Wolfhound

Wolfhound
Production information
Manufacturer	Arc-Royal MechWorks TharHes Industries
Production Year	3052
Model	WLF-2
Class	Light
Cost	5,469,930 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	35 tons
Chassis	Arc-Royal KH/3
Armor	Durallex Medium
Engine	GM 210
Communications System	O/P Com-22/H47
Targeting Tracking System	Digital Scanlok 347
Heat Sinks	10 double heat sinks
Speed	97.2 km/h
Armament	1x ER large laser 4x Medium lasers
BV (1.0)	903
BV (2.0)	1,061

Description

A light, rugged, and dependable design, the Wolfhound made its first appearance in 3028. Following the success of the Hatchetman designed in partnership with the Federated Suns, Archon Katrina Steiner ordered TharHes Industries to produce a BattleMech to address a persistent problem of the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces: hunting down and destroying the Panther and Jenner, swift light-weight 'Mechs of the Draconis Combine which had embarrassed the LCAF one too many times. The final design was a light 'Mech with an all-energy weapons payload effective at a variety of combat ranges, the maximum amount of armor for a 'Mech of its weight class, and the use of mostly standard components to keep costs down.

Due to their fierce loyalty to House Steiner, the Kell Hounds were the first unit chosen to field-test the Wolfhound in combat, followed shortly thereafter by Wolf's Dragoons. The design received its baptism of fire during the Fourth Succession War where it exceeded all expectations and performed brilliantly. This was especially true when the Wolfhound faced its intended targets, hitting the Jenner beyond its ability to return fire while closing the distance on the Panther to get within the minimum range of its primary weapon. With the successful end of the war the Federated Commonwealth ordered larger numbers of Wolfhounds to outfit its military and the design was used again during the War of 3039. Wolfhounds suffered far fewer casualties than other 'Mechs during that conflict and as such, a mere handful fell into the hands of the Combine. While impressed with the 'Mech, the Kuritans were too prideful to copy it themselves, instead using captured examples to help develop the Wolf Trap specifically to counter the 'Mech.

Eventually Arc-Royal MechWorks was brought in to produce Wolfhounds under license from TharHes, and the recovery of lostech thanks to the Helm Memory Core allowed for a more advanced variant to be produced to combat the Clan Invasion. Unfortunately the necessary retooling of TharHes' factories to produce the WLF-2 model, introduced in 3052, took too long before ComStar brought an end to the invasion with the Battle of Tukayyid. These newer Wolfhounds continued to be produced for both FedCom member states, although following the formal creation of the Lyran Alliance the TharHes factories began producing the newer WLF-3S model. This new variant was shipped only to units loyal to the Lyran state, and thus fought on the side of Katherine Steiner-Davion during the FedCom Civil War. During the Jihad the Word of Blake launched a devastating assault on Tharkad, effectively shutting down TharHes' Wolfhound factory line; in response Arc-Royal increased production and introduced the WLF-4 model to replace the losses suffered by allied forces fighting the Blakists.

Weapons and Equipment

As a "laser boat", the Wolfhound's very basic weapons array frees it from supply lines and allows for superior endurance during extended campaigns. The primary long-range weapon is a Cyclops XII ER large laser mounted in the right arm, which allows the Wolfhound to strike at ranges of nearly 600 meters. As secondary weapons for close combat, the Wolfhound is armed with four Defiance B3M medium lasers, three of which are split between the right, center, and left torso, while the fourth is mounted in the center-rear in case any 'Mech tries to exploit this traditional blind spot.

10 double heat sinks allow for superior heat management, while seven and a half tons of armor provide excellent protection. While the majority of the components used in the Wolfhound are Lyran in origin, the use of a Full-Head Ejection System required the help of the Federated Suns. Countless MechWarrior lives have been saved thanks to this system's ability to operate in traditionally hostile environments.

Variants

• WLF-1 

  The original Wolfhound model, produced on Tharkad from 3028 until the introduction of the WLF-2 variant. The pre–Helm Memory Core WLF-1's primary weapon is a standard Setanta large laser, making its striking distance shorter than that of the later model, while its 10 single heat sinks did not dissipate as much waste heat as the newer double heat sinks used on the WLF-2. BV (1.0) = 736, BV (2.0) = 949 or 932

• WLF-1A 

  A common field refit employed by some MechWarriors, this model simply removes the rear-mounted medium laser and adds an extra single heat sink. BV (2.0) = 967

• WLF-1B 

  Another common field refit, this model repositions the rear-firing medium laser to face forward. BV (2.0) = 967

• WLF-2H 

  The production model of the WLF-2X, introduced in 3082. To ease production, the Actuator Enhancement System has been removed and replaced by an extra double heat sink, and the laser reflective armor has been replaced by the standard armor available anywhere in the Inner Sphere. The heavy PPC retains the PPC capacitor, and the XL engine retains the supercharger that allows for impressive speed boosts. A pair of ER medium lasers and an ER small laser round out the weapons. BV (2.0) = 1,511

• WLF-2X 

  Developed by Arc-Royal MechWorks' Michael Bodien in the midst of the Jihad, the extensively modified WLF-2X variant utilizes experimental technology. Using an endo steel chassis and an extralight engine to save weight, the 2X's main weapon is a right-arm mounted heavy PPC enhanced by both a PPC capacitor and an Actuator Enhancement System. The torso-mounted weapons remain lasers - specifically, two ER medium lasers and a single ER small laser - while 10 double heat sinks allow it to keep their increased thermal output in check. Enhanced defensive protection comes in the form of supercharger-enhanced speed and cosmetically styled laser reflective armor. BV (2.0) = 2,017

• WLF-3M 

  A post-Jihad field refit of the WLF-3S in use among the states of the former Free Worlds League, the 3M removes two double heat sinks and one half ton of armor to replace the ER PPC, ER medium lasers, and ER small laser with a right arm-mounted light Gauss rifle with a single ton of reloads. BV (2.0) = 786

• WLF-3S 

  The 3S variant, introduced in 3064, sacrifices some of the 'Mech's durability for an increase in firepower. The 'Mech is powered by a light fusion engine, which frees up space on the chassis for new equipment. The ER large laser has been removed and replaced with an ER PPC, extending its range even further, while the medium lasers have been replaced with three forward facing ER medium lasers and a rear facing ER small laser. Finally, the chassis is now built using endo steel and the 'Mech has two additional double heat sinks to help handle the much heavier heat burden. BV (1.0)= 944, BV (2.0)= 1,179

• WLF-4W 

  The 4W is based on the WLF-2 model and is intended as a midrange harasser. Introduced by Arc-Royal MechWorks in 3069 the 4W has an endo steel chassis and carries three light PPCs mounted in the torsos, as well as an ER medium laser and an ER small laser in the right arm.

• WLF-4WA 

  An electronic warfare variant of the WLF-4W model introduced in 3071, the 4WA retains the trio of torso-mounted Fusigon Longtooth light PPCs, but exchanges the arm-mounted lasers for a Guardian ECM suite. BV (2.0) = 1,050

• WLF-5 

  A post-Jihad variant produced on Arc-Royal alongside the WLF-4W in 3079, the WLF-5 is built on an endo steel frame and is powered by the larger 245-rated XL engine to increase its ground speed by 20 km/h, capable of almost 150 km/h in short bursts due to the inclusion of MASC. Replacing the armament of lasers with an array of PPCs; a right arm-mounted Hound's-tooth snub-nose PPC is supported by a pair of torso-mounted Defiance 1002 light PPCs. BV (2.0) = 1,290

• WLF-6S 

  A Dark Age variant, this Wolfhound carries an ER medium laser in each torso, while the center torso carries a small X-Pulse laser to cover the rear. The right arm is equipped with an Actuator Enhancement System to steady the large re-engineered laser that provides the bulk of the firepower. An XL engine is fitted and allows the Wolfhound to reach a top speed of 111 km/h. An endo steel chassis and light ferro-fibrous armor are fitted as well. BV (2.0) = 1,266

• Unnamed Lyran Variant 

  Produced for the Lyran Alliance in the late days of the FedCom Civil War, this variant uses a light engine and carries an ER Large Laser and four ER Medium Lasers. Originating in a pilot dossier for MechWarrior: Dark Age, no record sheet has been provided for this variant.

Custom Variants

• WLF-1 Allard 

  Personal 'Mech of Daniel Allard, commander of the Kell Hounds mercenary unit. With close ties to Clan Wolf-in-Exile, this Wolfhound was built in 3062 using Clan technology. It includes a Clan extralight engine, 12 double heat sinks and Clan weaponry: an ER PPC in the right arm and three ER medium lasers split between the torso, while the rear-center torso mounts an ER small laser. All of these weapons are tied to a targeting computer for superior accuracy. BV (2.0) = 1,941

Apocryphal Variants

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 MechWarrior Online:

• WLF-GR Grinner 

  Rather than a mixed-tech or purely Clan-tech design, MechWarrior Online's version of Phelan Ward's Grinner is an entirely Inner Sphere technology replication of the main features of the Wolfhound IIC - an IS grade ER large laser in the right arm is supported by four forward facing standard medium lasers - two in the center torso and one in each side torso. Carrying an IS standard endo steel frame and just 10 IS double heat sinks free up weight to also mount a Guardian ECM suite.

Apocryphal Content Ends

Design Quirks

The Wolfhound has the following Design Quirks:

• Easy to Maintain
• Good Reputation (1)

The WLF-2H Wolfhound variant is subject of the following Design Quirks:

• Cooling System Flaws
• Easy to Maintain

Related BattleMechs

• Wolf Trap - The Draconis Combine designed the medium Wolf Trap specifically to counter the Wolfhound. It shares the Wolfhound's movement profile, but is far more reliant on ammunition-consuming weapons.

• Wolfhound IIC : Phelan Kell and his Wolfhound, nicknamed "Grinner", were captured by the forces of Clan Wolf during Operation Revival. When Phelan was inducted into the Wolf Clan as a Warrior, Khan Ulric Kerensky ordered his 'Mech be upgraded using Clan technology.

Notable Pilots

See Category:Notable Wolfhound Pilots

Notes

• The first appearance of the Wolfhound was in a BattleTechnology, issue 0204, article authored by Michael A. Stackpole with artwork by William H. Keith, Jr. While canon at the time it was published, BattleTechnology is now an apocryphal source. An updated, but shortened, version of this text and artwork later appeared in Wolf's Dragoons. It then featured in Stackpole's novel, Blood Legacy.
• In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Wolfshund. The model code was left unchanged.

Gallery

• 

  Original WLF-1 Wolfhound from BattleTechnology #0204
  (now apocryphal)

• 

  WLF-1 Wolfhound from Wolf's Dragoons

• 

  Wolfhound from TRO:3039

• 

  WLF-2 Wolfhound from TRO:3050

• 

  Wolfhound from TRO:3050 Upgrade

• 

  WLF-5 Wolfhound from Technical Readout: 3085

• 

  Experimental WLF-2X Wolfhound from XTRO:Mercs

• 

  Wolfhound from RG:ilClan v17

• 

  WLF-2 Wolfhound from CityTech, Second Edition

• 

  WLF-1 Wolfhound from BattlePack: Fourth Succession War

• 

  WLF-1 Wolfhound from BattleTechnology #0204

• 

  WLF-1 Wolfhound in combat from CCG

• 

  Wolfhound from MWDA DFA dossiers

• 

  Model of Wolfhound from MW4:Mercenaries

• 

  Model of Wolfhound from MechCommander 2

• 

  Model of Wolfhound from MWO

• 

  Wolfhound miniature from BattleTech Alpha Strike: Pursuit Lance Pack

• 

  Wolfhound miniature from Inner Sphere Striker Lance

• 

  Wolfhound miniature from Kell Hounds Striker Lance

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• BattlePack: Fourth Succession War
• Experimental Technical Readout: Mercs
• Master Unit List: Battle Values
• MechWarrior: Dark Age - Dossiers and Pilot Cards
• MechWarrior Online - Resistance Heroes Sale Page
• Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 17
• Record Sheets: 3050
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged - The Cutting Edge
• Record Sheets: Upgrades
• Starterbook: Sword and Dragon
• Starterbook: Wolf and Blake
• Technical Readout: 3039
• Technical Readout: 3050
• Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: Prototypes
• Wolf's Dragoons