Scorpion (BattleMech)

This article is about the 55-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Scorpion.


Scorpion
Scorpion cover
Production Information
Manufacturer(s)Brigadier Corporation[1]
Defiance Industries[1][2]
Production Year2570[3]
ModelSCP-1N
ClassMedium
Cost5,201,800 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech typeInner Sphere BattleMech
Mass55 tons
ChassisBrigadier 800F
Armor4/Star Slab
EngineVOX 330
CommsGarret 500A
TTSGarret GRNDTRK 9
Heat Sinks10 single
Speed97.2 km/h
Armament
B.V. (1.0)786
B.V. (2.0)1,019[4][5]


Description[edit]

Introduced and built by the Terran Hegemony in 2570 before the technological renaissance that saw a more open view of quadruped 'Mechs,[6] the Scorpion is an example of an idea that was ahead of its time.[4] The Scorpion was the dreamchild of Dr. David Harrison.[7] The 'Mech was originally intended as a stable weapons platform, but as the model came into service it was relegated to an infantry support role. The design itself was shunned by most MechWarriors due to the rough ride of the four-legged gait, but if the design is looked at through an objective standpoint the Scorpion is a very capable 'Mech for its intended role.[4][7]

At some point there had been an attempt to create a LAM version of the Scorpion, an unworkable project that was abandoned and quite literally buried in a bunker on Hesperus II. The long-forgotten blueprints and prototype remains were found by chance in 3065. Although the Scorpion LAM project as such had been unsuccessful, it had succeeded in streamlining components and redesigning the leg suspension, and applying these modifications alleviated the famously bumpy ride on the -12S and all subsequent variants.[8]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The quadruped Scorpion is built on a Brigadier 800F chassis and powered by a VOX 330 fusion engine, allowing it to move at a top speed of 97.2 km/h, which lets the 'Mech reach good firing positions quickly if pilots can endure the bumpy ride. Protection is provided by seven tons of 4/Star Slab standard armor, and heat is managed by 10 single heat sinks.

The Scorpion carries a very basic, though dangerous, weapons payload. Its primary weapon is an Anderson Armaments PPC which, when combined with the Scorpion's highly stable chassis, makes the 'Mech ideal for close support. For close range combat, the Scorpion carries a Marvel Six-Load SRM-6 which allows the Scorpion to capitalize on any breaches in the enemy's armor.[4] The Scorpion has another, smaller swivel-mount looking tube beneath the cockpit, perhaps intended for a flamer, machine gun, or small laser, but this mount does not actually work and is purely cosmetic; speculation is that it was dropped after the frame was completed and removing it would have slowed down production.

Variants[edit]

  • SCP-1O 
    The SCP-1O, introduced in 3049, is a very basic upgrade of the design which replaces the PPC with an ER PPC. While this gives the Scorpion greater range, it also increases the heat from the Magna Firestar ER PPC by 50%, which necessitated the use of double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 785, BV (2.0) = 1098[9]
  • SCP-1BR 
    A post-Jihad modernization of the classic SCP-1N manfactured by Bander BattleMechs, this variant uses a Edasich Light 330 Light Fusion Engine to maintain the 97.2 kph standard top speed, but incorporates MASC for short bursts of 129kph. Eight tons of StarSlab/7 Heavy Ferro-fibrous armor provides adequate, but substandard protection. A Magna Firestar ER PPC is mounted in the right torso, alongside a Holly Streak SRM-6. Its one ton of ammunition is carried in the CASE protected left torso. Ten double heatsinks keep the 'Mech cool in most circumstances. BV (2.0) =1,473[10]
  • SCP-2N 
    Brigader's post-Blackout model, the 2N utilizes a Brigadier 800FE Endo Steel and a Edasich Light 330 engine to save weight. A Supercharger is mounted in the left torso and provides quick stints of 129kph. While familiar in layout, the weapons array is all new. A FlameTech Inferno Plasma Rifle and its two tons of ammo are mounted in the right torso underneath a double mounting of Holly MML-3s. Their two tons of ammo is carried in the CASE II magazine in the left torso alongside a TAG designator. 11.5 tons of standard armor provides strong protection. BV (2.0) =1,562[10]
  • SCP-12C 
    Inspired by Defiance Industries producing the new 12S variant, this 3067 Blakist version produced by Brigadier is similar to the original design. The engine has been upgraded to an extralight engine and the armor to ferro-fibrous. The primary weapon has been upgraded to a Magna Firestar ER PPC and the missile rack dropped in favor of ER small laser, an improved Narc missile beacon, and a C3i computer; the heat sinks have been upgraded to double-strength models.[1] This is the first model to include the improvements to the suspension and leg mechanisms derived from the recovered LAM prototype designs. BV (1.0) = 1,058, BV (2.0) = 1,259[13]
  • Scorpion C 
    A Clan wolf variant, the Scorpion C is a fierce combatant at any range. Enhanced with Clan weaponry, this Scorpion hits like no other. A Clan ER PPC enhanced by a PPC Capacitor provides devastating fire from the right torso. The familiar missile mount carries an ATM-6 launcher. Three tons of ammo provide a full range of munitions for the launcher and are protected by CASE II in the left torso. A Micro Pulse Laser is mounted in the left torso as an infantry deterrent. Also carried in the left torso is a Supercharger that provides a 129 kph top speed. Only ten double heatsinks are mounted and they can quickly be overwhelmed. BV (2.0) =2.331[16]

Custom Variants[edit]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Scorpion is subject to the following Design Quirks:[18]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Scorpion LAM - A failed attempt to develop a Land-Air 'Mech version of the Scorpion, this prototype nevertheless led to marked improvements to ride smoothness in later variants of the original.

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Scorpion Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Scorpion was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
  • The original Scorpion variants and artwork from 3025 were part of the Unseen 'Mech designs. The Scorpion was Reseen in 3067 with new variants using revised artwork.[19]
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Skorpion. The model code was accordingly changed to SKP-1N.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Technical Readout: Jihad, pp. 120–121: "SCP-12S Scorpion"
  2. ↑ Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p. 12
  3. ↑ MUL online date for the Scorpion (BattleMech)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 288
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 458
  6. ↑ Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11: "BattleMech Tech Timeline"
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 68 "Scorpion"
  8. ↑ Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 28 "Scorpion"
  9. ↑ MUL Entry for the SCP-1O Scorpion
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19, p. 7
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 70
  12. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 241
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 72
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 73
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 74
  16. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 19, p. 31
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 463
  18. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 94: Design Quirk Table - Scorpion Entry
  19. ↑ Technical Readout: Project Phoenix

Bibliography[edit]

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