Stinger

Stinger
Stinger
Production information
Manufacturer Alliance Defenders Limited

Bergan Industries


Coventry Metal Works


Detroit Consolidated MechWorks[1]


Diplass BattleMechs[2]


Earthwerks Incorporated


Earthwerks-FWL, Incorporated


Hellespont Industrials[1]


Interstellar Arms[3]


King Dumount Defense Facility[4]


Majesty Metals and Manufacturing


Pinard Protectorates Limited[1]


Pride of Granada Industries[5]


Vandenberg Mechanized Industries[1]

Production Year 2479[6][7][8]
Model STG-3R
Class Light
Cost 1,615,440 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 20 tons
Chassis Earthwerks STG
Armor Riese-100
Engine GM 120
Communications System Datacom 26
Targeting Tracking System Dynatec 990
Heat Sinks 10 single heat sinks
Speed 91.6 km/h
Jump Jets Chilton 360
Armament
BV (1.0) 320[9]
BV (2.0) 359[10][7][11]


Description[edit]

The Stinger was a light BattleMech built in 2479 as a direct competitor to the Wasp. The second-ever mass-produced recon 'Mech, the Stinger was put into service alongside the Wasp due both to the Terran Hegemony's needs for scouts and to the similarities in their design. In fact the two were so similar that General Mechanics filed suit against Earthwerks Incorporated for copyright infringement, and after twenty years of back-and-forth legal actions, during which Stinger production continued unabated, GM eventually dropped the matter due to the rising costs of pursuing the lawsuit.[6][7] The Stinger would go on to become the second-most produced 'Mech in the Inner Sphere after the Wasp.[12] More than 200,000 were built between the time of its introduction and the end of the Amaris Civil War, serving with the Great Houses as a valuable scout and raider. Though lacking the armor and armaments to contend with larger 'Mechs, its speed and maneuverability made the Stinger a hard foe to hit.[6][7]

The Stinger's sheer proliferation saved it from the ravages of the Succession Wars, though in testament to the destructiveness of that era only 5,000 Stingers were estimated to still be in service by 3025. The 'Mech also found itself pressed into the role of trainer to make up for the decreasing number of still-working Chameleons.[6][7] Common everywhere except within the Draconis Combine and Free Rasalhague Republic, Earthwerks was still the largest producer of the 'Mech during this time, building them at factories on Keystone and Calloway VI. For many years the second-largest Stinger producer was Coventry Metal Works out of Coventry, but in the time leading up to the Clan Invasion they were overtaken by Taurian Concordat manufacturers, in particular Vandenberg Mechanized Industries on New Vandenberg and Illiushin and Pinard Protectorates Limited on MacLeod's Land, as CMW shifted production focus to the Commando. Other major manufacturers in the Periphery included Majesty Metals and Manufacturing on Canopus IV and Alliance Defenders Limited on Alpheratz.[13]

While a prolific 'Mech like the Wasp and Locust, there were never many variants of the Stinger produced. Only Earthwerks utilized the recovery of lostech to introduce an updated version of the 'Mech, the STG-5M, in 3050.[13] A more revolutionary change took place some years later when the Taurians, inspired by their collaboration with the Capellan Confederation on a revitalized Wasp variant, decided to do the same to their stockpiles of Stingers. Lacking sufficient facilities to mass produce the advanced material needed for this upgrade, the Taurians received assistance from the Word of Blake to kick-start their program in exchange for a large number of Stinger and Wasp 'Mechs. Plans for advanced Stingers would eventually be shared with Detroit Consolidated and Hellespont Industrials.[12]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Stinger carried a light weapons load, with an Omicron 3000 medium laser mounted in its right arm as its primary weapon, backed up by two LFN Lindblad machine guns on the right and left forearm, with one ton of ammo stored in the center torso. While insufficient for fighting against most 'Mechs, this loadout made the Stinger a nightmare for troopers, and it remained one of the best anti-infantry 'Mechs until the introduction of the Firestarter. The iron sights of the machine guns also proved beneficial when the 'Mech became a trainer, as MechWarriors were often forced to rely on them during training; this served to improve many pilots' motor skills, which proved useful in other areas such as using their hand actuators to manipulate objects.[6][7]

The low heat output of the weapons also posed no challenge for the ten single heat sinks the 'Mech carried, such that overheating was almost never a problem. Its cruising speed of 63.4 km/h was supplemented by six jump jets split between the left and right leg, propelling the Stinger up to 180 meters in a single bound. Three tons of armoring on the Stinger was considered average for light 'Mechs, which is to say a few good shots could cause serious damage. One unpopular aspect of the Stinger however was its incredibly cramped cockpit for anyone of average size; a MechWarrior had to literally squeeze themselves into the control seat and would often need help just to get back out.[6][7]

Variants[edit]

  • STG-3G 
    The 3G Stinger was the only mainstream variant of the Stinger to achieve any sort of popularity prior to the Clan Invasion. First debuting in 2581, it traded the two machine guns for a second medium laser mounted on the left arm. While this variant increased the Stinger's lethality against other 'Mechs, it also made heat management a little more complicated for less experienced MechWarriors.[6][7][14] BV (1.0) = 438,[9] BV (2.0) = 497[15][16]
  • STG-4G 
    A Jihad-era experiment, this Stinger uses an endo steel chassis and an XL engine to increase speed to 111 km/h. A medium pulse laser is carried in each arm and it also retains the 180 meter jump capability. BV (2.0) = 541[25]
  • STG-5R 
    The 5R variant was created by the Taurian Concordat with assistance from Word of Blake. This upgrade of the Stinger used three tons of Durallex Light Ferro-Fibrous armor, carried a Diverse Optics ER medium laser in the right arm and two Death Blossom RL-15s split between the side torsos. Perhaps the most important change, as far as pilot comfort was concerned, was replacing the cramped cockpit with a new head assembly which included a Full-Head Ejection System. The chassis and electronics remained unchanged so that refits of existing Stingers could be carried out in a matter of months. The first Taurian units to receive the upgraded 'Mechs did so in early 3067, while the Word of Blake received theirs earlier. The 5R is produced on New Vandenberg, MacLeod's Land, and Detroit.[1][30] BV (1.0) = 461,[31] BV (2.0) = 492[32]
  • STG-5T 
    Capable of engaging an enemy at any range, the Periphery-manufactured 5T variant of the Stinger introduced in 3068 was armed with two Doombud MML-3s, which were capable of firing both LRM and SRM ammunition, making the 5T extremely flexible. Appearing in Taurian and Magistracy units, the 5T was powered by an XL engine and was clad in three tons of Durallex Light ferro-fibrous armor.[21][24][33] BV (2.0) = 341[34]
  • STG-6G 
    This further development of the STG-5G returns to the early Stinger design by carrying a machine gun in each arm and a medium X-Pulse laser in the right arm. The 6G uses an XL engine to reach a top speed of 111 km/h, and it can cover 210 meters in a single jump. 10 double heat sinks keep the heat under control and a half ton of machine gun ammo is in the center torso. BV (2.0) = 503[35]
  • STG-6R 
    This scout version of the Stinger mounts a 160-rated XL engine for a top speed of 120 km/h, while eight jump jets provide a 240 meter jump capability. Each arm mounts a heavy machine gun and an ER medium laser provides the Stinger's main firepower. BV (2.0) = 454[40]
  • STG-6S 
    Intended to operate at a longer range than most other Stinger variants, House Steiner began manufacturing the 6S in 3067. It used a light fusion engine to push the 'Mech up to speeds of 118.8 km/h and was capable of reaching speeds of 151.2 km/h through the use of a MASC system. The 'Mech could also jump up to two hundred and ten meters. An additional weight saving measure on this variant was the use of a small cockpit. The 'Mech was armed with two light machine guns for anti-infantry and crowd control use, and to defend itself against 'Mechs and vehicles, the 6S had a single ER medium laser.[21][24][41] BV (2.0) = 478[42]
  • STG-7S 
    This Steiner version, introduced in 3077, maximizes jump range by mounting eight improved jump jets, allowing it to cover 240 meters in a single leap. The Stinger 7S is built around an endo steel chassis and carries an XL engine, but carries only three tons of armor and a single ER medium laser. Pilots should therefore use the jumping ability to the fullest to avoid damage, but a Full-Head Ejection System is available in case the armor is breached. Interestingly, this model's left leg carries slightly less armor than the right leg.[24] BV (2.0) = 382[43]
  • Stinger C 
    Originally used by the Hell’s Horses as a trainer, the Stinger C is also used by Clan Wolf. Retaining the standard engine and jump jets of the 3R means the Stinger C is just as mobile as the original, but endo steel is used to free up some weight. The standard Machine Guns are replaced with lighter Clan models and the ammo is reduced to a half ton in a CASE protected magazine in the left torso. A Clan grade ER Medium Laser replaces the standard laser and a Small Pulse Laser is mounted below it. The Stinger C is marginally better against armored targets, but is even deadlier against infantry. BV (2.0) = 592[44]
  • Stinger C 2 
    A sub variant of the C used first by the Blood Spirits, the Stinger C 2 is now widespread among the Clans. This variant removes the machine guns completely and uses the weight to mount another ER Medium Laser in the left arm. BV (2.0) =754[45]


Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception:

  • "First Modification" 
    As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the STG-3R that exchanges both machine guns and their ammunition for four small lasers, two mounted in each arm.
  • "Second Modification" 
    As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the First Modification STG-3R that exchanges the jump jets for two medium lasers in the center torso and one ton of armor (+4 to head, +4 to center torso, +3 to each leg, +2 to each side torso and -2 to center torso/rear).

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks[edit]

The Stinger has the following Design Quirks:[46]

Related designs[edit]

  • Stinger LAM - A heavy modification of the Stinger, it was capable of transforming between a 'Mech and an aerospace fighter. Never produced in large numbers, there were still many in service during the Succession Wars[47] due in part because the LexaTech facility on the Draconis Combine world of Irece, the last intact LAM factory in the Inner Sphere. LexaTech Industries was able to construct new Stinger LAMs as well as new parts.[48] The loss of the factory to the forces of Clan Nova Cat in 3050 during the Clan Invasion sounded the death knell for the Land-Air 'Mech as a viable combat unit, as the Nova Cats viewed Land-Air 'Mechs as an abomination and utterly razed the LexaTech factory to the ground.[49]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Stinger Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • Introduced in Battledroids with incorrect stats (it was one ton overweight), the Stinger was one of the first BattleMechs ever. Its original visual representation is now among the Unseen.
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to Hornisse, which means Hornet. The model code was accordingly changed to HRN-3S.
  • In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as Aiguillon, which means Sting.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 88–89: "STG-5R Stinger"
  2. Field Report 2765: Periphery, p. 11, "Infrastructural Integrity"
  3. Field Manual: 3145, p. 189, "Fronc Reaches"
  4. Objectives: Periphery, p. 31, "King Dumount Defense Facility"
  5. Objectives: Periphery, p. 32, "Pride of Granada Industries"
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 12
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 282
  8. Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 Combat Operations, p. 121
  10. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 21
  11. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 442
  12. 12.0 12.1 Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 16 "STG-5R Stinger"
  13. 13.0 13.1 13.2 Technical Readout: 3050, pp. 58-59
  14. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 19
  15. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 19
  16. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 441
  17. Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 159 "SLDF Royal Units - STG-3GB Stinger"
  18. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 20
  19. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 15
  20. Historical: Operation Klondike, p.159
  21. 21.0 21.1 21.2 "Faster Than a Falling Atlas"
  22. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 20
  23. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 20
  24. 24.0 24.1 24.2 24.3 Technical Readout: 3085, p. 229
  25. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 16
  26. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 17
  27. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 17
  28. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 22
  29. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 22
  30. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 23
  31. Combat Operations, p. 140
  32. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 23
  33. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 24
  34. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 24
  35. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 19
  36. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 25
  37. Combat Operations, p. 123
  38. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 25
  39. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 20
  40. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 21
  41. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 26
  42. Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 26
    The record sheet book has the BV listed at 477, but the later Master Unit List entry says 478
  43. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 23
  44. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, pg22
  45. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, pg22
  46. BattleMech Manual, p. 95 Design Quirk Table - Stinger Entry.
  47. Technical Readout: 3025, p. 126
  48. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 290-292
  49. Invading Clans, p.114

Bibliography[edit]