Editing Albatross

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=3055u Albatross.jpg
|name=''Albatross''
|manufacturer=[[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]]<ref name=TRCIp184f>''Technical Readout: Clan Invasion'', pp. 184–185: "ALB-3U Albatross"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3055U -->
|production year=3053
|model=ALB-3U<ref name=TRCIp184f />
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3055U>''Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade'', p. 74-75</ref><ref name=TRO3055>''Technical Readout: 3055'', p. 82-83</ref><ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/27/albatross-alb-3u ''MUL online date for'' {{PAGENAME}}]</ref>
|cost= 25,608,701 C-bills
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
|mech type=BattleMech
|feet=biped
|mass=95
|chassis=[[Albat-50]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|armor=[[StarSlab/3]] with [[CASE]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|engine=[[GM 380 XL]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|comsys=[[Irian Technologies HMR-35s]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|T&T=[[Omicron TrackerKeeper]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|heat sinks=14 [[Double Heat Sink|double]] <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|speed=65 <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
|armament= <!-- <ref name=TRCIp184f /> -->
* 1x [[LB 10-X autocannon]]
* 1x [[ER large laser]]
* 1x [[LRM-15]]
* 1x [[SRM-6]]
* 1x [[large pulse laser]]
*  2x [[medium laser]]
|BV (1.0)=1,296<ref name=TRO3055U/>
|BV (2.0)=1,668<ref name=TRCIp184f /><ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 114</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Albatross''''' was designed by the [[Free Worlds League]] in [[Introduction Year::3053]] with an eye toward a possible future conflict with the then advancing [[Clans]]. The [['Mech]] is built using a Hermes 380 [[XL engine]] to minimize weight and maximize free tonnage for its weapon loadout. The ''Albatross'' also uses a variety of weapons in an attempt to make the 'Mech effective at any range. The 'Mech has average mobility with a maximum speed of 64.8 km/h and also makes use of [[double heat sink]]s for their greater heat dissipation capability. The ''Albatross'' carries thirteen tons of Starslab/3 armor. Finally, the 'Mech is also equipped with [[CASE]] to protect against ammunition explosions. When it was first produced, the ''Albatross'' was deployed exclusively to the newly formed [[Knights of the Inner Sphere]]. Though it would soon be deployed throughout the top units of the [[Free Worlds League Military]], it remained a signature 'Mech among the Knights.<ref name=TRO3055U/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Albatross'' does not specialize in one role and is more of a workhorse design than anything else. The 'Mech carries an [[Irian Weapons Works V7]] [[LRM-15]] launcher which gives it long range and indirect fire support capabilities. This is backed up by an [[Oriente Model O]] [[LB-X Autocannon/10]] and a [[Diverse Optics Sunbeam]] [[ER Large Laser]] which give the 'Mech a powerful long-range punch. The 'Mech carries a [[Tronel PPL-20]] [[Large Pulse Laser]] which allows the 'Mech to engage an enemy at the edge of the medium to long-range envelope. Finally, for close combat, the 'Mech has an [[Irian Weapons Works 60mm]] [[SRM-6]] and two [[Irian Weapons Works Super 6]] [[medium laser]]s.

==Variants==
*; ALB-3Ur : This version replaces the missile launchers with a single [[MML-9]] and the autocannon and Large Laser are replaced with a [[Gauss rifle]] and [[Snub-Nose PPC]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 190</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,902<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New'', p. 118</ref>

*; ALB-4U : The 4U variant of the ''Albatross'' is a basic upgrade of the design. The 'Mech replaces the medium lasers with a pair of [[ER medium laser]]s, the [[LB 10-X Autocannon]] with a [[Light Gauss Rifle]], the SRM-6 with a [[Streak SRM-6]] launcher. The ER large laser is removed and replaced by an ER small laser, while the armor is increased by more than three tons and upgraded to ferro-fibrous.<ref name=TRCIp184f /> BV (1.0) = 1,572, BV (2.0) = 1,907<ref>''Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged'', p. 115</ref>

*; ALB-4Ur : The 4Ur is more a direct upgrade of the 3U than a refit of the 4U. The armor is maxed out with 16.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous. The [[Light Gauss Rifle]] of the 4U is replaced with a familiar [[LBX-10]] like the original 3U. A standard [[LRM-15]] and [[SRM-6]] fill out the right torso. A pair of [[ER Medium Laser]]s replace the standard lasers and sit atop the traditional [[Large Pulse Laser]]. A [[Light PPC]] sits in the left torso mount. When the 5U debuted to lack luster reception the League fell back on the dependable performance of the 4Ur. BV (2.0) = 1,893<ref>''Shrapnel Issue 13'', p. 49</ref>

*; ALB-5U : This variant uses 15 tons of [[Heavy Ferro-Fibrous]] to maximize protection. A [[Heavy-Duty Gyro]] and Light Fusion Engine help increase survivability of this Albatross. The right arm houses a pair of [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a [[Large X-Pulse Laser]]. The right torso missile launchers are consolidated into a [[MML-7]]. A [[Rotary AC/2]] is mounted in the left arm, but only has a single ton of ammo in a [[CASE]] protected magazine in the left torso with 2 tons of MML ammo. An [[ER Small Laser]] fills the left torso energy mount. While very tough, this Albatross is light on weaponry. BV (2.0) = 1,885<ref>''Shrapnel Issue 13'', p. 50</ref>

*; ALB-5W : This Word of Blake variant is very different from the other Albatross variants and turns the mech into a line breaker. A [[Large VSP]] sits in the right arm, while an [[ER PPC]] with a [[PPC Capacitor]] are in the left.  Each side torso has a [[Medium Pulse Laser]], [[ER Medium Laser]], and [[ER Small Laser]]. A [[Guardian ECM]] is mounted in the left torso as well. This heat intensive arsenal makes it easy to activate the [[Triple-Strength Myomer]]s that bring the top speed up to 86kph. BV (2.0) = 2,370<ref>''Shrapnel Issue 13'', p. 51</ref>

*; ALB-6U : The 6U is the preeminent Albatross variant of the Free World’s League. The 6U uses 16.5 tons of Ferro-Fibrous to provide maximum protection for the chassis, which is critical as this variant uses a fragile Composite Structure and [[XL Gyro]] to save weight. A standard [[Gauss Rifle]] sits in the left arm, while a [[Light PPC]] sits atop the left torso. A standard [[LRM-15]] and [[SRM-6]] once again fill out the right torso. A pair of [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a [[Large VSP]] are mounted in the right arm. 13 Double heatsinks keep the design fairly cool, but overheating is a distinct possibility. [[CASE II]] protects the ammo magazines in the left torso BV (2.0) = 2,159<ref>''Shrapnel Issue 13'', p. 47</ref>

*; Albatross C “Sooty Albatross” : A Clan Wolf variant built after they captured the Albatross factory, the Sooty Albatross is not well regarded by Clan Wolf pilots. Built on the same Composite Structure as the 6U, it also uses the [[XL Gyro]] and engine, but now uses 15 double heatsinks. Four jump jets are mounted in the legs. The weaponry is all Clantech, including an [[ER Large Pulse Laser]] and twin [[ER Medium Lasers]] in the right arm, [[Gauss Rifle]] in the left arm, [[Plasma Cannon]] in the left torso, and finally and [[ATM-9]] in the right torso. All ammunition is stored in a [[CASE II]] protected magazine in the left torso. BV (2.0) = 2,885<ref>''Shrapnel Issue 13'', p. 48</ref>

===Custom Variants===
*; ALB-5W ''Albatross Dantalion'' : [[Precentor]] [[Dantalion]] of the [[49th Shadow Division]] equipped his personal 'Mech with some [[Rules_Level#Experimental_Rules|experimental]] equipment.  A [[Small Cockpit]] allows a [[Laser AMS]] to be mounted in the head, while a [[Heavy-Duty Gyro]] and [[Light Engine]] make the 'Mech harder to kill. Protection was upgraded as well, using [[Heavy Ferro-Fibrous]] armor. Finally, a [[Guardian ECM Suite]] protects against enemy electronics. Offensively, Dantalion's custom ''Albatross'' uses an [[ER PPC]] with [[PPC Capacitor]] in the left arm, balanced by a [[Large VSP Laser]] in the right. For close combat, the left and right torso each get an ER medium laser and [[Medium Pulse Laser]], and the right torso mounts a single [[ER Small Laser]]. In addition, the 'Mech is equipped with [[Triple Strength Myomer]], making it a deadly foe in melee combat. BV (2.0) = 2,134<ref>''Jihad Turning Points: Atreus, p. 15''</ref>

==Related BattleMechs==
* '''INI-02 ''[[Initiate]]''''' - Though not directly related, the ''Initiate'' medium BattleMech, which was designed and deployed by the [[Word of Blake]], was designed around some of the same weapons systems, and wields an eclectic mix similar to its inspiration.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3060'', p. 84</ref>

==Design Quirks==
The ''Albatross'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 90 BattleMech Quirk Table - Albatross Entry.</ref>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Improved Targeting, Long Range]]

==Notes==
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Albatros'''. The model code was left unchanged. 

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:3055 Albatross.jpg|Original ALB-3U ''Albatross'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3055|TRO:3055]]''
File:3055u Albatross.jpg|''Albatross'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade|TRO:3055 Upgrade]]''
Image:Battle_of_Luthien_(36).jpg|An ''Albatross'' in combat from ''[[Luthien (scenario pack)|Luthien]]''
Image:CCG Mercenaries Albatross.jpg|ALB- 3U ''Albatross'' in combat from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Atreus]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055/3058]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Word of Blake BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]