Hetzer
Sarna News
| Hetzer | |
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | Quikscell Company |
| Mission | self-propelled gun |
| Type | Wheeled |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 40t |
| Armor | 6/StarSlab |
| Engine | 140 ICE |
| Speed | 65.8 km/h |
| Crew | ??? |
| Armament | |
| BV (1.0) | ??? |
| BV (2.0) | ??? |
Description
The Hetzer was designed as a cheap, self-propelled artillery-piece to be stationed on worlds deemed worthy to defend, but not valuable enough to station a complete garrison force or even BattleMechs. As it mounts its primary, and only, weapon in its front, thus lacking a turret, it is difficult to employ in other roles than a defensive one. Also, its wheeled chassis restricts its mobility. Due to its decent protection of 6 tons of standard armor and its Crusher SH Cannon, combined with its low price, the Hetzer is still a valuable asset for poor commands and popular especially throughout the Periphery. However, Quikscell Company is largely known for its poor manufacturing standards, resulting in many Hetzers being shipped with only half their components installed or even completely lacking some of them. Crews have been reported to refuse new Hetzers meant to replace their older ones, because they can be sure that the older models work properly.
Armament
Drawing all firepower from a massive AC/20, the Hetzer can easily blast through thick armor, whether its mounted on a BattleMech or vehicle. Also, the tank carries 4 tons of ammunition, enabling it to obliterate a number of enemies before forced to restack ammo. On the down hand, the limited firing-arc, its complete dependence on a short-range weapon, lack of back-up weaponry and mediocre speed severely limits the tanks usefulness in battle.
Variants
No factory-variants are known, though individuals sometimes replace the autocannon with missle-launchers or even lasers. None of the variants show the same 'Mech-crippling abilities as the original Hetzer, however.
Editor's Note
As I have all the information from the German TRO:3031, I am not 100% if sure everything is correct. Help is very much appreciated!