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Excalibur (BattleMech)

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Excalibur (BattleMech)
Excalibur
Production information
Manufacturer Yankee Weapons Systems [1]
Independence Weaponry[2]
Skobel MechWorks [3]
Model EXC-B2
Class Heavy
Cost 16,075,087 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 70 tons
Chassis Corbine 1
Armor Pribak 9000 with CASE
Engine Ford 350 XL
Speed 86.4 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,361[4]
BV (2.0) 1,533[5]


Description

The Excalibur is designed to engage an enemy at long-range and use its mobility to dictate the ranges of the engagement. The 'Mech first saw service in 2520 and has become a commonly seen unit in both the ComGuard and the Word of Blake Militia. The 'Mech has an impressive top speed of 86.4 km/h, which is made possible through the use of a Ford 350 XL engine. The Excalibur carries a relatively light seven and a half tons of armor, with CASE in both side torsos to protect against an ammunition explosion. With its mission of long-range combat, the Excalibur does not need a very large amount of armor protection. The Excalibur dissipates its waste heat through the use of eleven heat sinks. For added protection against missile attacks, the Excalibur has a McArthur Anti-Missile System.

Armament

As its primary weapon, the Excalibur carries a powerful Grizzard Model 200 Gauss Rifle that has an effective range of up to six hundred and sixty meters. This is backed up by an Ingrid Systems LRM-20 with an Artemis IV fire control computer for increased missile accuracy.

Variants

  • EXC-B1 - This version was the basis for the EXC-B2 eventually adopted by the SLDF. The only difference is that it carries a single Small Pulse Laser in place of the CASE systems. BV (2.0) = 1,549[6]
  • EXC-B2b - The B2b is very similar to the B2, except that the use of an Endo Steel structure allows for an additional three and a half tons of armor. This variant was utilized by the SLDF Royals.[7]BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,715[8]
  • EXC-C1 - The C1 configuration of the Excalibur increases its defensive combat capabilities. This is done by removing the Anti-Missile System from the 'Mech, as well as removing one of the 'Mechs double heat sinks. The tonnage saved goes toward adding an additional Medium Laser and increasing the 'Mechs armor protection to nine tons.[9] BV (1.0) = 1,456[10], BV (2.0) = 1,637[11]
  • EXC-D1 - The variant is a radical reworking of the Excalibur by Word of Blake that was first reported to have been seen in 3067 on Outreach.[12] All the weapons are removed to make way for eleven and a half tons of armor and enough jump jets to vault the 'Mech up to one-hundred fifty meters at a time. A short-range arsenal is in place for the remaining tonnage, anchored by a Rotary Autocannon/5. It, along with two ER Medium Lasers, are made more accurate through an advanced Targeting Computer. A Streak SRM-6 enables highly-accurate missile fire. An Improved C3 CPU aids in targeting with the other five members of the Level II.[15]BV (1,0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,949[16]

Custom Variants

  • EXC-C1 Excalibur Cernunnos - Mysterious Excalibur variant reportedly piloted by a former Clan Smoke Jaguar warrior of the Aerospace pilot genotype. This warrior has been code named by intelligence agencies as Cernunnos. This Clanners mysterious 'Mech has been completely refitted with additional armor and revision of its principle weapons' layout. The Gauss Rifle has been replaced with a Star League tech ER PPC and fitted with an LB 20-X Autocannon and 3 tons of ammunition. The 'Mech is protected by 12 tons of armor with CASE protecting the ammunition. BV (1.0) = 1,420[17]


References

  1. Technical Readout 3058 Upgrade p.216
  2. Technical Readout 3058 Upgrade p.216
  3. Technical Readout 3058 Upgrade p.216
  4. Combat Operations, p. 106
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 245
  6. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 246
  7. Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169
  8. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 172
  9. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrade, pg. 288
  10. Combat Operations, p. 123
  11. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 247
  12. 12.0 12.1 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 216
  13. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrade, p. 289
  14. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 248
  15. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrade, p. 290
  16. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 249
  17. Record Sheets: Unique 'Mechs p. 10 - Excalibur Cernunnos - Custom Variant published by BattleCorps website.
  • Rhonda's Irregulars (scenario pack), p. 30
  • Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 124-125

Bibliography