Mass:
35 tons
Tech Level: Inner Sphere Level 2
Primary Role: Light Support
Cost:
3,865,860 C-bills
Battle Value: 908
Weapon Value: 719
Chassis: McAtee SWT
Endo
Power Plant: GM 210
Cruising Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: StarGuard Ferro-fibrous with CASE
Armor Capacity: 97.5% of maximum
Armament:
1 Sutel Extended-range Large Laser
1 Martell Medium Laser
1 Holly SRM-4 rack
Communications System: Dalban Micronics
Targeting/Tracking System: Dalban HiRez
Manufacturer: McAtee Manufacturing
Primary Factory: Sherwood
Internal Structure.........Endo-steel................1.75
Engine.....................210.......................9
Walking MP's............6 (12)
Running MP's............9 (12)
Jumping MP's............0
Heat Sinks..................10 (20)..................0
Gyro.................................................3
Cockpit..............................................3
Armor Factor...............116 Ferro-fibrous........6.5
Internal
Armor
Head............3...........9
C. Torso.......11..........16
(rear).................5
R/L Torso.......8..........12
(rear).................4
R/L Arm.........6..........12
R/L Leg.........8..........15
Weapons
Loc. Crit
ER Large Laser............RA...........2.............5
Medium Laser..............LA...........1.............1
SRM-4.....................LT...........1.............2
Ammo (SRM) 25.............LT...........1.............1
CASE......................LT...........1.............0.5
MASC......................CT...........2.............2
Overview:
While speed is an advantage of most light 'Mechs, long-range firepower generally is not. In addition to the HRV-T4 Harvester, the SWT-B8 Switchblade is an attempt to create a light mech that has both the speed advantage and long-range firepower to capitalize on that speed.
Capabilities:
One of the few light 'Mechs suited to chasing down and engaging prey even heavier than itself, the Switchblade is impressive. A 210-rated GM engine gives it appreciable speed, while the installed MASC enables short bursts of extra speed to catch an opponent off-guard or to escape a dangerous situation. Consideration was given to installing an Extra-light engine for even more speed, but a combination of the high cost, torso vulnerability, and the factory site being near the Periphery border (and thus prone to pirate raids) resulted in the decision to use a standard engine.
The Switchblade's long-range firepower is highlighted by a Sutel Line Extended-range Large Laser, a respectable weapon that can seriously damage most light mechs in one or two shots. At medium range, a standard medum laser supplements the larger weapon, and an SRM-4 defends the Switchblade at close range. It was decided to use these standard weapons, again because of the outlying location of the mech factory.
The Switchblade carries six-and-a-half tons of ferro-fibrous armor, one of the few Star League-tech items chosen. While more expensive, this armor offers as much protection as is found on many medium BattleMechs, particularly in and near the Periphery. Protection is enhanced further by encasing the SRM rounds in CASE. This makes the Switchblade more than ready to take on heavier opponents.
Deployment:
The Switchblade is targeted for the planetary and March militias of the outer Draconis and Crucis Marches, and the bulk of those produced can be found there. A few have trickled into other areas of the Federated Commonwealth and nearby mercenary forces.
Battleforce 2 Statistics:
MP
Dam. PB/M/L OH Armor/St.
Pts. Spec
6
3/2/1 0
3/3 9
Battleforce 2 Statistics:
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Page last modified 31 December, 2003