Mad Dog Mk III (Vulture Mk III)

Vulture Mk III
Production information
Manufacturer	Alshain Weapons
Production Year	3109
Model	Prime
Class	Heavy
Introduced	3109
Technical specifications
Mass	60 tons
Chassis	Bergan Version 8.3 Endo Steel
Armor	Compound 24B2 FF
Engine	Vlar 300 XL
Communications System	Dash-2 Optima
Targeting Tracking System	Hakkøn-Morris LAP
Heat Sinks	12 Double Heat Sinks
Speed	86 km/h
Armament	Prime Configuration 4 x LRM-20s 6 x ER Medium Lasers
BV (2.0)	2,729

Description

The Vulture Mk III is a heavy class OmniMech, produced originally by Alshain Weapons on Alshain beginning in the 32nd century for the touman of Clan Ghost Bear. The 'Mech was built as the next generation of the Mad Dog, which was first produced in 2963. First deployed in 3109, the Vulture Mk III (also known as Mad Dog Mk III by the Clans) generally focused serves as a support 'Mech. It has since entered service in the Raven Alliance as part of Clan Snow Raven's touman.

Armament

The Vulture Mk III is able to move quickly and has a lot of available space for weapons and other equipment. This was accomplished by providing the design a Clan version of the Vlar XL Engine and the use of Endo Steel in its construction.

The primary configuration is focused on providing allies with long range fire support. Its main weapons are four 20-tube Long-Range Missile Launchers split between the 'Mech side torsos, with four tons of ammunition supplying the launchers. Backing up the launchers in closer ranges are six Extend Range Medium Lasers broken up in pairs in each of the 'Mech's arms and in the center torso.

Alternate Configurations

• Alt. Config. A 

  This configuration is a general purpose configuration, which has weaponry for all ranges. In its arms are pair of Ultra Autocannon/5s for long-range engagements. Backing up the autocannons are four SRM-6s, as well as two Medium Pulse Lasers found in the center torso. The A is given two additional Double Heat Sinks to cope with the heat load of the weapons. BV (2.0) = 1,880

• Alt. Config. B 

  The most noted feature of the B is the addition of four Jump Jets, giving its more flexibility during fire-support missions. Its weaponry and equipment includes two additional Double Heat Sinks, a pair of side-torso mounted LRM-20s, arm-mounted ER Large Lasers, and a pair of ER Medium Lasers in the center. BV (2.0) = 2,572

• Alt. Config. C 

  A close-quarters fighter, the C Configuration utilizes eight Streak SRM-6 launchers split between the side torsos. Additionally, the 'Mech uses four Micro Pulse Lasers. The launchers are backed up by four tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 2,299

• Alt. Config. D 

  The D is a rare configuration, focusing around a pair of Clan produced Rotary Autocannon/5s, each mounted in the 'Mech's arms. The Rotaries are supplied with 120 rounds of ammunition. A MechWarrior only has a pair of arm-mounted Medium Pulse Lasers to serve as a backup weapon system. BV (2.0) = 2,421

Notes

The Vulture Mk III's visual likeness was first created by Wizkids' MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures game as a part of its Fire for Effect expansion set. When it first appeared, it was originally listed as the Vulture. The figure (different from original BattleTech version) was only used for the game's Unique figures. It was later adapted by Catalyst Game Labs and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to 3145.

The Vulture Mk III has the following Design Quirks:

• Stable
• Variable Range Targeting

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans