Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)

Timber Wolf
Production information
Manufacturer	Wolf Clan Site #2, Wolf Clan Site #1
Model	Prime
Class	Heavy
Cost	24,233,124 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass	75 tons
Chassis	Type W3 Endo-Steel
Armor	Composite A-2 Ferro-Fibrous
Engine	Starfire 375 XL
Speed	86.4 km/h
Armament	Primary Configuration 2xER Large Lasers 2xER Medium Lasers 1xMedium Pulse Laser 2xLRM-20s 2xMachine Guns
BV (1.0)	2,252
BV (2.0)	2,737

The Mad Cat is one of the most recognizable symbols in BattleTech, including being featured on the cover of the BattleTech Compendium and Technical Readout: 3050, as well as the 20th Anniversary Logo for Classic BattleTech, but also the MechWarrior series icon. Lastly, this emblematic 'Mech remains the symbol of the Clan Invasion of 3050.

Description

Looking vaguely like a cross between the Marauder and Catapult (hence the Inner Sphere code name Mad Cat - MAD is the call sign for the Marauder, and Phelan Kell's Wolfhound's targeting computer marked the Catapult as CAT; Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht officially designated it "Mad Cat"), the Timber Wolf, is a fast heavy OmniMech and vastly more powerful than either of the 'Mechs it resembles. Eponymous with the Clans' military might, the Timber Wolf was the first Clan OmniMech encountered by Inner Sphere forces on The Rock in 3049 by Phelan Kell.

The Timber Wolf uses its speed and firepower to engage an enemy at the range of its choosing. When first encountered by Inner Sphere forces the idea that a heavy 'Mech could move so swiftly while being as heavily armed and armored as the Timber Wolf was inconceivable. With its twelve tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor and arsenal that rivaled that of most assault 'Mechs of the era, it was completely alien to Inner Sphere military planners, commanders, and even the Precentor Martial of ComStar. Since then, the secrets of the technology that makes the Timber Wolf possible have been learned by the Inner Sphere, though they are unable to duplicate the technology in any real quantity. Even with this information, with its reconfigurable weapons payload and advanced Clan weapons systems, the Timber Wolf is a formidable opponent on any battlefield.

The Timber Wolf was first introduced in 2945. The Timber Wolf, along with the Gargoyle and the Naga, were designed by Clan Wolf as second generation OmniMechs replacements for the aging Woodsman. While the Gargoyle may have been a very capable, fast assault OmniMech, and the Naga may have been an excellent fire-support OmniMech, Clan Wolf (and indeed every other Clan) instantly realized the value of the Timber Wolf; thus, production rights to the Timber Wolf were jealously (and successfully) defended. Only through trade, gifts and battlefield salvage has the Timber Wolf entered the armies of other Clans. Until the invasion of the Inner Sphere, production of the Timber Wolf has been limited to a single facility on Strana Mechty.

Armament

The default configuration of the Timber Wolf features a well blended mix of energy and missile weaponry; primarily extended-range lasers and long range missile racks that give the Timber Wolf considerable firepower at medium and long range. A pair of LRM-20 racks supplemented by two Extended Range Large Lasers make up the bulk of the Timber Wolf's firepower. The Timber Wolf also has an array of lighter, shorter ranged weaponry for use once the 'Mech draws closer to its prey; two ER Medium Lasers and a Medium Pulse Laser. Finally, it has two Machine Guns for point defense against infantry. Even on the modern battlefield the primary configuration of the Timber Wolf is a force to be reckoned with.

Alternate Configurations

• Alt. Config. A - Configured specifically for long range, direct fire combat, the A configuration of the Timber Wolf is armed with a pair of ER PPCs. These give the Timber Wolf A the capability of stripping nearly two tons of armor off of an enemy 'Mech at extreme ranges. For close combat, the A configuration has three Medium Pulse Lasers, an ER Small Laser, and a Streak SRM-6 to find any weak points in an enemy's armor. BV (1.0) = 2,470, BV (2.0) = 2,854

• Alt. Config. B - Armed to engage an enemy at either short or long ranges, the B configuration is an attempt to use the Timber Wolf in a workhorse role. For long range combat, a Gauss Rifle and an LRM-10 launcher gives the Timber Wolf B a powerful long range punch. For short to medium range engagements, a Large Pulse Laser is carried. Finally, for short ranges, a Small Pulse Laser and SRM-4 launcher are carried. Additionally, both of the missile launchers are linked to an Artemis IV Fire Control System to allow for greater missile accuracy. BV (1.0) = 2,012, BV (2.0) = 2,224

• Alt. Config. C - A long range configuration of the Timber Wolf, the C configuration carries an assortment of long range weapons. For direct fire capabilities, the Timber Wolf C mounts two ER Large Lasers and an Ultra Autocannon/5. For indirect fire support capability, its two LRM-15 launchers provide an ample quantity of firepower. Finally, for close range protection, the C carries an ER Medium Laser and an Anti-Missile System. BV (1.0) = 2,164, BV (2.0) = 2,500

• Alt. Config. D - This configuration mounts a pair of ER PPCs as its primary weapons. These are supported by four Streak SRM-6 launchers with two in the left torso and two in the right torso. One Streak SRM-6 on both torsos is rear mounted. A single ER Small Laser rounds out the Timber Wolf D's arsenal. BV (1.0) = 2,351, BV (2.0) = 2,682

• Alt. Config. E - Configured to use the added flexibility of the new Advanced Tactical Missile system, the E configuration mounts two ER Large Lasers as its primary direct fire weapons. The E Configuration also carries two ATM 9 launchers which can fire ammunition that is tailored to the ranges which it is engaging the enemy at. Finally, the E configuration carries a Light TAG designator for calling in Arrow IV artillery fire. BV (1.0) = 2,194, BV (2.0) = 2,444

• Alt. Config. F - This variant takes the primary configuration, downgrades the pulse laser to an ER Medium and replaces the Machine Guns with three Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifles. BV (2.0) = 2,764

• Alt. Config. H - A configuration that is capable of engaging an enemy with devastating effect at any range, the H configuration carries a pair of LRM-20 launchers linked to an Artemis IV Fire Control System for long range firepower. For close combat, two Heavy Large Lasers are carried, each of which can strip a full ton of armor from an enemy 'Mech at short ranges. Finally, seemingly added almost as an afterthought, an ER Small Laser completes the H's weaponry loadout. BV (1.0) = 2,095, BV (2.0) = 2,627

• Alt. Config. S - A highly maneuverable urban combat configuration of the Timber Wolf, the S mounts five jump jets, allowing it to jump up to one hundred and fifty meters. To offset the inaccuracy from using jump jets, the S configuration is armed with a Large Pulse Laser backed up by two Medium Pulse Lasers. The S configuration also carries four SRM-6 launchers and two Machine Guns, making it a deadly close combat fighter. BV (1.0) = 2,229, BV (2.0) = 2,462

Non Standard Configurations

• Pryde - A non-standard alternate configuration of the Timber Wolf, this configuration was made famous for its use by Star Colonel Aidan Pryde. The primary long range weapons are a pair of ER Large Lasers which are backed up by a pair of LRM-20s for long range combat. For close combat, two ER Medium Lasers are carried as well as an ER Small Laser. The Pryde Configuration also mounts four jump jets making it highly maneuverable. BV (1.0) = 2,624 BV (2.0) = 2,900

• Bounty Hunter - A variant used by the infamous Bounty Hunter, it mounted a Large Pulse Laser and a Medium Pulse Laser in each arm. It also had a Medium Pulse Laser in both the left and right torso with a clan Light TAG in the center torso. A Light Active Probe, ECM suite, and a Targeting Computer provided stealth & increased accuracy. It's painted all green with credit symbols. BV (1.0) = 2,393 BV (2.0) = 2,829

Notable Pilots

• Vlad Ward, eventual Khan of Clan Wolf, was piloting a Timber Wolf when the Inner Sphere was first introduced to the Clans on The Rock in 3049. Later, Vlad would make the Timber Wolf his primary 'Mech of choice, and would pilot one in the Great Refusal.
• The Bounty Hunter piloted a modified Timber Wolf during FedCom Civil War era.
• On Tharkad, Phelan Kell commands the troops of his Wolves from the cockpit of a Timberwolf.

Related 'Mechs

• Woodsman - The Timber Wolf was one of three designs intended to replace the Woodsman. Details about the Woodsman are scarce, but all sources agree, the Woodsman was an early OmniMech (either first or early second generation), appearing decades before the unveiling of the Timber Wolf in 2945. The other OmniMechs intended to replace the Woodsman, the Gargoyle and the Naga, are reportedly closer in capabilities and (especially in the case of the Naga) appearance to the original design.

• Gargoyle - The Gargoyle was designed as another upgrade over the Woodsman; however, the Gargoyle mounts less armor and less tonnage in pod space than the Timber Wolf.

• Naga - The distantly related Naga fire-support OmniMech was another variation of the Woodsman, this time extending the torso laterally to accommodate the placement of Arrow IV artillery systems.

• Linebacker - The Linebacker was designed as an eventual replacement to the Timber Wolf. The Linebacker boasts a single improvement over the venerable Timber Wolf, a higher walking and running speed, allowing the Linebacker to keep pace with lighter, faster OmniMechs. Otherwise, the Linebacker mounts less armor and ten tons less pod space.

• Mad Cat Mk II - Designed by Clan Diamond Shark for trade and profits, the Mad Cat Mk II is a 90-ton assault BattleMech, with a hull based strongly on that of the Timber Wolf. The Mad Cat Mk II has been dealt to other home clans and Inner Sphere armies, hence the choice of the Inner Sphere designation, "Mad Cat".

• Rakshasa - Designed by the NAIS for the Federated Commonwealth, the Rakshasa chassis and weapons clearly emulate the primary configuration of the Timber Wolf. The lack of Clan weapons and construction materials, however, prevent an exact duplication of the original's abilities.

Notes

• Anastasius Focht, the Precentor Martial of the ComGuard named the Timber Wolf the "Mad Cat" after he studied the battle footage of Phelan Kell's encounter with Clan Wolf, noting familiar aspects with the Marauder and the Catapult. He also pointed out that it would be impossible for ComStar to replicate the 'Mech when Myndo Waterly suggested that their armorers modify their Catapults to that configuration.

Gallery

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  Mad Cat in Urban Terrain

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  Mad Cat in Motion from Interior of TRO 3050U.

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  Mad Cat from TRO 3050 Upgrade Cover

• 

  Mad Cat in action

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  Aidan Pryde's Mad Cat

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  Mad Cat A in Combat

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  Mad Cat B in Combat

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  Mad Cat C in Motion

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  Mad Cat D in Motion

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  Mad Cat S in Battle

• 

  Mad Cat Prime in Motion

Bibliography

• Combat Operations
• Interstellar Players
• Record Sheets: 3050
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)
• Record Sheets: 3060
• Record Sheets: 3067
• Record Sheets: Upgrades
• Technical Readout: 3050
• Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3055
• Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3067