Editing Stinger

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Stinger RGilClan v13.png
|name=''Stinger''
|manufacturer=
[[Alliance Defenders Limited]]
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[[Bergan Industries]]
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[[Coventry Metal Works]]
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[[Detroit Consolidated MechWorks]]
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[[Diplass BattleMechs]]<ref name="FR2765:Pp11">''Field Report 2765: Periphery'', p. 11, "Infrastructural Integrity"</ref>
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[[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
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[[Earthwerks-FWL, Incorporated]]
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[[Hellespont Industrials]]
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[[Interstellar Arms]]<ref name="FM:3145p189">''Field Manual: 3145'', p. 189, "Fronc Reaches"</ref>
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[[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]]
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[[Pinard Protectorates Limited]]
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[[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]]
|model=STG-3R
|class=Light
|cost= 1,615,440 [[C-bill]]s 
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type =BattleMech
|mass=20
|feet=biped
|production year=2479
|year reference=<ref name=TRO3025-12>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 12</ref><ref name=TRO3039-282>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 282</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref>
|chassis=[[Earthwerks STG]]
|armor=[[Riese-100]]
|engine=[[GM 120]]
|comsys=[[Datacom 26]]
|T&T= [[Dynatec 990]]
|speed=91.6
|jumpjets=[[Chilton 360]]
|heat sinks=10 [[single heat sink]]s
|armament= 
* 1x [[Medium laser]]
* 2x [[Machine gun]]s
|BV (1.0)=320<ref name=CO-121>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>
|BV (2.0)=359<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 21</ref><ref name=TRO3039-282/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 442</ref>
}}

==Description==
The '''''Stinger''''' was a light [[BattleMech]] built in [[Introduction Year::2479]] as a direct competitor to the ''[[Wasp]]''. The second-ever mass-produced recon 'Mech, the ''Stinger'' was put into service alongside the ''Wasp'' due both to the [[Terran Hegemony]]'s needs for scouts and to the similarities in their design. In fact the two were so similar that [[General Mechanics]] filed suit against [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] for copyright infringement, and after twenty years of back-and-forth legal actions, during which ''Stinger'' production continued unabated, GM eventually dropped the matter due to the rising costs of pursuing the lawsuit.<ref name=TRO3025-12/><ref name=TRO3039-282/> The ''Stinger'' would go on to become the second-most produced 'Mech in the [[Inner Sphere]] after the ''Wasp''.<ref name=TROPP-16>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 16 "STG-5R ''Stinger''"</ref>  More than 200,000 were built between the time of its introduction and the end of the [[Amaris Civil War]], serving with the [[Great Houses]] as a valuable scout and raider. Though lacking the armor and armaments to contend with larger 'Mechs, its speed and maneuverability made the ''Stinger'' a hard foe to hit.<ref name=TRO3025-12/><ref name=TRO3039-282/>

The ''Stinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s sheer proliferation saved it from the ravages of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], though in testament to the destructiveness of that era only 5,000 ''Stingers'' were estimated to still be in service by [[3025]]. The 'Mech also found itself pressed into the role of trainer to make up for the decreasing number of still-working ''[[Chameleon]]s''.<ref name=TRO3025-12/><ref name=TRO3039-282/> Common everywhere except within the [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Free Rasalhague Republic]], Earthwerks was still the largest producer of the 'Mech during this time, building them at factories on [[Keystone]] and [[Calloway VI]]. For many years the second-largest ''Stinger'' producer was [[Coventry Metal Works]] out of [[Coventry]], but in the time leading up to the [[Clan Invasion]] they were overtaken by [[Taurian Concordat]] manufacturers, in particular [[Vandenberg Mechanized Industries]] on [[New Vandenberg]] and [[Illiushin]] and [[Pinard Protectorates Limited]] on [[MacLeod's Land]], as CMW shifted production focus to the ''[[Commando]]''. Other major manufacturers in the [[Periphery]] included [[Majesty Metals and Manufacturing]] on [[Canopus IV]] and [[Alliance Defenders Limited]] on [[Alpheratz]].<ref name=TRO3050-58>''Technical Readout: 3050, pp. 58-59</ref>

While a prolific 'Mech like the ''Wasp'' and ''[[Locust]]'', there were never many variants of the ''Stinger'' produced. Only Earthwerks utilized the recovery of [[lostech]] to introduce an updated version of the 'Mech, the STG-5M, in [[3050]].<ref name=TRO3050-58/> A more revolutionary change took place some years later when the Taurians, inspired by their collaboration with the [[Capellan Confederation]] on a revitalized ''Wasp'' variant, decided to do the same to their stockpiles of ''Stingers''. Lacking sufficient facilities to mass produce the advanced material needed for this upgrade, the Taurians received assistance from the [[Word of Blake]] to kick-start their program in exchange for a large number of ''Stinger'' and ''Wasp'' 'Mechs. Plans for advanced ''Stingers'' would eventually be shared with [[Detroit_Consolidated_MechWorks|Detroit Consolidated]] and [[Hellespont Industrials]].<ref name=TROPP-16/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Stinger'' carried a light weapons load, with an [[Omicron 3000]] [[medium laser]] mounted in its right arm as its primary weapon, backed up by two [[LFN Lindblad]] [[machine gun]]s on the right and left forearm, with one ton of ammo stored in the center torso. While insufficient for fighting against most 'Mechs, this loadout made the ''Stinger'' a nightmare for troopers, and it remained one of the best anti-[[infantry]] 'Mechs until the introduction of the ''[[Firestarter]]''. The iron sights of the machine guns also proved beneficial when the 'Mech became a trainer, as [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]] were often forced to rely on them during training; this served to improve many pilots' motor skills, which proved useful in other areas such as using their hand actuators to manipulate objects.<ref name=TRO3025-12/><ref name=TRO3039-282/>

The low heat output of the weapons also posed no challenge for the 10 [[single heat sink]]s the 'Mech carried, such that overheating was almost never a problem. Its cruising speed of 63.4 km/h was supplemented by six [[jump jet]]s split between the left and right leg, propelling the ''Stinger'' up to 180 meters in a single bound. Three tons of armoring on the ''Stinger'' was considered average for light 'Mechs, which is to say a few good shots could cause serious damage. One unpopular aspect of the ''Stinger'' however was its incredibly cramped cockpit for anyone of average size; a MechWarrior had to literally squeeze themselves into the control seat and would often need help just to get back out.<ref name=TRO3025-12/><ref name=TRO3039-282/>

==Variants==
*; STG-3G : The 3G ''Stinger'' was the only mainstream variant of the ''Stinger'' to achieve any sort of popularity prior to the Clan Invasion. First debuting in [[2581]], it traded the two [[machine gun]]s for a second [[medium laser]] mounted on the left arm. While this variant increased the ''Stinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s lethality against other 'Mechs, it also made heat management a little more complicated for less experienced MechWarriors.<ref name=TRO3025-12/><ref name=TRO3039-282/><ref name=RSPPU-19>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 19</ref> BV (1.0) = 438,<ref name=CO-121 /> BV (2.0) = 497<ref name=RSPUC-19>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 19</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 441</ref>

*; STG-3Gb : The [[Star League Defense Force Royal Divisions|Royal]] ''Stinger'' introduced in [[2720]] used an [[XL engine]] and [[endo steel]] chassis, to be able to mount a battery of three [[medium laser]]s and one [[small laser]]. The [[single heat sink]]s were upgraded to [[double heat sink]]s, and the speed and jumping distance of the 'Mech were also improved slightly.<ref name=HOK>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 159 "SLDF Royal Units - STG-3GB ''Stinger''"</ref> BV (2.0) = 674<ref name=RSOK-20>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 20</ref><ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13'', p. 15</ref><ref name=HOKp159>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.159</ref>

*; STG-3P : A [[Jihad]]-era repair yard refit of the venerable ''Stinger'' unveiled in [[3071]], the 3P was built on an [[endo steel]] chassis and carried, as its only weapon, either a [[Fusigon Mini]] or a [[Lord's Light 3]] [[light PPC]] capable of striking a target at up to 540 meters. Additionally, the 3P carried four tons of [[ferro-fibrous]] armor to protect it from enemy fire.<ref name=BC /><ref name=RSPU-20>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 20</ref> BV (2.0) = 489<ref name=RSUC-20>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 20</ref><ref name=TR03085>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 229</ref>

*; STG-4G : A Jihad-era experiment, this ''Stinger'' uses an [[endo steel]] chassis and an [[XL engine]] to increase speed to 111 km/h. A [[medium pulse laser]] is carried in each arm and it also retains the 180 meter jump capability. BV (2.0) = 541<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13'', p. 16</ref>

*; STG-5G : Based on the 3P variant and introduced in [[3076]], this model also uses [[endo steel]] chassis and adds an [[XL engine]]. The engine gives the STG-5G a top speed of 111 km/h and provides enough weight savings to add more armor, a [[light PPC]], and an [[Technology Rating|advanced]] [[PPC capacitor]] to enhance its lethality. In addition to the extra armor, the pilot is protected by a [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. BV (2.0) = 614<ref name=RS3085UPP-17>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 17</ref><ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13'', p. 17</ref>

*; STG-5M : This upgraded version of the ''Stinger'', produced by [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] on Keystone and Calloway VI, took advantage of several technologies that were rediscovered, thanks in part to the [[Helm Memory Core]]. The chassis was upgraded to an [[Earthwerks STG II]] [[endo steel]] model, allowing it to carry an additional half-ton of armor. The 'Mech retained the [[Omicron 3000]] [[medium laser]], but swapped the [[machine gun]]s for an [[LFN Lindblad Shotgun]] [[anti-missile system]] on its right arm and a [[Flame Tech]] [[flamer]] on its left.  One ton of AMS ammo was carried in the right torso.<ref name=TRO3050-58>''Technical Readout: 3050, pp. 58-59</ref><ref name=RSPU-22>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 22</ref> BV (1.0) = 352,<ref name=CO-121 /> BV (2.0) = 432<ref name=RSPUC-22>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 22</ref>

*; STG-5R : The 5R variant was created by the Taurian Concordat with assistance from Word of Blake. This upgrade of the ''Stinger'' used three tons of [[Durallex Light]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor, carried a [[Diverse Optics (ERML)|Diverse Optics]] [[ER medium laser]] in the right arm and two [[Death Blossom]] [[RL-15]]s split between the side torsos. Perhaps the most important change, as far as pilot comfort was concerned, was replacing the cramped cockpit with a new head assembly which included a [[Full-Head Ejection System]]. The chassis and electronics remained unchanged so that refits of existing ''Stingers'' could be carried out in a matter of months. The first Taurian units to receive the upgraded 'Mechs did so in early [[3067]], while the Word of Blake received theirs earlier. The 5R is produced by Vandenberg, Pinard, and Detroit.<ref name=TROPP-16>''Technical Readout: Project Phoenix'', p. 16 "STG-5R ''Stinger''"</ref><ref name=RSPU-23>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 23</ref> BV (1.0) = 461,<ref name=CO-140>''Combat Operations'', p. 140</ref> BV (2.0) = 492<ref name=RSPUC-23>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 23</ref>

*; STG-5T : Capable of engaging an enemy at any range, the [[Periphery]]-manufactured 5T variant of the ''Stinger'' introduced in 3068 was armed with two [[Doombud]] [[MML-3]]s, which were capable of firing both LRM and SRM ammunition, making the 5T extremely flexible. Appearing in Taurian and [[Magistracy of Canopus|Magistracy]] units, the 5T was powered by an [[XL engine]] and was clad in three tons of [[Durallex Light]] [[ferro-fibrous]] armor.<ref name=BC>"Faster Than a Falling ''Atlas''"</ref><ref name=TR03085/><ref name=RSPU-24>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 24</ref> BV (2.0) = 341<ref name=RSPUC-24>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 24</ref>

*; STG-6G : This further development of the STG-5G returns to the early ''Stinger'' design by carrying a [[machine gun]] in each arm and a [[medium X-Pulse laser]] in the right arm. The 6G uses an [[XL engine]] to reach a top speed of 111 km/h, and it can cover 210 meters in a single jump. 10 [[double heat sink]]s keep the heat under control and a half ton of machine gun ammo is in the center torso. BV (2.0) = 503<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13'', p. 19</ref> 

*; STG-6L : This [[House Liao]]-manufactured 6L variant of the ''Stinger'' utilized an [[endo steel]] structure and [[stealth armor]]. Introduced in 3067 and produced on [[Detroit]] and [[Sian]] for both the Capellans and Magistracy, the 'Mech carried two [[medium laser]]s and a [[Guardian ECM suite]], and also replaced the engine with a [[Pitban 240]] model, increasing top speed to 130 km/h at the expense of dropping all [[jump jet]]s.<ref name=TROPP-16/><ref name=RSPU-25>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 25</ref> BV (1.0) = 603,<ref name=CO-123>''Combat Operations'', p. 123</ref> BV (2.0) = 680<ref name=RSPUC-25>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 25</ref>

*; STG-6M : This further development of the STG-5M replaces the weapons with an [[ER flamer]], [[ER medium laser]], and a [[laser AMS]]. BV (2.0) = 503<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13'', p. 20</ref>

*; STG-6R : This scout version of the ''Stinger'' mounts a 160-rated [[XL engine]] for a top speed of 120 km/h, while eight [[jump jet]]s provide a 240 meter jump capability. Each arm mounts a [[heavy machine gun]] and an [[ER medium laser]] provides the ''Stinger''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s main firepower. BV (2.0) = 454<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13'', p. 21</ref>

*; STG-6S : Intended to operate at a longer range than most other ''Stinger'' variants, [[House Steiner]] began manufacturing the 6S in 3067. It used a [[light fusion engine]] to push the 'Mech up to speeds of 118.8 km/h and was capable of reaching speeds of 151.2 km/h through the use of a [[MASC]] system. The 'Mech could also jump up to two hundred and ten meters. An additional weight saving measure on this variant was the use of a [[small cockpit]]. The 'Mech was armed with two [[light machine gun]]s for anti-infantry and crowd control use, and to defend itself against 'Mechs and vehicles, the 6S had a single [[ER medium laser]].<ref name=BC /><ref name=TR03085/><ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades'', p. 26</ref> BV (2.0) = 478<ref>''Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete)'', p. 26<br />The record sheet book has the BV listed at 477, but the later [http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3067/stinger-stg-6s Master Unit List entry] says 478</ref>

*; STG-7S : This Steiner version, introduced in [[3077]], maximizes jump range by mounting eight [[improved jump jet]]s, allowing it to cover 240 meters in a single leap. The ''Stinger'' 7S is built around an [[endo steel]] chassis and carries an [[XL engine]], but carries only three tons of armor and a single [[ER medium laser]]. Pilots should therefore use the jumping ability to the fullest to avoid damage, but a [[Full-Head Ejection System]] is available in case the armor is breached. Interestingly, this model's left leg carries slightly less armor than the right leg.<ref name=TR03085/> BV (2.0) = 382<ref>''Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix'', p. 23</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

''From [[BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception]]:''
*; "First Modification" : As of [[3028]], the techs on [[Chara]] III used this designation for a field modification of the STG-3R that exchanges both [[machine gun]]s and their ammunition for four [[small laser]]s, two mounted in each arm.

*; "Second Modification" : As of [[3028]], the techs on [[Chara]] III used this designation for a field modification of the First Modification STG-3R that exchanges the [[jump jet]]s for two [[medium laser]]s in the center torso and one ton of armor (+4 to head, +4 to center torso, +3 to each leg, +2 to each side torso and -2 to center torso/rear).
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Stinger'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>[[BattleMech Manual]], p. 95 Design Quirk Table - Stinger Entry.</ref>
* [[Rugged|Rugged (1)]]
* [[Ubiquitous]]	
* [[Cramped Cockpit]]

==Related designs==
* ''[[Stinger LAM]]'' - A heavy modification of the ''Stinger'', it was capable of transforming between a 'Mech and an [[aerospace fighter]]. Never produced in large numbers, there were still many in service during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]]<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 126</ref> due in part because the LexaTech facility on the [[Draconis Combine]] world of [[Irece]], the last intact LAM factory in the [[Inner Sphere]]. [[LexaTech Industries]] was able to construct new ''Stinger LAM''s as well as new parts.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3085'', p. 290-292</ref> The loss of the factory to the forces of [[Clan Nova Cat]] in [[Production Ceased::3050]] during the [[Clan Invasion]] sounded the death knell for the Land-Air 'Mech as a viable combat unit, as the Nova Cats viewed Land-Air 'Mechs as an abomination and utterly razed the LexaTech factory to the ground.<ref>''Invading Clans'', p.114</ref>

* ''[[Stinger IIC]]'' - [[Clan Snow Raven]] refitted this 'Mech with Clan technology and shared it with the [[Outworlds Alliance]] to foster unity between the two entities.

==Notable Pilots==
:''See [[:Category:Notable Stinger Pilots]]''

==Notes==
* Introduced in Battledroids with incorrect stats (it was one ton overweight), the ''Stinger'' was one of the first BattleMechs ever. Its original visual representation is now among the [[Unseen]].
* Plastic STG-3R is included in [[BattleTech:_Inner_Sphere_Command_Lance|BattleTech: Inner Sphere Command Lance]]

* In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to '''Hornisse''', which means ''Hornet''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''HRN-3S'''.

* In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as '''Aiguillon''', which means ''Sting''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Stinger.jpg|Original [[Unseen]] ''Stinger'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
STG-5M Stinger.jpg|STG-5M ''Stinger'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]''
STG-3P Stinger.jpg|STG-3P ''Stinger'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3085|TRO:3085]]''
Stg-5r stinger.jpg|STG-5R ''Stinger'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix|TRO:Phoenix]]''
Stg-6l stinger.png|STG-6L ''Stinger'' from ''TRO:Phoenix''
Stinger RGilClan v13.png|''Stinger'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13|RG:ilClan v13]]''
Camomarikmarikmilitia1.png|A ''Stinger'' in colors of [[Marik Militia]] from ''[[Camo Specs]]''
Stinger MWDA.jpg|Model of ''Stinger'' from ''[[MechWarrior: Falcon's Prey|MWDA: Falcon's Prey]]'' miniature collection
File:Inner Sphere Command Lance - Stinger.jpg|''Stinger'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Command Lance]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* [http://www.battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=423 "Faster Than a Falling Atlas"] (dead link)
* ''[[Field Manual: 3145]]''
* ''[[Field Report 2765: Periphery]]''
* ''[[Historical: Operation Klondike]]
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* [http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/falcons_prey_16.pdf MechWarrior: Dark Age House Liao's dossier of Aniceto Tuvida]
* [http://cf.sarna.net/docs/mwda_dossiers/falcons_prey_17.pdf MechWarrior: Dark Age Spirit Cats' dossier of Lenett Lossey]
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 13]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3067]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades (Complete)]]''
* ''[[BattleTech Record Sheets Volume One: Light 'Mechs|Record Sheets Volume One: Light 'Mechs]]
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3085]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Project Phoenix]]''
</div>


[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Magistracy of Canopus BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:SLDF Royal BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Terran Hegemony BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]