Editing Mad Dog Mk III (Vulture Mk III)

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=Vulture Mk III.jpg
|name=''Vulture Mk III''
|manufacturer=[[Alshain Weapons]]
|production year=3109
|model=Prime
|introduced=3109
|cost=
|Tech Base = Clan
|mech type = OmniMech
|mass=60
|chassis=[[Bergan Version 8.3 Endo Steel]]
|armor=[[Compound 24B2 FF]]
|engine=[[Vlar 300 XL]]
|comsys=[[Dash-2 Optima]]
|T&T=[[Hakkøn-Morris LAP]]
|heat sinks=12 [[Double Heat Sink|double]]
|speed=86
|armament=
*4x [[LRM-20|LRM-20s]]
*6x [[ER Medium Lasers]]
|BV (1.0)=
|BV (2.0)=2,729<ref name=VM3>''Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans'', p. 40, "''Vulture'' Mk III"</ref><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6271/vulture-mk-iii-prime Master Unit List Profile of the Vulture Mk III - BV2 and Introduction Year.]</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 450</ref> 
}} 

==Description==
The '''''Vulture Mk III''''' is a heavy class [[OmniMech|Clan OmniMech]], which was originally produced by Alshain Weapons on [[Alshain]] in the beginning of the [[thirty-second century]] for the ''[[Clan Ghost Bear Touman|touman]]'' of [[Clan Ghost Bear]]. The 'Mech was built as the next generation of the ''[[Mad Dog (Vulture)|Mad Dog]]'', which was first produced in [[2963]].<ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3473/vulture-mad-dog-prime MUL Profile of the ''Vulture (Mad Dog)'' lists the Mad Dog introduction date.]</ref> First deployed in [[3109]], the ''Vulture Mk III''' (also known as the ''Mad Dog Mk III'' by the [[Clans]]) generally serves as a support 'Mech to frontline units. It has since entered service in the [[Raven Alliance]] as part of [[Clan Snow Raven Touman|Clan Snow Raven's ''touman'']].<ref name=VM3 />

==Weapons and Equipment==
The ''Vulture Mk III'' is able to move quickly and has a lot of available space for weapons and other equipment. This was accomplished by a Clan version of the 300-rated Vlar XL Engine and the use of Endo Steel in its construction. Nine and a half tons of [[ferro-fibrous armor]] protect the ''Vulture Mk III'', giving it more protection than its ancestor.

The primary configuration is focused on providing long range fire support. Its main weapons are four 20-tube Long-Range Missile Launchers split between the 'Mech's side torsos, with four tons of ammunition supplying the launchers. For closer engagements it has six Extended Range Medium Lasers divided in pairs and allocated to each of the 'Mech's arms and its center torso. Twelve Double Heat Sinks struggle to keep up with the massive heat output of this configuration.<ref name=VM3 />

==Alternate Configurations==
*;Alternate Configuration A : This configuration is meant for engagement at all ranges. In its arms are a pair of [[Ultra AC/5|Ultra Autocannon/5s]] for long-range engagements. Backing up the autocannons are four [[SRM-6]]s, as well as two [[Medium Pulse Laser]]s found in the center torso. The A configuration has two additional Double Heat Sinks to cope with the new heat load of the weapons. BV (2.0) = 1,880<ref name=VM3 /><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6272/vulture-mk-iii-a Master Unit List Profile of the ''Vulture Mk III'''s A Configuration.]</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 451</ref>

*;Alternate Configuration B : The most noted feature of the B configuration is the addition of four [[Jump Jets]] in the legs, allowing greater flexibility during fire-support missions. Its weaponry and equipment includes a pair of side torso-mounted LRM-20s, arm-mounted [[ER Large Lasers]], and a pair of ER Medium Lasers in the center torso. Two additional Double Heat Sinks help in managing heat levels. BV (2.0) = 2,572<ref name=VM3 /><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6273/vulture-mk-iii-b Master Unit List Profile of the ''Vulture Mk III'''s B Configuration.]</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 452</ref>

*;Alternate Configuration C : A close-quarters fighter, the C Configuration utilizes eight [[Streak SRM-6]] launchers split between the side torsos. Additionally, the 'Mech uses four [[Micro Pulse Lasers]]. The launchers are fed by four tons of ammunition. BV (2.0) = 2,299<ref name=VM3 /><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6274/vulture-mk-iii-c Master Unit List Profile of the ''Vulture Mk III'''s C Configuration.]</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 453</ref>

*;Alternate Configuration D : Configuration D is rare, focused around a pair of Clan-produced [[Rotary AC/5|Rotary Autocannon/5]]s, each mounted in the 'Mech's side torsos. The Rotary Cannons are supplied with 120 rounds of ammunition. A [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] only has a pair of arm-mounted Medium Pulse Lasers for backup. BV (2.0) = 2,421<ref name=VM3 /><ref>[http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/6275/vulture-mk-iii-d Master Unit List Profile of the ''Vulture Mk III'''s D Configuration.]</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged'', p. 454</ref>

==Custom Configurations==
*;BLO : A custom configuration used by the [[Blessed Order]]'s revived [[1st Division (ComStar)|First Division]]'s [[Unending Faith III]], the ''Vulture III'' BLO carries paired [[LRM-15]] racks in each side torso, supported at short range by the chin turret-mounted ER Medium Lasers, an ER Medium and [[ER Small Laser]] in the left arm and an [[Inner Sphere]] [[Light PPC]] in the right arm. Carrying four tons of LRM reloads, the effectiveness of the BLO is enhanced by the inclusion of an [[Improved C3 Computer]]. BV (2.0) = 2,397<ref name=SoUF-16>''Spotlight On: Unending Faith'', p. 16 "Vulture III BLO"</ref>

==Design Quirks==
The ''Vulture Mk III'' has the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=VM3 />
* [[Stable]]
* [[Variable Range Targeting]]

==Notes==
The ''Vulture Mk III'''s visual likeness was first created by Microsoft's Mechwarrior 4 series of games (Vengeance, Black Knight, and Mercenaries) and later used by [[WizKids]]' [[MechWarrior: Dark Age|MechWarrior Dark Age Collectable Miniatures]] game as a part of its Fire for Effect expansion set. When it first appeared, it was originally listed as the ''Vulture''. The figure (different from the original BattleTech version) was only used for the game's Unique figures. It was later adapted by [[Catalyst Game Labs]] and redefined in the tabletop game once the company advanced the franchise's timeline to [[3145]].

==Related OmniMechs==
*''[[Mad Dog (Vulture)|Vulture]]'' - The main basis for the ''Vulture Mk III'', weighing the same and fitted for mostly the same role in its Primary Configuration. Known as ''Mad Dog'' among the Clans.

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3145 Unabridged]]''
* ''[[Spotlight On: Unending Faith]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3145 The Clans]]''

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:60 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Clan Snow Raven BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Clan Ghost Bear BattleMechs]]
[[Category:OmniMechs]]
[[Category:Clan OmniMechs]]