Difference between revisions of "Commando"
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | + | As early as [[2463]] [[Coventry Metal Works]] (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) commissioned for the [[LCAF]] with the COM-1A '''''Commando''''' one of the first reconnaissance [[BattleMech]]s ever. Though the Mech still used [[Primitive Technology|primitive BattleMech technology]] it was able to destroy much heavier [[Kurita]]n [[Gladiator (BattleMech)|Gladiator]]s during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in [[2475]] on [[Nox]].<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1'', p.3''</ref>. | |
| + | But because the ''Commandos'' [[large laser]] caused several problems the 'Mechs profile changed with the introduction of the sophisticated COM-2D variant in [[2486]], that exchanged the laser weaponry with short range missiles and turned the machine into a skirmisher. | ||
| + | With four tons the armor is too light to allow a stand-up fight with heavier enemys, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.<ref name=TRO3039p102-103/> | ||
| − | + | 600 years later the ''Commando'' is still mainly in Lyran use. Especially during the years of the [[Star League]] the [[Lyran Commonwealth|Commonwealth]] went to great pains to keep the Mech solely in Lyran hands. Finally with the [[Federated Commonwealth]] came the distribution of the BattleMech when the Commando was chosen as the standard light BattleMech for the [[AFFC]] next to the [[Valkyrie]] and after the upgrade to the COM-5S model in [[3050]] [[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]] was allowed to produce the old COM-2D for the [[TDF]].<ref name=TRO3050>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p.12''</ref> Furthermore the [[Marian Hegemony]] deploys the [[Rocket Launcher]] stuffed COM-4H and the [[Word of Blake]] produced its own variant (COM-7B) during its occupation of [[Coventry]] from [[3068]] to [[3074]]. | |
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==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
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==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| − | * ''COM-1A'' - The original ''Commando'' used prototype equipment that was similarly [[ | + | * ''COM-1A'' - The original ''Commando'' used prototype equipment that was similarly [[Primitive Technology|primitive]] to those found in the first BattleMech, the ''[[Mackie]]''. This version was completely replaced by its successor. It was first constructed in [[2463]], the 'Mech was equipped with only a [[Large Laser]] mounted in its right arm. It was fitted with five tons of [[Primitive Armor]] and the engine could move the 'Mech up to the maximum speed of 80+ km/h. These were the early ''Commandos'' that took part in the Battle of [[Nox]] in [[2475]] against [[Draconis Combine]] forces. BV (2.0) = 475.<ref>''XTRO: Primitives Vol. 1'', pp. 3 & 17 COM-1A Commando - Primitive Commando profile and record sheet.</ref> |
| − | * ''COM-1B'' - | + | * ''COM-1B'' - Because the idea of a ''Commando'', that was armed, like its ancestor, with a longer ranged large laser appealed to many [[MechWarrior]]s, Lyran engineers developed the COM-1B in [[3015]]. This variant wielded a [[Large Laser]] and an [[SRM-2]] in addition to the Medium Laser. To make space for these changes, the engineers had to remove the SRM-6 launcher. However, this variant was only short-lived.<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (2.0) = 616<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 12</ref> |
* ''COM-1C'' - This version removed all the missile racks and replaced them with an [[Autocannon/2]] with a ton of ammunition. It appears to have been an experiment in providing direct fire support. BV (2.0) = 458<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 13</ref> | * ''COM-1C'' - This version removed all the missile racks and replaced them with an [[Autocannon/2]] with a ton of ammunition. It appears to have been an experiment in providing direct fire support. BV (2.0) = 458<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 13</ref> | ||
| − | * ''COM-1D'' - The | + | * ''COM-1D'' - The 1D variant, that appeared in [[2480]] was the transition from the COM-1A to the COM-2D and has maintained a regular but low-profile in its existence throughout the ''Commandos'' history. It fields a [[Large Laser]] and an [[SRM-6]] rack, but only 3 tons of armor.<ref name=TRO3039p102-103/> BV (2.0) = 558<ref name=MUL80>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 80</ref> |
* ''COM-2Dr'' - This [[Jihad]]-era variant drops all of the existing weaponry and replaces it with a [[CASE]]-protected [[MML-7]] and a single [[ER Medium Laser]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 563 <ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 57</ref> | * ''COM-2Dr'' - This [[Jihad]]-era variant drops all of the existing weaponry and replaces it with a [[CASE]]-protected [[MML-7]] and a single [[ER Medium Laser]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 563 <ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 57</ref> | ||
| − | *COM-3A - The 3A | + | *COM-3A - The COM-3A carries two [[SRM-6]] launchers, a [[Medium Laser]] and a [[Flamer]]. This was accomplished by removing the [[SRM-4]] launcher and lowering the amount of armor on the 'Mech by one ton. This variant appeared in [[3025]] and became quite popular because of its hitting-power.<ref name=TRO3039p102-103/> BV (1.0) = 392, BV (2.0) = 540 <ref name=MUL80/> |
* ''COM-4H'' - The Marian Hegemony 4H variant of the ''Commando'' is used in the [[Periphery]] and removes all of the SRM launchers and replaces them with six [[Rocket Launcher 15]]s as well as a second Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 628, BV (2.0) = 691<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 14</ref> | * ''COM-4H'' - The Marian Hegemony 4H variant of the ''Commando'' is used in the [[Periphery]] and removes all of the SRM launchers and replaces them with six [[Rocket Launcher 15]]s as well as a second Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 628, BV (2.0) = 691<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 14</ref> | ||
| − | * ''COM-5S'' - The 5S | + | * ''COM-5S'' - The COM-5S was introduced in [[3050]] and was the first ''Commando'' to feature Star League technology. It adds an [[Artemis IV Fire Control System]] linked to the SRM-6, and replaces the SRM-4 with a [[Streak SRM-2]] launcher. Additionally, the chassis has been upgraded with [[Endo Steel]], the armor has been upgraded to [[Ferro-Fibrous]], and [[CASE]] has been added to protect the ammunition. The variants is also equiped with a new communications system called [[Cyclops 14]].<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (1.0) = 504, BV (2.0) = 557<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 15</ref> |
| − | * ''COM-7B'' - Following the conquest of [[Coventry]] by the [[Word of Blake]], the Jihadists modified the 7S to meet their specifications. The 7B keeps one [[ER Medium Laser]] in the left arm, but adds two [[Flamer]]s to it that make the 7B a lethal threat to unarmored [[infantry]]. A [[small cockpit]] makes room for two [[SRM-4]]s, which are still fed by a [[CASE]]-protected ammunition bin. The weight savings enabled engineers to add enough [[jump jet]]s to rocket the ''Commando'' up to one hundred-twenty meters at a time. They also added an additional ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 602<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 16</ref> | + | * ''COM-7B'' - Following the conquest of [[Coventry]] by the [[Word of Blake]], the Jihadists modified the 7S to meet their specifications. The 7B keeps one [[ER Medium Laser]] in the left arm, but adds two [[Flamer]]s to it that make the 7B a lethal threat to unarmored [[infantry]]. A [[small cockpit]] makes room for two [[SRM-4]]s, which are still fed by a [[CASE]]-protected ammunition bin. The weight savings enabled engineers to add enough [[jump jet]]s to rocket the ''Commando'' up to one hundred-twenty meters at a time. They also added an additional ton of armor.<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (2.0) = 602<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 16</ref> |
| − | * ''COM-7S'' - This update of the | + | * ''COM-7S'' - This update of the COM-5S, introduced in [[3059]] is also built on an Endo Steel chassis but uses a new [[Fusion Engine - Light|Light Fusion]] engine. The [['Mech]] carries two Streak SRM-2 launchers, an SRM-4 with an Artemis IV Fire Control System, and two [[ER Medium Laser]]s.<ref name=TRO3050/> BV (1.0) = 601, BV (2.0) = 658<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 17</ref> |
===Custom Variants=== | ===Custom Variants=== | ||
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| − | [[BattleTech]] line developer [[Herbert A. Beas II]] stated | + | *It is often claimed that the ''Commando'' was designed as a competitor with both the popular ''[[Wasp]]'' and ''[[Stinger]]'' light 'Mechs, but these were in fact only developed some years later (in [[2471]] and [[2479]], respectively). |
| + | :[[BattleTech]] line developer [[Herbert A. Beas II]] stated that the [[Technical Readout: 3039]] was incorrect: | ||
| + | |||
| + | :{{Quote|''"The introduction date for the Commando was 2463" and "all references the Commando being built as a Stinger/Wasp competitor are also in error; the Commando was actually one of the Commonwealth's first forays into light 'Mech design."<br><br>The starting sentence should therefore read: "Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) produced the Commando as one of the Commonwealth's first home-grown entries into the newly created industry of BattleMech design and manufacture. Far lighter than most contemporary units, the Commando was also the Lyran Commonwealth's first bona fide reconnaissance BattleMech."''<ref>''[http://www.classicbattletech.com/forumarchive/index.php/topic,57222.0.html CBT forum reply]''</ref>}} | ||
| − | + | :This was announced in the "Ask the Writers" section of the CBT forums and the verdict is therefore supposed to be [[canon]]ical information. | |
| − | + | *Though the first ''Commando'' that appeared in [[Technical Readout: 3025]] had its head turned to the side, many belived it to be its front view. Leading to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for [[Technical Readout: 3050]] | |
==BattleMech Gallery== | ==BattleMech Gallery== | ||
Revision as of 17:16, 25 July 2012
| Commando | |
| Commando | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Coventry Defense Conglomerate, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries |
| Production Year | 2463[1] |
| Model | COM-2D |
| Class | Light |
| Cost | 1,891,250 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 25 tons |
| Chassis | Coventry Metal Works |
| Armor | Lexington Limited |
| Engine | Omni & GM 150 |
| Speed | 97.2 km/h |
| Armament |
|
| BV (1.0) | 432 |
| BV (2.0) | 541[2] |
Contents
Description
As early as 2463 Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) commissioned for the LCAF with the COM-1A Commando one of the first reconnaissance BattleMechs ever. Though the Mech still used primitive BattleMech technology it was able to destroy much heavier Kuritan Gladiators during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in 2475 on Nox.[3]. But because the Commandos large laser caused several problems the 'Mechs profile changed with the introduction of the sophisticated COM-2D variant in 2486, that exchanged the laser weaponry with short range missiles and turned the machine into a skirmisher. With four tons the armor is too light to allow a stand-up fight with heavier enemys, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.[2]
600 years later the Commando is still mainly in Lyran use. Especially during the years of the Star League the Commonwealth went to great pains to keep the Mech solely in Lyran hands. Finally with the Federated Commonwealth came the distribution of the BattleMech when the Commando was chosen as the standard light BattleMech for the AFFC next to the Valkyrie and after the upgrade to the COM-5S model in 3050 Vandenberg Mechanized Industries was allowed to produce the old COM-2D for the TDF.[4] Furthermore the Marian Hegemony deploys the Rocket Launcher stuffed COM-4H and the Word of Blake produced its own variant (COM-7B) during its occupation of Coventry from 3068 to 3074.
Armament
The Commando carries two SRM launchers, a Coventry 4 tube and a Shannon Six Shooter, as its primary weapons. The secondary weapon is a Hesperus-B3M Medium Laser. This weapons load makes the Commando an effective urban combat 'Mech.[2]
Variants
- COM-1A - The original Commando used prototype equipment that was similarly primitive to those found in the first BattleMech, the Mackie. This version was completely replaced by its successor. It was first constructed in 2463, the 'Mech was equipped with only a Large Laser mounted in its right arm. It was fitted with five tons of Primitive Armor and the engine could move the 'Mech up to the maximum speed of 80+ km/h. These were the early Commandos that took part in the Battle of Nox in 2475 against Draconis Combine forces. BV (2.0) = 475.[5]
- COM-1B - Because the idea of a Commando, that was armed, like its ancestor, with a longer ranged large laser appealed to many MechWarriors, Lyran engineers developed the COM-1B in 3015. This variant wielded a Large Laser and an SRM-2 in addition to the Medium Laser. To make space for these changes, the engineers had to remove the SRM-6 launcher. However, this variant was only short-lived.[4] BV (2.0) = 616[6]
- COM-1C - This version removed all the missile racks and replaced them with an Autocannon/2 with a ton of ammunition. It appears to have been an experiment in providing direct fire support. BV (2.0) = 458[7]
- COM-1D - The 1D variant, that appeared in 2480 was the transition from the COM-1A to the COM-2D and has maintained a regular but low-profile in its existence throughout the Commandos history. It fields a Large Laser and an SRM-6 rack, but only 3 tons of armor.[2] BV (2.0) = 558[8]
- COM-2Dr - This Jihad-era variant drops all of the existing weaponry and replaces it with a CASE-protected MML-7 and a single ER Medium Laser.[9] BV (2.0) = 563 [10]
- COM-3A - The COM-3A carries two SRM-6 launchers, a Medium Laser and a Flamer. This was accomplished by removing the SRM-4 launcher and lowering the amount of armor on the 'Mech by one ton. This variant appeared in 3025 and became quite popular because of its hitting-power.[2] BV (1.0) = 392, BV (2.0) = 540 [8]
- COM-4H - The Marian Hegemony 4H variant of the Commando is used in the Periphery and removes all of the SRM launchers and replaces them with six Rocket Launcher 15s as well as a second Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 628, BV (2.0) = 691[11]
- COM-5S - The COM-5S was introduced in 3050 and was the first Commando to feature Star League technology. It adds an Artemis IV Fire Control System linked to the SRM-6, and replaces the SRM-4 with a Streak SRM-2 launcher. Additionally, the chassis has been upgraded with Endo Steel, the armor has been upgraded to Ferro-Fibrous, and CASE has been added to protect the ammunition. The variants is also equiped with a new communications system called Cyclops 14.[4] BV (1.0) = 504, BV (2.0) = 557[12]
- COM-7B - Following the conquest of Coventry by the Word of Blake, the Jihadists modified the 7S to meet their specifications. The 7B keeps one ER Medium Laser in the left arm, but adds two Flamers to it that make the 7B a lethal threat to unarmored infantry. A small cockpit makes room for two SRM-4s, which are still fed by a CASE-protected ammunition bin. The weight savings enabled engineers to add enough jump jets to rocket the Commando up to one hundred-twenty meters at a time. They also added an additional ton of armor.[4] BV (2.0) = 602[13]
- COM-7S - This update of the COM-5S, introduced in 3059 is also built on an Endo Steel chassis but uses a new Light Fusion engine. The 'Mech carries two Streak SRM-2 launchers, an SRM-4 with an Artemis IV Fire Control System, and two ER Medium Lasers.[4] BV (1.0) = 601, BV (2.0) = 658[14]
Custom Variants
- COM-7S2 Commando Freyr - The personal 'Mech of ex-Arcturan Guards member turned treacherous Hunter's Paradise guide Zvi Freyr, his Commando has been extensively modified with both Clan and experimental technologies. Retaining only the Endo Steel chassis and CASE of his formerly stock COM-5S model, Freyr has replaced the standard weapons with lighter Clan-tech systems - two Streak SRM-4 launchers in its right arm with a single ton of reloads for the Streak Missile Launchers in the CASE protected right torso, and a pair of ER Medium Lasers mounted in the left arm. The use of a Small Cockpit and a salvaged Clan extra-light engine save enough weight to switch to double strength heat sinks, as well as carry six jump jets and seven tons of Hardened Armor. BV (2.0) = 1,155 [15]
Non-Canon Variants
- Blazing Inferno - As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a frequent field modification that removed both missile launchers from the COM-2D and exchanged them for three additional medium lasers to the right arm, right torso and head, six small lasers mounted in pairs on each leg and the center torso, and an additional ton of armor (+3 to each leg, +2 to the head, center torso and both torso sides, and +1 to each arm). The canonicity of this variant is questionable because its only source is BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception, a computer game.)
Related BattleMechs
- Commando IIC - The remnants of the SLDF did take a few Commandos with them on their exodus. Clan Goliath Scorpion later upgraded these 'Mechs with Clan technology, creating the Commando IIC.[16] BV (1.0) = 816, BV (2.0) = 978[17]
Notes
- It is often claimed that the Commando was designed as a competitor with both the popular Wasp and Stinger light 'Mechs, but these were in fact only developed some years later (in 2471 and 2479, respectively).
- BattleTech line developer Herbert A. Beas II stated that the Technical Readout: 3039 was incorrect:
| “ | "The introduction date for the Commando was 2463" and "all references the Commando being built as a Stinger/Wasp competitor are also in error; the Commando was actually one of the Commonwealth's first forays into light 'Mech design." The starting sentence should therefore read: "Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) produced the Commando as one of the Commonwealth's first home-grown entries into the newly created industry of BattleMech design and manufacture. Far lighter than most contemporary units, the Commando was also the Lyran Commonwealth's first bona fide reconnaissance BattleMech."[18] |
” |
- This was announced in the "Ask the Writers" section of the CBT forums and the verdict is therefore supposed to be canonical information.
- Though the first Commando that appeared in Technical Readout: 3025 had its head turned to the side, many belived it to be its front view. Leading to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for Technical Readout: 3050
BattleMech Gallery
The original picture of the Commando from TRO:3025
Primitive COM-1A Commando
COM-2D Commando of the Lyran Regulars
COM-5S Commando
COM-5S Commando in combat
COM-7S2 Freyr
References
- ↑ MUL online date for the Commando
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 102-103, "COM-2D Commando 'Mech Profile"
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1, p.3
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p.12
- ↑ XTRO: Primitives Vol. 1, pp. 3 & 17 COM-1A Commando - Primitive Commando profile and record sheet.
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 12
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 13
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 80
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 57
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 14
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 15
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 16
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 17
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates, p. 3, 16
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3060, p. 136
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3060 Revised, p. 137
- ↑ CBT forum reply
Bibliography
- Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1
- Master Unit List: Battle Values
- Record Sheets: 3039
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)
- Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
- Technical Readout: 3025
- Technical Readout: 3039
- Technical Readout: 3050
- Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
- Technical Readout: 3060
- Technical Readout: 3085
External Links
- The Commando is the symbol of Cavalier Cavalry Productions' Miniature Rules webcomic.