Difference between revisions of "Fireball"

(dividing variants with Custom Variant listing, since it's one of a kind.)
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==Description==
 
==Description==
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The '''''Fireball''''' was designed to be a fast response [[BattleMech]]. The 'Mech is built around a massive DAV 220 [[Fusion Engine - XL|extra light]] [[fusion engine]]. This propels the 'Mech at speeds of up to 183.6 kph, which allows the ''Fireball'' to respond to a call from anywhere in the line for immediate support. The high speed of the ''Fireball'' comes at a price though, as the 'Mech only has four tons of armor protection which cannot stand up to any degree of enemy fire. Additionally, the 'Mech has only limited weapons because of its light weight and extremely high speed.
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The '''''Fireball''''' was a quick response [[BattleMech]] built as a direct result of the [[Clans]]' [[Elemental]] infantry.  As the Clans [[Operation Revival|swept through the Inner Sphere]], members of the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] met with scientists from the [[New Avalon Institute of Science]] to discuss, among other things, how to counter the swarms of [[Battle Armor]]ed foes.  The result was a 'Mech which on paper met many of the criteria for successfully dealing with Elementals: it had weapons with a high rate-of-fire for taking on swarms of "toads" as they were known, had ammunition stores to maintain that rate for extended periods, and an extremely high speed so it could quickly come to the aid of heavier units. These ''Fireballs'' were given to units with prior experience fighting the Clans but assigned to rookie pilots, partly because the 'Mech's capabilities fit the personality of many of these new [[MechWarrior (pilot)|Mechwarriors]], partly to more quickly build up their combat experience.  The [[Crucis Lancers]], [[Deneb Light Cavalry]] and [[Ceti Hussars]] were the first regiments to receive these 'Mechs in [[3053]], employing them immediately on the front lines as raiding along the border between the [[Inner Sphere]] and [[Occupation Zone]]s commenced following the [[Truce of Tukayyid]].<ref name=TRO3055>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 10</ref><ref name=TRO3055u>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 8</ref>
 +
 
 +
Unfortunately it wasn't long before reports came back that the ''Fireball'' was woefully inadequate for its assigned job.  While fast enough to get to a trouble spot the 'Mech simply didn't have the firepower; in many cases the ''Fireball'' was actually outgunned by the very Elementals it was meant to defeat. Luckily the 'Mech's extreme speed allowed FedCom commanders to repurpose the ''Fireball'' as a scout and raider, a role in which it through to the [[FedCom Civil War]].  It was on the very doorstep of the Corean factory that the ''Fireball'' saw its heaviest fighting to date, churned out in large numbers for the Loyalists until the Allies took over, where it became one of their primary recon assets. Since the civil war the ''Fireball'' played a pivotal role in rebuilding shattered units, including the Ceti Hussars and Deneb Light Cavalry, and has continued to serve in years since.<ref name=TRO3055u/>
  
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
 
==Weapons and Equipment==
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The ''Fireball'' is armed with a Hovertec [[Streak SRM-2]] as its primary weapon, giving it highly accurate short-range firepower. The 'Mech is also armed with a LFN Lindblad [[Machine Gun]] for anti-infantry combat.
+
The ''Fireball'' is built around a massive 5-ton DAV 220 [[Fusion Engine - XL|extra light]] [[fusion engine]], which propels the 'Mech to a cruising speed of 119 km/h and top speed of 184 km/h, allowing it to respond to a call from anywhere in the line for immediate support.  The high speed of the ''Fireball'' comes at a price though, as the 'Mech only has four tons of armor protection and a very light weapons array.  A Hovertec [[Streak SRM-2]] serves as its primary weapon, giving it highly accurate short-range firepower. The launcher is mounted over the left shoulder along with one ton of reloads.  The 'Mech is also armed with a LFN Lindblad [[Machine Gun]] for anti-infantry combat, carried over the right shoulder with one ton of ammunition.  Aiming these weapons is the [[Corean B-Tech]] [[Targeting-Tracking System]], a proven component chosen because of previous battlefield experience and because it was manufactured on New Avalon as well, cutting down on shipping time.<ref name=TRO3055>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 10</ref><ref name=TRO3055u>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 8</ref>
 +
 
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
*;ALM-8D : The 8D variant of the ''Fireball'' was built with the hope of reducing the ''Fireball''s ammunition dependence as well as increasing its firepower. This is done by removing the [[Streak SRM-2]] launcher and replacing it with two [[Medium Laser]]s, vastly increasing the raw firepower of the ''Fireball''. The 'Mech has also received an additional half ton of armor. BV (1.0) = 481, BV (2.0) = 574, cost=3,106,240<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 6</ref>
+
*;ALM-8D : The 8D variant of the ''Fireball'' released in [[3054]] was built with the hope of reducing the ''Fireball''s ammunition dependence as well as increasing its firepower. This is done by removing the Streak launcher and replacing it with two [[Medium Laser]]s, vastly increasing the raw firepower of the ''Fireball''. The 'Mech has also received an additional half ton of armor. BV (1.0) = 481, BV (2.0) = 574, cost=3,106,240<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 6</ref>
  
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*;ALM-9D : The 9D is a compromise between the 7D and 8D models. The 'Mech removes the Machine Gun and its ammunition and replaces them with a [[Medium Laser]]. The 'Mech retains its [[Streak SRM-2]] launcher, but gains an additional half ton of armor protection. BV (1.0) = 434, BV (2.0) = 527, cost=3,070,240<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 7</ref>
+
*;ALM-9D : The 9D is a compromise between the 7D and 8D models. Released at the same time as the 8D, this variant removes the machine gun and its ammunition and replaces them with a single medium laser. The 'Mech retains its Streak launcher, but gains an additional half ton of armor protection. BV (1.0) = 434, BV (2.0) = 527, cost=3,070,240<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 7</ref>
  
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*;ALM-10D : This version of the ''Fireball'' uses [[Extended Range Laser]]s instead of the standard versions. A [[MASC]] system boosts the 'Mech's maximum speed and [[Heavy Ferro-Fibrous]] armor increases protection. The machine also has a targeting computer for better accuracy. <ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 957<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 56</ref>
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*;ALM-10D : This version of the ''Fireball'', debuting in [[3076]], uses [[Extended Range Laser]]s instead of the standard versions. A [[MASC]] system boosts the 'Mech's maximum speed and [[Heavy Ferro-Fibrous]] armor increases protection. The machine also has a [[Targeting Computer]] for better accuracy.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 957<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 56</ref>
  
 
===Custom Variants===
 
===Custom Variants===
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*;ALM-XF : This ''Fireball'' unique variant was equipped with a 320 [[XXL Engine]], [[MASC]], and [[Supercharger]]. This combination of speed systems gives it a consistent running speed of 240 km/h, with bursts of up to 400km/h possible. This ''Fireball'' has a pair of [[ER Small Laser]]s as its only weapons and a mere three and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor protect it. Despite these limitations, and the fragile [[XL Gyro]], the owner (noted as a criminal) didn't see this as a problem. The ''Fireball''-XF (which stands for "Extra Fast") is used only in illegal street races.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 3</ref> BV (2.0) = 612<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 16</ref>
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*;ALM-XF : This ''Fireball'' unique variant built in [[3077]] was equipped with a 320 [[XXL Engine]], [[MASC]], and [[Supercharger]]. This combination of speed systems gives it a consistent running speed of 240 km/h, with bursts of up to 400km/h possible. This ''Fireball'' has a pair of [[ER Small Laser]]s as its only weapons and a mere three and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor protect it. Despite these limitations, and the fragile [[XL Gyro]], the owner (noted as a criminal) didn't see this as a problem. The ''Fireball''-XF (which stands for "Extra Fast") is used only in illegal street races.<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 3</ref> BV (2.0) = 612<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted'', p. 16</ref>
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==

Revision as of 16:33, 2 May 2015

Fireball
Fireball
Production information
Manufacturer Corean Enterprises
Production Year 3053[1]
Model ALM-7D
Class Light
Cost 3,022,240 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 20 tons
Chassis Corean Model 334AA Endo Steel
Armor Durallex Nova
Engine DAV 220 XL
Communications System Lynx-Shur
Targeting Tracking System Corean B-Tech
Heat Sinks 10
Speed 183.6 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 289
BV (2.0) 385[2]


Description

The Fireball was a quick response BattleMech built as a direct result of the Clans' Elemental infantry. As the Clans swept through the Inner Sphere, members of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth met with scientists from the New Avalon Institute of Science to discuss, among other things, how to counter the swarms of Battle Armored foes. The result was a 'Mech which on paper met many of the criteria for successfully dealing with Elementals: it had weapons with a high rate-of-fire for taking on swarms of "toads" as they were known, had ammunition stores to maintain that rate for extended periods, and an extremely high speed so it could quickly come to the aid of heavier units. These Fireballs were given to units with prior experience fighting the Clans but assigned to rookie pilots, partly because the 'Mech's capabilities fit the personality of many of these new Mechwarriors, partly to more quickly build up their combat experience. The Crucis Lancers, Deneb Light Cavalry and Ceti Hussars were the first regiments to receive these 'Mechs in 3053, employing them immediately on the front lines as raiding along the border between the Inner Sphere and Occupation Zones commenced following the Truce of Tukayyid.[3][4]

Unfortunately it wasn't long before reports came back that the Fireball was woefully inadequate for its assigned job. While fast enough to get to a trouble spot the 'Mech simply didn't have the firepower; in many cases the Fireball was actually outgunned by the very Elementals it was meant to defeat. Luckily the 'Mech's extreme speed allowed FedCom commanders to repurpose the Fireball as a scout and raider, a role in which it through to the FedCom Civil War. It was on the very doorstep of the Corean factory that the Fireball saw its heaviest fighting to date, churned out in large numbers for the Loyalists until the Allies took over, where it became one of their primary recon assets. Since the civil war the Fireball played a pivotal role in rebuilding shattered units, including the Ceti Hussars and Deneb Light Cavalry, and has continued to serve in years since.[4]

Weapons and Equipment

The Fireball is built around a massive 5-ton DAV 220 extra light fusion engine, which propels the 'Mech to a cruising speed of 119 km/h and top speed of 184 km/h, allowing it to respond to a call from anywhere in the line for immediate support. The high speed of the Fireball comes at a price though, as the 'Mech only has four tons of armor protection and a very light weapons array. A Hovertec Streak SRM-2 serves as its primary weapon, giving it highly accurate short-range firepower. The launcher is mounted over the left shoulder along with one ton of reloads. The 'Mech is also armed with a LFN Lindblad Machine Gun for anti-infantry combat, carried over the right shoulder with one ton of ammunition. Aiming these weapons is the Corean B-Tech Targeting-Tracking System, a proven component chosen because of previous battlefield experience and because it was manufactured on New Avalon as well, cutting down on shipping time.[3][4]


Variants

  • ALM-8D 
    The 8D variant of the Fireball released in 3054 was built with the hope of reducing the Fireballs ammunition dependence as well as increasing its firepower. This is done by removing the Streak launcher and replacing it with two Medium Lasers, vastly increasing the raw firepower of the Fireball. The 'Mech has also received an additional half ton of armor. BV (1.0) = 481, BV (2.0) = 574, cost=3,106,240[5]
  • ALM-9D 
    The 9D is a compromise between the 7D and 8D models. Released at the same time as the 8D, this variant removes the machine gun and its ammunition and replaces them with a single medium laser. The 'Mech retains its Streak launcher, but gains an additional half ton of armor protection. BV (1.0) = 434, BV (2.0) = 527, cost=3,070,240[6]

Custom Variants

  • ALM-XF 
    This Fireball unique variant built in 3077 was equipped with a 320 XXL Engine, MASC, and Supercharger. This combination of speed systems gives it a consistent running speed of 240 km/h, with bursts of up to 400km/h possible. This Fireball has a pair of ER Small Lasers as its only weapons and a mere three and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor protect it. Despite these limitations, and the fragile XL Gyro, the owner (noted as a criminal) didn't see this as a problem. The Fireball-XF (which stands for "Extra Fast") is used only in illegal street races.[9] BV (2.0) = 612[10]

Gallery

  • ALM-7D Fireball in combat

  • Fireball

References

  1. ↑ MUL online date for the Fireball
  2. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 5
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Technical Readout: 3055, p. 10
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 8
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 6
  6. ↑ Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 7
  7. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
  8. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 56
  9. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted, p. 3
  10. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Most Wanted, p. 16

Bibliography

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