The Overlord is the largest 'Mech carrier in service in the Human Sphere. The standard version carries a complete 'Mech battalion, complete with aerospace support, making it one of the sights most feared by ground forces. The Clan variant is the only DropShip that carries a larger 'Mech cargo than the Inner Sphere Overlord.
         The massive spheroid Overlord is employed primarily in large-scale assault missions. It usually approaches the target world behind a screen of fighters and attack DropShips. The Overlord can deploy its BattleMech cargo on the ground, in high atmosphere, or in space. The last is the preferred option, as it limits the Overlord's exposure to combat. The craft is especially vulnerable in the atmosphere, where its spheroid shape is a major disadvantage. However, when a secure landing zone can be maintained, Overlords often land to reduce the risks to their BattleMech cargoes. The vessels often serve as command centers and supply bases in these instances.
         Observers estimate some two-dozen design variants, exist. The most common variant is the Overlord-One, which features a single huge 'Mech bay that can accommodate 36 BattleMechs on six decks. A seventh deck contains cubicles for an aerospace squadron. A series of catwalks that run from the bay's central support column provides access to these decks and also contains the main power systems, coolant lines, and a series of cargo and personnel elevators.
         Another common variant of the Overlord replaces the lower two 'Mech decks with garages for a company of vehicles. Yet another variant reduces the 'Mech complement by one lance and uses the additional space for command and control facilities. These valuable craft are called Command-Overlords and often provide a decisive edge in planetary assaults. However, Command-Overlords are extremely rare. Most are owned by the surviving Successor States, although Wolf's Dragoons and other high-profile units of the Allied Mercenary Command possess a few as well.
         The Shipil Company refits existing Overlords and builds new ones with new technology, primarily advanced weapons systems. The most radical upgrade involves the vessel's nose, where the four autocannons, two lasers and two PPCs have been replaced with a pair of ER PPCs and a trio of Gauss rifles. This modification simultaneously reduces the Overlords total number of systems and greatly improves the craft's long-range firepower. The energy weapons mounted in the original design's side and aft bays have been replaced with either pulse or extended-range systems for greater accuracy and range as well.
               Unfortunately, many of these new weapons generate large amounts of heat, and the design of the original Overlord precludes the enhancement of its coolant system. As a result, Shipil's refitted Overlord boasts considerable firepower, but is unable to use it as effectively as some would wish. It is still superior to the older Overlords built in Sarna and the Federated Suns, and this has made it the Federation of Skye's primary 'Mech carrier. It is also sold to the Allied Mercenary Command, where it has become the single most common 'Mech carrier in use.