Suncrusher SNC-O
Rules Level: Experimental Tech
Technology Base: Inner Sphere
Chassis Config: Biped
Production Year: 0
Earliest Production Year: 3067
Extinct By: Never
Chassis: Unknown Endo-Steel
Power Plant: Unknown 250 Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 54.0 km/h
Maximum Speed: 86.4 km/h
Jump Jets: Unknown
Jump Capacity: 0 meters
Armor: Unknown Standard Armor
Armament:
20.00 tons of pod space.
Manufacturer: Unknown
Primary Factory: Unknown
Communications System: Unknown
Targeting and Tracking System: Unknown
Overview
Designed in Lyran space as an Omni-mech replacement for the Starslayer, the Suncrusher fell on hard times much as the better known Thanatos did when the quarter master determined that Omni-mechs were too expensive. Unlike the Thanatos, funding was not available to redesign it as a standard battlemech. The company went under and the design languished for years until the rights were bought by a Cappellen manufacturer.
Capabilities
Limited use of advanced technology provides a cheap, robust trooper mech. Use of Endosteel and XL Gyro's frees up a reasonable amount of tonnage for pod space, while the 250 rated Magna engine provides reasonable speeds allowing the Suncrusher to keep up with line forces. Maximum levels of armor protection provide 16% more durability then the majority of mechs in the same weight class.
The Prime configuration combines a Plasma Rifle with an MML-7 for a reasonable one two punch at short to medium range. Backing up these weapons are a Medium laser and Extended focus Flamer to deal with lighter targets.
The A Configuration Mounts matching ER Large lasers for a consistent long range punch, and a slew of Rocket Launchers to either initiate an engagement, or to exploit holes opened up by sniping.
The B Configuration copies the capabilities of the Dire Skunk, an ancient mech design long thought lost. It is a brutal short ranged fighter utilizing Smoke to cover it's approach and a Massive bank of small lasers to dissect its target.
C Configuration is a missile support platform that seems most reminiscent of the old arctic wolf, but downgraded to Inner Sphere tech levels of nearly a century ago.
Deployment
Despite being designed nearly 75 year ago, and manufacture not beginning until almost 20 year ago, Sales and export of the Suncrusher have been steady. To date nearly 500 Suncrushers have been manufactured. 50% of that number are found within the armies of house Liao, while They Lyran Alliance and Draconis Combine have acquired the rest.