Mad Cat III

Mad Cat III
Production information
Manufacturer	Manufacturing Plant DSF-IT1
Production Year	3086
Class	Medium
Cost	12,358,925 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Clan BattleMech
Mass	55 tons
Chassis	DSAM Endo-6 endo-composite
Armor	Forging Zk15 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine	330-rated XL engine
Communications System	Comset 1
Targeting Tracking System	J-Track 52 with Artemis V
Heat Sinks	10 double
Speed	97 km/h
Armament	2x LRM-20s 4x ER medium lasers 6x ER micro lasers
BV (1.0)	N/A
BV (2.0)	2,400

Description

With the success of the Mad Cat Mk II design, Clan Diamond Shark developed the Mad Cat III as a medium 'Mech to accompany the heavy Mad Cat and assault Mad Cat II. Intended for sale to both Inner Sphere and Clan customers, it has been shunned by the Clans save for the Nova Cats and Exiled Wolves as "...an outrage against everything Nicholas Kerensky stood for and taught us." However, it has proven popular with the Successor States and the Republic of the Sphere.

Weapons and Equipment

With its top speed of 97 km/h thanks to a 330-rated extralight engine combined with an endo-composite structure, the Mad Cat III can quickly close with enemies to bring its short-range armament to bear. Eight and a half tons of ferro-fibrous armor offer adequate protection, though with only 10 double heat sinks the design can be easily overheated.

Armed with twin LRM-20's equipped with Artemis V, six ER micro lasers, and a pair of ER medium lasers in each arm, the Mad Cat III can quickly inflict a lot of damage on its opponent after closing in.

Variants

• Mad Cat III-X 

  This version was developed by Clan Diamond Shark for sale to the Inner Sphere in 3076. It uses an experimental endo-composite skeleton for weight savings while leaving enough room for weapons. Protected by 10 tons of ferro-lamellor armor, the Mad Cat III-X carries an ER medium laser and ER small laser in each arm, while each side torso carries an Artemis V FCS-equipped LRM-20 and a pair of ER micro lasers. BV (2.0) = 2,232

• Mad Cat III 3 

  This variant carries two LRM-20s enhanced with Artemis IV fire control systems. Two ER medium lasers are in the left arm, while the right arm carries a single ER PPC. This variant also uses a standard endo steel skeleton. BV (2.0) = 2,515

• Mad Cat III 4 

  This variant uses an endo steel internal structure. Its weapons consist of a pair of LRM-20s for use at long range, though each launcher only has enough ammunition for six shots. When it closes, it can use an all-energy configuration of two ER medium lasers, two ER small lasers, and four ER micro lasers. 16 double heat sinks allow this 'Mech to fire all weapons and not worry about heat so long as it sticks to its cruising speed. An anti-missile system increases its protection. BV (2.0)= 1,913 BV (2.0) = 2,061

• Mad Cat III 5 

  This variant removes all of the lasers, replacing them all with a pair of heavy medium lasers, enough jump jets to vault the 'Mech up to 150 meters, and maxes out the armor. Heat is no longer a concern, though the limited ammunition of the missile launchers is more of a liability. BV (1.0) = 2,081 BV (2.0) = 2,053

Custom Variants

• Mad Cat III 3 Eve 

  Used by Republic of the Sphere Knight Eve Kincaid during the invasion of Liao in 3134, this Mad Cat III 3 was equipped with an ER PPC and two ER medium lasers controlled by a targeting computer. The LRM-20s were downgraded to LRM-10 racks, but augmented with Artemis IV FCS. BV (2.0) = 2,393

Design Quirks

The Mad Cat III is subject to the following Design Quirks:

• Bad Reputation
• Difficult to Maintain
• Improved Communications

The Mad Cat III-X variant has the following Design Quirks:

• Difficult to Maintain
• Prototype

Notable Pilot

• Mason Dunne, Ghost Knight of the Republic of the Sphere, piloted a Mad Cat III named Ghost, to stop an uprising on Basalt in March, 3133.

Related Designs

• Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) - The Timber Wolf was used as the inspiration for the Mad Cat III.

• Mad Cat Mk II - Clan Diamond Shark tried to use the success of the Mad Cat Mk II to kick-start the design of this Clan medium mech.

• Mad Cat Mk IV (Savage Wolf) - The third Clan Sea Fox BattleMech evoking the weapons loadout and visage of the Timber Wolf, the 75-ton Savage Wolf is very similar to the original, emulating the "D" configuration.

Gallery

• 

  Mad Cat III-X from XTRO: Clans

• 

  Original Mad Cat III from MWDA dossiers

• 

  Mechwarrior Dark Age Miniature of the Mad Cat III

Bibliography

• Dark Age Turning Points: Liao
• Experimental Technical Readout: The Clans
• Ghost War
• Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I
• Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades
• Technical Readout: Prototypes