Commando

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Commando
Commando
Production information
Manufacturer Coventry Metal Works, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
Production Year 2463[1][2][3]
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[4]


Description

As early as 2463 Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) introduced with the COM-1A Commando its second own developed BattleMech for the LCAF and one of the first ever, that was suited for reconnaissance. Much lighter and faster than their precursors, though they still used primitive BattleMech technology, Commandos were able to destroy much heavier Kuritan Gladiators during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in 2475 on Nox.[3]. But since its large laser caused several problems and other 'Mechs were introduced (like the Wasp in 2464 and the Stinger in 2479), that were better equipped for scouting and even mounted Jump Jets, the Commando's profile was radically 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 striker. With four tons the armor is too light to allow a stand-up fight with heavier enemies, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.[4]

The Commando became popular among the LCAF forces and nearly 600 years later it 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.[5] Furthermore the Marian Hegemony deploys the Rocket Launcher packed COM-4H and the Word of Blake produced its own variant (COM-7B) during its occupation of Coventry from 3068 to 3074.

Armament

The standard COM-2D Commando carries two SRM launchers, a Coventry 4-tube and a Shannon Six Shooter, each with one ton of ammo, as its primary weapons. The secondary weapon is a Defiance B3M Medium Laser. This weapons load can cause a lot of damage for a light 'Mech and makes the Commando an effective striker, especially when used in groups. An often-used tactic for those is to rush upon a single target, concentrate their fire and retreat before the enemy can offer effective resistance. The COM-2D's communication gear, Crystal Flower RG-2, as well as the Star Shark targeting system were produced by TharHes on Tharkad.[4]

Variants

  • COM-1A - The original Commando used prototype equipment that was similar primitive to those found in the first BattleMech, the Mackie. This version was completely replaced by its successor. First constructed in 2463, the 'Mech was equipped with only an Odin 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 a 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.[6]
  • 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.[5] BV (2.0) = 616[7]
  • 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[8]
  • 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.[4] BV (2.0) = 558[9]
  • 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.[4] BV (1.0) = 392, BV (2.0) = 540 [9]
  • 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[12]
  • COM-5S - The COM-5S was introduced in 3050 and was the first Commando to feature Star League technology. Its new Cyclops MultiTasker 10 Targeting System links an Artemis IV Fire Control System to the Coventry 90 mm SRM-6, that replaces the Shannon Six-Shooter, and exchanges the SRM-4 with a Coventry T4H 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 equipped with a new communications system called Cyclops 14.[5] BV (1.0) = 504, BV (2.0) = 557[13]
  • 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.[5] BV (2.0) = 602[14]
  • 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.[5] BV (1.0) = 549[15], BV (2.0) = 658[16]

Custom Variants

Apocryphal Variants

  • Blazing Inferno - As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a frequent field modification of the COM-2D that exchanges both missile launchers for three additional medium lasers built into the right arm, right torso and head respectively, 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.
  • COM-TDK "Death's Knell" - Named after the silver-colored Commando 'Mech of the same name piloted by Captain Bono Duganmare of the 22nd Skye Rangers[1] this apocryphal variant of the Commando is available within the MechWarrior Online game. Whilst Captain Duganmare and his 'Mech are canonical, the 'Mech's exact configuration was not mentioned in the original source, suggesting it would be an unmodified standard model. The variant presented by MechWarrior Online removes the weapon loadout of the COM-2D and replaces it with 4 Medium Lasers, 2 mounted in each arm. The additional four tons freed up with the removal of the COM-2D's original weapon suite are devoted to an upgraded 175 Series Fusion Engine, double heat sinks, and a half-ton of additional armor; it should be noted that within the time period described by the original source, Technical Readout: 3025, double heat sinks were not available.

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.[18] BV (1.0) = 816, BV (2.0) = 978[19]

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."[20] 		”
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 believed it to be its front view. This led to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for Technical Readout: 3050
  • The Commando is the symbol of Cavalier Cavalry Productions' Miniature Rules webcomic.

BattleMech Gallery

  • Primitive COM-1A Commando

  • The original picture of the Commando from TRO:3025

  • COM-2D Commando of the Lyran Regulars

  • COM-5S Commando

  • COM-5S Commando in combat

  • COM-7S2 Freyr

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 14
  2. ↑ Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1, p.3
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 102-103, "COM-2D Commando 'Mech Profile"
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p.12
  6. ↑ XTRO: Primitives Vol. 1, pp. 3 & 17 COM-1A Commando - Primitive Commando profile and record sheet.
  7. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 12
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 13
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 80
  10. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 57
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 14
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 15
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 16
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 36
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 17
  17. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates, p. 3, 16
  18. ↑ Technical Readout: 3060, p. 136
  19. ↑ Technical Readout: 3060 Revised, p. 137
  20. ↑ CBT forum reply

Bibliography

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