Akuma

Akuma
Production information
Manufacturer	Independence Weaponry
Production Year	3058
Model	AKU-1X
Class	Assault
Cost	9,517,480 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass	90 tons
Chassis	Foundation AKU Endo Steel
Armor	Durallex Special Heavy
Engine	GM 270
Communications System	Sipher Security Plus
Targeting Tracking System	Matabushi Sentinel
Heat Sinks	13 double
Speed	54 km/h
Armament	1x ER PPC 1x medium pulse laser 1x Streak SRM-4 1x medium laser 1x MRM-30 1x LB 10-X autocannon 1x Streak SRM-6
BV (1.0)	1,535
BV (2.0)	1,959

For the DCMS MechWarrior, see Jerry Akuma.

Description

Created in 3058 in response to a call from Theodore Kurita to build more cost-effective BattleMechs with which to combat the Clans, the Akuma (meaning "Devil" in Japanese) was designed by Independence Weaponry as a low-cost alternative to their Atlas variant. The Akuma actually shares several components with the Atlas and, much like that design, also features a head design intended to evoke fear in its enemies. The Akuma is built on a Foundation AKU Endo Steel chassis and is powered by a rugged and reliable GM 270 fusion engine that allows the 'Mech to reach a top speed of 54.0 km/h. The 'Mech has thirteen double heat sinks to dissipate waste heat and carries seventeen and a half tons of Durallex Special Heavy armor for protection from enemy fire.

Weapons and Equipment

The Akuma carries a Lord's Light 2 ER PPC and a powerful Imperator Code Red LB-X Autocannon/10 as its primary long-range weapons. The latter weapon gives it a good amount of flexibility in engaging targets as the autocannon can fire both solid and cluster ammunition. For medium to close range combat, the Akuma has a Shigunga MRM-30 launcher and two highly accurate short range missile launchers produced by Guided Technologies; a 2nd Gen Streak SRM-6 and a 2nd Gen Streak SRM-4 launcher. Finally, a Victory 23R medium laser and a Victory Heartbeat Medium Pulse Laser round out the Akumas eclectic and effective weapons payload.

Variants

• AKU-1XJ 

  A jump-capable variant of the Akuma, the 1XJ can jump up to ninety meters by sacrificing heat dissipation capacity and firepower. The 'Mech has only ten double heat sinks and completely changes its weapons array. The only long-range weapon it carries is an ER Large Laser. The MRM-30 has been upgraded to an MRM-40 launcher. For overwhelming close-range firepower, the 1XJ carries an LB-X Autocannon/20 in place of the class-10 version and has two Medium Pulse Lasers and an ER Small Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,649, BV (2.0) =2,203

• AKU-2X 

  A Jihad-era variant, the 2X retains the LB 10-X and Medium Pulse Laser of the 1X while carrying a larger MRM-40 rack enhanced by an experimental Apollo FCS. The remaining weaponry is replaced with a Heavy PPC and a C3 slave. A Compact Gyro increases survivability. BV (2.0) =2,122

• AKU-2XC 

  An offshoot of the 2X, this Akuma model keeps the MRM-40, Apollo FCS, and LB 10-X of the earlier variant. A second Medium Pulse Laser joins the first, and it also carries a C3 boosted slave, Angel ECM Suite, and a Coolant Pod to offset the loss of a heat sink. A Snub-Nose PPC replaces the Heavy PPC. The protection is further enhanced through the use of CASE. BV (2.0) = 2,134

• AKU-2XK 

  This variant, also introduced during the Jihad, replaces all the existing weaponry for a C3 slave, Heavy PPC, Rotary AC/5, two Medium Pulse Lasers, an ER medium laser, and a pair of MML-9 launchers. It also carries a Guardian ECM Suite to disrupt electronic warfare systems. Like the AKU-2XC, it uses a Compact Gyro. The protection is further enhanced through the use of CASE. BV (2.0) = 2,170

Design Quirks

The Akuma has the following Design Quirk:

• Easy to Maintain

Related BattleMechs

• Atlas - The Draconis Combine created the Akuma as an inexpensive alternative to the venerable Atlas. As such, the design shares similar traits like the well-known "death's head" of the design.

Notes

• The Akuma initially received the Distracting Design Quirk in addition to the Easy to Maintain Design Quirk in the Beta version of the BattleTech Manual; the Distracting Design Quirk was removed in the later official release of the book.

Gallery

• 

  Original AKU-1X Akuma from FM:DC

• 

  Akuma from TRO:3067

Bibliography

• BattleMech Manual
• Combat Operations
• Field Manual: Draconis Combine
• Record Sheets: 3067
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
• Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged
• Technical Readout: 3067