Difference between revisions of "Commando"

(a little expansion)
Line 23: Line 23:
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
 
As early as [[2463]] [[Coventry Metal Works]] (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) commissioned with the COM-1A '''''Commando''''' its second [[BattleMech]] for the [[LCAF]] and one of the first ever, that was suited for reconnaissance. Much lighter and faster than their precursors, though they still used [[Primitive Technology|primitive BattleMech technology]], ''Commandos'' were able to destroy much heavier [[Kurita]]n [[Gladiator (BattleMech)|Gladiator]]s during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in [[2475]] on [[Nox]].<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1'', p.3''</ref>.
 
As early as [[2463]] [[Coventry Metal Works]] (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) commissioned with the COM-1A '''''Commando''''' its second [[BattleMech]] for the [[LCAF]] and one of the first ever, that was suited for reconnaissance. Much lighter and faster than their precursors, though they still used [[Primitive Technology|primitive BattleMech technology]], ''Commandos'' were able to destroy much heavier [[Kurita]]n [[Gladiator (BattleMech)|Gladiator]]s during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in [[2475]] on [[Nox]].<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1'', p.3''</ref>.
−
But since the ''Commandos'' [[large laser]] caused several problems and several other scouts were introduced, that were better equipped and even mounted [[jump jets]], the 'Mechs profile was radically changed with the introduction of the sophisticated COM-2D variant in [[2486]], that exchanged the laser weaponry with short range missiles and turned the machine into a skirmisher.  
+
But since the ''Commandos'' [[large laser]] caused several problems and several other scouts were introduced, that were better equipped and even mounted [[Jump Jet]]s, the 'Mechs profile was radically changed with the introduction of the sophisticated COM-2D variant in [[2486]], that exchanged the laser weaponry with short range missiles and turned the machine into a skirmisher.  
 
With four tons the armor is too light to allow a stand-up fight with heavier enemies, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.<ref name=TRO3039p102-103/>
 
With four tons the armor is too light to allow a stand-up fight with heavier enemies, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.<ref name=TRO3039p102-103/>
  
Line 71: Line 71:
 
*Though the first ''Commando'' that appeared in [[Technical Readout: 3025]] had its head turned to the side, many believed it to be its front view. This led to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for [[Technical Readout: 3050]]
 
*Though the first ''Commando'' that appeared in [[Technical Readout: 3025]] had its head turned to the side, many believed it to be its front view. This led to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for [[Technical Readout: 3050]]
  
 +
*The ''Commando'' is the symbol of Cavalier Cavalry Productions' [http://battletech.cavaliercavalry.com/mrules.shtml Miniature Rules] webcomic.
 
==BattleMech Gallery==
 
==BattleMech Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
Line 98: Line 99:
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
 
*''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
−
 
−
 
−
==External Links==
 
−
*The ''Commando'' is the symbol of Cavalier Cavalry Productions' [http://battletech.cavaliercavalry.com/mrules.htm Miniature Rules] webcomic.
 
  
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]

Revision as of 13:32, 26 July 2012

Commando
Commando
Production information
Manufacturer Coventry Defense Conglomerate,
Vandenberg Mechanized Industries
Production Year 2463[1]
Model COM-2D
Class Light
Cost 1,891,250 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 25 tons
Chassis Coventry Metal Works
Armor Lexington Limited
Engine Omni & GM 150
Speed 97.2 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 432
BV (2.0) 541[2]


Description

As early as 2463 Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) commissioned with the COM-1A Commando its second BattleMech for the LCAF and one of the first ever, that was suited for reconnaissance. Much lighter and faster than their precursors, though they still used primitive BattleMech technology, Commandos were able to destroy much heavier Kuritan Gladiators during the first large-scale battle between BattleMechs in 2475 on Nox.[3]. But since the Commandos large laser caused several problems and several other scouts were introduced, that were better equipped and even mounted Jump Jets, the 'Mechs profile was radically changed with the introduction of the sophisticated COM-2D variant in 2486, that exchanged the laser weaponry with short range missiles and turned the machine into a skirmisher. With four tons the armor is too light to allow a stand-up fight with heavier enemies, but it excels at hit-and-run tactics and as a scout hunter.[2]

The Commando was popular among the LCAF forces and nearly 600 years later it is still mainly in Lyran use. Especially during the years of the Star League the Commonwealth went to great pains to keep the Mech solely in Lyran hands. Finally with the Federated Commonwealth came the distribution of the BattleMech when the Commando was chosen as the standard light BattleMech for the AFFC next to the Valkyrie and after the upgrade to the COM-5S model in 3050 Vandenberg Mechanized Industries was allowed to produce the old COM-2D for the TDF.[4] Furthermore the Marian Hegemony deploys the Rocket Launcher stuffed COM-4H and the Word of Blake produced its own variant (COM-7B) during its occupation of Coventry from 3068 to 3074.

Armament

The COM-2D Commando carries two SRM launchers, a Coventry 4 tube and a Shannon Six Shooter, each with one ton of ammo, as its primary weapons. The secondary weapon is a Hesperus-B3M Medium Laser. This weapons load can cause a lot of damage for a light mech and makes the Commando an effective skirmisher, especially when used in groups. A often used tactic for those is to rush upon a single target, concentrate their fire and retreat before the enemy can offer effective resistance.[2]

Variants

  • COM-1A - The original Commando used prototype equipment that was similar primitive to those found in the first BattleMech, the Mackie. This version was completely replaced by its successor. First constructed in 2463, the 'Mech was equipped with only a Large Laser mounted in its right arm. It was fitted with five tons of Primitive Armor and the engine could move the 'Mech up to a maximum speed of 80+ km/h. These were the early Commandos that took part in the Battle of Nox in 2475 against Draconis Combine forces. BV (2.0) = 475.[5]
  • COM-1B - Because the idea of a Commando, that was armed, like its ancestor, with a longer ranged large laser appealed to many MechWarriors, Lyran engineers developed the COM-1B in 3015. This variant wielded a Large Laser and an SRM-2 in addition to the Medium Laser. To make space for these changes, the engineers had to remove the SRM-6 launcher. However, this variant was only short-lived.[4] BV (2.0) = 616[6]
  • COM-1C - This version removed all the missile racks and replaced them with an Autocannon/2 with a ton of ammunition. It appears to have been an experiment in providing direct fire support. BV (2.0) = 458[7]
  • COM-1D - The 1D variant, that appeared in 2480 was the transition from the COM-1A to the COM-2D and has maintained a regular but low-profile in its existence throughout the Commandos history. It fields a Large Laser and an SRM-6 rack, but only 3 tons of armor.[2] BV (2.0) = 558[8]
  • COM-3A - The COM-3A carries two SRM-6 launchers, a Medium Laser and a Flamer. This was accomplished by removing the SRM-4 launcher and lowering the amount of armor on the 'Mech by one ton. This variant appeared in 3025 and became quite popular because of its hitting-power.[2] BV (1.0) = 392, BV (2.0) = 540 [8]
  • COM-4H - The Marian Hegemony 4H variant of the Commando is used in the Periphery and removes all of the SRM launchers and replaces them with six Rocket Launcher 15s as well as a second Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 628, BV (2.0) = 691[11]
  • COM-5S - The COM-5S was introduced in 3050 and was the first Commando to feature Star League technology. It adds an Artemis IV Fire Control System linked to the SRM-6, and replaces the SRM-4 with a Streak SRM-2 launcher. Additionally, the chassis has been upgraded with Endo Steel, the armor has been upgraded to Ferro-Fibrous, and CASE has been added to protect the ammunition. The variants is also equipped with a new communications system called Cyclops 14.[4] BV (1.0) = 504, BV (2.0) = 557[12]
  • COM-7B - Following the conquest of Coventry by the Word of Blake, the Jihadists modified the 7S to meet their specifications. The 7B keeps one ER Medium Laser in the left arm, but adds two Flamers to it that make the 7B a lethal threat to unarmored infantry. A small cockpit makes room for two SRM-4s, which are still fed by a CASE-protected ammunition bin. The weight savings enabled engineers to add enough jump jets to rocket the Commando up to one hundred-twenty meters at a time. They also added an additional ton of armor.[4] BV (2.0) = 602[13]
  • COM-7S - This update of the COM-5S, introduced in 3059 is also built on an Endo Steel chassis but uses a new Light Fusion engine. The 'Mech carries two Streak SRM-2 launchers, an SRM-4 with an Artemis IV Fire Control System, and two ER Medium Lasers.[4] BV (1.0) = 601, BV (2.0) = 658[14]

Custom Variants

Non-Canon Variants

  • Blazing Inferno - As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a frequent field modification that removed both missile launchers from the COM-2D and exchanged them for three additional medium lasers to the right arm, right torso and head, six small lasers mounted in pairs on each leg and the center torso, and an additional ton of armor (+3 to each leg, +2 to the head, center torso and both torso sides, and +1 to each arm). The canonicity of this variant is questionable because its only source is BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception, a computer game.)

Related BattleMechs

  • Commando IIC - The remnants of the SLDF did take a few Commandos with them on their exodus. Clan Goliath Scorpion later upgraded these 'Mechs with Clan technology, creating the Commando IIC.[16] BV (1.0) = 816, BV (2.0) = 978[17]

Notes

  • It is often claimed that the Commando was designed as a competitor with both the popular Wasp and Stinger light 'Mechs, but these were in fact only developed some years later (in 2471 and 2479, respectively).
BattleTech line developer Herbert A. Beas II stated that the Technical Readout: 3039 was incorrect:
“ "The introduction date for the Commando was 2463" and "all references the Commando being built as a Stinger/Wasp competitor are also in error; the Commando was actually one of the Commonwealth's first forays into light 'Mech design."

The starting sentence should therefore read: "Coventry Metal Works (then known as Coventry Defense Conglomerate) produced the Commando as one of the Commonwealth's first home-grown entries into the newly created industry of BattleMech design and manufacture. Far lighter than most contemporary units, the Commando was also the Lyran Commonwealth's first bona fide reconnaissance BattleMech."[18] 		”
This was announced in the "Ask the Writers" section of the CBT forums and the verdict is therefore supposed to be canonical information.
  • Though the first Commando that appeared in Technical Readout: 3025 had its head turned to the side, many believed it to be its front view. This led to many (and official) pictures of the 'Mech with one eye and a tilted hat until the head was redesigned for Technical Readout: 3050
  • The Commando is the symbol of Cavalier Cavalry Productions' Miniature Rules webcomic.

BattleMech Gallery

  • Primitive COM-1A Commando

  • The original picture of the Commando from TRO:3025

  • COM-2D Commando of the Lyran Regulars

  • COM-5S Commando

  • COM-5S Commando in combat

  • COM-7S2 Freyr

References

  1. ↑ MUL online date for the Commando
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 102-103, "COM-2D Commando 'Mech Profile"
  3. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 1, p.3
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p.12
  5. ↑ XTRO: Primitives Vol. 1, pp. 3 & 17 COM-1A Commando - Primitive Commando profile and record sheet.
  6. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 12
  7. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 13
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 80
  9. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
  10. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 57
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 14
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 15
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 16
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 17
  15. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Pirates, p. 3, 16
  16. ↑ Technical Readout: 3060, p. 136
  17. ↑ Technical Readout: 3060 Revised, p. 137
  18. ↑ CBT forum reply

Bibliography

Retrieved from "https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Commando&oldid=262803"