Kodiak

Kodiak
Kodiak
Production information
Manufacturer Bergan Industries[1]
Production Year 3001[2]
Model (base)[1]
Class Assault
Cost 29,791,333 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Clan BattleMech
Mass 100 tons
Chassis Bergan Version 12.6 Endo Steel
Armor Compound 12A2
Engine 400 XL
Communications System Garret L20
Targeting Tracking System RCA Instatrac Mark IX
Heat Sinks 20 Double heat sinks
Speed 64 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 2,363[3][4][5]
BV (2.0) 2,927[1][6]


Description[edit]

The Kodiak is a fast Assault 'Mech designed by Clan Ghost Bear as a second-line counterpart to the Gladiator. Though not taken to the same extreme as other Clan Totem 'Mechs, the Kodiak does epitomize the Ghost Bears' method of warfare, combining an impressive defensive platform with surprising amounts of speed and firepower. Its massive 400-rated XL engine propels the Kodiak to a maximum speed of 64.8 km/h, while seventeen and a half tons of Compound 12A2 gives it impressive armor protection. Though it mounts an incredible amount of firepower, even the use of twenty double heat sinks cannot prevent overheating problems when they are all fired simultaneously, though most MechWarriors learn to use their weapons sparingly and love the 'Mech's ability to deliver a massive knockout punch. The Kodiak incorporates the Garret L20 as its communications system, and uses the RCA Instatrack Mark IX for targeting, however the "claws" mounted on both of its arms are purely aesthetic.[4]

The vast majority of Kodiaks are used by the Ghost Bears, and indeed was exclusive to them in the first years since its introduction. Of those which are found in other toumans, Clan Snow Raven has the largest share, payment for their help in relocating to the Inner Sphere, followed by Clan Goliath Scorpion and Clan Cloud Cobra. Among the Crusader Clans though, only Clan Ice Hellion fields a handful of these 'Mechs.[4] As a interesting note, and proof of the expansion of the Kodiak, at least two of these 'Mechs were found in a Smoke Jaguar unit on planet Asgard, during Operation Bulldog. In later years, Clan Hell's Horses would also become users of the Kodiak, obtaining at least a Trinary of them from the Ghost Bears through various Trials of Possession.[7][8]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Kodiak's primary armament consists of devastating short-range weaponry; namely the single Series II Ultra AC/20 occupying its entire right torso, and twin Streak SRM-6s situated in the left torso. These powerful weapons enable the Kodiak to savage any foe, but care must be taken with the limited ammunition at the MechWarrior's disposal. The 'Mech supplements its primary weaponry with eight Series 2a ER medium lasers, four above each hand set into a claw-like array. The ER medium lasers, powered by the fusion power plant, provide hefty firepower long after the ammunition bays have run dry. While the Kodiak is a cruel opponent close up, it is far from defenseless at long-range; mounted directly beneath the engine is a Series 7k ER large laser, allowing it to soften up targets as it advances for the kill.[4]

Variants[edit]

  • Kodiak
    A more mobile variant that first saw action during the Combine-Ghost Bear War on Richmond, the Kodiak 2 was an attempt to solve the original's heat problem and increase its mobility by mounting jump jets, enabling it to leap up to one hundred and twenty meters, sacrificing four medium lasers and a missile launcher.[1][9] BV (1.0) = 2,687[10], BV (2.0) = 2,856[11]
  • Kodiak
    This variant created by Clan Snow Raven in the mid-3060s turns the Kodiak into an anti-aircraft platform. Stripping out six heat sinks and all the weaponry except four ER medium lasers, it mounts a pair of LB-X Autocannon/20s, three tons of ammo each, and an advanced targeting computer.[1][12] BV (1.0) = 2,178[13], BV (2.0) = 2,615[14]
  • Kodiak
    This variant mounts an Artemis IV FCS–enhanced LRM-20 and a pair of ER medium lasers in each arm. For additional short range firepower, an LB 20-X AC is carried in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 2,728[15]
  • Kodiak
    With three more heat sinks and nine ER medium lasers, the Kodiak 5 is a fearsome close range brawler. It is no slouch at range, able to bring two ER large lasers and a Gauss rifle to bear. BV (2.0) = 3,067[16]
  • Kodiak
    The Kodiak 6 is very similar to the original, and it can be very hard to distinguish the two variants on the battlefield. The eight arm-mounted ER medium lasers remain unchanged, as do the twin Streak SRM-6s in the left torso. The ER large laser in the center torso is gone and in its place is a medium pulse laser. The Ultra AC/20 has been swapped out for an LB-20X autocannon. This weapon is hindered somewhat by only having access to two tons of ammunition. The leftover tonnage is utilized to mount a coolant pod in each arm. 20 Double Heat Sinks help to reduce the heat. These allow the 6 the fearsome ability to alpha strike without overheating. BV (2.0) = 2,922[17]

Custom Variants[edit]

  • Kodiak Cale 
    The Mech of the 2nd Dieron Regulars' commander, Tai-sa Cale Schultz-Tanaka, the Kodiak Cale was recovered from a battlefield on Dieron and re-equipped with Inner Sphere and Clan technologies. Keeping the standard Clan endo-steel chassis and double heat sinks, techs replaced the XL engine with a standard unit. This reduced the 'Mech's top speed to 54 km/h, but increased survivability. Most of the Clan weaponry was also removed: Only a trio of Clan ER medium lasers in the left arm and a pair of Streak SRM 6 launchers in the left torso remain. The Kodiak Cale uses an autocannon/10 and heavy PPC for its main hitting power. These are backed up by the Clan weapons and a pair of Inner Sphere ER medium lasers and a pair of Inner Sphere medium lasers. The most important addition to the Cale version is the electronics suite: A Beagle active probe in the right torso spots enemy forces, while a C3 master computer in the left torso allows the Kodiak Cale to feed targeting data to supporting units. BV (2.0) = 2,511.[18]

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior Online:

  • KDK-SB "Spirit Bear" 
    A customized variant of the Kodiak. The Spirit Bear, supposedly piloted by Laurie Tseng, is a take on what could have been if MASC was compatible for the venerable Totem Mech. The Spirit Bear uses a pair of ER medium lasers in each arm. The left torso carries three Streak SRM-6S with two tons ammo. The center torso also carries a Streak SRM-6 as a backup weapon. The right arm carries a single ER Medium Laser. In the right torso, an Ultra Autocannon/10 with two tons of ammo and MASC, while the left leg carries a pair of Streak SRM ammo.[19]

Apocryphal Content Ends

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Executioner (Gladiator) - The Executioner was used as a part of Clan Ghost Bear's project to create the first Totem Mech with MASC. However, because the Kodiak was incompatible with the MASC system, the design was splintered to a new project.
  • Kodiak II - The Kodiak II was the Ghost Bear Dominion's upgrade of the venerable BattleMech during the post-Jihad era.

Design Quirks[edit]

The Kodiak has the following Design Quirks:[20]

Notable pilots[edit]

  • Breedfelt: MechWarrior of clan Ghost Bear trinary of Stalking Bears, garrisoning the planet Toffen in 3062, killed in a fight against clan Wolf, during a trial of possession of the planet.[21]
  • Star Colonel Chister Hall: commander of the Fifth Bear Regulars, Xi Galaxy, assaulted the world of Richmond in 3062 during the Dominion-Combine War in a newly produced Kodiak 2.[4]
  • Star Captain Caden: pilot of the only known Kodiak in Clan Nova Cat, Star Captain Caden lost his Vulture "Spirit Cat" on the battlefields of Marawi during the Dominion-Combine War, but was able to salvage a Kodiak, naming it "Spirit Bear".[4]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 80–81: "Kodiak"
  2. MUL online date for the Kodiak
  3. Combat Operations, p. 113
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade, p. 194-195
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 350
  6. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 207
  7. Technical Readout: Prototypes, p. 86, 'Procyon (Quad)'
  8. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 30, p. 4, 'Onuris Attack VTOL'
  9. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrade, p. 355
  10. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 351
  11. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 208
  12. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrade, p. 356
  13. Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades, p. 352
  14. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 209
  15. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 210
  16. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 211
  17. Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 21, p. 13
  18. Jihad Turning Points: Dieron, p. 19. Kodiak Cale record sheet.
  19. MechWarrior Online - "Kodiak"
  20. BattleMech Manual, p. 92 BattleMech Quirk Table - Kodiak Entry.
  21. Roar of Honor p. 70

Bibliography[edit]