B A T T L E T E C H TECHNICAL READOUT 3025 LCT - 1V LOCUST ---------------- Overview: The Locust was one of the most produced and common BattleMechs of the fallen Star League. Bergan Industries began production of the 'Mech at eight of their facilities in 2499, and was still in peak production when the Star League fell several years later. Several variants of the 'Mech have been produced and modified over the years, creating quite distinct versions. All modifications involve upgrading the Locust's firepower. Capabilities: The Locust was originally designed as a light and fast recon vehicle, a role it has fulfilled well for both the old Star League and the later Suc- cessor States. Lightly armed and very mobile, it offers fast recon ability as well as quick strike capability. The Locust of 3025 retains these features, but in many cases also acts as a front-line 'Mech. The 'Mech's weakness is its size. Though it often packs a great deal of firepower, many Locusts do not have enough heat sinks to be able to use all their weapons effectively. As speed is one of its major assets, The LCT-1V is often placed where the front is fluid, as it is quick enough to respond to a possible enemy break- through. More often, however, the Locust must fight a holding action until larger, better-equipped 'Mechs can arrive. It is the rare MechWarrior who enjoys piloting a Locust for any period of time. It is currently the smallest of all 'Mechs used and thus is outclassed by just about every other 'Mech on the field. Lacking the jump jets and hands of smaller 'Mechs, the Locust is limited in close firefights or in 'Mech-to 'Mech combat. As a direct hit by almost any weapon on the battlefield can destroy or quickly cripple a Locust, it is usually deployed in groups of three, which can have the ability to encircle opposing 'Mechs. Many large 'Mechs that wander off in battle have fallen to such an attack. Battle History: During the first Succession War, many commanders of the day were still using the tactics of warfare developed over the past 200 years of the Star League and the Reunification War. As House Kurita forces drove onto the Davion world of New Avalon, the Davion Generals saw the time had come for bolder tactics. General Kessem of House Davion found his forces dug into a stalemate con- frontation with Kurita forces on the world of Ludwig. In a desperate gamble, he quickly reorganized his troops to form five lances made up almost totally of Locusts and other fast-moving units. In a bold attempt, he ordered these 'Mechs to attack the weakened front of the Kurita border. Davion losses were staggering, but once the 'Mechs had penetrated the Kurita lines, they quickly moved to the rear area. The Locusts themselves did not pose a threat, but they did manage to pull off several crack Kurita units off the front line to search them down. This allowed General Kessem to mount as strong counter-attack that slowed the fall of Ludwig by several months. In more current battles, House Steiner engaged House Marik on the world Callison in 3020. Elements of Marik Mitilia's 10th regiment were supporting several recon lances composed of Locusts and their variants. In the city- fighting at Rolso on Callison, these units more than proved their ability to navigate narrow streets and play havoc with the infantry in the nearby buildings. During the Davion-Kurita battle over Royal, House Davion saw Locusts at their best and worst. On the good side, several all Locust detachments from the 8th regiment of the Deneb Light Cavalry managed to flank Kurita lines and caused considerable destruction and confusion in Kurita rear areas. But this disruption did not prevent the almost complete annihilation of the 3 companies of 10th Deneb Locusts who blundered into an ambush of Kurita Heavy and Assault Lances. Another notable engagement involving Locusts was an attack by Helmar Valasek against a small Kurita garrison on Porthos in 3024. In that engagement, a bandit Union class DropShip slid past the fighter cover and disembarked several fast combat lances consiting of Locusts, Wasps, and Stingers. In a lightning attack on an arsenal, the bandits seized the supplies they had come for and escaped offworld. Though the Kurita garrison was well defended, its 'Mechs were too slow to pursue the attacking Locusts. Variants: The prototype Locust LCT-1V, with its medium laser and machine gun arm- ament, is the most common of the class, accounting for more than 75 percent of the still-functioning Locusts os Succesor State battlefields. Several short- run production prototypes were later introduced, and several modifications also appeared after the start of the first Succesion War. Model 1S supports less armor and carries two SRM two-packs, as well as 50 rounds of ammunition and a Martell medium laser. The Model 1M Locust reduces its armor and carries two LRM 5-packs, 24 rounds of ammunition, and the popular Martell medium laser. This version is used mainly by House Davion's Ceti Hussars. Model 1E is the Locust variant least produced and least resembling the others. Reducing its armor in favor of more weaponry, the 1E carries two arm- mounted medium lasers as well as two small lasers. Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors: Lieutenant Martha Maveries Lietenant Maveries is currently assigned to be recon lance of the 32nd Lyran Guard's support regiment. Maveries is a tall, thin woman whose cheeks sre scarred from a childhood accident. She pilots a Locust named The Stomper after her actions in battle in the city of Shull on the planet Alexandria. In that engagement, Maveries became famous for stepping on small hovercraft and other vehicles defending the city. MechWarrior George McPhearson Attached to House Davion' Capellan March Militia, McPhearson commands a light recon unit in the regiment. He has turned down several opportunities to pilot larger 'Mechs in favor of his Locust, `Wanda's Wonder', which is named after his sister, a MechWarrior lost in the battle for Hoan. He never refers to hs=is 'Mech as a Locust but rather as "a garbage can with firepower". McPhearson is respected and well-known throughout the Free Worlds League for his fighting skill in the small 'Mech. Technical Data: Mass: 20 tons Chassis: Bergan VII Power Plant: 160 LTV Cruising Speed: 86.4 kph Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph Jump Jets: None Jump Capacity: None Armor: 1/Star Slab Armament: One Medium Martell Laser Two SperryBrowning Machine Guns Manufacturer: Bergan Industries Communications System: Garret T10 B Targeting and Tracking System: O/P 911 Game Data: Type: LCT-1V Locust Tons Tonnage: 20 tons 20 Internal Structure: 2 Engine: 160 LTV 6 Walking MPs: 8 Running MPs: 12 Jumping MPs: 0 Heat Sinks: 10 0 Gyro: 2 Cockpit: 3 Armor Factor: 64 4 Internal Armor Structure Value Head: 3 8 Center Torso: 6 10/2 Rt./Lt. Trso: 5 8/2 Rt./Lt. Arm: 3 4 Rt./Lt. Leg: 4 8 Weapons and Ammo: Type Loc. Critical Tons Medium Laser CT 1 1 Machine Gun RA 1 .5 Machine gun LA 1 .5 Ammo (MG) 200 CT 1 1