Apollo (BattleMech)

This article is about the medium BattleMech. For other uses, see Apollo.

Apollo
Production Information
Manufacturer(s)	Earthwerks Incorporated
Production Year	3054
Model	APL-1M
Class	Medium
Cost	5,052,173 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	55 tons
Chassis	Earthwerks APL I
Armor	Maximillian 44
Engine	DAV 220
Comms	Neil 6000
TTS	Garret A6
Heat Sinks	10 double heat sinks
Speed	64.8 km/h
Armament	2x LRM-15s with Artemis IV 2x Small pulse lasers
B.V. (1.0)	1,044
B.V. (2.0)	1,207

Description

The Apollo is designed to be a long range fire support BattleMech. Armed with massive missile launchers which can rain destruction down on an enemy, the Apollo shouldn't have to worry about its less than average speed if it is employed correctly.

Weapons and Equipment

The Apollo uses a pair of Zeus LRM-15 launchers with Artemis IV fire control systems to give the 'Mech increased missile accuracy. These two launchers with their advanced fire control system can, on average, do almost as much damage as a pair of LRM-20 launchers. These are backed up for close combat by a pair of Sunglow Prism-Optic small pulse lasers which almost feel as if they were added to the 'Mech as an afterthought.

Pilots should ensure they remain near bodyguards or on the edge of the battle, as the mounted 220-rated engine gives it a top speed of only 64.8 km/h. 11.5 tons of standard armor give it some survivability should the Apollo take return fire or be engaged by closer foes.

Variants

• APL-1R 

  The 1R variant of the Apollo is a simple modification of the 'Mech that looks to give it a longer combat life at the cost of accuracy. The Artemis IV fire control systems have been removed in favor of an additional two tons of LRM ammunition, increasing the amount of time the Apollo can sustain an LRM barrage by 33%. BV (1.0) = 973, BV (2.0) = 1,148

• APL-2S 

  The 2S was built to address the concerns about short range defense that MechWarriors who pilot the Apollo had. This modification removes the two small pulse lasers from the 'Mech and replaces them with two medium lasers, giving the Apollo a more powerful close range punch. BV (1.0) = 1,120, BV (2.0) = 1,283

• APL-3T 

  The 3T variant of the Apollo is a major modification. The 'Mech downgrades its LRM-15 launchers to a pair of LRM-10 launchers with Artemis IV fire control systems, but upgrades its close range weaponry to two medium pulse lasers and two medium lasers. BV (1.0) = 1,011, BV (2.0) = 1,240

• APL-4M 

  Using a Earthwerks APL composite internal structure and DAV 220 XL engine allowed engineers to install a pair of Zeus Astrapios extended LRM-15 launchers, and a single Sunglow Enhanced Focus ER medium laser in the head rounds out the armament. To protect the Apollo, 10 tons of Durallex Special ferro-fibrous armor has been installed. The ammunition bays carry two tons of ammunition each and are protected by CASE II systems. BV (2.0) = 1,343

Design Quirks

The Apollo has the following Design Quirks:

• Fast Reload
• Rugged (1)

The APL-4M variant is subject of the following Design Quirks:

• Difficult to Maintain
• Fast Reload

Related BattleMechs

• Cobra - the Cobra fire-support BattleMech owes its existence to the Apollo. When Earthwerks Incorporated of Keystone refused to sell the Apollo to the LAAF, the Alliance commissioned Defiance Industries to produce the Cobra based on battlefield observations.

Gallery

• 

  Original APL-1M Apollo from TRO:3055

• 

  Apollo from TRO:3055 Upgrade

• 

  APL-4M Apollo from TRO:Prototypes

• 

  APL-1M Apollo in combat from CCG

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• Combat Operations
• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: 3055/3058
• Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade
• Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged
• Record Sheets: 3060
• Technical Readout: 3055
• Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: Prototypes