Dragon

Dragon
Production information
Manufacturer	Luthien Armor Works
Production Year	2754
Model	DRG-1N
Class	Heavy
Cost	5,036,800 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	60 tons
Chassis	Alshain Type 56-60H
Armor	Starshield
Engine	Vlar 300
Speed	86.4 km/h
Armament	1xLRM-10 1xAutocannon/5 2xMedium Lasers
BV (1.0)	952
BV (2.0)	1,125

Description

The Dragon was originally designed in a bid to replace the Shadow Hawk. After the 'Mech was turned down by the SLDF, the design was picked up by the Draconis Combine in 2754. The Dragon is primarily built for long-range combat but is capable of handling most threats that close to shorter ranges. With a ground speed of 86.4 km/h, the Dragon is capable of dictating the ranges that an enemy can engage. Finally, the Dragon is protected by ten tons of armor.

In 3040, production was ceased on the classic Dragon version (DRG-1N) in favor of its successor, the DRG-1G Grand Dragon.

Armament

The Dragons primary weapon is an Imperator-A Autocannon/5. The Autocannon, along with the Telos DecaCluster LRM-10 launcher, gives the Dragon respectable long-range damage capabilities. Additionally, the Long Range Missiles give the Dragon indirect fire capabilities. For close combat, the Dragon carries two Victory 23R Medium Lasers, one of which is rear mounted.

Variants

• DRG-1C - The 1C Dragon replaces the Autocannon/5 with a longer range Autocannon/2. The 'Mech also has three additional tons of armor protection. This allows the Dragon to have an ever further direct fire reach, while reducing the direct fire capability at range by sixty percent. BV (1.0) = 1,021, BV (2.0) = 1,215

• DRG-1G - The 1G Dragon is a factory-produced variant of the 'Mech developed with the goal of reduced ammunition dependence at the expense of increased heat, replacing the Autocannon/5 with a PPC and adding a third Medium Laser. The success of the so-called Grand Dragon resulted in it completely replacing the original design. BV (1.0) = 997

• DRG-5N - The 5N variant of the Dragon is a field upgrade which utilizes Star League technology. The Autocannon has been upgraded to an Ultra Autocannon/5, which allows it to fire at twice the rate as a standard autocannon. Additionally, the rear facing Medium Laser has been removed from the 'Mech. BV (1.0) = 1,053, BV (2.0) = 1,223

• DRG-5Nr - This version adds a C3 Slave to the torso and adds two lasers to the 'Mech: one is restored to the rear-firing position while the second is mounted in the arm. To make room for this, the 5Nr carries a Light Autocannon/5. BV (2.0) = 1,277

• DRG-7N - This version dated by Civil war era, and can boast by uncreased firepower in a form of a Gauss Rifle in right arm, AC/5 cannon in left arm, traditional medium laser in left torso (firing forward now), and MRM-10 launcher in a place of usual LRM-10, now absent. 16 slugs to Gauss, 20 rounds to cannon and missiles for 24 salvos all stored in right torso, protected by CASE. To make it possible, mech powered by XL engine. BV: 1,322

Custom Variants

• DRG-2Y Dragon Yorioshi - The personal ‘Mech of Benjamin Military District commander Warlord Syovo Yorioshi during the DCMS's Third Succession War invasion of Galtor III, all the standard weaponry of a Dragon save the left-arm mounted Medium Laser has been removed. Instead a Large Laser is mounted in the right arm, a Small Laser in the head and a SRM-4 and Flamer mounted where the LRM rack would normally be. With a single ton of SRM reloads, the weight saved allows five extra heat sinks to be carried and three more tons of armor to be added. BV (2.0) = 1,257

Notable Pilots

• Minobu Tetsuhara piloted a Dragon while training the original Ryuken, as well as during the Battle of Misery.

Related BattleMechs

• Grand Dragon - Though based on the same chassis, the improved version of the Dragon was generally considered to be a different 'mech altogether.

• Great Wyrm - While rejected by the SLDF, their successors the Clans found the filed away design specs and Clan Mongoose updated and altered into one very first new 'Mechs built on Clan Homeworlds, the Great Wyrm.

Non-Canon Variants

• DRG-2N - The 2N Dragon is also known as the Puffing Dragon. It is the version that Takashi Kurita piloted in 3052 during the defence of Luthien. Essentially an upgraded version of the 1N, it upgrades the AC/5 to an Ultra AC/5 and adds CASE to the right and left torso sections. The forward facing Medium Laser was dropped to free up the tonnage to do so. The heat sinks were upgraded to double heat sinks while the armor was reduced to nine tons. Note: Elsewhere, it is indicated that the mech used by Takashi Kurita during the Battle of Luthien was a Grand Dragon.

Gallery

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  DRG-1N Dragon

• 

  A 5th Sword of Light DRG-1N Dragon stomps onto an enemy Mech

• Dragon color.jpg

  Dragon on the battlefield

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  DRG-1N Dragon in combat

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  DRG-1N Dragon in action

Bibliography

• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• 20 Year Update
• BattleTechnology #21
• Historical Turning Points: Galtor
• Introductory Record Sheets
• Luthien (scenario pack)
• Record Sheets: 3025/3026
• Record Sheets: 3050
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
• Technical Readout: 3025
• Technical Readout: 3025 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3039
• Technical Readout: 3050
• Technical Readout: 3085
• Wolves on the Border (Novel)