Bulldog

This article is about the fighting vehicle. For other uses, see Bulldog (disambiguation).

Bulldog
Production information
Manufacturer	Bulldog Enterprises, Quikscell Company
Production Year	2673
Mission	Brawler
Type	Tracked Vehicle
Technical specifications
Mass	60 tons
Armor	Bulldog Standard
Engine	240 Bulldog ICE
Speed	65 km/h
Crew	4
Communications System	Xilex-2000
Targeting Tracking System	TargiTrack 717
Heat Sinks	8 single
Armament	1x large laser 2x SRM-4 1x machine gun
BV (2.0)	605

Description

Bulldog Enterprises was a well-known manufacturer of civilian vehicles that tried to break into the huge market for military hardware by producing the Bulldog Main Battle Tank. As the market for heavy vehicles was already largely saturated with well-constructed tanks, the Bulldog was not the economic success the company hoped for, despite its more than adequate firepower. It is worth noting that Bulldog Enterprises developed the tank's main weapon all by themselves to keep costs down. This is quite remarkable, given that it was producing strictly nonmilitary hardware prior to the Bulldog.

The Bulldog could be called a "Jack of all trades," featuring a classic layout of one main gun and a few secondary weapons. Its speed is not exceptional and its protection of 6½ tons of standard armor is anything but ample. On the other hand, it is easy to repair and said to be a reliable and cheap asset for any field commander that needs a backbone for his vehicle forces.

The tank's sales were poor initially, and the Bulldog was meant to take advantage of the Star League Defense Force's buildup in late twenty-sixth century to finally produce a richer cash flow. In 2700, Bulldog Enterprises licensed rights to produce the tank to Quikscell Company, hoping that interested royalties would boost their sagging sales.

It survived the Succession Wars due to its low cost and easily accessible replacement parts.

Weapons and Equipment

The Large Laser is the tank's main gun. It has decent range and striking power, but critics note that mounting such a large energy weapon on an ICE-powered vehicle is a waste of tonnage. Two SRM-4-racks, supplied with two tons of ammunition, are reliable backups and the Hovertech Quad is well-known throughout the Inner Sphere. The Machine Gun mounted in the vehicle's front was developed by Bulldog Enterprises as well and is operated by the driver.

Variants

• LRM (2793) 

  In this configuration the Large Laser is removed, only this time an LRM-20 with 18 reloads takes its place, giving the tank indirect fire capabilities and a more powerful long-range punch than the AC model has. BV (1.0) = 499, BV (2.0) = 748

• AC2 (2812) 

  Discarding the laser, the AC2 version mounts two Autocannon/2s with 45 rounds of ammunition. It addresses the Bulldog's lack of long-range firepower, but significantly reduces raw firepower. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 524

• Cell (3088) 

  Equipped with a fuel cell-powered motor, this Bulldog variant was introduced in the Dark Age. It removes all the standard weaponry and carries a Snub Nose PPC, Machine Gun, and a pair of MML-5 launchers with Artemis IV fire control systems. BV (2.0) = 861

• ERLL (3098) 

  Jointly developed by engineers from the Draconis Combine and Capellan Confederation, this upgrade of the original Bulldog switches to a fuel cell engine to replace the Large Laser with an extended-range version, ties both missile launchers into Artemis IV fire control systems, and replaces the Machine Gun with a heavier model. Clad in eight and a half tons of Heavy Ferro-Fibrous Armor, the ERLL variant carries over half again as much protective armor as its predecessor. BV (2.0) = 842

• LB-X (3110) 

  A Capellan variant based on the ERLL model, and designed with anti-air duties in mind, this version carries twin LB-5X Autocannons in its turret, replacing the laser. This comes at the expense of Artemis IV guidance in the SRM launchers. A pair of standard Machine Guns replace the Heavy Machine Gun of this tank's parent model. BV (2.0) = 855

• Plasma (3115) 

  Another Capellan variant derived from the ERLL model, this version replaces the laser with a Plasma Rifle with two tons of ammunition, and upgrades the SRMs to Streaks. BV (2.0) = 977

• Chemical (3146) 

  An alternate upgrade developed in the Draconis Combine, a Large Chemical Laser replaces the original model. The reduction in weight from the removal of heat sinks and power converters, plus a transition to fuel cell power, permitted a 33% increase in top speed and the double the original's armor tonnage in Hardened Armor. BV (2.0) = 999

Gallery

• 

  Original Bulldog from TRO:3026

• 

  Bulldog from RGilClan: vol. 25

• 

  Bulldog in motion from BTTCG

• 

  LRM-variant Bulldog from BTTCG

• 

  AC/2-variant Bulldog from BTTCG

References

• Technical Readout: 3026 Revised, pp. 62-63
• Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 68-69

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 25
• Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades
• Technical Readout: 3026
• Technical Readout: 3026 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3039