Marauder

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Marauder
Marauder
Production information
Manufacturer General Motors[1]
Bowie Industries, Ceres Metal Industries,
Gibson Federated BattleMechs,
Ibuki Robotics & Manufacturing,
Independence Weaponry,
Majesty Metals and Manufacturing,
Ronin Incorporated,
Taurus Territorial Industries
Production Year 2612[2]
Model MAD-3R
Class Heavy
Cost 6,635,125 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 75 tons
Chassis GM Marauder
Armor Valiant Lamellor
Engine Vlar 300
Communications System Dalban Micronics
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,089[3]
BV (2.0) 1,363[4][5]


The Marauder BattleMech is arguably the most iconic early BattleMech image featured in BattleTech and, previously, BattleDroids. Marauder miniatures have been resculpted several times, more recently due to legal disputes. The original Marauder artwork and figures are unseen, bearing striking resemblance to Zentradi Officer's Battle Pods (Roiquonmi Glaug Battle Pod) from Super Dimensional Fortress Macross. Despite this, reseen Marauder images have replaced previous artwork, and aspects of the design have influenced artwork and construction for several other BattleMechs.

Description

The Marauder was first built in the 2600s as an attack and direct fire support 'Mech. The Marauder is one of the most well-known 'Mechs in existence and was built to usher in a new generation of BattleMechs. Unfortunately, with the fall of the Star League, the new generation of 'Mechs the Marauder was to herald never quite materialized. On its own merits the Marauder is a devastatingly powerful 'Mech. The Marauder has powerful offensive capabilities and a top speed of 64.8 km/h.

The design does have a couple of drawbacks; the armor protection of only eleven and a half tons is lower than most 'Mechs in the heavy weight class, particularly in the legs. The 'Mech can also run hot if the pilot overtaxes the heat sinks.

Armament

The Marauder's weapons and damage profile depends on the long-range capabilities of its two Magna Hellstar PPCs and the GM Whirlwind Autocannon/5. These three weapons all have similar range profiles that allow the Marauder use all three of them to their maximum effect at long ranges. At close ranges, the Marauder relies on its two Magna Mk II Medium Lasers which provide adequate defense against other 'Mechs.[6]

Variants

  • MAD-3D - The 3D Marauder is a modification of the 'Mech that removes its ammunition dependency. In order to do this, the 3D removes the Autocannon/5 and replaces it with a Large Laser. The saved weight is used to add four heat sinks to the 'Mech to handle the added heat burden from the Large Laser.[12] BV (1.0) = 1,136,[13] BV (2.0) = 1,470[14][15]
  • MAD-3L - An attempt to make the Marauder more heat efficient, the 3L model replaces one of the arm mounted PPCs with a Large Laser. Additionally, two more heat sinks have been added to further increase the Marauder's heat efficiency.[16] BV (1.0) = 1,098,[17] BV (2.0) = 1,369[14][18]
  • MAD-3M - Because of the abundance of Large Lasers in the Free Worlds League, the 3M model carries Large Lasers in place of the PPCs. The Large Lasers are both cooler running and cause slightly less damage than the PPCs that they replace. Finally, the 3M adds four heat sinks, making the 'Mech much more manageable for pilots who have trouble managing the heat on their 'Mechs.[19] BV (1.0) = 1,105,[20] BV (2.0) = 1,335[14][21]
  • MAD-3R (C) - A Clan-tech retrofit of the classic MAD-3R Marauder, the Marauder C replaces some of the Inner Spheroid weaponry with Clan equivalents. The Marauder C swaps the PPCs for a pair of Clan-tech Large Pulse Lasers and the standard autocannon for Ultra AC/5 model, but retains the Inner Sphere Medium Lasers. The munitions for the autocannon are now also protected with CASE.[22] BV (2.0) = 1,616[23]
  • MAD-4X - This variant was made at Ronin Incorporated's facility on Wallis in 3039. Techs removed the standard weaponry from a Marauder and replaced the arm mounted weapons with a Binary Laser Cannon in each arm, while the torso mounted autocannon was replaced by twin SRM-6 launchers backed by one ton of ammunition. The Marauder-4X was also noteworthy because it used a Prototype Endo Steel chassis. To keep the heat under control technicians installed twelve single heat sinks and six prototype Double Heat Sinks.[24]
  • MAD-5D - The 5D Marauder is an upgrade of the 3D model. The 'Mech's engine has been upgraded to an XL Engine to save weight, and the entire weapons payload has been stripped out and upgraded. The 5Ds primary weapons are two ER PPCs, which increase the PPCs range. The Large Laser has been replaced with a Large Pulse Laser, and the Medium Lasers have been replaced with two Medium Pulse Lasers. A Streak SRM-2 launcher has also been added to the 'Mech for more close range protection. It is protected by fourteen tons of armor. The 5D has a jumping capability of up to 120 meters.[25] BV (1.0) = 1,504,[13] BV (2.0) = 1,787[26]
  • MAD-5L - The 5L variant of the 'Mech removes the entire weapons payload of the 'Mech and upgrades its weapons, armor, and heat sinks. The 'Mech is armored with fourteen tons of Stealth Armor with a Guardian ECM Suite. The 'Mech carries two ER Large Lasers. These are backed up by a pair of ER Medium Lasers. Finally, in place of the autocannon, the 5L carries an ER PPC. The heat from the 5L's all-energy arsenal is handled by eighteen double heat sinks. Additionally, the 5L is built using Triple Strength Myomer, allowing the 'Mech to run at speeds of up to 86 km/h when it is operating in its optimum heat range.[27][28] BV (1.0) = 1,614,[17] BV (2.0) = 2,286[29]
  • MAD-5M - The 5M variant of the Marauder replaces the fusion engine with an XL Engine and completely re-arms the 'Mech with recovered Star League-era weapons. The primary weapons are two Large Pulse Lasers, which are backed up by two Medium Pulse Lasers. Finally, in place of the Autocannon/5, the 5M carries an LB-X Autocannon/10. The 5M has a jumping distance of up to one hundred and twenty meters.[30] BV (1.0) = 1,391,[20] BV (2.0) = 1,471[31]
  • MAD-5R - The Marauder 5R is an upgrade of the 3R model. The 'Mech has an XL Engine to save weight and has had its heat sinks upgraded to double heat sinks. The PPCs are replaced with two ER PPCs and the Autocannon/5 has been upgraded to a Rotary Autocannon/5. The two Medium Lasers have been retained on the design. Also, for added protection, the 5R has fourteen tons of armor and a Guardian ECM Suite. The 'Mech also carries a C3 Slave unit that allows the 'Mech to transmit targeting data to its lance mates.[32] BV (1.0) = 1,548 (C3: 279),[13] BV (2.0) = 1,877[33]
  • MAD-5S - The 5S variant of the Marauder dates to the Clan Invasion. It is built around an XL Engine and upgrades the heat sinks to double heat sinks. The saved weight has been used to upgrade the two PPCs to two ER PPCs. The Medium Lasers have been upgraded to Medium Pulse Lasers and the Autocannon/5 has been replaced with a Gauss Rifle.[34] BV (1.0) = 1,466,[13][35] BV (2.0) = 1,799[36]
  • MAD-5T - The 5T variant of the Marauder uses elements of both the 5M and the 5R models. The 5T is built around an Endo Steel chassis and an XL Engine. The 'Mech carries, as its primary weapons, two Large Pulse Lasers backed up by two Medium Pulse Lasers and a Rotary Autocannon/5 in the torso mount. The weapons are all linked to an advanced Targeting Computer, making the 5T incredibly accurate. Finally, the 5T is protected by fourteen tons of armor.[37] BV (1.0) = 1,390,[13] BV (2.0) = 1,750[38]
  • MAD-6L - An upgrade of the 5L, the 6L replaces the lasers with a pair of Ceres Arms Crusher Plasma Rifles. The cannon in downgraded to a standard Hellstar PPC. The Stealth Armor and attendant Guardian ECM Suite and Triple Strength Myomers are retained, though three less double heat sinks are used.[39][40][41] BV (2.0) = 2,322[42]
  • MAD-7D - Another Davion upgrade of the Marauder, the 7D is built with an XL engine to save weight. The 'Mech is armed with two ER Large Lasers and two ER Medium Lasers, as well as a Rotary Autocannon/5. These are all linked to a Targeting Computer, making the 7D extremely accurate. The 'Mech also carries an ECM Suite for protection against electronic warfare equipment and is armored with fourteen tons of armor.[43] BV (1.0) = 1,582,[13] BV (2.0) = 1,986[44]
  • MAD-9M - A departure from the standard Marauder design philosophy, the 9M is built using an XL engine and twelve and a half tons of Valiant Chainmail Ferro-Fibrous armor. The 'Mech carries, as its primary weapons, four ER Large Lasers for long-range combat. In the event that the 'Mech closes, it has two Guided Technologies 2nd Generation Streak SRM-6 launchers. The 9M also carries TAG to designate targets for Arrow IV artillery strikes and an ECM Suite for protection against electronic warfare systems.[45] BV (1.0) = 1,383,[20] BV (2.0) = 1,704[46]
  • MAD-9S - The 9S Marauder is built with a Light Fusion Engine and an Endo Steel chassis to save weight. The 9S also uses double heat sinks to handle its heat intensive weapons payload. The 9S carries two ER PPCs as its primary weapons as well as an LB-X Autocannon/10 for long-range combat. For close ranges, the 9S is equipped with two ER Medium Lasers and a Flamer. The 9S is also equipped with exceptional electronic systems including an ECM Suite and a Beagle Active Probe.[50] BV (1.0) = 1,403,[35] BV (2.0) = 1,786[51]
  • Dual Cockpit refits: The Marauder is one of the Free Worlds League's preferred 'Mechs to install Dual Cockpits. Standard refits usually install the Dual Cockpit on a MAD-3M or MAD-5D, removing one heat sink.

Custom Variants

  • MAD-SD Marauder Douglas - The personal ‘Mech of 12th Vegan Rangers Alpha Regiment commander Margrave Sheridan Douglass during the DCMS's Third Succession War invasion of Galtor III, only the arm mounted medium lasers remain, with each PPC replaced by a Large Laser and the autocannon swapped for a pair of SRM-4 launchers with a shared ton of reloads. The remaining weight and space is devoted to five additional heat sinks and three extra tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 1,459[54]
  • Bounty Hunter model (3015) - This unusual variant features lostech, the standard 300 Vlar fusion engine has been downgrade to 225 version giving it a top speed of 54 kph. It mounts a standard PPC and a Medium Laser in each arm. Another PPC and Medium Laser are mounted on the right torso, with additional Medium Lasers mounted on the center and left torso. 16 Double Heat Sinks are use to cool this beast down allowing it to firing all 3 PPCs without even generating excess heat. It features 14.5 tons of standard armor giving it maximum armor for it's weight and capable of jumping over 90 meters. It's painted all green with credit symbols. BV (1.0) = 1,686 BV (2.0) = 1,919[55]
  • Bounty Hunter model (3044) - The Bounty Hunter upgraded his Marauder sometime in 3044, the fusion engine was upgrade to an extra-light version while keeping it at the same rating to save weight but with it's increase size 3 Double Heat Sinks were removed. The standard PPCs were upgrade to ERPPC, both the left and right torso mounted Medium Lasers were removed while the center torso Medium Laser was moved to the head to make room for a Gauss Rifle on the right torso and 2 tons of ammunition. This upgrade allow the Bounty Hunter to engage it's enemies at a far greater range while still able to continuously operate without fear of overheating. BV (1.0) = 1,788 BV (2.0) = 2,103[56]

Related BattleMechs

  • Bandersnatch - Designed by Felifious Bander, the Bandersnatch was designed with a similar profile and weapons layout to the Marauder, and maintains common components to ease repair and allow an excess of spare parts. The Bandersnatch mounts an LB 10-X AC and a pair of Medium Lasers in each arm. The 'Mech also mounts a trio of LRM 5s and a pair of Medium Lasers in the torso.[57]
  • Dragon Fire - The Dragon Fire is among a series of Star League-era Marauder-series BattleMechs. However, the Dragon Fire never reached full-scale production due to the Amaris Civil War. The Dragon Fire replaces the energy-weapon heavy Marauder armament with an LB 10-X AC, a Gauss Rifle, and an assortment of torso-mounted lasers.[59]
  • Maelstrom - The Maelstrom is among a series of Star League-era Marauder-series BattleMechs. The Amaris Civil War curtailed the production of the Maelstrom, making the BattleMech rare until plans were rediscovered with the Gray Death Memory Core. The Maelstrom maintains a heavy array of energy weapons, highlighted by an ER PPC and an ER Large Laser. The Maelstrom also mounts TAG.[60]

Gallery

Notable Pilots

Design Quirks

The MAD-4X Marauder variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[24]

References

  1. Handbook House Davion p.187
  2. MUL online date for Marauder
  3. Combat Operations, p. 121
  4. Technical Readout: 3039, p. 298
  5. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 493
  6. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 205
  7. 7.0 7.1 Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169
  8. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 178
  9. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 28
  10. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 179
  11. Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 29
  12. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 202
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 13.5 Combat Operations, p. 127
  14. 14.0 14.1 14.2 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 125
  15. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 490
  16. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 203
  17. 17.0 17.1 Combat Operations, p. 122
  18. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 491
  19. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 204
  20. 20.0 20.1 20.2 Combat Operations, p. 130
  21. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 492
  22. The Battle for Twycross, p. 48
  23. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 191
  24. 24.0 24.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1, p. 7
  25. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 206
  26. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 176
  27. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 207
  28. Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 37
  29. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 177
  30. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 208
  31. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 178
  32. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 209
  33. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 179
  34. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 210
  35. 35.0 35.1 Combat Operations, p. 132
  36. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 180
  37. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 211
  38. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 181
  39. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 212
  40. 40.0 40.1 "New Death from IrTech"
  41. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 261
  42. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 182
  43. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 213
  44. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 183
  45. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 214
  46. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 184
  47. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 215
  48. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 260
  49. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 185
  50. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 216
  51. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 186
  52. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 187
  53. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 261
  54. Historical Turning Points: Galtor, p. 21
  55. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 189
  56. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 190
  57. Technical Readout: 3055, pp. 66-67
  58. Technical Readout: 3055, pp. 72-73
  59. Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 128-129
  60. Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 130-132
  61. Technical Readout: 3058, pp. 144-145
  62. Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1, p. 18, "A Plague On Both Your Houses: The War of Davion Succession (Second Hidden War)"
  • Interstellar Players, p. 135


Bibliography