Difference between revisions of "Catapult"
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==Description==
 
==Description==
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The '''''Catapult''''' is a second-line fire-support [[BattleMech]] with strong offensive capabilities initially produced on a limited contract for the [[Terran Hegemony]].  Its ten tons of armor, fifteen [[heat sink]]s and top speed of 64.8 km/h are adequate for allowing the ''Catapult'' to deliver its payload of [[Long Range Missile]]s on an enemy from great distances without the risk of return fire.  The use of four [[jump jet]]s gives the ''Catapult'' a jumping distance of one hundred and twenty meters and the ability to pace faster units over broken terrain.  However the original Anderson 21 models tended to break down over prolonged use, venting into the machine's interior and overheating it.  A general recall in [[2566]] to replace the 21s with improved Anderson 25s solved this issue, though some some ''Catapults'' never received these.  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>
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The '''''Catapult''''' is a second-line fire-support [[BattleMech]] with strong offensive capabilities initially produced on a limited contract for the [[Terran Hegemony]].  Its ten tons of armor, fifteen [[heat sink]]s and top speed of 64.8 km/h are adequate for allowing the ''Catapult'' to deliver its payload of [[Long Range Missile]]s on an enemy from great distances without the risk of return fire.  The use of four [[jump jet]]s gives the ''Catapult'' a jumping distance of one hundred and twenty meters and the ability to pace faster units over broken terrain.  However the original Anderson 21 models tended to break down over prolonged use, venting into the machine's interior and overheating it.  A general recall in [[2566]] to replace the 21s with improved Anderson 25s solved this issue, though some ''Catapults'' never received these.  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>
  
 
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 [[2563]], the Hegemony decided not to renew it; the ''Catapult'' had performed adequately at its role, but was not quite what they wanted.  The ''Catapult'' would continue to see use by the [[Star League Defense Force]] in second-line and specialist formations such as mountaineering regiments, but when the factory constructing them eventually switched over to the more-successful ''[[BattleMaster]]'', Hollis started producing spare parts only and the design's numbers dwindled.  The next major change came with the fall of the Star League when many of the remaining ''Catapults'' joined [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] on his [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]].  The larger portion of remaining machines went to the [[Capellan Confederation]], where the Hollis' factory on [[Corey]] briefly produced new models and spare parts for a time, while the [[Draconis Combine]] seized a sizable force in their capture of [[Dieron]].  However the destruction of the Corey factory at the onset of the [[First Succession War]] ensured the rarity of the ''Catapult'' during the rest of that [[Succession Wars era|bloody era]], with occasional attempts to seize the remaining 'Mechs by all sides.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
 
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 [[2563]], the Hegemony decided not to renew it; the ''Catapult'' had performed adequately at its role, but was not quite what they wanted.  The ''Catapult'' would continue to see use by the [[Star League Defense Force]] in second-line and specialist formations such as mountaineering regiments, but when the factory constructing them eventually switched over to the more-successful ''[[BattleMaster]]'', Hollis started producing spare parts only and the design's numbers dwindled.  The next major change came with the fall of the Star League when many of the remaining ''Catapults'' joined [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] on his [[Operation Exodus|Exodus]].  The larger portion of remaining machines went to the [[Capellan Confederation]], where the Hollis' factory on [[Corey]] briefly produced new models and spare parts for a time, while the [[Draconis Combine]] seized a sizable force in their capture of [[Dieron]].  However the destruction of the Corey factory at the onset of the [[First Succession War]] ensured the rarity of the ''Catapult'' during the rest of that [[Succession Wars era|bloody era]], with occasional attempts to seize the remaining 'Mechs by all sides.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>

Revision as of 19:14, 30 August 2012

Catapult
Catapult
Production information
Manufacturer Hollis Incorporated, Yori 'Mech Works
Production Year 2561[1]
Model CPLT-C1
Class Heavy
Cost 5,790,125 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 65 tons
Chassis Hollis Mark II
Armor 10 tons of Durallex Heavy
Engine Magna 260
Speed 64.8 km/h
Jump Jets Anderson Propulsion 21
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,165[2]
BV (2.0) 1,399[3]


Description

The Catapult is a second-line fire-support BattleMech with strong offensive capabilities initially produced on a limited contract for the Terran Hegemony. Its ten tons of armor, fifteen heat sinks and top speed of 64.8 km/h are adequate for allowing the Catapult to deliver its payload of Long Range Missiles on an enemy from great distances without the risk of return fire. The use of four jump jets gives the Catapult a jumping distance of one hundred and twenty meters and the ability to pace faster units over broken terrain. However the original Anderson 21 models tended to break down over prolonged use, venting into the machine's interior and overheating it. A general recall in 2566 to replace the 21s with improved Anderson 25s solved this issue, though some Catapults never received these. The 'Mech is also unique for having a sideways ejection system which, while generally safe, can be quite a surprise to new Catapult pilots.[4][5]

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 2563, the Hegemony decided not to renew it; the Catapult had performed adequately at its role, but was not quite what they wanted. The Catapult would continue to see use by the Star League Defense Force in second-line and specialist formations such as mountaineering regiments, but when the factory constructing them eventually switched over to the more-successful BattleMaster, Hollis started producing spare parts only and the design's numbers dwindled. The next major change came with the fall of the Star League when many of the remaining Catapults joined Aleksandr Kerensky on his Exodus. The larger portion of remaining machines went to the Capellan Confederation, where the Hollis' factory on Corey briefly produced new models and spare parts for a time, while the Draconis Combine seized a sizable force in their capture of Dieron. However the destruction of the Corey factory at the onset of the First Succession War ensured the rarity of the Catapult during the rest of that bloody era, with occasional attempts to seize the remaining 'Mechs by all sides.[4][5]

Many variants of this venerable design were produced despite its rarity, which began to reverse in 3033 when Yori 'Mech Works was contracted by the DCMS to produce the completely-revamped CPLT-2K on Al Na'ir. The greatest change came with the introduction of the CPLT-C3, which swapped out the original's LRMs for much larger, more powerful artillery missiles. These models were put to excellent use, especially when paired with Ravens, and paved the way for new design advancements. The Confederacy and Combine still retained the largest number of existing Catapults in the years surrounding and after the Clan Invasion, though many Periphery realms would field some of the centuries-older models, and variants would continue to be produce for decades after.[6]

Armament

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 LRM's minimum range the 'Mech carries four Martell Medium Lasers, 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 battleline, 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.[7][4][5]

Variants

  • CPLT-A1 - The A1 variant of the Catapult was designed without back-up 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.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,184[2], BV (2.0) = 1,285[8]
  • CPLT-C2 - This Dark Age variant is built using a Hollis Marik 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. The Medium Lasers have been replaced with two Defiance Shredder LB-X Autocannon/2s. While this makes the Catapult vulnerable to close range attacks, it also makes it extremely deadly at long range. BV (1.0) = 1,281[9], BV (2.0) = 1,346[citation needed]
  • 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. Chief among these 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.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,030[2], BV (2.0) = 1,368[10]
  • CPLT-C4 - Replacing the Medium Lasers with a single Small Laser and removing some heat sinks, the -C4 instead carries two LRM-20 launchers with double the amount of ammunition, giving it about twenty five percent more damage capability at long range.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,104[2], BV (2.0) = 1,358[11]
  • 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 improved versions. This allows the -C5 to increase its armor coverage with twelve and a half tons, upgrade its lasers to ER Medium Lasers, and quadruple the amount of ammo carried protected by CASE.[6] BV (1.0) = 1,329[2], BV (2.0) = 1,748[10]
  • 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.[12] BV (2.0) = 1,772[13]
  • 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 Rifles with three tons of ammo and three additional double heat sinks keep heat down. Such was the nature of this refit that even the CASE is still mounted.[6] BV (2.0) = 1,874[10]
  • CPLT-K2 - Breaking the mold of the Catapult, this House Kurita model removes the LRM-15 launchers and replaces them with two PPCs which allow 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 Guns to deter infantry attacks. Space is made by removing the jump jets and two of the medium lasers.[4][5] BV (1.0) = 1,052, BV (2.0) = 1,319[14]
  • CPLT-H2 - A Periphery upgrade of the Catapult based upon the K2, the H2 carries a PPC, two Medium Lasers, and eight Rocket Launcher 20s and thirteen heat sinks.[6] BV (1.0) = 1,437[2], BV (2.0) = 1,473[10]
  • CPLT-K2K - An Dark Age upgrade to the K2 Catapult, the K2K model upgrades the engine to an extralight model. The twin PPCs have also been upgraded to two ER PPCs. The 'Mech also carries two ER Medium Lasers for close range firepower. To handle the added heat from the upgrades, the 'Mech uses 20 double heat sinks. Finally, the K2K model carries thirteen and a half tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 1,500[15], BV (2.0) = 1,716[citation needed]
  • 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 PPCs. Twenty double heat sinks kept heat to a minimum.[6]
  • CPLT-K4 - An upgrade of the prototype K3, this Kuritan variant carries twin Heavy PPCs and ER Medium Lasers, 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 downgrade Magna 195 fusion engine instead of the normal 260, giving this design a top speed of 56 km/h and jumping capacity reduced accordingly to ninety meters.[6] BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,880[10]
  • 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 Lasers, a C3 Slave Unit and twelve and a half tons of standard armor.[6] BV (1.0) = 1,244, BV (2.0) = 1,457[10]

Custom Variants

  • Catapult CPLT-C1 Jenny "Butterbee" - The personal ride of MechWarrior Jenny Templeton, this variant of the Catapult replaces the standard arm-mounted LRM-15s with a quartet of SRM-6 missile launchers, two in each arm.[16] BV (2.0) = 1,242[17]

Gallery

  • CPLT-C1 Catapult in motion

  • CPLT-C3 Catapult in combat

  • CPLT-C3 Catapult

  • CPLT-C3 Catapult in action

  • A Catapult jumps out of harm's way

  • CLPT-Catapult.png

References

  1. ↑ MUL online date for the Catapult
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Combat Operations, p. 122
  3. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 147
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 80
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 146
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 72
  7. ↑ Introductory Record Sheets, p. 18
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 146
  9. ↑ Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 62
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 76
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 148
  12. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 93
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039, p. 149
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 63
  16. ↑ Technical Readout: 3039, p. 146
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 225

Bibliography

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