Hermit Crab
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| Hermit Crab | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Production Information | |
| Manufacturer(s) | StarCorps Industries[1] [2] |
| Production Year | 3104[3] |
| Model | HMC-13 |
| Class | Light |
| Technical specifications | |
| 'Mech type | Inner Sphere BattleMech |
| Mass | 25 tons |
| Chassis | Hollis Mk III[1] [2] |
| Armor | Durallex Medium |
| Engine | Omni 175 |
| Comms | Telestar Model XB-82 |
| TTS | Starlight LX-3a |
| Heat Sinks | 10 double heat sinks |
| Speed | 118 km/h |
| Jump Jets | Chilton 360 |
| Armament | 2x ER medium laser |
| B.V. (2.0) | 731[1] [2] |
Contents
Description[edit]
The Hermit Crab was designed by StarCorps Industries as a low-cost, easily maintained urban defense unit. This light 'Mech is half the weight of the Crab, but embodies a similar design philosophy: sturdy, simple, and with a light logistical footprint. These attributes make the Hermit Crab an excellent scout, raider, and anti-pirate unit in addition to the original urban defense role. [1] [2]
To drum up interest, StarCorps donated several production runs to the Lyran Commonwealth and the Duchy of Tamarind-Abbey in exchange for BattleROM data. In addition StarCorps security forces equipped with the Hermit Crab have conducted several anti-pirate sweeps through systems near Son Hoa.[1] [2]
Weapons and Equipment[edit]
The Hermit Crab doesn't make use of many advanced technologies, eschewing an XL engine and endo steel for a standard fusion engine and chassis. In fact, the only advanced technology is found in the 10 double heat sinks and Diverse Optics ER medium lasers it carries into combat. Though larger, heavier and less efficient than many similar systems, the reliance on simple, proven technology makes the Hermit Crab popular on Periphery worlds and with military commands. The engine powers it to a top speed of 118 km/h, and seven jump jets allow it to cover 210 meters.[1] [2]
In addition to the typical military equipment, the Hermit Crab is often used in nonmilitary applications. Underneath each arm laser is a series of lifting ring attachment points used to attach ropes and chains for various cargo modules. StarCorps also equipped the Hermit Crab with oversized grabbing arms to make it easy to move large cargo.[1] [2]
Variants[edit]
- HMC-14
- This Hermit Crab variant replaces the standard armor with Durallex Super Medium ferro-fibrous armor to free up weight. It also removes the center torso jump jet and uses the freed weight to mount an additional ER medium laser in the center torso.[1] [2] BV (2.0) = 844[4]
- HMC-15
- Based on the HMC-14, this model also uses the same ferro-fibrous armor originally developed for the Wight for protection. It strips all the weapons and jump jets of the HMC-14 and replaces them with arm-mounted Defiance 1002 light PPCs for long range firepower.[1] [2] BV (2.0) = 742[5]
Design Quirks[edit]
Notable Pilots[edit]
References[edit]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 4: "HMC-13 Hermit Crab"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Recognition Guide, Vol. 2: ilClan, p. 10: "HMC-13 Hermit Crab"
- ↑ MUL online date for the Hermit Crab
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 15
- ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 16