Locust IIC

Locust IIC
Locust IIC
Production information
Manufacturer Olivetti Weapons, others
Production Year 2832[1]
Model Locust IIC
Class Light
Cost 2,044,792 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 25 tons
Chassis Endo Steel
Armor Ferro-Fibrous
Engine 200 Standard
Speed 129.6 km/h
Jump Jets none
Armament
BV (1.0) 975
BV (2.0) 1,100[2]


Description

One of the best known BattleMechs in the Inner Sphere for its low production and operation costs, the Locust is also well known in the Clans. In 2832, Clan Mongoose unleashed an upgraded version of the venerable 'Mech on the Clans, known as the Locust IIC. The speedy design complemented Mongoose tactics, enabling them to win many Trials. When Clan Smoke Jaguar absorbed the Mongooses, they became the owners of the production line on Circe. This subsequently fell to Clan Jade Falcon following the de facto annihilation of the Jaguars. In addition to those three Clans, Clan Wolf has often used the Locust IIC as a garrison unit. Since it is a second-line unit Inner Sphere MechWarriors rarely see it in action.

Weapons and Equipment

Designed as a fast and light reconnaissance vehicle, the Locust was also tasked with fast-strike raids and at least became a front-line unit in the Inner Sphere. Larger than the original Locust, the IIC gives MechWarriors comparable speed with more protection and terrifying offensive capabilities. The main armament consists of a Medium Pulse Laser, flanked by eight Extended Range Small Lasers, allowing the Locust to be an excellent anti-infantry BattleMech with capabilities to harass heavier BattleMechs. Its larger size also allows it to be a more durable weapon platform, the Locust IIC is a far more difficult enemy than its Inner Sphere twin.

Variants

  • Locust IIC 4 
    This version was almost completely redesigned so that it could be produced in the Inner Sphere by Clan Jade Falcon on their Occupation Zone headquarters world of Sudeten. It replaces the small lasers with three General Systems Heavy Small Lasers in each arm. The medium laser is downgraded to a Series 7Ja ER Medium Laser, while a pair of double heat sinks are added to help deal with the increased heat. BV (1.0) = 701, BV (2.0) = 795[5]
  • Locust IIC 5 
    This variant on the IIC 4 was produced by Clan Wolf on New Oslo and Satalice, though the latter fell to Clan Ghost Bear. Instead of heavy lasers, it mounts an ATM 3 in each arm, along with a ton of ammunition for each instead of the added heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 798, BV (2.0) = 878[6]
  • Locust IIC 6 
    This newer variant on the IIC 4 uses three Heavy Machine Guns in each arm. Each trio is linked to a Machine Gun Array. The powerful infantry hunter also adds an additional half ton of armor. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 776[7]
  • Locust IIC 7 
    Still an infantry killer, the IIC 7 mounts a trio of Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifles in each arm. One meager ton of ammunition supplies this variant. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 980[8]
  • Locust IIC 8 
    Produced by Clan Ghost Bear this version uses a 300XL engine. All the standard weapons and Targeting Computer have been replaced by a single ER Large Laser.[9]

'Mech Gallery

Related BattleMechs

  • Locust - The original Locust is a fast recon BattleMech, but lacks jump capabilities.[11]

References

  1. MUL online date for the Locust IIC
  2. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 232
  3. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 233
  4. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 234
  5. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 235
  6. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 236
  7. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 237
  8. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 273
  9. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 239
  10. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - Project Phoenix, p. 240
  11. Technical Readout: 3025, pp. 8-9

Bibliography