Rifleman

[[Image:|191px|Rifleman]]
Rifleman
Production information
Manufacturer	Kallon Industries
Model	RFL-3N
Class	Heavy
Technical specifications
Mass	60 Tons tons
Chassis	Kallon Type IV
Armor	Kallon Royalstar
Engine	Pitban 240
Speed	64.8 kph km/h
Jump Jets	None
Armament	2x Large Lasers 2x Autocannon/5 2x Medium Lasers
BV (1.0)	797

Description

The definitive anti-aircraft 'Mech, the Rifleman was first fielded in 2505, making it among the first 'Mechs ever built. Its combination of long-ranged weaponry, including rapid-fire autocannon, and its excellent Garret D2j targeting and tracking system ensured it would remain a viable battlefield unit through half a millenium of combat. When pressed into combat against ground units, the Rifleman is merely adequate, suffering from light armor protection (7.5 tons), poor heat management, and limited ammunition supply. It is particularly noted for its thin rear armor, a weakness for which its ability to reverse its arms only partly compensates. The Rifleman is far more successful when used as a fire-support 'Mech, and five centuries of combat have provided many triumphant examples of its employment in this role.

Armament

The Rifleman's focus on anti-aircraft work dictated a heavy load of long-range weapons to the exclusion of everything else. It carries a particularly heavy battery of two Magna Mk. III Heavy Lasers paired with two Imperator-A medium autocannon, one of ech mounted in each arm. Two Magna Mk. II Medium Lasers are mounted in the torso to provide backup. One ton of autocannon ammunition is carried in the center torso. The 'Mech's ten single heat sinks are grossly inadequate for constant fire, but in an anti-aircraft role, the Rifleman is expected to have time to dissipate heat while the target aircraft turns for its next pass.

Variants

RFL-3C - One of two variants designed by Hanse Davion. Removes the large lasers and Autocannon/5s, and mounts a pair of Autocannon/10s and an extra ton of armor. Two tons of ammunition are carried. (BV (1.0): 860)

RFL-4D - The second "Hanse variant." Replaces the Autocannon/5s with PPCs and removes the medium lasers. The extra weight is used to mount five extra heat sinks. (BV (1.0): 869)

RFL-5D - A recovered-technology version of the RFL-4D. Replaces the PPCs with extended-range models and restores the original model's medium lasers. An XL engine is used to free up weight, which is used to mount 17 double heat sinks and increase armor protection to nine tons. (BV (1.0): 1,115)

RFL-5M - Another product of the Gray Death Memory Core technology boon. The standard autocannon are swapped for Ultra models, but the ammunition load remains a single ton. CASE is now mounted to protect this ammunition, double heat sinks are mounted and two more are added, and another ton of armor is carried. The free weight for all these changes is created by the use of an XL engine. (BV (1.0): 1,043)

RFL-6X - One of three "Project Phoenix" variants, designed as a fast-response anti-aircraft 'Mech. Increases top speed to 87 kph through the use of a larger XL engine. Internal structure built with Endo Steel. Carries a pair of LB 10-X Autocannon with four tons of ammunition, and paired ER Medium and ER Small lasers. (BV (1.0): 1,275)

RFL-7M - Another "Phoenix" model, intended as a long-range sniper unit. Armed with two Light Gauss Rifles, six ER Medium Lasers, a Small Laser, and a Guardian ECM suite. (BV (1.0): 1,166)

RFL-8D - The definitive "Project Phoenix" model, intended as more of a line unit. Mounts two Rotary Autocannon/5s with six tons of ammunition, a pair of ER Medium Lasers, and the heaviest armor of any variant. This is also the only Rifleman mounted with jump jets. (BV (1.0): 1,664)

=References

• Technical Readout: 3025
• Technical Readout: 3050
• Technical Readout: Project Phoenix