Glass Spider (Galahad)

Revision as of 22:23, 7 March 2023 by Madness Divine (talk | contribs) (→‎Description: grammar)
Glass Spider (Galahad)
Glass Spider
Production information
Manufacturer Dagda Industriplex Zeta

Kallon Industries[1]

Production Year 2834[2]
Model Galahad
Class Heavy
Cost 5,712,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 60 tons
Chassis Heavy-Series LX Endo Steel
Armor Forging ZM15 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine Fusion 240 Mk. V
Communications System Unknown
Targeting Tracking System Unknown
Heat Sinks 10 Double Heat Sinks
Speed 64 km/h
Armament

2x Gauss rifle

BV (1.0) 1,636[3]
BV (2.0) 1,825[4]


Description

The Glass Spider is the direct descendant of the Star League Galahad, so it was only natural that Inner Sphere observers gave it that code name when they first encountered the BattleMech. Little did they know the Clans had renamed the 'Mech during the twenty-ninth century to go along with its various upgrades over the original. The Glass Spider was one of the most common 'Mechs in second-line formations and could be found in the touman of every Clan. It served in the dual role of providing direct-fire support for friendly forces and serving as the first line of air defense for most garrison units. While this mission profile made it unpopular among those trueborns assigned to pilot a Glass Spider, it was a popular choice for any MechWarrior engaging an aerospace fighter in an honor duel. Its ability to quickly kill a target, and thus quickly win honor, also made it popular among some warriors.[5][6]

During the Clan Invasion garrison units were used to occupy Inner Sphere worlds conquered by the Clans and employed Glass Spiders to defend their newly-won territory. The Inner Sphere encountered these 'Mechs during their raids on those planets, where they quickly learned to respect the Glass Spider and its incredible firepower. Though the best way to defeat the 'Mech was to close the distance and overpower its weak defenses, many an Inner Sphere warrior learned too late that this easier said than done.[5][6]

Most Clans remained content to continue producing the venerable Glass Spider, but in 3065 Clan Star Adder decided to update the 'Mech with new technologies. These new Glass Spiders first took part in the Star Adder's invasion of York against Clan Blood Spirit. While performing well overall during the battle, it was specifically those Glass Spiders assigned to air defense which won the fight for the city of Monamora. By linking their superior fire control systems with their fellow Rifleman IIC and Kraken 'Mechs, they accounted for shooting down over 60% of all Blood Spirit fighters lost in the assault and sealed the fate of the city's defenders.[6]

Weapons and Equipment

The weapons on the Glass Spider are simple and straightforward: two Gauss rifles, one in each arm. The long-range, powerful guns devastate most opponents quickly and, like the Rifleman's weapons, can rotate completely to cover the rear arc. Five tons of ammunition, stored in cross-linked bins with two in each arm and one in the center torso, keep the coil guns well supplied with forty rounds of ammo.[5][6]

Only ten and a half tons of ferro-fibrous armor gives it far less protection than another 'Mech of comparable weight, but considering its mission profile the Glass Spider is ideally positioned outside of direct combat anyways. This combination of lightweight armor and an Endo Steel chassis also allows the Glass Spider to mount a 240-rated fusion engine, giving it a higher top speed than the original Galahad. The use of ten double heat sinks is enough to keep the 'Mech cool during combat operations.[5][6]

Variants

  • Glass Spider
    Created by Clan Wolf in 2952, this variant replaces the weapons with an all-energy configuration. The arm-mounted gauss cannons are replaced with two Large Pulse Lasers, while the removal of the ammunition bins allows for two Medium Pulse Lasers in the left torso and three Small Pulse Lasers in the right. All are guided by a Targeting Computer that makes this 'Mech deadly accurate while sixteen double heat sinks keep heat buildup under wraps. This variant is incredibly popular, though it is not very prevalent. BV (1.0) = 1,755[7], BV (2.0) = 2,038[8]
  • Glass Spider
    Introduced by the Wolf Empire, this configuration fits an XL engine and Supercharger to the standard chassis. In place of the standard Gauss Rifles, each arm carries a HAG 20 which share seven tons of ammunition. Three ER Small Lasers are placed in the right torso. All these weapons are tied into a Targeting Computer. This design is primarily used for anti-aircraft work. BV (2.0) = 2,309[11]

Design Quirks

The Glass Spider has the following Design Quirks:[12]

Related Designs

Galahad - The Glass Spider was descended from the Star League-era Galahad, so it was no secret that the Inner Sphere decided to name its designation after that 'Mech.

Notes

  • In German products, the unit's proper Clan name was translated to Glasspinne. The unit's proper Inner Sphere name was left unchanged.

Gallery

References

  1. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 10
  2. MUL online date for the Glass Spider (Galahad)
  3. Combat Operations, p. 108
  4. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 196
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Technical Readout: 3055 Revised, p. 108
  6. 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 116-117
  7. Combat Operations, p. 111
  8. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 197
  9. Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade, p. 117
  10. Record Sheets: 3055 Upgrades Unabridged, p. 198
  11. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13, p. 26
  12. BattleMech Manual, p. 91 BattleMech Quirk Table - Galahad (Glass Spider) Entry.

Bibliography