Firefly

Firefly
Production information
Manufacturer	Coventry/Earthwerks Combine (4B; destroyed 2779)
Production Year	2790
Model	FFL-4B
Class	Light
Cost	2,342,600 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	30 tons
Chassis	Earthwerks Firefly
Armor	StarSlab/1 with CASE
Engine	GM 150
Communications System	Datcom 18
Targeting Tracking System	Radcom TXX
Heat Sinks	10 single
Speed	86 km/h
Jump Jets	Lexington Lifters
Armament	3x medium laser 1x LRM-5 1x Anti-missile system
BV (1.0)	716
BV (2.0)	870

Description

Until the arrival of Wolf's Dragoons in 3005, the 2790 Firefly was a 'Mech thought to be extinct from the rigors of the Succession Wars. Since it was reintroduced to the Inner Sphere, the 'Mech has been refitted by Wolf's Dragoons with Star League technology. The Firefly is a well-armed recon 'Mech that tips the scales at thirty tons, with a maximum ground speed of 86.4 km/h, the and ability to jump up to 120 meters. As a scout 'Mech, the Firefly gives average performance with its energy weapon-heavy arsenal and is useful in both a recon and guerrilla fighter role.

Weapons and Equipment

The Firefly is armed with a Coventry Five-Tube LRM-5 for long-range firepower and to attempt to keep enemies at a distance. If facing a determined enemy that is intent on closing, the Firefly carries three Martell medium lasers, which can cause a considerable amount of damage. Finally, to protect against missile attacks, the Firefly carries a SureFire 444 anti-missile system in the left arm, with a "false" AMS in the right arm.

Variants

• FFL-3A 

  First built in 2679, the standard Star League Defense Force model utilizes an XL engine, double heat sinks, and ferro-fibrous armor to reduce weight. A battery of four small lasers, three medium lasers, and an LRM-5 provide significant offensive capabilities for a recon 'Mech. TAG enhances its ability to spot for artillery, while CASE protects from ammunition explosion. BV (2.0) = 797

• FFL-3SLE 

  Built by the Star League in Exile at Strana Mechty MechWorks, the 3SLE is almost identical to the original 3A, carrying three Martell medium lasers, four Martell small lasers, and a Coventry Five-Tube LRM-5 for offensive firepower. The only difference is the replacement of the SLDF standard TAG with a Guardian ECM suite. BV (2.0) = 876

• FFL-3PP 

  A Pentagon Powers variant of the FFL-3SLE that removes the CASE and Guardian ECM suite in order to upgrade the missile rack to an LRM-10. BV (2.0) = 888

• FFL-3PP2 

  Another refit of the FFL-3SLE, this time simply using standard armor plating instead of the advanced ferro-fibrous composites. BV (2.0) = 873

• FFL-3PP3 

  Again lacking in ferro-fibrous armor, this variation on the -3SLE also removes the Guardian ECM suite, instead upgrading the LRM-10 rack with an Artemis IV fire-control system. BV (2.0) = 808

• FFL-4A 

  An early variant of the Firefly, and one that accompanied the Dragoons to the Inner Sphere, the -4A carries a similar weapons payload to the -4B model, although it keeps the small laser battery of the -3A instead of the anti-missile system. BV (1.0) = 649, BV (2.0) = 831

• FFL-4C 

  A variant created by the Com Guards, the 4C upgrades the 4B Firefly with an XL engine and endo steel structure. All three lasers are upgraded to medium pulse lasers, and an Artemis IV FCS is slaved to the missile launcher. To handle the increased heat, the heat sinks are upgraded to double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 806

• FFL-4D 

  A comparatively new variant that appeared with the Dragoons shortly before the fighting on Outreach, the 4D saves weight through the use of a light engine, endo steel, and ferro-fibrous armor. Like the 4C, this variant adds an Artemis IV FCS to the LRM-5, but also upgrades the lasers to ER medium lasers. Due to space constraints, the 4D uses 12 single heat sinks that are sorely taxed. BV (2.0) = 894

• FFL-4DA 

  An electronic warfare variant of the FFL-4D model, the -4DA replaces the anti-missile system and its ammo with a Guardian ECM suite. BV (2.0) = 921

• FFL-5A

  In an attempt to increase their logistics chain, the Wolf's Dragoons commissioned the production of the 5A-series to Ceres Metal Industries. The biggest change on this model is an increase in mobility, featuring a 180-rated XL engine and a fully functional Partial Wing instead of the cosmetic one. Keeping the standard LRM 5 and Anti-Missile System, the lasers are replaced with ER Medium Lasers. All ammos are protected by CASE. BV (1.0) = ???? BV (2.0) = 996

• Firefly C 

  This is a Clan variant of the Firefly that has been upgraded with all Clan technology and is also used by Wolf's Dragoons. The Firefly C is built on an endo steel chassis and is armed with four ER small lasers, three medium pulse lasers, and an SRM-2 launcher. BV (1.0) = 1,174, BV (2.0) = 1,290

Design Quirks

The Firefly has the following Design Quirk:

• No/Minimal Arms

Notes

• As of the first printing of Record Sheets: Succession Wars, the -3A is half a ton underweight.
• In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to Zecke, which rather means Tick. The model code was accordingly changed to ZCK-4A.

Gallery

• 

  Original FFL-4A Firefly from Wolf's Dragoons

• 

  Firefly from TRO:3050

• 

  FFL-3SLE Firefly from TRO:3050 Upgrade

• 

  FFL-3SLE Firefly from Historical: Operation Klondike

• 

  Firefly from RG:iClan vol. 29

• 

  FFL-4B Firefly in combat from CCG

Bibliography

• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Record Sheets: 3050
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
• Record Sheets: Operation Klondike
• Record Sheets: Succession Wars
• Record Sheets: Upgrades
• Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
• Technical Readout: 3050
• Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: Succession Wars
• Wolf's Dragoons