Editing Crockett

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image = Katana (Crockett) RGilClan v23.png
|name = ''Crockett''
|manufacturer = 
[[Blankenburg Technologies]] (5003-1)<ref name=TRSWp160f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 160–161: "CRK-5003-1 Crockett"</ref>
----
[[Grumium Creations]] (5003-3/5004-1)<ref name=TRSWp160f />
|production year = 2735
|year reference= <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/725/crockett-crk-5003-1 MUL online entry for ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
|model = CRK-5003-1
|cost = 8,418,425 C-bills
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
|mech type = BattleMech
|mass = 85
|chassis = [[Geometric 530 Hard Core]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|armor = [[CarboStrand 30 Weight AS]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|engine = [[Strand 255D]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|comsys = [[GRPNTR Groundpainter 5]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|T&T = [[Scope 30 RNDST]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|heat sinks = 15 [[Double Heat Sink|double]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|speed = 54 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|jumpjets = [[Geotec 300]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
|armament = <!-- <ref name=TRSWp160f /> -->
* 2x [[SRM-6]]
* 2x [[ER large laser]]
* 1x [[LB-X autocannon/10]]
* 2x [[small laser]]
|BV (1.0) = 1,619
|BV (2.0) = 1,923<ref name=TRSWp160f /><ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 219</ref>
}}

==Description==
Introduced in  [[Introduction Year::2735]], the '''''Crockett''''' was originally designed and built for the [[Star League]] as a training [[BattleMech]] with combat capability in response to needs during the [[Hidden Wars]].  Ten years after its introduction, however, [[Star League Defense Force]] commanders began to realize that [[Blankenburg Technologies]] had taken the "combat capability" requirement almost too seriously, and began to field the 'Mech on the front lines.  Beyond its heavy weapons loadout, large number of [[heat sink]]s and use of [[jump jet]]s, part of what made the ''Crockett'' successful was the enemy's unfamiliarity with this design, giving it an added advantage.  Its cockpit systems, simplified for use as a trainer, allowed anyone to pilot the ''Crockett'' with only a minimal amount of familiarization training.  The ''Crockett'' did not go without its growing pains, however. Once it was pressed into combat there was a flaw found in the cockpit's life support system that resulted in the death of three [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s.  This flaw was corrected in future production, with previously-issued machines recalled and refitted with the life support system upgrade.  In service to the SLDF the hallmark tactic of the ''Crockett'' was to engage an enemy 'Mech at range and, before the enemy could accurately target it, jump behind them to attack their weaker rear.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 50-51</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 108-109</ref>

So effective was the ''Crockett'' that, following the dissolution of the Star League and start of the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], many of the [[Great Houses]] removed the 'Mech from their training programs and used them to fight on the front lines.  As many of the ''Crockett's'' components became [[lostech]] Blankenburg was forced to make do with inferior spare parts, reducing its capabilities with every year.  Eventually the last few ''Crocketts'' were little more than a collection of salvaged parts, largely unrecognizable from their original design, until the 'Mech finally went extinct within the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p.238</ref><ref name=TRO3050u/>

This changed starting in the [[thirty-first century]], thanks to [[ComStar]]'s secret stockpile of Star League-era 'Mechs.  Original models of the ''Crockett'' were used to outfit the [[Com Guards]] while downgraded versions were gifted to the [[Draconis Combine]] as part of [[Operation Rosebud]].  With the [[Clan Invasion]] surviving models of the design were also seen among second-line [[Clan]] forces.  As part of [[Precentor Martial of ComStar|Precentor Martial]] [[Anastasius Focht]]'s rearmament program the Blankenberg production line on [[Terra]] was reopened to start producing new ''Crocketts'' starting in [[3054]], although it would be only a few years until the [[Word of Blake]] [[Operation Odysseus|conquered the planet]] and began supplying themselves and their [[Free Worlds League]] allies.  In order to maintain their supply ComStar contracted [[Grumium Creations]] to begin producing ''Crocketts'' starting in [[3062]] and the 'Mech fought on both sides during the [[Jihad]].<ref name=TRO3050u/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
Due to the fact that the ''Crockett'' was originally a training 'Mech, it carries a variety of weapons. The primary weapon is a Blankenburg [[LB-X Autocannon/10]] that can use either standard High Explosive Armor Penetrating (HEAP) ammunition or a shotgun-like cluster round.  It is fed by three tons of reloads, two in the right torso and one in the left.  The autocannon is backed up by two [[Blankenburg 25]] [[Extended Range Large Laser]]s in either arm for long range combat. When the ''Crockett'' closes with its enemies, it can bring into play its twin [[Holly-6]] [[SRM-6]] launchers, mounted in either side torso with two tons of reloads in the right, and two [[Dodd]] [[Small Laser]]s mounted in either arm. The Holly launchers were chosen in particular for their reliability, especially when the 'Mech lands after jumping through the air; less-proven launchers were shown to have one or more missiles knocked out of alignment after just a single jump.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 50-51</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 108-109</ref>

All of the heat from its weapons is offset by the use of fifteen [[double heat sink]]s.  In addition, the highly-advanced [[Scope 30 RNDST]] targeting-tracking system gave the large lasers superior range to any other laser system at the time of its introduction.  The ''Crockett'' is also very well-protected thanks to sixteen and a half tons of armor.  Finally it carries three [[jump jet]]s, one in either leg and the rear torso, giving it a range of 90 meters.<ref name=TRO2750>''Technical Readout: 2750'', p. 50-51</ref><ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 108-109</ref>

==Variants==
*; CRK-5003-0 : The 5003-0 ''Crockett'' is a downgraded version of the 'Mech first spotted in [[2881]]. The 'Mech retains the same overall feel of the 5003-1 but uses only technology available to the Great Houses during the Succession Wars. The ER Large Lasers have been replaced with [[Magna Mark III]] [[Large Laser]]s models and the LB-X autocannon has been downgraded to a standard Blankenberg [[AC/10]]. In addition, the double heat sinks that made the 'Mech capable of a very high rate of fire have been downgraded to single versions that can only dissipate half as much heat as those carried by the 5003-1 ''Crockett''.  Its electronics were also replaced with a [[GRPNTR Groundpainter 5]] communications system and a [[Scope 30 RNDST]] targeting-tracking system. BV (1.0) = 1,325<ref>''Combat Operations'', p. 121</ref>, BV (2.0) = 1,704<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039'', p. 180</ref>

*; CRK-5003-1b : This [[SLDF Royal]] variant introduced in [[2752]] replaces the LB 10-X autocannon and SRM launchers with a suite of [[medium laser]]s and [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s. Each arm mounts an ER Large Laser with a medium laser and MPL mounted alongside. The head and center torso each mount an MPL as well. For long range firepower, a [[Gauss rifle]] with two tons of ammo is mounted in the left torso. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 2,307<ref>''Record Sheets: Operation Klondike'', p. 48</ref><ref name=HOKp160>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p.160</ref>

*; CRK-5003-3 : The 5003-3 was produced by Grumium Creations in [[3062]]. The ammunition bins are reshuffled and a half-ton of armor is removed to make room for [[CASE]].<ref name=TRSWp160f /> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,989<ref name=MUL82>''Master Unit List: Battle Values'', p. 82</ref>

*; CRK-5004-1 : An upgrade of the 5003-3 introduced in [[3063]], the 5004-1 makes use of a [[C3i Computer]] to enable the ''Crockett'' to share targeting data with other members of its [[Level II]]. In order to free up room, a ton of autocannon ammunition has been removed and the missile launchers have been downgraded to [[SRM-4]]s. The remaining half-ton went to the addition of armor. Finally, all the lasers have been upgraded to extended range models.<ref name=TRSWp160f /> BV (2.0) = 1,955 ''Note that this variant designation is the one given in the record sheet, but the technical readout refers to it as the 5004-1.''

*; CRK-5005-1 : This model produced by [[Word of Blake]] in [[3070]] uses a [[Light Engine]] for power so that it can add [[Improved Jump Jets|improved jump jet]]s that enable it to jump up to 150 meters. The small lasers of the 5004-1 have been removed and it utilizes a [[small cockpit]], cementing its role as a front line unit rather than a training 'Mech.<ref name=TRSWp160f /><ref name=TRO3050u/> BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 1,930<ref name=MUL82/>

==Design Quirks==
The ''Crockett'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 91 BattleMech Quirk Table - Crockett Entry.</ref>
* [[Easy to Pilot]]
* [[Poor Life Support]]

==Related BattleMechs==
*''[[Black Watch]]'' - The chassis of the successful, reliable ''Crockett'' was used as the basis for the ''Black Watch'' BattleMech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3060'', p. 120</ref>

* ''[[Katana]]'' - Several downgraded ''Crockett''s were given to the Draconis Combine in preparation for the [[War of 3039]] as part of Operation Rosebud. These 'Mechs were rechristened the ''Katana'' by the [[DCMS]] but they do retain the CRK-5003-XX model designations. Several variants have been created using the ''Katana'' name.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Crockett.jpg|Original CRK-5003-1 ''Crockett'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 2750|TRO:2750]]''
CRK-Crockett.png|CRK-5003-0 ''Crockett'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised|TRO:3025 Revised]]''
3050U Crockett.jpg|CRK-5003-1 ''Crockett'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Katana (Crockett) RGilClan v23.png|''Crockett'' from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 23|RGilClan: Vol 23]]''
CCG Unlimited Crockett.jpg|CRK-5003-1 ''Crockett'' in motion from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
</gallery>

==Notes==
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://blainepardoe.wordpress.com/2018/08/16/out-of-the-archives-the-battlemechs-i-wrote-about-or-designed/ blog entry] that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the ''Crockett'' was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:2750; for some of these he also designed the stats.
* Plastic CRK-5003-1 is included in [[BattleTech: ComStar Battle Level II]]

==References==
<references /> 

==Bibliography==
<div class="desktop-3-col">
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List: Battle Values]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3025/3026]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3039]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Clan & Star League)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Operation Klondike]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 2750]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3060]]''
</div>


[[Category:BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Assault BattleMechs]]
[[Category:85 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:ComStar BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Inner Sphere General BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Star League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:SLDF Royal BattleMechs]]