref name=IRS>''Introductory Record Sheets'', p. 18</ref><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Ten tons of armor, fifteen [[heat sink]]s and a cruising speed of 43.2 km/h serves the ''Catapult'' well in its mission of launching [[Long Range Missile]]s on the enemy from great distances while minimizing the risk of return fire.  The use of four [[jump jet]]s in the left and right rear torso gives the ''Catapult'' a jumping distance of one hundred and twenty meters and the ability to pace faster units over broken terrain.  The original Anderson 21 model jump jets tended to break down over prolonged use, venting into the machine's interior and overheating the 'Mech.  A general recall in [[2566]] to replace the 21s with improved Anderson 25s solved the issue, though some ''Catapults'' never received this retrofit.  The 'Mech is also unique for having a sideways ejection system which, while generally safe, can be quite a surprise to new ''Catapult'' pilots.<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 80</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref>

==Variants==
*;CPLT-A1 : The A1 variant of the ''Catapult'' was designed without backup weapons.  While it doubles the amount of LRM ammo carried and adds on two tons of armor, it is highly susceptible to close range attacks and has little defense if an enemy does manage to close in on it.<ref name=TRSWp118f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,184,<ref name=CO122>''Combat Operations'', p. 122</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,285<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 146</ref>

*;CPLT-C1b : In 2688, [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|Royal]] units were issued kits to upgrade their standard C1 ''Catapults'' to the C1b variant.  The weapon array stays the same, but the ammunition has been doubled.  For improved protection, Ferro-Fibrous armor is used and CASE has been added to both torsos.<ref name=TRSWp118f />  Finally, twelve [[Double Heat Sink|double strength heat sink]]s replace the old singles.<ref name=TRO3039/>  BV (2.0) = 1570<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 239</ref>

*;CPLT-C2 : This [[FedCom Civil War|Civil War]] era variant is built using a Hollis Mk. III [[Endo Steel]] chassis and powered by a Magna 260 [[extralight engine]], using the saved weight to make the C2 a dedicated long range 'Mech. The primary weapons are two Federated LRM-15 launchers mated to an [[Artemis IV]] fire control system, and fed by four tons of ammo. The medium lasers have been replaced with two Defiance Shredder [[LB-X Autocannon/2]]s, sharing a single ton of ammo. While this makes the ''Catapult'' vulnerable to close range attacks, it also makes it extremely deadly at long range. BV (1.0) = 1,281,<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 62</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,346<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 157''</ref>

*; CPLT-C3 : The C3 variant takes the 'Mech's long range fire support to a new level by removing both of the LRM-15 launchers and replacing them with an [[Arrow IV]] artillery system, allowing the ''Catapult'' to stay a safe distance from the battlefield.  However the design of this model was rushed through by the Capellans, causing a number of faults to reemerge, including the undependable Anderson 21 jump jets.  Chief among these however is the fact that it has a single ton of ammo, giving it a pitiful five reloads and forcing it to stay close to supply lines. The 'Mech is otherwise identical to the C1 model.<ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,030,<ref name=CO122/> BV (2.0) = 1,368<ref name=MUL76>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 76</ref>

*; CPLT-C4 : The four medium lasers are replaced with two [[small laser]]s. Five heat sinks are removed, and both LRM racks are upgraded to [[LRM-20]] launchers with two tons of ammunition each. This gives it about thirty three percent more damage capability at long range.<ref name=TRSWp118f /><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (1.0) = 1,104,<ref name=CO122/> BV (2.0) = 1,358<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 148</ref>

*; CPLT-C4C : An upgrade of the C4 model.  The standard fusion engine is replaced with an extralight engine.  With the extra freed tonnage, a [[large laser]] and [[Beagle Active Probe]] can be mounted.   The two Small Lasers are replaced with a single [[Small Pulse Laser|pulse version]].  The heat sinks are upgraded to double strength models.  BV (2.0) = 1,449<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p.164</ref>

*; CPLT-C5 : An upgrade of the C3 model, this variant first appeared during the [[St. Ives Conflict]].  It retains the Arrow IV artillery system, but its chassis has been upgraded to [[Endo Steel]] and its heat sinks to [[double heat sinks|improved versions]].  This allows the C5 to increase its armor coverage to twelve and a half tons, upgrade its lasers to [[ER medium laser]]s, and quadruple the amount of ammo carried with protection provided by [[CASE]].<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,329,<ref name=CO122/> BV (2.0) = 1,748<ref name=MUL76/>

*; CPLT-C5A : A variant of the standard CPLT-C5 produced during the [[Jihad]], it removes the Arrow IV system and replaces it with two [[Artemis IV]]-enhanced LRM-15 launchers.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,772<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 93</ref>

*; CPLT-C6 : A field refit of the C5 pressed into service by the Capellans during the Jihad, the C6 removes the artillery and two ER medium lasers to mount paired [[plasma rifle]]s with three tons of ammo and three additional [[double heat sink]]s keep heat down. Such was the nature of this refit that even the CASE is still mounted, despite lacking any systems to warrant its use.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,874<ref name=MUL76/>

*; CPLT-H2 : A Periphery upgrade of the ''Catapult'' based upon the K2, the H2 carries a PPC, two medium lasers, and eight [[Rocket Launcher 20]]s cooled by thirteen heat sinks.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,437,<ref name=CO122/> BV (2.0) = 1,473<ref name=MUL76/>

*; CPLT-K2 : Breaking the mold of the ''Catapult'', this [[Draconis Combine|House Kurita]] model removes the LRM-15 launchers and replaces them with two [[PPC]]s, allowing the ''Catapult'' to act as a direct fire support 'Mech and take a more active role in front line combat. The 'Mech mounts five additional single heat sinks to help dissipate the added heat from the PPCs and two [[Machine Gun]]s to deter infantry attacks.  Space is made by removing the jump jets and two of the medium lasers.<ref name=TRSWp118f /><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>  BV (1.0) = 1,052, BV (2.0) = 1,319<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 149</ref>

*;CPLT-K2K : An upgrade of the K2 ''Catapult'', the K2K model changes the engine to an extralight model. The twin PPCs also have been upgraded to [[ER PPC]]s. The 'Mech carries two [[ER medium laser]]s for close range firepower. To handle the added heat from the upgrades, the 'Mech uses 20 [[double heat sink]]s. Finally, the K2K model carries thirteen and a half tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 1,500,<ref>''Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I'', p. 63</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,716<ref>''Master Unit List'', [http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5454/catapult-cplt-k2k "Catapult CPLT-K2K"]</ref>

*;CPLT-K3 : Though this design never reached full production, it was prototyped during the [[War of 3039]]. It upgraded the PPCs of the K2 to [[ER PPC]]s. Twenty [[double heat sink]]s kept heat to a minimum.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (2.0) = 1,437<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade, Inner Sphere'', p. 169</ref>

*; CPLT-K4 : An upgrade of the prototype K3, this Kuritan variant carries twin [[Heavy PPC]]s and [[ER medium laser]]s, along with seventeen double heat sinks which do an admirable job keeping heat levels down, and a [[C3 slave unit]] to share targeting telemetry.  Built on a standard internal structure and using twelve and a half tons of [[Light Ferro-Fibrous]] armor, the designers were forced to use a downgraded Magna 195 [[fusion engine]] instead of the normal 260, giving this design a top speed of 56 km/h and a jumping capacity reduced accordingly to ninety meters.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,880<ref name=MUL76/>

*; CPLT-K5 : Another Kuritan variant, the -K5 goes back to its roots by carrying two [[MRM-30]] launchers as its primary weapon.  Built on an [[Endo Steel]] chassis  and utilizing a 260 rated [[extralight engine]] for power. It also carries two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, a C3 slave unit and twelve and a half tons of standard armor.<ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = 1,244,<ref>''Record Sheets: Upgrades'', p. 108</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,457<ref name=MUL76/>

*;CPLT-K6 : This [[Draconis Combine]] model reduces mobility and jump range (54 km/h maximum speed with a jump radius of 90 meters) and the secondary weapons have been reduced to a quartet of [[ER Small Laser]]s. In exchange, the ''Catapult'' carries two [[ELRM-15]] launchers, one in each [[AES]]-equipped arm, supplied with four tons of ammunition total.<ref name=rg6p13>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 5, p. 13</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,619<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, Vol. 5'', p. 19</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*;''Catapult'' CPLT-C1 (Jenny) ''Butterbee'' : The personal ride of MechWarrior [[Jenny Templeton]] of the [[Chesterton Reserves]]. This variant of the ''Catapult'' replaces the standard arm-mounted LRM-15s with a quartet of [[SRM-6]] missile launchers, two in each arm.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 146</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,242<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 225</ref>

*;''Catapult'' CPLT-K2 (Kasigi) : The personal 'Mech of Combine MechWarrior [[Bryan Kasigi]]. Thanks to uneven supplies, by the initial Clan Invasion his K2 was a unique patchwork variant that combined new and old components, swapping the K2's standard PPCs for Extended Range PPCs supported by a swap to double heat sinks, removing the machine guns to restore the C1's jump jets.<ref name=CMKp61>''Combat Manual: Kurita'', p. 61: "Ghost Regiments - Tai-i Bryan Kasigi"</ref>

*;''Catapult'' CPLT-K2 (Nek) : The personal 'Mech of Combine MechWarrior [[Branek Meiyo|Branek "Nek" Meiyo]]. As of [[3039]], the dying Meiyo used his personal funds to replace the standard PPCs with Extended Range models, dropping the machine guns and attendant ammunition for an additional pair of medium lasers.<ref name=CMKp6>''Combat Manual: Kurita'', p. 6: "Test of Honor"</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
''From [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries#The Dragon.27s Gambit|''MechWarrior 5: The Dragon's Gambit'' Expansion Pack]]:''
*;CPLT-K2-S : A variant of the Kurita K2 model exclusive to the [[Otomo]], the arm-mounted PPCs are retained but the machine guns and medium lasers removed and replaced with a [[AC/2]] and small laser in each side-torso.<ref name=MW5tDG>''MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, The Dragon's Gambit''</ref>

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; ''Catapult'' CPLT-J ''Jester'' : The first of two [[MechWarrior Online]] [[Hero 'Mech]]s along with ''Butterbee'', the ''Jester'' is piloted by [[Leigh Voss]]<ref>[[Catapult Hero - Jester]]</ref> and carries an all laser weapons array, mounting a Large Laser in each arm, medium laser in each side torso, and twin small lasers in the center torso. An [[anti-missile system]] in each side torso, fed from a single ton of reloads in the head, protects against missile fire. Built on an Endo Steel frame and 295 rated Extralight Engine fitted with two jump jets, ''Jester'' features near maximum armor at the expense of heat dissipation, mounting only eighteen double heat sinks.<ref name=MWO-J>''MechWarrior Online'' "November 5th 2013 Patch - Jester Released"</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

==Design Quirks==
The ''Catapult'' has the following [[Design Quirk]]s:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 90 Design Quirk Table - Catapult.</ref>
*[[No/Minimal Arms]]
*[[Weak Head Armor|Weak Head Armor (1)]]	

==Related BattleMechs==
* ''[[Catapult II]]'' - Created by the [[Capellan Confederation]] in the early [[thirty-second century]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3145 Capellan Confederation'', p. 40</ref>
* ''[[Timber Wolf]]'' - When [[Operation Revival]] first started, the then-unknown invaders used 'Mechs not recognized by targeting systems. One such instance involved a confused targeting system identifying a ''Timber Wolf'' as either a ''Marauder'' or ''Catapult'', due to physical similarities to both. After-action analysis of the data recording resulted in the Timber Wolf being dubbed with the operational name "Mad Cat" by Inner Sphere forces.

==Notable Pilots==
:''See: [[:Category:Notable Catapult Pilots]]''

==Notes==
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Catapult'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in ''TRO:3025'', after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the ''TRO'' entry.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Katapult'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''KPLT-C1'''.

* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''Catapulte'''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
3025_Catapult1.jpg|Original CPLT-C1 ''Catapult'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
CLPT-Catapult.png|CPLT-C3 ''Catapult'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
3050U Catapult.jpg|CPLT-C3 ''Catapult'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Catapult BTRSAGoAC.jpg|''Catapult'' from ''[[BattleTech Record Sheets: A Game of Armored Combat|BT Record Sheets]]''
Camomercsnorthwindhiglanders.png|''Catapult'' in colors of [[Northwind Highlanders]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
Catapult Colour.jpg|CPLT-C3 ''Catapult'' in action from ''[[Shrapnel (anthology)|Shrapnel]]''
Catapult_C1_CBTU.jpg|CPLT-C1 ''Catapult'' in colors of [[Death Commandos]] from ''[[Classic BattleTech Universe|CBT Universe]]''
CatapultJumping.jpg|A ''Catapult'' jumps out of harm's way from ''CBT Universe''
CCG Counterstrike Catapult.jpg|CPLT-C1 ''Catapult'' in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
CCG Unlimited Catapult.jpg|CPLT-C3 ''Catapult'' in combat from ''CCG''
Catapult MWDA.png|A ''Catapult'' from ''[[MechWarrior: Dark Age|MWDA]]'' dossiers
MW4-M Catapult.png|Model of ''Catapult'' from [[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4]]
CPLT-J Jester MW5Mercs.jpg|Model of ''Catapult "Jester"'' from [[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries|MW5:Mercs]]
CPLT-BB Butterbee MW5Mercs.jpg|Model of ''Catapult "Butterbee"'' from MW5:Mercs
BattleTech4e-Catapult.jpg|''Catapult'' standee from ''[[BattleTech, Fourth Edition]]''
PlasTechCatapult.jpg|''Catapult'' miniature from ''[[PlasTech]]''
Alpha Strike Command Lance - Catapult.jpg|''Catapult'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Command Lance Pack]]''
A Game of Armored Combat - Catapult.jpg|''Catapult'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat]]''
Gray Death Legion Heavy Battle Lance Catapult.jpg|''Catapult'' miniature from ''[[Gray Death Legion Heavy Battle Lance]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Catapult Hero - Jester]]''
* ''[[Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets]]''
* ''[[Combat Manual: Kurita]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Periphery]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries]]'' (video game)
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 5]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Upgrades]]''
* ''[http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/dark_age_34.pdf Steel Wolves - Sadia Wolf's Dossier]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Artillery Support Unit]]
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:SLDF_Royal_BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Terran Hegemony BattleMechs]]
[[Category:C3 Slave Equipped BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]