Difference between revisions of "Flea"
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|manufacturer=[[Earthwerks Incorporated]] | |manufacturer=[[Earthwerks Incorporated]] | ||
|production year=2501 | |production year=2501 | ||
| − | |year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> | + | |year reference=<ref name=MUL>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref> |
|model=FLE-17 | |model=FLE-17 | ||
|class=Light | |class=Light | ||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
*2x[[Small Laser]]s | *2x[[Small Laser]]s | ||
|BV (1.0)=371<ref name=CO/> | |BV (1.0)=371<ref name=CO/> | ||
| − | |BV (2.0)=510<ref name= | + | |BV (2.0)=510<ref name="TRO3050U">''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 8, "FLE-17 Flea 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 6</ref> |
}} | }} | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Focused on speed and firepower, the lightly armored '''''Flea''''' was an extremely rare sight until the arrival of the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[mercenary unit]], with the design experiencing a revival as a inexpensive recon and anti-personnel militia 'Mech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 50</ref> | + | Focused on speed and firepower, the lightly armored '''''Flea''''' was an extremely rare sight until the arrival of the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[mercenary unit]], with the design experiencing a revival as a inexpensive recon and anti-personnel militia 'Mech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 50, "Flea Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3050Rp46-47>''Technical Readout: 3050 Revised'', pp. 46-47, "Flea 'Mech Profile"</ref> |
| − | Initially called the TRP-1 ''Trooper'' when it was introduced as the [[Free Worlds League]]'s first light scout [[BattleMech]] in [[2475]], the design was so heavily flawed it took twenty-five years before all the issues were corrected, with a new name selected to escape the bad press. While produced on and off until the early [[Succession Wars]], excessive losses of the lightly armored design led Earthwerks to switch its production line to the manufacture of heavier designs. This changed with the arrival of the Wolf's Dragoons who brought with them a large number of the ''Flea'' and reached an exclusive production arrangement with Earthwerks that resulted in the company opening new lines to replenish the Dragoon's losses in the [[Fourth Succession War]]. <ref name="TRO3039">''Technical Readout: 3039'', p .242</ref> With multiple lines on [[Asuncion]], [[Bernardo]] and [[Victoria]], after letting the Dragoons exclusivity clause lapse Earthwerks started selling the easy to manufacture, easy to maintain 'Mech by the [[DropShip]] load across the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name="TRO3050U" | + | Initially called the TRP-1 ''Trooper'' when it was introduced as the [[Free Worlds League]]'s first light scout [[BattleMech]] in [[2475]], the design was so heavily flawed it took twenty-five years before all the issues were corrected, with a new name selected to escape the bad press. While produced on and off until the early [[Succession Wars]], excessive losses of the lightly armored design led Earthwerks to switch its production line to the manufacture of heavier designs. This changed with the arrival of the Wolf's Dragoons who brought with them a large number of the ''Flea'' and reached an exclusive production arrangement with Earthwerks that resulted in the company opening new lines to replenish the Dragoon's losses in the [[Fourth Succession War]]. <ref name="TRO3039">''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 242, "FLE-4 Flea Profile"</ref> With multiple lines on [[Asuncion]], [[Bernardo]] and [[Victoria]], after letting the Dragoons exclusivity clause lapse Earthwerks started selling the easy to manufacture, easy to maintain 'Mech by the [[DropShip]] load across the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name="TRO3050U"/> |
| − | Originally produced exclusively for the Dragoons until the [[Capellan Confederation]] acquired the design's blueprints via a [[Maskirovka]] raid during the [[3040]]s, the post-[[Helm Memory Core]] FLE-17 variant is based on the older FLE-15 model. Retaining the design's maximum speed of 97.2 km/h, the addition of an [[Endo Steel]] chassis frees up weight for a [[MASC]] system that allows the 'Mechs speed to be pushed up to 129.6 km/h in short bursts. The increase of speed is required to ensure survival on the modern battlefield, as the FLE-17 is only clad in a pitiful three tons of Livingston Ceramics armor plating.<ref name="TRO3050U"/> | + | Originally produced exclusively for the Dragoons until the [[Capellan Confederation]] acquired the design's blueprints via a [[Maskirovka]] raid during the [[3040]]s, the post-[[Helm Memory Core]] FLE-17 variant is based on the older FLE-15 model. Retaining the design's maximum speed of 97.2 km/h, the addition of an [[Endo Steel]] chassis frees up weight for a [[MASC]] system that allows the 'Mechs speed to be pushed up to 129.6 km/h in short bursts. The increase of speed is required to ensure survival on the modern battlefield, as the FLE-17 is only clad in a pitiful three tons of Livingston Ceramics armor plating.<ref name="TRO3050U"/><ref name=TRO3050Rp46-47/> |
==Armament== | ==Armament== | ||
| − | The FLE-17's primary weapons are two Martell [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, replacing the FLE-15's more mundane standard lasers. These are backed up by an unfortunately placed Olympian [[Flamer]] which works well for anti-personnel use. The ''Flea'' also has two rear-mounted Martell [[Small Laser]]s for point defense. <ref name="TRO3050U"/> | + | The FLE-17's primary weapons are two Martell [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s, replacing the FLE-15's more mundane standard lasers. These are backed up by an unfortunately placed Olympian [[Flamer]] which works well for anti-personnel use. The ''Flea'' also has two rear-mounted Martell [[Small Laser]]s for point defense.<ref name="TRO3050U"/><ref name=TRO3050Rp46-47/> |
==Variants== | ==Variants== | ||
| − | *FLE-4 - An original ''Flea'' model, the FLE-4 is built on a standard chassis and has a maximum speed of 97.2 km/h. The 'Mech was armed with a Martell [[Large Laser]], allowing it to attempt to keep any heavier 'Mechs at a stand-off range if they attempt to engage. The 'Mech carries two Martell [[Small Laser]]s for close in work as well as a Olympian [[Flamer]] for anti-infantry purposes. The cost of its relatively heavy weaponry and high speed is its two tons of armor, half that of even the venerable ''[[Locust]]'' and the reason why the 'Mech was discontinued. BV (1.0) = 360<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref>, BV (2.0) = 427 <ref name="TRO3039"/> | + | * ''FLE-4'' - An original ''Flea'' model, the FLE-4 is built on a standard chassis and has a maximum speed of 97.2 km/h. The 'Mech was armed with a Martell [[Large Laser]], allowing it to attempt to keep any heavier 'Mechs at a stand-off range if they attempt to engage. The 'Mech carries two Martell [[Small Laser]]s for close in work as well as a Olympian [[Flamer]] for anti-infantry purposes. The cost of its relatively heavy weaponry and high speed is its two tons of armor, half that of even the venerable ''[[Locust]]'' and the reason why the 'Mech was discontinued. BV (1.0) = 360<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref>, BV (2.0) = 427<ref name="TRO3039"/> |
| − | *FLE-15 - Another early variant, the FLE-15 features a more common light 'Mech offensive payload with two Martell [[Medium Laser]]s as its primary weapons. For close combat and anti-infantry work, it mounts two Martell Small Lasers, two Sperry Browning [[Machine Gun]]s and a Olympian Flamer. Lighter weapons allows it to carry an extra ton of armor over the FLE-4. BV (1.0) = 352<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 421 <ref name= | + | * ''FLE-15'' - Another early variant, the FLE-15 features a more common light 'Mech offensive payload with two Martell [[Medium Laser]]s as its primary weapons. For close combat and anti-infantry work, it mounts two Martell Small Lasers, two Sperry Browning [[Machine Gun]]s and a Olympian Flamer. Lighter weapons allows it to carry an extra ton of armor over the FLE-4.<ref name="TRO3039"/> BV (1.0) = 352<ref name=CO/>, BV (2.0) = 421<ref name=MUL/> |
| − | *FLE-19 - This dedicated anti-infantry variant is designed for urban defense, and is not for use against other 'Mechs. Each arm has four [[Light Machine Gun]]s and a [[Machine Gun Array]]. It also utilizes a [[Flamer]] that can threaten [[combat vehicle]]s as well as infantry. A single [[Rocket Launcher 10]] provides a one-shot damage potential against armored targets. The 19 has proven popular with [[Periphery]] nations and [[mercenary unit]]s. BV (2.0) = 381 <ref | + | * ''FLE-19'' - This dedicated anti-infantry variant is designed for urban defense, and is not for use against other 'Mechs. Each arm has four [[Light Machine Gun]]s and a [[Machine Gun Array]]. It also utilizes a [[Flamer]] that can threaten [[combat vehicle]]s as well as infantry. A single [[Rocket Launcher 10]] provides a one-shot damage potential against armored targets. The 19 has proven popular with [[Periphery]] nations and [[mercenary unit]]s.<ref name="TRO3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 381<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 7</ref> |
| − | *FLE-20 - A Capellan infantry support variant, the 20 strips a half ton of armor to mount two [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a [[Light PPC]]. The loss of armor is not seen as a risk, since it is replaced with [[Stealth Armor]], along with the required [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. BV (2.0) = 791 <ref | + | * ''FLE-20'' - A Capellan infantry support variant, the 20 strips a half ton of armor to mount two [[ER Medium Laser]]s and a [[Light PPC]]. The loss of armor is not seen as a risk, since it is replaced with [[Stealth Armor]], along with the required [[Guardian ECM Suite]].<ref name="TRO3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 791<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 8</ref> |
| − | *''Fire Ant'' - A vicious anti-infantry variant, the ''Fire Ant's'' origin is a mystery, though it was first seen sometime after [[3058]] and disappeared after [[3068]]. Possibly the predecessor to the 19 and 20, the ''Fire Ant'' removed a half ton of armor in favor of six Machine Guns and three Flamers. | + | * ''Fire Ant'' - A vicious anti-infantry variant, the ''Fire Ant's'' origin is a mystery, though it was first seen sometime after [[3058]] and disappeared after [[3068]]. Possibly the predecessor to the 19 and 20, the ''Fire Ant'' removed a half ton of armor in favor of six Machine Guns and three Flamers.<ref name="TRO3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 332<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 9</ref> |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
==Bibliography== | ==Bibliography== | ||
*''[[Combat Operations]]'' | *''[[Combat Operations]]'' | ||
| − | + | *''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]'' | |
| − | |||
| − | *''[[Record Sheets: 3050 | ||
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]'' | *''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]'' | ||
*''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]'' | *''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]'' | ||
Revision as of 12:05, 18 March 2012
| |
| Flea | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Earthwerks Incorporated |
| Production Year | 2501[1] |
| Model | FLE-17 |
| Class | Light |
| Cost | 1,728,000 C-bills |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 20 tons |
| Chassis | Earthwerk Trooper II Endo Steel |
| Armor | Livingston Ceramics |
| Engine | GM 120 |
| Communications System | Neil 2000 |
| Speed | 97.2 km/h (129.6 km/h with MASC) |
| Armament | |
| BV (1.0) | 371[2] |
| BV (2.0) | 510[3][4] |
Description
Focused on speed and firepower, the lightly armored Flea was an extremely rare sight until the arrival of the Wolf's Dragoons mercenary unit, with the design experiencing a revival as a inexpensive recon and anti-personnel militia 'Mech.[5][6]
Initially called the TRP-1 Trooper when it was introduced as the Free Worlds League's first light scout BattleMech in 2475, the design was so heavily flawed it took twenty-five years before all the issues were corrected, with a new name selected to escape the bad press. While produced on and off until the early Succession Wars, excessive losses of the lightly armored design led Earthwerks to switch its production line to the manufacture of heavier designs. This changed with the arrival of the Wolf's Dragoons who brought with them a large number of the Flea and reached an exclusive production arrangement with Earthwerks that resulted in the company opening new lines to replenish the Dragoon's losses in the Fourth Succession War. [7] With multiple lines on Asuncion, Bernardo and Victoria, after letting the Dragoons exclusivity clause lapse Earthwerks started selling the easy to manufacture, easy to maintain 'Mech by the DropShip load across the Inner Sphere.[3]
Originally produced exclusively for the Dragoons until the Capellan Confederation acquired the design's blueprints via a Maskirovka raid during the 3040s, the post-Helm Memory Core FLE-17 variant is based on the older FLE-15 model. Retaining the design's maximum speed of 97.2 km/h, the addition of an Endo Steel chassis frees up weight for a MASC system that allows the 'Mechs speed to be pushed up to 129.6 km/h in short bursts. The increase of speed is required to ensure survival on the modern battlefield, as the FLE-17 is only clad in a pitiful three tons of Livingston Ceramics armor plating.[3][6]
Armament
The FLE-17's primary weapons are two Martell Medium Pulse Lasers, replacing the FLE-15's more mundane standard lasers. These are backed up by an unfortunately placed Olympian Flamer which works well for anti-personnel use. The Flea also has two rear-mounted Martell Small Lasers for point defense.[3][6]
Variants
- FLE-4 - An original Flea model, the FLE-4 is built on a standard chassis and has a maximum speed of 97.2 km/h. The 'Mech was armed with a Martell Large Laser, allowing it to attempt to keep any heavier 'Mechs at a stand-off range if they attempt to engage. The 'Mech carries two Martell Small Lasers for close in work as well as a Olympian Flamer for anti-infantry purposes. The cost of its relatively heavy weaponry and high speed is its two tons of armor, half that of even the venerable Locust and the reason why the 'Mech was discontinued. BV (1.0) = 360[2], BV (2.0) = 427[7]
- FLE-15 - Another early variant, the FLE-15 features a more common light 'Mech offensive payload with two Martell Medium Lasers as its primary weapons. For close combat and anti-infantry work, it mounts two Martell Small Lasers, two Sperry Browning Machine Guns and a Olympian Flamer. Lighter weapons allows it to carry an extra ton of armor over the FLE-4.[7] BV (1.0) = 352[2], BV (2.0) = 421[1]
- FLE-19 - This dedicated anti-infantry variant is designed for urban defense, and is not for use against other 'Mechs. Each arm has four Light Machine Guns and a Machine Gun Array. It also utilizes a Flamer that can threaten combat vehicles as well as infantry. A single Rocket Launcher 10 provides a one-shot damage potential against armored targets. The 19 has proven popular with Periphery nations and mercenary units.[3] BV (2.0) = 381[8]
- FLE-20 - A Capellan infantry support variant, the 20 strips a half ton of armor to mount two ER Medium Lasers and a Light PPC. The loss of armor is not seen as a risk, since it is replaced with Stealth Armor, along with the required Guardian ECM Suite.[3] BV (2.0) = 791[9]
- Fire Ant - A vicious anti-infantry variant, the Fire Ant's origin is a mystery, though it was first seen sometime after 3058 and disappeared after 3068. Possibly the predecessor to the 19 and 20, the Fire Ant removed a half ton of armor in favor of six Machine Guns and three Flamers.[3] BV (2.0) = 332[10]
Notes
The Fire Ant variant is derived from the 'Mech of the same name found in the video game MechCommander 2. Although the 'Mech in the game is never referred to as a Flea, the in-game art, the specifics, and the reference to the design in Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade and the stats for it in Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere) imply that the Fire Ant is, at least now, canonized as a Flea variant.
There was a non-canon version appearing in Mechwarrior 4: Mercenaries that sported two Machine Gun Arrays, two Small Lasers, and a Flamer.
Flea
Flea Fire Ant
FLE-17 Flea in Battle
FLE-4
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 MUL online date for the Flea
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Combat Operations, p. 130
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 8, "FLE-17 Flea 'Mech Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 6
- ↑ Technical Readout: 3050, p. 50, "Flea Profile"
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Technical Readout: 3050 Revised, pp. 46-47, "Flea 'Mech Profile"
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 242, "FLE-4 Flea Profile"
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 7
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 8
- ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 9