Difference between revisions of "Thug"

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|comsys=[[Colmax 90]]
 
|comsys=[[Colmax 90]]
 
|speed=64.8
 
|speed=64.8
 +
|heat sinks= 18 [[Double Heat Sink|double]]
 
|armament=  
 
|armament=  
−
*2x [[PPC]]s
+
*2x [[PPC]]
−
*2x [[SRM-6]]s
+
*2x [[SRM-6]]
−
|BV (1.0)=1,450<ref>''Combat Operations'', pc. 107</ref>
+
|BV (1.0) = 1,450<ref>''Combat Operations'', pc. 107</ref>
−
|BV (2.0)=1,640<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 217</ref>
+
|BV (2.0) = 1,640<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 217</ref>
 
}}
 
}}
 
   
 
   
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The '''''Thug''''' was designed by [[Maltex Corporation]] as a direct competitor to the popular ''[[Warhammer]]'' [[BattleMech]].  First seeing production in [[Introduction Year::2572]], the ''Thug'' sought to directly address some of the challenges which faced the ''Warhammer'', chief of which was to increase armor protection without sacrificing firepower.  When compared side-by-side, the ''Thug'' has a great many advantages over the ''Warhammer'', yet it never wholly replaced the venerable 'Mech.  Still the ''Thug'' proved popular enough that [[Maltex Corporation]] was forced to contract [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] to produce the ''Thug'' on [[Keystone]] in order to meet demand.  Although it has had its detractors, the ''Thug'' has proven itself for over five hundred years to be the quintessential "zombie 'Mech."<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 48-49</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 102-103</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 274-275</ref><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 216-217</ref>
+
The '''''Thug''''' was designed by [[Maltex Corporation]] as a direct competitor to the popular ''[[Warhammer]]'' [[BattleMech]].  First seeing production in [[Introduction Year::2572]], the ''Thug'' sought to directly address some of the challenges which faced the ''Warhammer'', chief of which was to increase armor protection without sacrificing firepower.  When compared side-by-side, the ''Thug'' has a great many advantages over the ''Warhammer'', yet it never wholly replaced the venerable 'Mech.  Still the ''Thug'' proved popular enough that [[Maltex Corporation]] was forced to contract [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] to produce the ''Thug'' on [[Keystone]] in order to meet demand.  Although it has had its detractors, the ''Thug'' has proven itself for over five hundred years to be the quintessential "zombie 'Mech."<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', pp. 48–49</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 102–103</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 274–275</ref><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 216–217</ref>
  
−
Production of the ''Thug'' from Maltex's original factory on [[Errai]] ceased when it was destroyed in [[Production Ceased::2835]], one of many causalities of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], leaving only Earthwerks to continue building new ''Thugs'' at a rate of twelve per year.  Unfortunately the same terrible conflict resulted in the loss of much advanced knowledge and technology, threatening their ability to keep even this meager production rate up.  In a twist of fate it was the ''Warhammer'' which helped keep the ''Thug'' production line alive: with the loss of their original PPC weaponry, Earthwerks instead reworked the design to make use of the extensive stockpile of Donal PPCs used by the ''Warhammer'', allowing new ''Thugs'' to be built and repairs to be made more easily.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
+
Production of the ''Thug'' from Maltex's original factory on [[Errai]] ceased when it was destroyed in [[Production Ceased::2835]], one of many casualties of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], leaving only Earthwerks to continue building new ''Thugs'' at a rate of twelve per year.  Unfortunately the same terrible conflict resulted in the loss of much advanced knowledge and technology, threatening their ability to keep even this meager production rate up.  In a twist of fate it was the ''Warhammer'' which helped keep the ''Thug'' production line alive: with the loss of their original PPC weaponry, Earthwerks instead reworked the design to make use of the extensive stockpile of Donal PPCs used by the ''Warhammer'', allowing new ''Thugs'' to be built and repairs to be made more easily.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
 
Beyond the few still in service to the [[Great Houses]] the largest user of ''Thugs'' was [[ComStar]], a fact confirmed upon the reveal of their [[Com Guards]].  Eventually the recovery of [[lostech]] would allow both Earthwerks and Maltex to restart production of original-model ''Thugs'' during the 3050s.  These were supplanted by new variants which, following the formation of the [[Second Star League]], were supplied to ComStar, the [[Second Star League Defense Force|SLDF]], the [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Federated Suns]].  New ''Thugs'' were also built for the [[Word of Blake]] and those forces of the [[Free Worlds League]] aligned with them during the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
 
Beyond the few still in service to the [[Great Houses]] the largest user of ''Thugs'' was [[ComStar]], a fact confirmed upon the reveal of their [[Com Guards]].  Eventually the recovery of [[lostech]] would allow both Earthwerks and Maltex to restart production of original-model ''Thugs'' during the 3050s.  These were supplanted by new variants which, following the formation of the [[Second Star League]], were supplied to ComStar, the [[Second Star League Defense Force|SLDF]], the [[Draconis Combine]] and [[Federated Suns]].  New ''Thugs'' were also built for the [[Word of Blake]] and those forces of the [[Free Worlds League]] aligned with them during the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
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The armament on the ''Thug'' is a very simple yet effective combination. For long-range striking power, it carries a [[Tiegart|Tiegart Particle Projector Cannon]] in each arm, similar in performance to those found on the ''Warhammer'' yet ten percent smaller and with more redundancies. Backing up the PPCs are a [[Bical-6|Bical-6 SRM]] launcher mounted in each side torso with one ton of [[CASE]]-protected reloads per side, allowing allow the Thug to fight off enemies which get within the minimum range of its PPCs.  Each SRM tube is protected by a dilating cover when not in use.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
 
The armament on the ''Thug'' is a very simple yet effective combination. For long-range striking power, it carries a [[Tiegart|Tiegart Particle Projector Cannon]] in each arm, similar in performance to those found on the ''Warhammer'' yet ten percent smaller and with more redundancies. Backing up the PPCs are a [[Bical-6|Bical-6 SRM]] launcher mounted in each side torso with one ton of [[CASE]]-protected reloads per side, allowing allow the Thug to fight off enemies which get within the minimum range of its PPCs.  Each SRM tube is protected by a dilating cover when not in use.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
−
Eighteen [[double heat sinks]] gives the ''Thug'' far superior heat dissipation compared to the ''Warhammer'' while a ten-ton heavier [[Endo Steel]] frame allows it to carry fifteen and a half tons of armor, more than half again as much carried by the ''Warhammer''.  The ''Thug'' also benefits from the fact that it has hand actuators, making it a mean close-quarters combatant and a good raider able to carry away the spoils of its labor.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
+
Eighteen [[double heat sink]]s gives the ''Thug'' far superior heat dissipation compared to the ''Warhammer'' while a ten-ton heavier [[Endo Steel]] frame allows it to carry fifteen and a half tons of armor, more than half again as much carried by the ''Warhammer''.  The ''Thug'' also benefits from the fact that it has hand actuators, making it a mean close-quarters combatant and a good raider able to carry away the spoils of its labor.<ref name=TRO2750/><ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=TRO3050u/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
*;THG-10E : The 10E is a downgraded version of the 11E produced by Earthwerks Incorporated following the destruction of Maltex's facilities in [[2835]]. The primary changes come from the loss of the double heat sinks, CASE, and the Endo Steel structure. To compensate for the weight needed for a standard structure, the [[SRM]]s have been downgraded from six tube launchers to Holly [[SRM-4]]s. In addition, the ''Thug'' lost one ton of ammunition. While this version can still compete with the ''Warhammer'' and boast superior armor protection, the replacement of its double heat sinks with [[single heat sink]]s takes away its greatest advantage.  Its communications and targeting-tracking systems were also replaced with a [[Colmax-025]] and [[Instatrack Mark XV]].<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=BV10E>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 173</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,203,<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,501<ref name=BV10E />
+
*;THG-10E : The 10E is a downgraded version of the 11E produced by Earthwerks Incorporated following the destruction of Maltex's facilities in [[2835]]. The primary changes come from the loss of the double heat sinks, CASE, and the Endo Steel structure. To compensate for the weight needed for a standard structure, the [[SRM]]s have been downgraded from six tube launchers to Holly [[SRM-4]]s. In addition, the ''Thug'' lost one ton of ammunition. While this version can still compete with the ''Warhammer'' and boast superior armor protection, the replacement of its double heat sinks with singles takes away its greatest advantage.  Its communications and targeting-tracking systems were also replaced with a [[Colmax-025]] and [[Instatrack Mark XV]].<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/><ref name=BV10E>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 173</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,203;<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,501<ref name=BV10E />
  
−
*;THG-11Eb : The 11Eb is an upgrade of the ''Thug'' used by the [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal Brigades]] in [[2760]]. It upgrades the PPCs to [[ER PPC]]s.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,759<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p.180</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 31</ref>
+
*;THG-11Eb : The 11Eb is an upgrade of the ''Thug'' used by the [[SLDF Royal units|SLDF Royal Brigades]] in [[2760]]. It upgrades the PPCs to [[ER PPC]]s.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 169</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,759<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 180</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 31</ref>
  
−
*;THG-12E : Take an extremely powerful long range 'Mech, extend its range and accuracy, and put it in the hands of the [[Inner Sphere]]'s two most secretive organizations, and you have the 12E ''Thug''.  Built for both ComStar and the Word of Blake in [[3067]] the PPCs have been upgraded to ER PPCs and an [[improved C3 computer]] has been added. To make the change to a C3i computer, a double heat sink, one ton of ammunition, and the corresponding [[CASE]] were removed.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League), p. 226</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,476 (C3: 202),<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 124</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,751
+
*;THG-12E : Take an extremely powerful long range 'Mech, extend its range and accuracy, and put it in the hands of the [[Inner Sphere]]'s two most secretive organizations, and you have the 12E ''Thug''.  Built for both ComStar and the Word of Blake in [[3067]] the PPCs have been upgraded to ER PPCs and an [[improved C3 computer]] has been added. To make the change to a C3i computer, a double heat sink, one ton of ammunition, and the corresponding [[CASE]] were removed.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League), p. 226</ref> BV (1.0) = 1,476 (C3: 202);<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 124</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,751
  
−
*; THG-12K : This Draconis Combine variant of the 12E introduced in [[3067]] replaces the C3i with a [[C3 slave]] and a [[Guardian ECM suite]].<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League)'', p. 227</ref> BV = 1,824<ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3208/thug-thg-12k MUL Profile for the THG-12K Thug - Battle Value and Introduction Year.</ref>
+
*; THG-12K : This Draconis Combine variant of the 12E introduced in [[3067]] replaces the C3i with a [[C3 slave]] and a [[Guardian ECM suite]].<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League)'', p. 227</ref> BV = 1,824<ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3208/thug-thg-12k MUL Profile for the THG-12K Thug - Battle Value and Introduction Year</ref>
  
−
*;THG-13K : The 13K is a variant of the 12E (Introduced in [[3068]]) that removes many of the traditional strengths of the ''Thug'' to increase its damage potential. Introduced in [[3068]] the missiles have been removed and the 'Mech is now powered by an [[XL engine]]. This, combined with the loss of a half-ton of armor and one of the heat sinks, reduces the much-vaunted survivability of the ''Thug'' to make room for three [[Heavy PPC]]s. Though this gives the 13K great damage potential, it can quickly overwhelm its heat dissipation system. Two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s provide close range defense in case an enemy gets within the minimum range of the PPCs and an Improved C3 CPU enables it to share targeting telemetry with other units equipped with the same.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League)'', p. 228</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,086<ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3209/thug-thg-13k MUL Profile of the THG-13K Thug - BV2 and Introduction Year.]</ref>
+
*;THG-13K : The 13K is a variant of the 12E (Introduced in [[3068]]) that removes many of the traditional strengths of the ''Thug'' to increase its damage potential. Introduced in [[3068]] the missiles have been removed and the 'Mech is now powered by an [[XL engine]]. This, combined with the loss of a half-ton of armor and one of the heat sinks, reduces the much-vaunted survivability of the ''Thug'' to make room for three [[heavy PPC]]s. Though this gives the 13K great damage potential, it can quickly overwhelm its heat dissipation system. Two [[medium pulse laser]]s provide close range defense in case an enemy gets within the minimum range of the PPCs and an Improved C3 CPU enables it to share targeting telemetry with other units equipped with the same.<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League)'', p. 228</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,086<ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3209/thug-thg-13k MUL Profile of the THG-13K Thug - BV2 and Introduction Year.]</ref>
  
 
*;THG-13U : The 13U carries a [[Snub-Nose PPC]] in each arm. Both side torsos house a pair of [[MML-3]]s, capable of firing twelve missiles per volley. An engine [[Supercharger]] can combine with heat activated [[Triple Strength Myomer]] to sprint at speeds of 108 km/h. Twelve double heat sinks are carried, and the [[Endo Steel]] chassis is protected by twenty tons of [[Ballistic Reinforced Armor]]. The right torso carries two tons of missile ammunition in a [[CASE II]] protected bay. BV (2.0) = 2,545<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14'', p. 32</ref>
 
*;THG-13U : The 13U carries a [[Snub-Nose PPC]] in each arm. Both side torsos house a pair of [[MML-3]]s, capable of firing twelve missiles per volley. An engine [[Supercharger]] can combine with heat activated [[Triple Strength Myomer]] to sprint at speeds of 108 km/h. Twelve double heat sinks are carried, and the [[Endo Steel]] chassis is protected by twenty tons of [[Ballistic Reinforced Armor]]. The right torso carries two tons of missile ammunition in a [[CASE II]] protected bay. BV (2.0) = 2,545<ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14'', p. 32</ref>
  
 
===Custom Variants===
 
===Custom Variants===
−
*;''Thug Marita'' : The custom variant piloted by ex–Com Guard and [[Broadsword Legion]] CO [[Kari Marita]], the standard PPCs have been swapped for [[Clan]]tech ER PPCs, helping to free up weight for a C3i unit.<ref name=FMMR-49>''Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised'', p. 49 "Broadsword Legion: Warriors of Steel"</ref>
+
*;''Thug Marita'' : The custom variant piloted by ex–Com Guard and [[Broadsword Legion]] CO [[Kari Marita]], the standard PPCs have been swapped for [[Clan]] ER PPCs, helping to free up weight for a C3i unit.<ref name=FMMR-49>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 49: "Broadsword Legion: Warriors of Steel"</ref>
−
*;THG-11E ''Reich'' : The personal 'Mech of [[Wild Geese]] member [[Major]] [[Sandy Reich]], the ex–Com Guard's ''Thug'' has been retrofitted with Clan-spec replacement weaponry, with Clan ER PPCs and [[Streak SRM-6]]s fitting neatly into the old locations. Four [[jump jet]]s are included to increase mobility.<ref name=MS2-64>''Mercenaries Supplemental II'', p. 64 "The Wild Geese: Swords and Spurs"</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,612<ref name=RS3050UCSL-297>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 297</ref>
+
*;THG-11E ''Reich'' : The personal 'Mech of [[Wild Geese]] member [[Major]] [[Sandy Reich]], the ex–Com Guard's ''Thug'' has been retrofitted with Clan-spec replacement weaponry, with Clan ER PPCs and [[Streak SRM-6]]s fitting neatly into the old locations. Four [[jump jet]]s are included to increase mobility.<ref name=MS2-64>''Mercenaries Supplemental II'', p. 64: "The Wild Geese: Swords and Spurs"</ref> BV (2.0) = 2,612<ref name=RS3050UCSL-297>''Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 297</ref>
  
 
*;THG-11ECX ''Thug Jose'' : Piloted by mercenary [[Jose Magellan]] during the fall of the Star League, this ''Thug'' variant replaces the standard engine with an [[XL engine|extralight model]]. The PPCs are replaced by [[ER Large Laser]]s. In the space freed by the XL engine, Magellan installed three more SRM-6 launchers, for a total of five. The cockpit adds a [[Command Console]] to allow a Rim Worlds commander to see the entire battlefield. Four jump jets allow the ''Thug Jose'' to cover 120 meters at a time. Finally, a [[Null Signature System]] interfered with [[SLDF]] targeting systems.<ref name=XTRO:GSp7>''Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers'', p. 7</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,668<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers'', p. 20</ref>
 
*;THG-11ECX ''Thug Jose'' : Piloted by mercenary [[Jose Magellan]] during the fall of the Star League, this ''Thug'' variant replaces the standard engine with an [[XL engine|extralight model]]. The PPCs are replaced by [[ER Large Laser]]s. In the space freed by the XL engine, Magellan installed three more SRM-6 launchers, for a total of five. The cockpit adds a [[Command Console]] to allow a Rim Worlds commander to see the entire battlefield. Four jump jets allow the ''Thug Jose'' to cover 120 meters at a time. Finally, a [[Null Signature System]] interfered with [[SLDF]] targeting systems.<ref name=XTRO:GSp7>''Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers'', p. 7</ref> BV (2.0) = 1,668<ref>''Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers'', p. 20</ref>
  
 
== Design Quirks ==
 
== Design Quirks ==
−
The ''Thug'' has the following [[Design Quirks|Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: "BattleMech Quirk Table"</ref><ref name=BMErrata>[https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/BattleMech-Manual-2022-06-06-v6.0.pdf ''BattleTech Manual'' Errata version 6.0], p. 9: BattleMech Quirk Table</ref>
+
The ''Thug'' has the following [[Design Quirks|Design Quirk]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 95: "BattleMech Quirk Table"</ref><ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/BattleMech-Manual-2022-09-14-v6.01.pdf ''BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01)''], p. 9: "BattleMech Quirk Table"</ref>
−
* [[Rugged|Rugged (1)]] <!-- added by errata -->
+
* [[Rugged|Rugged (1)]]<!-- added by errata -->
 
<!-- No Torso Twist removed by errata -->
 
<!-- No Torso Twist removed by errata -->
  
Line 76: Line 77:
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''Schläger'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''SLG-11E'''.
+
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Schläger'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''SLG-11E'''.
  
 
* Plastic THG-11E is included in [[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Support Lance]]
 
* Plastic THG-11E is included in [[BattleTech: Inner Sphere Support Lance]]
Line 100: Line 101:
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers]]''
 
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers]]''
−
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries Revised]]''
+
* ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]''
 
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]''
 
* ''[[Mercenaries Supplemental II]]''
 
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14]]''
 
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14]]''

Revision as of 22:07, 30 September 2022

Thug
Thug
Production information
Manufacturer Maltex Corporation

Earthwerks Incorporated

Production Year 2572[1]
Model THG-11E
Class Assault
Cost 8,414,040 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 80 tons
Chassis Earthwerks VOL Endo Steel
Armor Mitchell Argon
Engine Pitban 320
Communications System Colmax 90
Heat Sinks 18 double
Speed 64.8 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,450[2]
BV (2.0) 1,640[3]


Description

The Thug was designed by Maltex Corporation as a direct competitor to the popular Warhammer BattleMech. First seeing production in 2572, the Thug sought to directly address some of the challenges which faced the Warhammer, chief of which was to increase armor protection without sacrificing firepower. When compared side-by-side, the Thug has a great many advantages over the Warhammer, yet it never wholly replaced the venerable 'Mech. Still the Thug proved popular enough that Maltex Corporation was forced to contract Earthwerks Incorporated to produce the Thug on Keystone in order to meet demand. Although it has had its detractors, the Thug has proven itself for over five hundred years to be the quintessential "zombie 'Mech."[4][5][6][7]

Production of the Thug from Maltex's original factory on Errai ceased when it was destroyed in 2835, one of many casualties of the Succession Wars, leaving only Earthwerks to continue building new Thugs at a rate of twelve per year. Unfortunately the same terrible conflict resulted in the loss of much advanced knowledge and technology, threatening their ability to keep even this meager production rate up. In a twist of fate it was the Warhammer which helped keep the Thug production line alive: with the loss of their original PPC weaponry, Earthwerks instead reworked the design to make use of the extensive stockpile of Donal PPCs used by the Warhammer, allowing new Thugs to be built and repairs to be made more easily.[4][5][6][7]

Beyond the few still in service to the Great Houses the largest user of Thugs was ComStar, a fact confirmed upon the reveal of their Com Guards. Eventually the recovery of lostech would allow both Earthwerks and Maltex to restart production of original-model Thugs during the 3050s. These were supplanted by new variants which, following the formation of the Second Star League, were supplied to ComStar, the SLDF, the Draconis Combine and Federated Suns. New Thugs were also built for the Word of Blake and those forces of the Free Worlds League aligned with them during the Jihad.[6][7]

Weapons and Equipment

The armament on the Thug is a very simple yet effective combination. For long-range striking power, it carries a Tiegart Particle Projector Cannon in each arm, similar in performance to those found on the Warhammer yet ten percent smaller and with more redundancies. Backing up the PPCs are a Bical-6 SRM launcher mounted in each side torso with one ton of CASE-protected reloads per side, allowing allow the Thug to fight off enemies which get within the minimum range of its PPCs. Each SRM tube is protected by a dilating cover when not in use.[4][5][6][7]

Eighteen double heat sinks gives the Thug far superior heat dissipation compared to the Warhammer while a ten-ton heavier Endo Steel frame allows it to carry fifteen and a half tons of armor, more than half again as much carried by the Warhammer. The Thug also benefits from the fact that it has hand actuators, making it a mean close-quarters combatant and a good raider able to carry away the spoils of its labor.[4][5][6][7]

Variants

  • THG-10E 
    The 10E is a downgraded version of the 11E produced by Earthwerks Incorporated following the destruction of Maltex's facilities in 2835. The primary changes come from the loss of the double heat sinks, CASE, and the Endo Steel structure. To compensate for the weight needed for a standard structure, the SRMs have been downgraded from six tube launchers to Holly SRM-4s. In addition, the Thug lost one ton of ammunition. While this version can still compete with the Warhammer and boast superior armor protection, the replacement of its double heat sinks with singles takes away its greatest advantage. Its communications and targeting-tracking systems were also replaced with a Colmax-025 and Instatrack Mark XV.[5][6][8] BV (1.0) = 1,203;[9] BV (2.0) = 1,501[8]
  • THG-12E 
    Take an extremely powerful long range 'Mech, extend its range and accuracy, and put it in the hands of the Inner Sphere's two most secretive organizations, and you have the 12E Thug. Built for both ComStar and the Word of Blake in 3067 the PPCs have been upgraded to ER PPCs and an improved C3 computer has been added. To make the change to a C3i computer, a double heat sink, one ton of ammunition, and the corresponding CASE were removed.[13] BV (1.0) = 1,476 (C3: 202);[14] BV (2.0) = 1,751
  • THG-13K 
    The 13K is a variant of the 12E (Introduced in 3068) that removes many of the traditional strengths of the Thug to increase its damage potential. Introduced in 3068 the missiles have been removed and the 'Mech is now powered by an XL engine. This, combined with the loss of a half-ton of armor and one of the heat sinks, reduces the much-vaunted survivability of the Thug to make room for three heavy PPCs. Though this gives the 13K great damage potential, it can quickly overwhelm its heat dissipation system. Two medium pulse lasers provide close range defense in case an enemy gets within the minimum range of the PPCs and an Improved C3 CPU enables it to share targeting telemetry with other units equipped with the same.[17] BV (2.0) = 2,086[18]

Custom Variants

  • Thug Marita 
    The custom variant piloted by ex–Com Guard and Broadsword Legion CO Kari Marita, the standard PPCs have been swapped for Clan ER PPCs, helping to free up weight for a C3i unit.[20]
    THG-11E Reich 
    The personal 'Mech of Wild Geese member Major Sandy Reich, the ex–Com Guard's Thug has been retrofitted with Clan-spec replacement weaponry, with Clan ER PPCs and Streak SRM-6s fitting neatly into the old locations. Four jump jets are included to increase mobility.[21] BV (2.0) = 2,612[22]
  • THG-11ECX Thug Jose 
    Piloted by mercenary Jose Magellan during the fall of the Star League, this Thug variant replaces the standard engine with an extralight model. The PPCs are replaced by ER Large Lasers. In the space freed by the XL engine, Magellan installed three more SRM-6 launchers, for a total of five. The cockpit adds a Command Console to allow a Rim Worlds commander to see the entire battlefield. Four jump jets allow the Thug Jose to cover 120 meters at a time. Finally, a Null Signature System interfered with SLDF targeting systems.[23] BV (2.0) = 1,668[24]

Design Quirks

The Thug has the following Design Quirk:[25][26]

The THG-11ECX Thug Jose variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[23]

Related BattleMechs

Notable Pilots

See: Category:Notable Thug Pilots

Notes

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Schläger. The model code was accordingly changed to SLG-11E.

Gallery

References

  1. ↑ MUL online date for the Thug
  2. ↑ Combat Operations, pc. 107
  3. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 217
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Technical Readout: 2750, pp. 48–49
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, pp. 102–103
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 274–275
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, pp. 216–217
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Record Sheets: 3039, p. 173
  9. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 130
  10. ↑ Technical Readout: 3075, p. 169
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 180
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 31
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League), p. 226
  14. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 124
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League), p. 227
  16. ↑ [http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3208/thug-thg-12k MUL Profile for the THG-12K Thug - Battle Value and Introduction Year
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 (Clan & Star League), p. 228
  18. ↑ MUL Profile of the THG-13K Thug - BV2 and Introduction Year.
  19. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 14, p. 32
  20. ↑ Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised, p. 49: "Broadsword Legion: Warriors of Steel"
  21. ↑ Mercenaries Supplemental II, p. 64: "The Wild Geese: Swords and Spurs"
  22. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Clan & Star League), p. 297
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers, p. 7
  24. ↑ Experimental Technical Readout: Gunslingers, p. 20
  25. ↑ BattleMech Manual, p. 95: "BattleMech Quirk Table"
  26. ↑ BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01), p. 9: "BattleMech Quirk Table"
  27. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 216

Bibliography

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