User:Frabby/Archer

Mockup InfoBox template goes here. It should contain the TRO:3025 image and the following information:
  • First published: 1984 (Battledroids boxed set), as: ARC-2R
  • Creator: Author who created the original name & stats
  • In-universe inception date: 2474, as ARC-1A
  • Mass: 70 tons (Heavy BattleMech)
  • Known in-universe producers: (list)
  • ...more info as I keep working on this
  • Info to be purged from Infoboxes (to be moved to the appropriate variants): variable stuff like version, weapons & equipment, reactor type, targeting/comm system manufacturer
  • Infos to be purged from the article altogether: BV, cost

Nonfictional publication history[edit]

The Archer is one of the oldest BattleMech designs, having debuted in the 1984 Battledroids boxed set as the ARC-2R; it had its armor allocation slightly changed for the 1985 BattleTech, 2nd Edition boxed set. Like all of these early designs, its visual appearance was taken from pre-existing imagery that FASA thought they had licensed from TCI but which later wound up being contested in court and subsequently became one of the Unseen. As a result, the original Archer visuals were deprecated; new, "re-seen" variants with a distinctly different visual appearance were published in the 2003 Technical Readout: Project Phoenix. There is also reworked art for the Archer in the new art style employed by CGL since 2015.

In the early boxed sets, the ARC-2R Archer was the only unit to feature a LRM-20 launcher, of which it carried not one but two. The LRM-20 turn was the heaviest version of the longest-ranging weapon in the game at the time. This gave the Archer unrivaled long-range firepower and made it the premier long-range combat unit in the game, as indicated by its name. As the game rules were expanded, a number of weapons was introduced over time that outranged LRMs, beginning with the introduction of the AC/2 in the 1986 CityTech boxed set.

Gallery[edit]

Description[edit]

The origins of the Archer date back to 2458 when Earthwerks Incorporated debuted a prototype known as the ARC-1A Archer. The design was created at the request of Terran Hegemony's HAF for a new "heavy fire support BattleMech" and took nearly 9 years to finalize. This was in part due to the design team; a combination of former HAF MechWarriors, field technicians, and general officer consultants and the company's engineer team led by Supervising Engineer Linn Tommi squabbling over theoretical and practical issues. The complex engineering proposal brought before the HAF included complicated, hard-to-repair stabilization equipment and advanced, computer-slaved sensors, meant to make the Archer the most accurate BattleMech in existence. However, the final prototype abandoned these requirements in favor of a more sturdy, blocky, and heavily armored frame still familiar today. It was so successful that it remained the Hegemony standard for more than a decade and a half until advances in technology allowed Earthwerks to produce a more efficient model.[1]

Introduced in 2474, the ARC-2R Archer became one of the best-known and most widely-used BattleMechs available. A contemporary of 'Mechs such as the Thunderbolt and the Banshee, the Archer's primary role was fire support, though early in its combat career it was considered an assault 'Mech capable of long-range brawling, and it was used in a variety of other roles. More than 100,000 Archers were produced between its introduction and the start of the First Succession War, with tens of thousands of its variant models produced over the centuries. Though many were destroyed or dismantled for spare parts, they remained a common sight in the Great House armies, with six different factories producing new Archers throughout the Succession Wars.[2][3]

The recovery of the Helm Memory Core had a profound effect on the development of the Archer. New variants were produced which utilized rediscovered lostech, giving the venerable 'Mech a few new tricks to surprise its opponents. By the time of the Clan Invasion, most of the major manufacturers had switched over to building these new variants for the Free Worlds League, Federated Commonwealth, Free Rasalhague Republic, and Wolf's Dragoons; only Vandenberg Mechanized Industries continued to build original ARC-2R Archers for the Taurian Concordat.[4] Newer, more advanced variants of the Archer continued to be developed as technology progressed in the years since.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Archer is primarily armed with a pair of Doombud LRM-20 missile launchers with four tons of ammunition, enough for two minutes of continuous fire. The ammo was split between the side torsos. When the design was still relatively unknown, some Archer drivers were known to keep their missile bay doors closed in order to fool the enemy, but this trick has since lost its effect. For close combat situations, the Archer carries four Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Lasers. Each arm is equipped with a laser, with the other two mounted on a centrally-located turret above the cockpit, giving them a clear field of fire to attack targets behind the 'Mech. Though not a particularly adept hand-to-hand combatant, the Archer's oversized battle fists serve it well in close combat and allow it to easily pilfer supplies when taking part in a raid.[2][3]

The Archer was well protected by thirteen tons of armor and had a cruising speed of 44.1 km/h. However, it suffered from a poor heat management system, with just ten heat sinks to remove waste heat; an Archer firing both LRM launchers and its lasers would quickly start to overheat. The Archer also suffered in part for being so common; most enemy pilots were very familiar with the design's capabilities, and how to exploit that to their advantage. The most unique feature of the Archer compared to other humanoid 'Mechs was its cockpit placement, located beneath the central torso. Although giving the MechWarrior a unique battlefield perspective, this placement didn't provide any additional protection as it sat below the torso armor belt, which shielded the Gyro and engine from enemy fire.[2][3]

Variants[edit]

  • ARC-1A
    The original Archer prototype built for the Terran Hegemony in 2458 with Primitive Technology. It was slower than the successor ARC-2R variant with a top speed of 54 km/h with the inclusion of a 255 Primitive engine. Its loadout was somewhat similar, with the frame housing a pair of LRM-20s and 4 tons of ammunition, but only mounted two Medium Lasers, one in each fully-articulated arm for close-in defense. The inclusion of large armored access panels in the 'Mech's rear made reloading the limited ammunition stores easier. It was also protected by 16 tons of Primitive Armor. At the time, it was praised for its reliability and ease of maintenance, although in combat produced far more excess heat than the machine could handle if all weapons were fired - a similar issue carried over to the later Archer.[1] BV (2.0) = 1,269[6]
  • ARC-2K 
    The 2K Archer was a modification built for the Draconis Combine in 2856, designed to increase its direct firepower capability and give it more staying power on the battlefield once it had run out of ammunition. The 'Mech replaced the LRM-20 launchers with two FarFire 15 LRM-15 launchers and removed all of the medium lasers along with some armor. They used this extra weight to add a Large Laser in each arm, and two heat sinks. Besides its use with Combine forces, this variant became common among the KungsArmé following its formation.[3] BV (1.0) = 977, BV (2.0) = 1,356[7]
  • ARC-2Rb 
    Equipped with Star League technology, the 2Rb variant of the Archer was built for SLDF Royal units starting in 2752. Built on an Endo Steel internal structure, this variant dropped one of the rear-firing medium lasers and one ton of ammunition to equip the LRM-20s with Artemis IV fire control systems and CASE. The 2Rb also used ten double heat sinks to keep the 'Mech cool. BV (2.0) = 1,705[8][9]
  • ARC-2S 
    The 2S was another modification made to allow the Archer to defend itself more easily against an enemy that managed to close range with it. Built for House Steiner in 2915, the 2S replaced the LRM-20 launchers with two LRM-15 launchers and used the saved weight to add two SRM-4 launchers, carried in either side torso along with one ton of ammunition per launcher, giving it additional short range firepower.[3] BV (1.0) = 997, BV (2.0) = 1,393[10]
  • ARC-2W 
    The 2W, introduced in 3010, was similar to the 2S model but increased its close range firepower in a different manner. Like the 2S, it mounted a pair of SRM-4 launchers but carried just one ton of ammo for them, and it retained the LRM-20 launchers. The two rear firing medium lasers were removed and armor protection was reduced by three tons in order to make these modifications. This was the trademark subvariant used by the Wolf's Dragoons, built in the assembly plant aboard their space station Hephaestus Station until its destruction in 3028. Jaime Wolf stated around 3025 that all of the Dragoons' Archers were this variant.[11] The accuracy of this statement is uncertain; as is the exact variant of his own Archer. BV (1.0) = 932, BV (2.0) = 1,338[12] [13]
  • ARC-4M 
    An upgrade using rediscovered Star League technology, the 4M was built on Calloway VI by Earthwerks in 3049 for the Free Worlds League. It used an Earthwerk Archer II Endo Steel chassis to free up weight for a number of improvements. It carried an additional half-ton of Maximillian 100 armor and utilized ten double heat sinks for added heat dissipation capabilities. The 'Mech also upgraded its twin Doombud LRM-20 launchers by adding Artemis IV fire control systems to the launchers and incorporated CASE to protect the four tons of missile ammo.[4] BV (1.0) = 1,539, BV (2.0) = 1,705[14][15]
  • ARC-5CS 
    Developed by ComStar for the Battle of Tukayyid, this Archer variant uses an VOX 280 XL Engine and Endo Steel skeleton to free weight, trading durability for enhanced firepower. Protected by eleven and a half tons of armor, it carries two Holly LRM-15s with Artemis IV FCS in each side torso, allowing it to outgun even the venerable Longbow. The arms carry the typical Diverse Optics Type 18 Medium Laser, and the rear-firing lasers are removed. The biggest drawback is the location of the missile ammunition: Though a ton of ammunition is carried in each side torso, the legs each carry two tons of ammunition. Elementals quickly learned to target the legs to disable the 'Mech.[17] BV (2.0) = 1,609[18]
  • ARC-5R 
    Built by the GKT Enterprise factory on Satalice for the Free Rasalhague Republic, the 5R was introduced in 3050 and bore similarities to the 2K model of the Archer. It carried a pair of FarFire LRM-15 launchers but mounted two Victory Nickel Alloy ER Large Lasers, one in either arm, in place of the medium lasers. It also linked Artemis IV fire control systems to the launchers and utilized twelve double heat sinks to improve waste heat dissipation. Despite being built around an Endo-Steel chassis, these improvements necessitated a decrease in armor protection by two tons.[4] BV (1.0) = 1,319[citation needed], BV (2.0) = 1,672[19][20]
  • ARC-5W 
    The 5W was an upgrade of the 2W variant, and was produced for the Wolf's Dragoons by Bowie Industries at Alarion. This was done in an orbital 'Mech repair facility which was converted into a 'Mech assembly line. Introduced in 3050, the 'Mech was upgraded with an XL Engine to save weight and used ten double heat sinks for greater heat dissipation. It retained the two LRM-20 launchers but replaced all other weaponry with one TharHes Blue SRM-4 launchers in each arm and a Doering Electronics Glowworm Narc Missile Beacon launcher in the center torso. The 5W was supplied with four tons of LRM reloads, two tons of SRM reloads, and two tons of Narc reloads, all carried in the CASE-protected side torsos.[4] BV (1.0) = 1,128[citation needed], BV (2.0) = 1,337[23][24]
  • ARC-6S 
    The 6S variant of the Archer was built in 3067 by Bowie Industries using a new Light Fusion Engine, which weighed three quarters of the mass of the original engine. The 'Mech carried two LRM-20 launchers linked to an Artemis IV fire control system, two Streak SRM-2 launchers, and two medium Lasers for close combat. As a defensive measure, the 'Mech had an ER Small Laser mounted in the rear of its head. The variant carried six tons of ammo for the LRM and two tons for the SRM, all of which were protected by CASE.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,480[citation needed], BV (2.0) = 1,694[25]
  • ARC-7C 
    This mixed tech design was produced on Terra and used the Republic of the Sphere. A 350-rated XL engine gives it a top speed of 86 km/h. Two Clan-spec LRM-20s are equipped with Artemis V Fire Control Systems, and carry two tons for each launcher in a CASE II protected bay in each torso. The medium lasers were swapped for Clan spec versions and are tied into a Targeting Computer. Fourteen double heat sinks control the heat, and it's protected by thirteen tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 2,408[27]
  • ARC-7L 
    Built for the Capellan Confederation by Earthwerks in 3067, the 7L variant of the Archer incorporated new Stealth Armor and a Guardian ECM Suite for protection against enemy electronics in addition to making the Archer harder to target. The 'Mech carried twelve and a half tons of Stealth Armor and was armed with two LRM-20 launchers and two ER Medium Lasers. The trade-off for this massive upgrade was that the 'Mech's top speed was reduced to 54 km/h. In an attempt to compensate for this, the 'Mech also had three jump jets mounted, making it capable of jumping up to ninety meters at a time. The 7L was slated to enter the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces' new Shadow Lances.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,612[citation needed], BV (2.0) = 1,920[28]
  • ARC-7S 
    The Archer 7S was an upgrade of the 6S model, and was introduced in 3070. It used Durallex Guardian Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor with CASE in place of the Endo Steel structure used on the 6S. The 7S had two LRM-20 launchers with Artemis IV for increased missile accuracy and, for close range defense, carried a Diverse Optics ER Medium Laser and a rear facing Magna 200P Small Pulse Laser in addition to the pair of Hovertec Streak SRM-2 launchers. BV (2.0) = 1,658[29]
  • ARC-8M 
    The 8M variant of the Archer was built on an Endo Steel chassis and mixed elements of several past variants. Introduced in 3067 by Earthwerks for the Word of Blake Militia, this variant was armed with two Delta Dart LRM-15 launchers linked to Artemis IV fire control systems in either side torso and an Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser in the center torso for long-range combat. It also mounted three Diverse Optics Sunfire ER Medium Lasers for short ranged support, one in each arm and the third in its head. This made the 8M effective at all ranges and gave it both long-range direct and indirect capabilities. The 8M was protected by thirteen and a half tons of Maximilian 100 standard armor which was better sloped in order to deflect weapons fire more easily. It carried twelve double heat sinks, and had a similar speed profile to the original Archer. Its upper body traversing assembly was improved over the original to better protect its hip actuators and its feet were redesigned to make it a more stable firing platform, whether standing or on the move. Four tons of LRM reloads were split between the side torsos and were protected by CASE.[5] BV (1.0) = 1,377[citation needed], BV (2.0) = 1,759[30]
  • ARC-9K 
    The Archer 9K, introduced in 3071, carried four new MML-5 launchers that were capable of firing both LRM and SRM ammunition. These gave the 'Mech a great deal of tactical flexibility. For long range direct fire capabilities, the 'Mech had three Light PPCs and a C3 Slave that allowed the 'Mech to share targeting data with friendly units. BV (2.0) = 1,391[31]
  • ARC-9KC 
    This Archer variant, based on the 9K, was introduced during the Dark Ages. It retained the four MML-5 launchers and two of the three Light PPCs of the earlier design, but replaced the third Light PPC and C3 Slave with a C3 Boosted Slave and an ER medium laser. BV (2.0) = 1,361[32]
  • ARC-9M 
    This variant used a Defiance 210 Light Engine, which dropped the top speed to 54 km/h, but five Improved Jump Jets were added to compensate for this lack of speed. Built in 3076, the standard weapons were replaced by a Delta Dart LRM-15 with Artemis IV FCS and an Diverse Optics ER Medium Laser in each torso, and a Defiance 250 Light PPC was mounted in each arm. Eleven tons of Light Ferro-Fibrous armor and CASE protected the 'Mech. BV (2.0) = 1,811[33]
  • ARC-9R 
    This Republic of the Sphere variant started with an ARC-4M and replaced the engine with a 280-rated Light Engine and replaced the arm mounted lasers with ER versions. The rear-firing lasers were removed entirely. A C3 Slave unit was mounted in the head. The LRM-20s were replaced by Extended LRM-15s with three tons of ammo per launcher. This ammunition was carried in CASE II protected bays in the torso. BV (2.0) = 1,668[34]
  • Archer
    A Clan-tech retrofit of the standard Star League Defense Force ARC-2R Archer and intended for second-line and solahma troops, the Archer C replaced all Inner Sphere weaponry with their Clan counterparts and used the weight savings to add ten more heat sinks. The Archer C mounted a pair of LRM-20s, capable of launching Swarm LRM munitions, and a quartet of ER Medium Lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,811[37]
  • Archer C 2
    A Civil War-era alternate configuration to the Archer C, the C 2 mounts two LRM-20s with Artemis IV functionality as its primary weapon group. Taking inspiration from the ARC-2S, the Archer C 2 also mounts a pair of Streak SRM-4s for close-range firepower, and a Medium Pulse Laser in each arm complete the point defence package. Twelve Double Heat Sinks provide adequate heat dissipation, but operators should be wary of this variant's propensity to overheat itself with repeated alpha strikes. BV (2.0) = 2,167[38]

Custom Variants[edit]

  • ARC-4M Ismail 
    Personal 'Mech of Lieutenant James Ismail of the Lexington Combat Group's 180th Dragoon Combat Group has been refit for close combat. This is achieved by dropping both the Artemis-enhanced LRM-20s for eight SRM-4 launchers, four per torso, while the two rear facing medium lasers are also removed for two forward facing Medium Pulse Lasers.[39]
  • ARC-2R Morgan 
    The Personal 'Mech of Kell Hounds commander Morgan Kell, during the Clan Invasion he had his stock ARC-2R model upgraded with recovered Star League and salvaged Clan systems. Using Clan-grade LRM-20s and Double Heat Sinks freed up weight for more armor, more LRM ammunition, Artemis IV, CASE and a Clan Active Probe in the head to enhance its command abilities.[40]
  • Archer Wolf 
    This variant of the Archer carried Clan-spec equipment. The arms mounted ER Large Lasers, while a pair of Small Pulse Lasers covered the rear. The LRM-20s were enhanced with Artemis IV Fire Control Systems, and an ECM Suite and AMS protected against incoming fire. CASE was carried in each side torso and fifteen double heat sinks kept the 'Mech cool. BV (2.0) = 2,365[43]

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.

From MechWarrior Online:

  • ARC-T Tempest 
    Named for Morgan Kell's pirate lover, MechWarrior Online's Archer Hero 'Mech plays to the fan rumors that Kell's Phantom Mech ability was actually just LosTech he recovered from the Periphery before his return in 3006. Identical to the standard ARC-2R in most respects, the addition on an Endo Steel frame frees up the weight for a Guardian ECM suite and two extra heat sinks, all of which are upgraded to double heat sinks boosting the Tempest's endurance.[44]

From MechWarrior 5: Heroes of the Inner Sphere Expansion Pack

  • ARC-AGC Agincourt
    Piloted by Baron Oliver Kincaid who once served with the prestigious Free World Guards before being dishonorably discharged. After that he spent some time as a mercenary serving with Nik's Cavaliers which is when he gave his Archer the name 'Agincourt'. When he was asked to explain why he chose that name he replied that it was named to remind him of how powerful the turns of fate can be, and to work hard to earn back what he once had. The Agincourt is armed with a medium laser and an SRM-6 in each arm with two tons of ammo for the SRM-6s, A Streak SRM-2 and an LRM-10 ST (Stream) are equipped in each side torso with two ton of reloads for the Streak SRM-2s and two tons of reloads for the LRM-10 STs, a Beagle Active Probe is additionally mounted in the left torso, two Medium Pulse Lasers are mounted in the center torso, and fourteen double heat sinks keep the 'Mech cool.[45]

Apocryphal Content Ends

Notable Pilots[edit]

See: Category:Notable Archer pilots

Design Quirks[edit]

The Archer has the following Design Quirks:[46]

The ARC-1A Archer variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[1]

Notes[edit]

  • The introduction date for the ARC-2R Archer is listed as 2474 in a couple early sources such as TRO:3025 (Original) and TRO:3039 where-as XTRO:Primitives V lists the production date as 2475.
  • In German products the unit's proper name was perfectly translated to Schütze. The model code was accordingly changed to SHT-2Z.
  • The Archer C was retconned in RG:ilClan v10 from the previous version in The Battle for Twycross, p. 49 and Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 161; increasing the number of heat sinks and, consequently, the BV 2.0 (previously 1,721).

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 5, p. 6 "ARC-1A Archer 'Mech Profile"
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TRO3039
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Technical Readout: 3025, p. 92
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3050, p. 162
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 44
  6. MUL Profile for ARC-1A includes BV2.
  7. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 482
  8. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 46
  9. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 24
  10. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 484
  11. Wolves on the Border
  12. Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 485
  13. ForcePack Record Sheets: Wolf's Dragoons, p.5
  14. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 148
  15. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 25
  16. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 26
  17. BattleTech: Battle of Tukayyid, p. 166 "Archer ARC-5CS"
  18. Archer ARC-5CS entry on the MUL
  19. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 149
  20. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 27
  21. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 150
  22. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 28
  23. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 151
  24. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 29
  25. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 152
  26. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 153
  27. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 7
  28. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 154
  29. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 155
  30. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 156
  31. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 157
  32. Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 149
  33. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 257
  34. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 31
  35. Technical Readout: 3085, p. 256
  36. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 160
  37. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 10, p. 32
  38. ForcePack Record Sheets: Wolf's Dragoons, p.6
  39. Combat Manual: Mercenaries, p. 53 "Lexington Combat Group - Lieutenant James Ismail"
  40. BattleTech: Legends, p. 45 "The Succession War Era - Morgan Kell - ARC-2R Archer
  41. Field Manual: Mercenaries, p. 81
  42. ARC-2R Rubinsky MUL entry
  43. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 162
  44. MechWarrior Online Archer Sale Page
  45. MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries (ingame)
  46. BattleMech Manual, p. 90 BattleMech Quirk Table - Archer Entry.

Bibliography[edit]