SM Tank Destroyer
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SM1 Tank Destroyer | |
Production information | |
Manufacturer | Luthien Armor Works |
Mission | Close Range/Urban Combat |
Type | Hover |
Cost | 3,095,500 C-bills |
Technical specifications | |
Mass | 50 tons |
Armor | Advanced Compound Beta |
Engine | 165 Fusion |
Speed | 129 km/h |
Crew | 4 |
Communications System | Able-Seven Sensor Suite |
Armament |
|
BV (1.0) | 1,204[1] |
BV (2.0) | 1,585[2] |
Description
The SM1 Tank Destroyer was designed as a speedy infighter by scientists from Clan Nova Cat. The machine is a cheap and effective combat vehicle. The vehicle has unique "glass" dual cockpits on the front of the vehicle that are functionally identical while mounting a smaller anti-infantry turret just behind its left side cockpit.[3] The vehicle's unique split cockpit design allows the cockpit modules to eject from the vehicle. Due to its appearance, the SM1 was dubbed the "Suicide Machine" by its first pilots because they felt over-exposed with the tank's all ferro-glass cockpit.[4]
Following their integration with the Draconis Combine in 3060, Clan Nova Cat found its advanced manufacturing capacities lacking due to the harsh realities of living in the Inner Sphere. Thus the Clan decided to begin to embrace Inner Sphere's combined-arms doctrine of combat.[3]
Working with Luthien Armor Works, as it did with Shoden project at LAW's defunct facilities on Irece, this facility began to produce the SM1 Tank Destroyer in 3065. Clan Nova Cat provides the advanced technology from their own factories after upgrading LAW's facilities on Irece. The deal with LAW gave the Clan shares in the manufacturing plant itself, and purchasing rights for the SM1's first five years of production.[3]
The vehicle was accepted by Nova Cat Galaxies after the performance of volunteer crews. After the vehicles were first introduced, several appeared in the ranks of the Draconis Combine's local Ryuken regiment, which they have apparently won through trials.[3]
Armament
The SM1 mounts a deadly Type 10 Ultra Autocannon/20 fixed in its nose. The gun has over six tons of ammunition. The tank also mounts four Series 2C Light Machine Guns in its small turret for anti-infantry work.[3]
Variants
- SM1A - This variant swaps out the Ultra AC for an LB-X Autocannon/20 with five tons of ammunition. The weight saved goes towards a Light Active Probe, and a Light Machine Gun Array to guide its 4 light machine guns.[3] The vehicle became avialable during the FedCom Civil War. = BV (2.0) = 1,214[5]
- SM3 - this variant swaps the autocannon for a Gauss Rifle, Medium Pulse Laser and four Light Machine Guns.[3] The Gauss Rifle been given 32 rounds, while the light machine guns been given hundred rounds between the for guns. BV (2.0) = 1,593[6]
Sightings
- A Clan Nova Cat SM1 engaged a Word of Blake Deva on 21 August 3072, in the Nagasaki community zone of the Crane district on Luthien, before being incapacitated and its crew executed by the MechWarrior.[7]
References
- ↑ Record Sheets: MechWarrior Dark Age I, p. 24
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 131
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Technical Readout: 3075, p. 130
- ↑ Jihad Hot Spots: 3070, p. 134-135
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 104
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 105 - SM3 record sheet.
- ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, p. 1, "Manifest Destiny"