Commando
- This article is about the 25-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Commando (disambiguation).
Commando | |
---|---|
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Arcturan Arms[1] (RetroTech)
Maxell Metals, Incorporated[4] (RetroTech) Peloran Motors[5] (RetroTech) Protectorate Military Industries[6] Vandenberg Mechanized Industries Wechsel Royal Industrial Repair and Heavy Machining[1] (RetroTech) Zettle Metals Incorporated[8] (RetroTech) |
Production Year | 2486[9] |
Model | COM-2D[2] |
Class | Light |
Introduced | 2463[10][11][12] |
Cost | 1,823,750 C-bills |
Technical specifications | |
'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
Mass | 25 tons |
Chassis | Coventry Metal Works |
Armor | Lexington Limited |
Engine | GM 150 |
Communications System | TharHes Crystal Flower RG-2 |
Targeting Tracking System | TharHes Star Shark |
Heat Sinks | 10 single |
Speed | 97 km/h |
Armament |
|
BV (1.0) | 432 |
BV (2.0) | 541[2][13] |
Contents
Description[edit]
In 2463, Coventry Metal Works, then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate, introduced their second BattleMech: the COM-1A Commando, designed by Andre Barcalow. Created for the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces and one of the first 'Mechs ever designed for reconnaissance, the Commando was much lighter and faster than its precursors, though it still utilized primitive BattleMech technology. The Commando was able to destroy much heavier Kuritan Gladiators during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in 2475 on Nox.[12]
The installed large laser caused several problems and soon other 'Mechs, such as the Wasp in 2464 and the Stinger in 2479, were introduced that were better equipped for scouting and even mounted jump jets. The Commando's profile was radically changed with the introduction of the sophisticated COM-2D variant in 2486, which exchanged the laser weaponry with short range missiles and turned the machine into a striker.
With only four tons of armor to protect itself, the Commando is not meant to participate in a stand-up fight against heavier enemies, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.[13]
The Commando became popular among LCAF forces and, nearly 600 years later, is still mainly in use by Lyrans. The Commonwealth went to great pains to keep the 'Mech solely in Lyran hands, especially during the years of the Star League; it took an alliance with the Federated Suns and the creation of the Federated Commonwealth to break the stranglehold. The Commando was chosen as the standard light BattleMech for the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth next to the Valkyrie, and after the upgrade to the COM-5S model in 3050, Vandenberg Mechanized Industries was allowed to produce the old COM-2D for the Taurian Defense Force.[14] Over the Succession Wars, the Commando ended up in the hands of numerous mercenary companies as well, resulting in a proliferation of 2D refits, commonly called the -7 series.[15] Furthermore, the Marian Hegemony deploys the rocket launcher-packed COM-4H, and the Word of Blake produced its own COM-7B variant during its occupation of Coventry from 3068 to 3074.[citation needed]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The standard COM-2D Commando carries two different SRM launchers, a Coventry SRM-4 and a Shannon Six Shooter SRM-6, each with one ton of ammo. The secondary weapon is a Defiance B3M medium laser, produced by Defiance Industries on Hesperus II.[16] This weapons load can cause a lot of damage for a light 'Mech and makes the Commando an effective striker, especially when used in groups. An often-used tactic for those is to rush upon a single target, concentrate their fire and retreat before the enemy can offer effective resistance. The COM-2D's communication gear, Crystal Flower RG-2, as well as the Star Shark targeting system were produced by TharHes on Tharkad.[13]
Variants[edit]
- COM-1A
- The original Commando used prototype equipment that was similarly primitive to those found in the first BattleMech, the Mackie, and was completely replaced by its successor. First constructed in 2463, the 'Mech was equipped with only an Odin large laser mounted in its right arm. It was fitted with five tons of primitive armor and the engine could move the 'Mech up to a maximum speed around 80 km/h. These were the early Commandos that took part in the Battle of Nox in 2475 against Draconis Combine forces. BV (2.0) = 475.[17]
- COM-1AK
- Created by Wechsel Royal Industrial Repair and Heavy Machining on Kaumberg, this retrotech Commando variant replaces the large laser of the COM-1A with a medium laser in each arm supported by a head-mounted small laser. The remaining tonnage is devoted to additional armor, for a total of seven and a half tons.[18] BV (2.0) = 533[19]
- COM-1B
- Because the idea of a Commando that was armed, like its ancestor, with a longer-ranged large laser appealed to many MechWarriors, Lyran engineers developed the COM-1B in 3015. This variant wielded a large laser and an SRM-2 in addition to the medium laser. To make space for these changes, the engineers had to remove the SRM-6 launcher. However, this variant was short-lived.[14] BV (2.0) = 616[20]
- COM-3A
- The COM-3A carries two SRM-6 launchers, a medium laser and a flamer. This was accomplished by removing the SRM-4 launcher and lowering the amount of armor on the 'Mech by one ton. This variant appeared in 3025 and became quite popular because of its hitting power.[2][13] BV (1.0) = 392; BV (2.0) = 540[22]
- COM-4H
- The Marian Hegemony 4H variant of the Commando is used in the Periphery and removes all of the SRM launchers and replaces them with six RL-15s as well as a second medium laser. BV (1.0) = 628; BV (2.0) = 691[25]
- COM-5S
- The COM-5S was introduced in 3050 and was the first mass-produced Commando to feature recovered Star League technology. Its new Cyclops MultiTasker 10 targeting system links an Artemis IV Fire Control System to the Coventry 90m SRM-6, which replaces the Shannon Six-Shooter, and exchanges the SRM-4 with a Coventry T4H Streak SRM-2 launcher. Additionally, the chassis has been upgraded with endo steel, the armor has been upgraded to ferro-fibrous, and CASE has been added to protect the ammunition. The variant is also equipped with a new communications system called Cyclops 14.[14] BV (1.0) = 504; BV (2.0) = 557[26]
- COM-7S
- This update of the COM-5S introduced in 3064[27] is also built on an endo steel chassis, but uses a new light fusion engine. The 'Mech carries two Streak SRM-2 launchers, an SRM-4 with an Artemis IV Fire Control System, and a pair of ER medium lasers.[14] BV (1.0) = 549;[28] BV (2.0) = 658[29]
- COM-7A
- Initially a refit, made an official Coventry Metal Works production variant after its successful use by Task Force Serpent on Huntress, the endo steel-structured 7A maximizes armor. Two SRM-4 packs with two tons of CASE-protected ammo are accompanied by a medium laser. BV (2.0) = 625[15]
- COM-7B
- Following the conquest of Coventry by the Word of Blake, the Jihadists modified the 7S to meet their specifications. The 7B keeps one ER medium laser in the left arm, but adds two flamers to it, making the 7B a lethal threat to unarmored infantry. A small cockpit makes room for two SRM-4s, which are still fed by a CASE-protected ammunition bin. The weight savings enabled engineers to add one additional ton of armor and enough jump jets to rocket the Commando up to 120 meters at a time.[14] BV (2.0) = 602[30]
- COM-7J
- Initially a refit, made an official Coventry Metal Works production variant after its successful use by Task Force Serpent on Huntress, the endo steel-structured 7J features jump jets. Two SRM-4 packs with two tons of CASE-protected ammo are accompanied by a medium laser. BV (2.0) = 599[15]
- COM-7T "Blazing Inferno II"
- Originating in the Civil War era and popularized decades later, the 7T carries an extensive array of lasers — four Defiance Model XII ER mediums, 5 Diverse Optics ER smalls, and a single Ompec-J small laser — supported by only eleven double heat sinks. Triple-strength myomer allows it to use its heat to its advantage. BV (2.0) = 1,018 [15]
- COM-7W
- Initially a refit, made an official Coventry Metal Works production variant after its successful use by Task Force Serpent on Huntress, the endo steel-structured 7W is laden with ammunition for sustained use. A streak SRM-2 pack with one ton of ammo and a SRM-4 pack with two tons are supported by two medium lasers. BV (2.0) = 608[15]
- COM-7X
- One of several common mercenary refits of the 2D that arose out of the Succession Wars, the 7X replaces the SRM-4 with two additional medium lasers and an extra ton of SRM-6 ammo. BV (2.0) = 623[15]
- COM-7Y
- One of several common mercenary refits of the 2D that arose out of the Succession Wars, the 7Y replaces the SRM-4 with two additional medium lasers and an extra ton of armor. BV (2.0) = 684[15]
- COM-7Y2 "Blazing Inferno"
- Particularly popular among the common mercenary refits of the 2D that arose out of the Succession Wars, saving money on ammunition, the 7Y2 replaces both SRM packs with an extra ton of armor and an expanded array of lasers. Six small lasers and four medium lasers are spread across the 'Mech, supported by only the ten base heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 728[15]
- COM-7Z2
- A subvariant of the 7Z, the 7Z2 lacks CASE and carries two small lasers, an SRM-6 pack, and a Beagle Active Probe. BV (2.0) = 543[15]
- COM-8S
- This version of the Commando uses an endo steel chassis and XL engine that propels it to a maximum of 110 km/h. It carries a pair of Streak SRM-2 launchers in the right arm, fed by a CASE II-protected bay, and a pair of ER medium lasers in the left arm. A C3 boosted slave allows the Commando to share targeting data with friendly forces, and a supercharger allows it to reach speeds of 140 km/h in short bursts. BV (2.0) = 775[31]
- COM-9S
- Based off the chassis of the 8S, the 9S changes the normally short-ranged Commando into a long-range harasser, removing the C3 boosted slave and existing weaponry for a pair of torso mounted MML-3 racks to emulate the standard SRM-6 of earlier models whilst providing LRM fire, generally carrying a ton of each missile type. The usual medium laser of the Commando is replaced with a longer-ranged light PPC, with a pair of Improved One Shot SRM-2s being the sole exclusively short-range weapons.[32] BV (2.0) = 719[33]
Custom Variants[edit]
- COM-1A Commando De Salva
- Piloted by Raul "Diesel" De Salva of Colby's Commandos, this primitive 'Mech's powerplant was upgraded to a standard fusion engine, with an SRM-6 added to the left forearm.[34]
- COM-7S2 Commando Freyr
- The personal 'Mech of ex–Arcturan Guards member-turned-treacherous Hunter's Paradise guide Zvi Freyr, his Commando has been extensively modified with both Clan and experimental technologies. Retaining only the endo steel chassis and CASE of his formerly stock COM-5S model, Freyr has replaced the standard weapons with lighter Clan-tech systems, including two Streak SRM-4 launchers in its right arm with a single ton of reloads and a pair of ER medium lasers mounted in the left arm. The use of a small cockpit and a salvaged Clan extralight engine save enough weight to switch to double strength heat sinks, as well as carry six jump jets and seven tons of hardened armor. BV (2.0) = 1,155[35]
Apocryphal Variants[edit]
From MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack
- COM-2P
- This variant of the Commando has an SRM-4 mounted in the center torso, a medium laser in the left arm, and an SRM-4 in the right arm. It uses the ton saved to mount a MASC system.[36]
From MechWarrior Online:
- COM-TDK Death's Knell
- Named after the silver-colored Commando 'Mech of the same name piloted by Captain Bono Duganmare of the Twenty-second Skye Rangers,[10] whilst Captain Duganmare and his 'Mech are canonical, the 'Mech's exact configuration was not mentioned in the original source, suggesting it would be an unmodified standard model. The Hero 'Mech variant presented by MechWarrior Online removes the weapon loadout of the COM-2D and replaces it with four medium lasers, two mounted in each arm. The additional four tons freed up with the removal of the COM-2D's original weapon suite are devoted to an upgraded 175-rated fusion engine, double heat sinks, and a half-ton of additional armor; it should be noted that within the time period described by the original source, Technical Readout: 3025, double heat sinks were not available.
- COM-D03
- A MWO exclusive variant first introduced as a free Christmas 2023 gift for active players, the D03 is built around a 175-rated standard engine boosted by MASC, ferro-fibrous armor and an endo steel frame. Fitted with a small cockpit and a swap to double heat sinks supports an all energy weapon loadout - two medium lasers in the head and three small lasers in the center torso.
Design Quirks[edit]
The Commando has the following Design Quirks:[37]
Related BattleMechs[edit]
- Commando IIC
- The remnants of the Star League Defense Force did take a few Commandos with them on their exodus. Clan Goliath Scorpion later upgraded these 'Mechs with Clan technology, creating the Commando IIC.[38] BV (1.0) = 816; BV (2.0) = 978[39]
Notable Pilots[edit]
Notes[edit]
- It is often claimed that the Commando was designed as a competitor with both the popular Wasp and Stinger light 'Mechs, but these were in fact only developed some years later (in 2471 and 2479, respectively).
- BattleTech line developer Herbert A. Beas II stated that Technical Readout: 3039 was incorrect:
“ | "The introduction date for the Commando was 2463" and "all references the Commando being built as a Stinger/Wasp competitor are also in error; the Commando was actually one of the Commonwealth's first forays into light 'Mech design." The starting sentence should therefore read: "Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) produced the Commando as one of the Commonwealth's first homegrown entries into the newly created industry of BattleMech design and manufacture. Far lighter than most contemporary units, the Commando was also the Lyran Commonwealth's first bona fide reconnaissance BattleMech."[40] |
” |
- This was announced in the "Ask the Writers" section of the CBT forums and the verdict is therefore supposed to be canonical information.
- Though the first Commando that appeared in Technical Readout: 3025 had its head turned to the side, many believed it to be its front view. This led to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for Technical Readout: 3050.
- Issue 16 of Shrapnel canonized variants from several video games:
- The 7Y and 7Y2 "Blazing Inferno" originate from BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception, in which they were field modifications of the COM-2D prepared by techs on Chara III.
- The 7X originates from MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries, in which it was the player's starting 'Mech.
- The 7A, 7J, and 7W are based on the MechCommander A, J, and W variants.
- The 7Z shares a weapon loadout with the BattleTech: Firestorm Commando.
- In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Kommando. The model code was accordingly changed to KOM-2D.
- In French products, the unit's proper name was kept as Commando, which has the same meaning in both languages.
- Plastic COM-2D is included in BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat
Gallery[edit]
Original COM-2D Commando from TRO:3025
COM-2D Commando in motion from BTRS: AGoAC
COM-7T "Blazing Inferno II" Commando from Shrapnel Issue 16
COM-5S Commando from TRO:3050
COM-5S Commando from TRO:3050 Upgrade
Primitive COM-1A Commando from XTRO:Primitives I
Experimental COM-7S2 Commando Freyr from XTRO:Pirates
COM-1B Commando from Shrapnel #14
A Commando in colors of Skye Rangers from FM:LA
A COM-2D Commando in colors of Lyran Regulars from CBT Universe
COM-5S Commando in combat from CCG
COM-TDK Commando "Death's Knell" from MW5:Mercs
Commando standee from BattleTech, Fourth Edition
Commando miniature from BattleTech Introductory Box Set
Commando miniature from BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Objectives: Lyran Alliance p. 4: "RetroTech Facilities (Limited Commercial Production by End of 3079)"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 14–15: "COM-2D Commando". Previously featured in Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 102–103
- ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 189: "Fiefdom of Randis"
- ↑ Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p. 12: "Maxell Metals, Incorporated"
- ↑ Objectives: Federated Suns, p. 4: "State of the Industry at a Glance (Dec 3079)"
- ↑ Field Manual: 3145, p. 188: "Calderon Protectorate"
- ↑ Objectives: Periphery, p. 28: "Rim Motors"
- ↑ Handbook: House Steiner, p. 140: "Zettle Metals, Incorporated (ZetMet)"
- ↑ MUL online entry for Commando
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 14
- ↑ Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1, p. 3
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 102–103: "COM-2D Commando 'Mech Profile"
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 14.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 12
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 15.5 15.6 15.7 15.8 15.9 Shrapnel Issue 16: "COM-7T Commando "Blazing Inferno II""
- ↑ Objective Raids, p. 76: "Defiance Industries of Hesperus II: Components Produced"
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1, pp. 3, 17: COM-1A Commando - Primitive Commando profile and record sheet
- ↑ Touring the Stars: Kaumberg, p. 13
- ↑ Touring the Stars: Kaumberg, p. 14
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 12
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 13
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 80
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 57
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 14
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 15
- ↑ MUL online entry for Commando
- ↑ Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 36
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 17
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 16
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 77
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 1, p. 13: "Commando"
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 1, p. 14: "Commando COM-9S"
- ↑ Eyestorm
- ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates, pp. 3, 16
- ↑ MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Heroes of the Inner Sphere
- ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 90: Design Quirk Table - Commando Entry
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3060, p. 136
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3060 Revised, p. 137
- ↑ CBT forum reply[dead link]
Bibliography[edit]
- BattleMech Manual
- Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets
- Era Digest: Age of War
- Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates
- Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1
- Field Manual: 3145
- Master Unit List
- Objective Raids
- Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 1
- Record Sheets: 3039
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
- Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)
- Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
- Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades
- Record Sheets: Upgrades
- Shrapnel Issue 16
- Technical Readout: 3025
- Technical Readout: 3039
- Technical Readout: 3050
- Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
- Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
- Technical Readout: 3060
- Technical Readout: 3085
- Touring the Stars: Kaumberg