Mongrel (Grendel)

Mongrel (Grendel)
Production information
Manufacturer	Arcadia BattleMech Plant CM-T15 Manufacturing Plant SFF-AL2
Production Year	3053
Model	Prime
Class	Medium
Cost	12,445,713 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Clan OmniMech
Mass	45 tons
Chassis	Process 12 endo steel
Armor	Arcadia Compound Delta VII ferro-fibrous
Engine	Consolidated 315 XL
Communications System	KP-3 "Screamer"
Targeting Tracking System	Version Gamma-V TTS
Heat Sinks	12 double
Speed	118.8 km/h
Jump Jets	Clan Standard 14X Series
Armament	Primary Configuration 1x ER large laser 3x ER medium lasers 1x ER small laser 1x Streak SRM-6
BV (1.0)	2,124
BV (2.0)	2,290

Description

The Mongrel received its baptism of fire during the Battle of Tukayyid, where it was commonly seen leading light Stars, especially on deep reconnaissance and raiding missions. Its ammo-efficient weapons allowed it to range far afield and helped simplify resupply, while its speed allowed it to dictate its range of engagement and outmaneuver all but the fastest of opponents. The 'Mech entered full production after a slight physical remodel the following year and was rechristened the Grendel after the code name given to it by Com Guard troops who faced it.

One of the few successes of Clan Diamond Shark's defeat on Tukayyid, the other Invading Clans almost immediately staged Trials of Possession for the renamed 'Mech. Rather than waste Warrior Caste resources in fighting the numerous Trials, the Diamond Sharks instead chose to sell production runs or license the design to the other Clans, speeding their recovery and ensuring the Grendel was a common sight among many front-line Clusters.

Though the Grendel remains in use among the other Inner Sphere Clans following the Wars of Reaving, most notably the Clan Hell's Horses, the majority of production during the Dark Age era resides in the Khanates of Clan Sea Fox.

Weapons and Equipment

The Grendel features a powerful Consolidated 315 XL extralight engine, enabling it to move at a fleet 118.8 km/h, and enough jump jets fixed on the chassis to propel it up to 210 meters at a leap. The Sharks spared no expense in weight-saving materials, making use of an the XL engine, endo steel structure, and seven and a half tons of ferro-fibrous armor. The incredible speed of the Grendel is not terribly helpful in most zellbrigen duels, but it is effective in large-scale actions especially against Inner Sphere foes of similar weight hard pressed to counter its speed or firepower. The Grendel is also popular with technicians, because while many OmniMechs are often "hangar queens," the Grendel can go long periods without maintenance and still remain combat effective.

The Primary configuration uses an ER large laser at long range, but really excels at closer ranges. Up close, the Grendel makes use of three ER medium lasers that can be devastating to light 'Mechs and a Streak SRM-6 that exploits any holes the lasers make. An ER small laser that is effective at point-blank range seems an afterthought. This design is best using its large laser to soften up an opponent, then dash closer in a flurry of lasers and missiles. Two extra double heat sinks help to keep the design mostly cool.

Variants

• Alternate Configuration A 

  This missile boat configuration carries a pair of LRM-15s with two tons of ammunition for each. A medium pulse laser and ER small laser provide backup firepower. BV (1.0) = 1,972, BV (2.0) = 2,031

• Alternate Configuration B 

  This configuration uses an UAC/5 for long range work. It mounts a ER medium laser, a pair of medium pulse lasers, and an ER small laser for close-up engagements. BV (1.0) = 1,800, BV (2.0) = 1,903

• Alternate Configuration C 

  This close-range brawler mounts an LB-X AC/10 as its main armament with a single ER medium laser backs it up. An anti-missile system provides added defense against missile attacks. BV (1.0) = 1,450, BV (2.0) = 1,465

• Alternate Configuration D 

  A different take on the primary configuration, the Grendel D mounts an ER PPC for long-range engagements. When the 'Mech closes, it brings a medium pulse laser, ER medium laser, and SRM-6 to bear. A small pulse laser provides protection against conventional infantry. BV (1.0) = 1,991, BV (2.0) = 2,212

• Alternate Configuration E 

  The E configuration takes the missile launchers of the A and replaces them with a pair of ATM-6s. BV (1.0) = 1,788, BV (2.0) = 1.806

• Alternate Configuration F 

  The F configuration carries an ATM-6 launcher in the right torso, and two plasma cannons in the right arm, carrying two tons of reloads for each weapon type. BV (2.0)= 1,997

• Alternate Configuration G 

  The G is a scout version intended to strike fast at point-blank range, carrying twin medium pulse lasers and micro pulse lasers in its right arm supported by a single medium pulse and micro pulse laser in each side torso, rounded out by a final micro pulse laser in the head. A supercharger allows the Grendel G to rapidly close with its foes while a Watchdog CEWS both protects and enhances its reconnaissance abilities. BV (2.0) = 2,209

• Alternate Configuration H 

  The H is configured to take advantage of new heavy laser technologies. Bearing a close resemblance to the prime, the Grendel H uses a heavy large laser, Streak SRM-4, two ER medium lasers, and a single ER small laser. Four additional double heat sinks strain to keep heat levels under control. BV (1.0) = 1,871, BV (2.0) = 1,965

• Alternate Configuration I 

  Carrying a mixture of both Inner Sphere and Clan OmniPods, the Grendel I mounts a ProtoMech AC/4 along with ton of reloads in its right arm in support of a right torso-mounted plasma rifle with a single ton ammo bay, supported by a single ER medium laser in the left torso. BV (2.0) = 1,675

• Alternate Configuration J 

  The J configuration is a Streak boat, mounting a Streak SRM-6 in its right arm and each side torso, drawing from a combined two tons of missiles. For support weaponry the Grendel J mounts a small pulse laser in its head and pair of improved heavy small lasers in its left arm. BV (2.0) = 1,811

• Alternate Configuration M 

  The Grendel M is a sniper configuration, carrying a RAC/2 supplied with a single ton of reloads in a CASE II-protected ammo bin, supported by a left torso-mounted ER large laser. BV (2.0) = 1,744

• Alternate Configuration T 

  The T configuration visually resembles the Prime, but is a more short-ranged combatant, mounting a large pulse laser and an improved heavy small laser in its right arm, supported by a right torso-mounted SRM-6 rack, head-mounted ER small laser, and twin improved heavy medium lasers in its left arm. A single ton of SRM reloads and extra double heat sink fill out the weight. BV (2.0) = 1,936

Design Quirks

The Grendel is subject to the following Design Quirks:

• Rugged (1)

Notes

• Plastic Mongrel (Grendel) Prime is included in BattleTech: Clan Invasion.

Gallery

• 

  Original Grendel from The Black Thorns

• 

  Grendel from TRO:3058

• 

  Grendel from RG:ilClan v2

• 

  Grendel Prime in motion from CCG

• 

  Grendel B in combat from CCG

• 

  Grendel C in combat from CCG

• 

  Grendel D in battle from CCG

Bibliography

• The Black Thorns
• Master Unit List
• Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 2
• Record Sheets: 3055/3058
• Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)
• Record Sheets: 3058 Upgrades
• Record Sheets: Upgrades
• Technical Readout: 3058
• Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade