BattleMech Technical Readout

Type/Model:	Locust LCT-1V
Tech:	Inner Sphere / 3025
Config:	Biped BattleMech
Rules:	Level 1, Standard design
Mass:	20 tons
Chassis:	Bergan VII Standard
Power Plant:	160 LTV Fusion
Walking Speed:	86.4 km/h
Maximum Speed:	129.6 km/h
Jump Jets:	None
Jump Capacity:	0 meters
Armor Type:	1/Star Slab Standard

Armament:

1 Martell Medium Laser

2 Sperry Browning Machine Guns

Manufacturer:    Bergan Industries

   Location:    (Unknown)

Communications System:    Garret T-10B

Targeting & Tracking System: O/P 911

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 Successor 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 breakthrough.   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 length 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 other 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 then 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 that the time had come for bolder tactics.
       General Kessem of House Davion found his forces dug into a stalemate confrontation 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 moved quickly to the rear areas.
       The Locusts themselves did not pose a threat, but they did manage to pull several crack Kurita units off the front line to search them down.   This allowed General Kessem to mount a strong counter-attack that slowed the fall of Ludwig by several months.
       In more current battles, House Steiner engaged House Marik on the world of Callison on 3020.   Elements of Marik Militia'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 worth by 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 Prothos in 3024.   In that engagement, a bandit Union Class DropShip slid past the fighter cover and disembarked several fast combat lances consisting of Locusts, Wasps, and Stingers.   In a lightning attack on an arsenal, the bandits seized the supplies they had come for and escaped off world.   Though the Kurita garrison was well defended, its 'Mechs were too slow to pursue the attacking Locusts.

Variants:

       The prototype Locust-1V, with its medium laser and machine gun armament, is the most common of the class, accounting for more than 75 percent of the still-functioning Locusts on Successor State battlefields.   Several short-run production prototypes were later introduced, and several modifications also appeared after the start of the First Succession 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 & MechWarriors:

Lieutenant Martha Maveries
       Lieutenant Maveries is currently assigned to the recon lance of the 32nd Lyran Guard's support regiment.   Maveries is a tall, thin woman whose cheeks are scarred heavily from a childhood accident.   She pilots a Locust named The Stomper after her actions in a 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's 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 his '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 skills in the small 'Mech.

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Type/Model:	Locust LCT-1V
Mass:	20 tons

Equipment:		Crits	Mass
Internal Structure:	33 pts Standard	0	2.00
Engine:	160	6	6.00
Walking MP:	8
Running MP:	12
Jumping MP:	0
Heat Sinks:	10 Single	4	.00
(Heat Sink Loc: 1 LT, 1 RT, 1 LL, 1 RL)
Gyro:		4	2.00
Cockpit, Life Support, Sensors:		5	3.00
Actuators:	L: Sh+UA, R: Sh+UA	12	.00
Armor Factor:	64 pts Standard	0	4.00

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		Internal	Armor
		Structure	Value
	Head:	3	8
	Center Torso:	6	10
	Center Torso (Rear):		2
	L/R Side Torso:	5	8/8
	L/R Side Torso (Rear):		2/2
	L/R Arm:	3	4/4
	L/R Leg:	4	8/8

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Weapons & Equipment:	Loc	Heat	Ammo	Crits	Mass
1 Medium Laser	CT	3		1	1.00
1 Machine Gun	RA	0	200	2	1.50
(Ammo Loc: 1 CT)
1 Machine Gun	LA	0		1	.50
TOTALS:		3		35	20.00
Crits & Tons Left:				43	.00

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Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:	1,512,400 C-Bills
Battle Value:	356
Cost per BV:	4,248.31
Weapon Value:	103 / 103 (Ratio = .29 / .29)
Damage Factors:	SRDmg = 5; MRDmg = 1; LRDmg = 0
BattleForce2:	MP: 8,   Armor/Structure: 2/2
	Damage PB/M/L: 1/1/-,   Overheat: 0
	Class: ML,   Point Value: 4

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