MechBuster

MechBuster
Production information
Manufacturer	Wakazashi Enterprises (former), Gorton, Kingsley, and Thorpe Enterprises
Equipment Rating
Use	CAS
Tech Base	Inner Sphere
Cost
Introduced	3023
Technical specifications
Mass	50 tons
Engine (Type)	Shinobi 250 Turbine
Fuel	320 - 2 tons
Armament	1x AC/20
Armor	3 tons
Crew	1
BV (1.0)	???
BV (2.0)	417

Description

House Kurita needed to reinforce it's dwindling AeroSpace assets near the end of the Third Succession War, and as a stopgap measure created the MechBuster conventional fighter. The MechBuster was a long way from a stellar success, with it's limited bomb load, very limited fuel, and no VTOL capability. The assembly line where MechBusters were built has been converted to making Shilone AeroSpace fighters, putting an end to the craft's short career.

Remaining aircrafts were transfered to the Free Rasalhague Republic where production restarted.

Armament

The one asset to the MechBuster is the Zeus 75 Autocannon/20, which fires a four-round burst of hyper-velocity depleted uranium armor penetrators (HDUAP). One well-placed shot from the Zeus can take out most light and medium 'Mechs, however the sheer weight of the autocannon and its ammunition makes the fighter slower and stops the addition of VTOL capability.

Cargo

The MechBuster has ten external hardpoints, which can be used to carry bombs or other ordnance. When used in conjunction with the fighter's RCA Instract Mk II targeting computer, the pilot can see exactly where the bombs will land, adding to the fighter's success as a dive-bomber.

Variants

• B - Replaces the Zeus Autocannon with four SRM-6 packs and extra fuel.

• C - Again takes out the Autocannon, but adds three Medium Lasers, heatsinks, and extra fuel.

• Unnamed - Upgrades the autocannon to LB 20-X AC.

References

• Technical Readout: 3026
• Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, pp. 50-51
• Technical Readout: 3039, pp 184-185