Difference between revisions of "Packrat"

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{{InfoBoxCombatVehicle
 
{{InfoBoxCombatVehicle
−
| image =  
+
| image = Packrat.jpg
 
| name = Packrat Long Range Patrol Vehicle (PKR-T5)
 
| name = Packrat Long Range Patrol Vehicle (PKR-T5)
−
| manufacturer = Robertson Technologies
+
| manufacturer =
−
| Mission = Recon
+
[[Bowie Industries]]
 +
------
 +
[[Gienah Combat Vehicles]]
 +
------
 +
[[Robertson Technologies]]
 +
| production year=2650
 +
| year reference= <ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/2399/ MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref>
 +
| Mission = Reconnaissance/Spotting
 
| Type = Wheeled
 
| Type = Wheeled
 +
| cost = 408,650 C-bills
 
| mass = 20 Tons
 
| mass = 20 Tons
−
| armor = 1/Star Slab
+
| armor = [[1/Star Slab]]
−
| engine = Doorman 140 Fusion Reactor
+
| heat sinks = 10 [[Heat Sink|single]]
−
| speed = 129 kph
+
| engine = [[Doorman 120]] Fusion Reactor
−
| Crew =  
+
| comsys = [[O/P COMTES]]
 +
| T&T = [[O/P 2000JSA]]
 +
| speed = 118
 +
| Crew = 2
 
| armament =  
 
| armament =  
−
*1x[[SRM 6]]
+
*1x [[SRM-6]]
−
*2x[[Flamer]]
+
*1x [[Flamer]]
−
| BV (1.0) =  
+
| BV (1.0) = 206
 +
| BV (2.0) = 344
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
Robertson Technologies designed the Packrat Long Range Patrol Vehicle as a mobile system that could travel with little or no support, cross through enemy lines and create havoc with rear communications and supplies.  Although it was originally powered by fusion reactors to provide movement, internal combustion engines were later installed so that the fusion reactors could be used elsewhere. 
+
The '''Packrat''' is a speedy eight-wheeled vehicle that is designed for deep infiltration and sabotage.  First produced by [[Robertson Technologies]], the vehicle is meant to operate on its own deep behind enemy lines for extended periods of time.  While excelling in this role, the Packrat suffered during the [[History of the Succession Wars|Succession Wars]] as, with the [[LosTech|decline in knowledge]] brought about by the conflicts, many had their advanced [[fusion engine]]s removed for use elsewhere.  The technological renaissance brought about by the [[Helm Memory Core]] recovery also proved to be a turning point for the Packrat, as manufacturers in the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] were able to put fusion-powered Packrats back into production and help spread them across the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name=TRO3025r>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', pp. 132–133</ref><ref name=TRO3039>''Technical Readout: 3039'', pp. 22–23</ref>
−
 
+
==Weapons and Equipment==
−
The Packrat is not heavily armed, nor does it have to be.  It carriers troops into enemy areas, where they can sabotage or report on enemy positions and movements.  Much like the desert groups of Earth’s Second World War, these men would operate alone, without support, and sometimes for months on end.
+
The Packrat is respectably armed but normally uses its high speed to evade combat, as its role is not to fight head-on battles but conduct long-range reconnaissance and raiding missions.  Mounted in front is a Harvester 20K [[SRM-6]], supplied by a two-ton ammo bin.  Covering the rear is an HS [[Flamer]] System, useful for anti-infantry work and laying down concealment to effect an escape.  The Packrat does carry an impressive amount of armoring for its size, with four tons helping the vehicle hold its own in limited confrontations.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Armament==
 
−
The Packrat moves on a series of eight solid rubber ties, each with its own suspension system and support drives.  The PKR-T5 also supports a great deal of armor for a vehicle of its size.  Fifty-ton tanks support six tons of armor, but the Packrat, only a 20-ton vehicle, supports four tons of protection.
 
−
 
 
−
The Packrat’s systems are small, intended only to give the vehicle time to run from a confrontation.  The van supports a Harvester 20K SRM six-rack tied in with the efficient O/P targeting and tracking system.  A flamer system is also mounted on the front of vehicle for the infantry confrontations so common on long-range patrols.
 
−
 
 
−
The interior of the Packrat is unlike that of any other vehicle produced before the fall of the Star League.  The supplies and repair equipment needed on a long patrol are stored efficiently, allowing plenty of room inside.  Also, a number of explosives and fuses are stored in the rear of the van.
 
−
 
 
−
The Packrat was not designed as a troop transport, but it can carry ten fully equipped personnel. Fold-down cots can be installed inside the can to allow eight personnel to sleep.
 
−
 
 
−
The O/P communications system is the most powerful transmitter of its size.  It allows the Packrat to report troop movements and strengths to a receiving unit from a great distance.  The system can also jam any nearby transmissions if necessary.
 
−
 
 
−
The net result is a vehicle that can travel for a very long time without any support and can conduct reconnaissance in areas where a mech might be too obvious or clumsy.
 
−
 
 
−
 
 
−
==Battle History==
 
−
During the endless battle for the planet Tannil in 2891, House Davion landed a large number of Packrats to help its defending units against attacks by Kurita raiders.  The Packrats dispersed into the Kurita-controlled area, and obtained the troop information that allowed the Federated Suns to launch the successful counterattack that drove the Kurita Guards off the planet, though just for a while.
 
−
 
 
−
In 2944, House Steiner employed Packrats to prevent House Kurita from gaining control of the world of Carse.  The vehicles remained hidden during a temporary retreat of Steiner forces.  Then, after House Kurita secured the area, they wreaked havoc on the enemy.  Moving at night and far behind the Kurita lines, they discovered the main ammunition dump for the attacking forces.  In a daring raid, they blew the dump to bits, limiting the amount of ammunition sent to Kurita’s front-line MechWarriors.  The Packrats also conducted a series of raids on the enemy’s communication center, cutting off troop movement commands that allowed Steiner forces to rally a full counter-offensive, routing the Kurita raiders.
 
−
 
 
−
A House Liao invasion of the planet Lincoln in 2990 was foiled by some carefully placed Federated Suns Packrats.  Stationed over a wide area, these small vehicles shuttled several patrols into the rear of the striking Liao forces.  House Liao had landed a number of fighters on a field at Durban, where they were attacked by Davion infantry and Packrats.  The empty fighters did not have a chance.  In a matter of hours, the Liao forces were withdrawing under fire from Davion Aerospace Fighters.
 
  
 +
The six-ton Doorman 120 fusion engine not only gives the Packrat almost exceptional speed and maneuverability but untethers it from needing refueling during its sometimes months-long missions.  Each of its eight solid rubber tires, impossible to deflate, have their own suspension and drive system.  Supplies and repair equipment are stored efficiently, allowing the one-ton [[infantry bay]] to carry up to ten troopers, with fold-down cots providing sleeping arrangements for eight.  Equally important is the Packrat's [[O/P COMTES]] communications system, the most powerful one of its size.  While not as capable of those used during the [[Star League era]], the O/P is notable for its ability to transmit over great distances and provide local [[ECM]] coverage.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
−
A large number of Packrat variants exist.  Most involve updated weapons systems, including small lasers and long-range missile systems. Most variants are designed by the Federated Suns.
+
*;ICE : The ravages of the Successor Wars let to the removal of many Packrats' advanced fusion engine for a heavier [[internal combustion engine]].  In order to make room for the ICE, the flamer and one ton of armor had to be dropped. BV (2.0) = 294<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 36</ref>
  
 +
*;ML : This [[2798]] variant became common among the planetary militias of many [[Free Worlds League]] planets. The flamer and infantry bay are exchanged for two forward firing [[medium laser]]s.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 501<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 37</ref>
  
−
==Notable Vehicles and Pilots==
+
*;SRM2 : This [[2824]] variant was introduced in the [[Capellan Confederation]] and expands the infantry bay to three tons, allowing for an entire [[platoon]] to be carried.  The six-tube missile launcher was replaced with a Hovertec [[SRM-2]] to make room for this alteration, although it still carried two tons of ammunition.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> BV (2.0) = 263<ref>''Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged'', p. 38</ref>
−
'''Lieutenant Montgomery West'''
 
  
−
Monty is one of the many skilled and educated Packrat drivers for House Steiner’s 421st Long-Range Patrol Group. He is also known for his practical jokes, some of which backfire on both him and his crew.  Though he is sometimes considered undisciplined, everyone respects him for his daring raid on a mech repair facility on the Marik world of Oliver.
+
*;Pack Rat Gespenst : Developed by [[Loki (Intelligence agency)|Loki]], the Pack Rat Gespenst is protected by [[Vehicular Stealth Armor]], a [[Bloodhound Active Probe]], and an [[Angel ECM Suite]]. Equipped with an [[XXL fusion engine]] increases ground speed to 96 km/h. [[Limited Amphibious Equipment]] and [[Environmental Sealing]] protect the crew from hostile environments, and a four ton battle armor compartment prohibits the use of any weapons.<ref name=XTRO:Pp8>''Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms'', p. 8</ref>
  
−
'''Lieutenant Shormen Fielding'''
+
==Design Quirks==
 +
The Pack Rat Gespenst variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:Pp8/>
 +
* [[Difficult to Maintain]]
 +
* [[Improved Communications]]
  
−
Shormen is the commanding officer of the Draconis Combine Packrat named “Mickey Rat”, after some long-forgotten cartoon character of the 20th century.  Assigned to the 2058th Deep Penetration Group, the “Mickey Rat” is well-known for its activities on the planet Quinten. There, Shormen led a small group of Packrats deep behind Davion lines and led two full mech companies on a merry chase through the wilderness while the rest of the Kurita force hit the cities of Troy and Birmingham.  Many who know Shormen consider him to be crazy.
+
==Notes==
 +
* Author [[Blaine Lee Pardoe]] stated in a [https://web.archive.org/web/20221102192457/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 Packrat was among the vehicles for which he invented the name and wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its art and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
 +
* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Packratte'''''.
  
 +
==Gallery==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Packrat.jpg|Original PKR-T5 ''Packrat'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3025|TRO:3025]]''
 +
File:Packratte HH3025.png|''Packrat'' from German edition ''[[Technical Readout: 3025#German Edition|Hardware-Handbuch 3025'']]
 +
Packrat_1stSomersetStrikers.png|Illustration of a ''Packrat'' from the ''[[1st Somerset Strikers (sourcebook)]]''
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
−
[[Technical Readout: 3025]]
+
<references />
 +
* ''Combat Operations'', p. 120
 +
 
 +
==Bibliography==
 +
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
 +
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms]]''
 +
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]''
 +
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
  
  
 
[[Category:Combat Vehicles]]
 
[[Category:Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Light Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:20 ton Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Wheeled Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Recon Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category: Transport Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:Inner Sphere General Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:SLDF Combat Vehicles]]
 +
[[Category:German renamed units]]

Latest revision as of 13:47, 18 December 2023

Packrat.jpg
Packrat Long Range Patrol Vehicle (PKR-T5)
Production information
Manufacturer Bowie Industries

Gienah Combat Vehicles

Robertson Technologies

Production Year 2650[1]
Mission Reconnaissance/Spotting
Type Wheeled
Cost 408,650 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 20 Tons
Armor 1/Star Slab
Engine Doorman 120 Fusion Reactor
Speed 118 km/h
Crew 2
Communications System O/P COMTES
Targeting Tracking System O/P 2000JSA
Heat Sinks 10 single
Armament
BV (1.0) 206
BV (2.0) 344


Description[edit]

The Packrat is a speedy eight-wheeled vehicle that is designed for deep infiltration and sabotage. First produced by Robertson Technologies, the vehicle is meant to operate on its own deep behind enemy lines for extended periods of time. While excelling in this role, the Packrat suffered during the Succession Wars as, with the decline in knowledge brought about by the conflicts, many had their advanced fusion engines removed for use elsewhere. The technological renaissance brought about by the Helm Memory Core recovery also proved to be a turning point for the Packrat, as manufacturers in the Lyran Commonwealth were able to put fusion-powered Packrats back into production and help spread them across the Inner Sphere.[2][3]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Packrat is respectably armed but normally uses its high speed to evade combat, as its role is not to fight head-on battles but conduct long-range reconnaissance and raiding missions. Mounted in front is a Harvester 20K SRM-6, supplied by a two-ton ammo bin. Covering the rear is an HS Flamer System, useful for anti-infantry work and laying down concealment to effect an escape. The Packrat does carry an impressive amount of armoring for its size, with four tons helping the vehicle hold its own in limited confrontations.[2][3]

The six-ton Doorman 120 fusion engine not only gives the Packrat almost exceptional speed and maneuverability but untethers it from needing refueling during its sometimes months-long missions. Each of its eight solid rubber tires, impossible to deflate, have their own suspension and drive system. Supplies and repair equipment are stored efficiently, allowing the one-ton infantry bay to carry up to ten troopers, with fold-down cots providing sleeping arrangements for eight. Equally important is the Packrat's O/P COMTES communications system, the most powerful one of its size. While not as capable of those used during the Star League era, the O/P is notable for its ability to transmit over great distances and provide local ECM coverage.[2][3]

Variants[edit]

  • ICE 
    The ravages of the Successor Wars let to the removal of many Packrats' advanced fusion engine for a heavier internal combustion engine. In order to make room for the ICE, the flamer and one ton of armor had to be dropped. BV (2.0) = 294[4]
  • SRM2 
    This 2824 variant was introduced in the Capellan Confederation and expands the infantry bay to three tons, allowing for an entire platoon to be carried. The six-tube missile launcher was replaced with a Hovertec SRM-2 to make room for this alteration, although it still carried two tons of ammunition.[2][3] BV (2.0) = 263[6]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Pack Rat Gespenst variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[7]

Notes[edit]

  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Packrat was among the vehicles for which he invented the name and wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its art and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Packratte.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ MUL online date for the Packrat
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, pp. 132–133
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 22–23
  4. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 36
  5. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 37
  6. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 38
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Experimental Technical Readout: Phantoms, p. 8
  • Combat Operations, p. 120

Bibliography[edit]

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