Argus

Argus
Argus
Production information
Manufacturer Achernar BattleMechs[1]

Robinson Standard BattleWorks[1]

Production Year 3062[2]
Model AGS-4D[1]
Class Heavy
Cost 11,978,400 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 60 tons
Chassis 1A Type 12 Endo Steel
Armor StarGuard II with CASE
Engine GM 300 XL
Communications System Achernar Electronics HID-8.7
Targeting Tracking System Federated Hunter Mk. XX with Targeting Module and Beagle Active Probe
Heat Sinks 12 double
Speed 86 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,426[3][4]
BV (2.0) 1,638[1][5]


Description[edit]

Originally designed as an OmniMech, the Argus was developed in a joint venture between Achernar BattleMechs and Robinson Standard BattleWorks and was submitted as an OmniMech to the Department of the Quartermaster which rejected the design. Achernar and Robinson modified the 'Mech and resubmitted it as a standard BattleMech that was quickly picked up by the AFFC. The Argus is built around a lightweight GM 300 XL engine which gives the 'Mech a top speed of 86.4 km/h while sacrificing some survivability. The 'Mech is built on a 1A Type 12 Endo Steel chassis that saves weight for armor, weapons, and equipment. The Argus is protected by twelve tons of StarGuard II armor with CASE to protect against complete destruction in the event of an ammunition explosion. The Argus is also fitted with a Beagle Active Probe which makes it capable of finding hidden enemy units and helps protect the Argus from being ambushed.

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Argus is first and foremost a close combat 'Mech. For this reason, the Argus carries a Mydron Model RC rotary autocannon/5 which is capable of firing at up to six times the normal rate of a standard autocannon, making it highly destructive at close range. This is backed up by two Bright-Bloom ER medium lasers for close combat. The Argus has a single Mydron Minigun Machine Gun to defend itself against unarmored infantry attacks, and also has a Federated 10-shot LRM-10 launcher which provides the Argus with some long range striking capabilities. The rotary autocannon/5 and the ER medium lasers are linked to an advanced Targeting Computer which makes them extremely accurate.

Variants[edit]

  • AGS-2D 
    The 2D variant of the Argus was the originally planned primary configuration of the OmniMech version. The 2D removes the entire 'Mech's arsenal and is outfitted for long range combat. For direct fire the 2D has a single ER PPC capable of striking down opponents at extreme ranges. The 2D also has two LRM-15 launchers with Artemis IV fire control for greater missile accuracy and one additional double heat sink.[1] BV (1.0) = 1,360[6], BV (2.0) = 1,566[7]
  • AGS-5D 
    The Argus 5D drops all the standard weaponry and equipment. In its place are a Heavy PPC, two Streak SRM-6 launchers, and a pair of medium lasers. The Targeting Computer remains, and this variant is capable of bursts of speed over 100 km/h thanks to a MASC system. The 5D also has a C3 slave unit mounted in its head. BV (2.0) = 2,065[8]
  • AGS-6F 
    The 6F Argus was introduced during the Jihad. During this time, the XL Fusion engine of the original was replaced by a Light Fusion Engine. The increased weight of this engine required the engineers to remove several weapons. The 6F carries a pair of medium lasers and an SRM-6, but most of its firepower is found in the right arm Autocannon/20. The 6F is protected by Light Ferro-Fibrous armor, and carries ten double heat sinks. BV(2.0)=1,524[9]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Argus has the following Design Quirks:[12]

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, pp. 138–139: "AGS-4D Argus"
  2. MUL online date for the Argus
  3. Technical Readout: 3067, p. 77
  4. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 100
  5. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 119
  6. Combat Operations, p. 126
  7. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 118
  8. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 120
  9. Record Sheets: 3067 Unabridged, p. 121
  10. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 86
  11. Master Unit List, "Argus AGS-8DX"
  12. BattleMech Manual, p. 90 Battlemech Quirk Table - Argus Entry.

Bibliography[edit]