Rifleman III


Rifleman III
Rifleman III cover
Production Information
Manufacturer(s)Krupp Armaments
Production Year2776
ModelRF2-A
ClassAssault
Technical specifications
'Mech typeInner Sphere BattleMech
Mass90 tons
ChassisUnknown
ArmorStandard Armor
EngineXL Fusion Engine
CommsUnknown
TTSUnknown
Heat Sinks10 single
Speed32 km/h
Armament4x Gauss rifle
B.V. (2.0)1,819[1][2]


Description[edit]

Developed for the Emperor Stefan Amaris's occupying army, the Rifleman III was an experimental prototype which was rushed into service to defend against the invading Star League Defense Force Army led by General Aleksandr Kerensky in 2777.[3][4] Only a single prototype was produced after years of development, and it was destroyed during the battle for Terra. Used in the role of an ambusher before being destroyed, the 'Mech's BattleROM would recount that it had downed nine SLDF BattleMechs before it was rendered inoperable by battle damage.

The design's existence was forgotten outside of a few rumors until 3146, when the prototype's wreckage was discovered entombed in a former battle site by Republic of the Sphere archaeologists. Up to this time, no one outside of Terra had been aware of the Rifleman III's existence.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The heaviest Rifleman design produced, the 'Mech was also among the slowest. Powered by a 180-Rated Extra-Light Fusion Engine, the Rifleman III had speed equal to an UrbanMech. Unlike that light 'Mech, the Rifleman was better armored, with 10.5 tons of standard armor. For its role to ambush enemy units, the 'Mech was fitted with an experimental Null Signature System which made it difficult to see on sensors.

The Rifleman's only weaponry was its four Gauss rifles, which were mounted in each arm and each of its side torsos. The Gauss rifles were fed by only two tons of ammunition, giving it just four full volleys of fire before running dry and being rendered defenseless.[6]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Rifleman III has the following Design Quirks:

Related Designs[edit]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category: Notable Rifleman Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • As of this writing, the record sheet for this 'Mech can only be found in XTRO: Gunslingers.

References[edit]

  1. Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers, pp. 8, 21: Rifleman III - BV2
  2. MUL Profile of Rifleman III - BV2 listed.
  3. Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2, p. 68: Homecoming Jan-June 2777 - Kerensky and SLDF begin their landings on Terra
  4. MUL Profile for Rifleman III, including BV2, Introduction year, and Alpha Strike Data Card.
  5. Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers, pp. 1, 8: Rifleman III - Background information and date of the report noting recovery of prototype's wreckage
  6. Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers, pp. 8, 21: Rifleman III - Weapons and other related construction info

Bibliography[edit]