Dictator
Dictator | |
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Di Tron Heavy Industries[1] |
Production Year | 2600[2] |
Use | Mech Carrier |
Type | Military Spheroid |
Tech Base | Inner Sphere |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 9,000 tons |
Structural Integrity | 12 |
Length | 85 meters |
Width | 85 meters |
Height | 121.5 meters |
Safe Thrust | 1.5 g |
Max Thrust | 2.5 g |
Fuel (tons) | 150 tons |
Fuel (days) | 81.52 days |
Armament |
|
Armor | 42 tons standard |
Crew | 39[3]
Bay Personnel: 72 |
Escape Pods/Life Boats | 4/9[3] |
Heat Sinks | 109 single |
BV (1.0) | 4,459[1] |
BV (2.0) | 4,802[3][4] |
Description[edit]
The Dictator-class military DropShip was a Star League era BattleMech carrier developed for the Star League Defense Force. The Dictator was originally designed in response to failings in the SLDF's 'Mech carriers during the Reunification War, with Di Tron Heavy Industries beginning work on the ship in 2582. However, bureaucratic and technical delays meant it became operational in 2600, long after the conflict ended.[1]
The Dictator was designed as a BattleMech transport from the beginning, much like the Leopard, unlike contemporary designs that were converted vehicle or infantry carriers. Lacking fighter bays, the Dictator is meant to be operated as part of a task force rather than conduct independent operations, with its ability to carry three entire 'Mech companies safely and offload them quickly. The Dictator was invaluable during Operation Smother in 2729, ending the war between House Davion and House Kurita quickly.[1]
Reliable and effective after production ceased in 2725, many of this class were destroyed during the Amaris Civil War, though the aging Dictator was mostly abandoned by SLDF forces taking part in the Exodus in favor of the newer Overlord. The few that survived the first three Succession Wars were in a poor state of repair.[1] However, by 3075 the Magistracy of Canopus was able to gain possession of a large quantity of Dictator DropShips in pristine shape.[3]
Armament[edit]
Two medium lasers, two LRM-20s, and three autocannon/10s are mounted in the nose section of the Dictator. Two additional LRM-20s and AC/10s, along with one Large Laser and two medium lasers, provided coverage across the ship's forward arc. Protecting its rear firing arc are two medium lasers, two SRM-6 missile launchers, and another AC/10. The last two medium lasers and AC/10s are mounted in the aft section of the ship. The Dictator carries 250 rounds for its AC/10s, 120 rounds for the SRM launchers, and 144 rounds for the LRM launchers.[4]
Cargo[edit]
The Dictator has four cargo bays in total, with three dedicated to carrying a company of 12 'Mechs each. Stacked atop each other, each bay is isolated with its own drop mechanism, access ramp, and door, providing protection should one bay be compromised, though it also means moving cargo between bays is practically impossible unless the ship is grounded. The fourth bay is dedicated to general cargo with a 704-ton capacity.[4]
- Bay 1: BattleMechs (12), 1 door
- Bay 2: BattleMechs (12), 1 door
- Bay 3: BattleMechs (12), 1 door
- Bay 4: Cargo (704 tons), 1 door
Variants[edit]
- Command Variant
- Introduced in 2620, the Command Variant was used to deploy a Regimental Command Company and its Battalion Command Lances. The ship's third 'Mech Bay is converted to carry 18 heavy vehicles, which would be part of the logistic and support elements of the Regiment. This change increased the number of people aboard a Command-variant Dictator from the original 39 crew and 72 bay personnel by adding a further 120 bay personnel.[5] Every one of four Dictator was planned, but in practice, the ratio was closer to one out of ten Dictators were a Command variant.[3] BV (2.0) = 4,802[5]
Gallery[edit]
Original Dictator from TRO:3026 Revised
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, p. 114: "Dictator"
- ↑ MUL entry for the Dictator
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Technical Readout: 3075", p. 198: "Dictator"
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 84, "Dictator 2600"
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 84, "Dictator (Command)"
Bibliography[edit]
- Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War
- Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, pp 122-123
- Technical Readout: 3075, pp 198-199