Epona

Epona Pursuit Vehicle
Production information
Manufacturer	Niles Industriplex Alpha Unnamed production site, Gateway
Production Year	2884
Mission	OmniVehicle
Type	Hover
Cost	2,905,333 C-bills
Technical specifications
Tech Base	Clan
Mass	50
Armor	Compound VM20 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine	Fusion 215
Speed	150 km/h
Crew	4
Communications System	Build 1700/5 Tacticom
Targeting Tracking System	Series XL FWS
Heat Sinks	10 single
Armament	Primary Configuration 4x medium pulse laser 1x Streak SRM-4
BV (1.0)	1,242
BV (2.0)	1,477

Description

Unlike most Clan combat vehicles, the Epona Pursuit Tank started off only produced by Clan Hell's Horses and remained exclusive to them for a while. As that Clan tends to favor traditional armor more than other Clans, they were the first to see the value in modifying the technology used in OmniMechs to create an OmniVehicle. As such, the Epona is considered a front-line unit and sees service in the most prestigious Galaxies of the Horses. According to the Hell's Horses, it is only the Clan bias towards 'Mechs and their own hubris that keeps them from using the Epona, or other OmniVehicles.

As its name implies, the Epona is a fast vehicle that can chase down opponents and serve as a scout. In order to increase its survivability, the Epona is built on the largest hovercraft frame possible. It is still speedy, however, topping out at 150 km/h. This speed comes at the price of armor, as only five tons of ferro-fibrous weave protect the tank.

Weapons and Equipment

The primary configuration of the Epona is meant for close-quarters combat. Four Medium Pulse Lasers provide accurate damage that even most 'Mechs will have to worry about. A Streak SRM-4 enables the Epona to act as a vehicle-killer and to damage exposed critical systems. All of the armament is located in the vehicle's turret.

Alternate Configurations

• Alternate Configuration A 

  The second most popular configuration of the Epona carries a pair of LRM-20s in its turret. Four tons of ammunition keeps the Epona in supply through most Trials. To supplement this support variant, the A mounts paired ER Medium Lasers in the front. Next to those lasers is a TAG that enables the Epona A to call in heavy artillery support. BV (1.0) = 1,741, BV (2.0) = 1,976

• Alternate Configuration B 

  Meant for use in open terrain, the Epona B carries a large gun in the form of an Ultra Autocannon/10 in its turret. This is supplemented by two Streak SRM-4s in the vehicle's front that can exploit any holes the autocannon makes in an enemy's armor. BV (1.0) = 1,022, BV (2.0) = 1,255

• Alternate Configuration C 

  The Epona C is a mix between a cavalry, spotter, and fire support vehicle. The turret carries both an ER PPC that is useful at all ranges and a Streak SRM-6 that the gunner can fire with no fear of wasting ammunition. This variant also mounts a TAG, but in addition, makes use of an ECM Suite to protect it from enemy electronics. BV (1.0) = 1,322, BV (2.0) = 1,563

• Alternate Configuration D 

  A Jihad configuration introduced during that conflict, the D has a Targeting Computer, which guides a pair of ER Medium Lasers and a Class 20 Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle. The rifle is fed by 12 rounds of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 1,773

• Alternate Configuration E 

  The second Jihad era configuration introduced, this one mounts six AP Gauss Rifles and a pair of Plasma Cannons. The rifles have been given 80 rounds of ammunition, while the plasma cannons have been given 20. BV (2.0) = 1,436

Gallery

• 

  Original Epona from TRO:3060

Bibliography

• Combat Operations
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• Record Sheets: 3060 Unabridged
• Technical Readout: 3060
• Moving Forward