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Demolisher

Revision as of 21:02, 7 August 2010 by Wrangler (talk | contribs) (→‎Variants: 2nd clean up of Devastator Heavy Tank.)
Demolisher Tank.jpg
Demolisher Heavy Tank
Production information
Manufacturer Aldis Industries
Mission Close Range/Urban Combat
Type Tracked
Cost 2,151,000 C-bills
Technical specifications
Mass 80
Armor Durandal 160 Standard
Engine 240 GM Superload I.C.E.
Speed 54.0 km/h
Crew 6
Armament
BV (1.0) 609
BV (2.0) 973[1]


Description

Tall, squat, and using four treads, the Demolisher has a well-earned, though sometimes exaggerated, reputation as one of the most deadly vehicles on the battlefield. Designed to counteract the increasing scarcity of 'Mechs during the Succession Wars, the Demolisher became popular, especially on worlds where BattleMechs were not available.

Aldis designed the Demolisher to be able to destroy any 'Mech, which was what appealed to the customers. The initial run was well-received, with hundreds of Demolishers being bought by 'Mech-deficient planets.

Armament

The Demolisher is armed with two 185 mm ChemJet Gun AC/20s, which are enough to make any other unit, 'Mechs included, pause. The relatively short range of the guns means that maneuverable units with long-range weaponry can confound the Demolisher. The tank also lacks any form of secondary weapons, which may be detrimental when the massive cannons run dry.

Variants

  • Some crews are known to remove armor and install small defensive weapons if the situation requires.
  • Though not strictly a variant, the Demolisher Mk II was released soon after the original. This version was shorter, had a better suspension system, and only two tread units.
  • Devastator Heavy Tank - The third generation of the Demolisher, the DVE-5B Mark III, was found mainly among the defense forces of the richer planets in the Inner Sphere. It is powered by a Type 240 Fusion Engine and mounts some additional weapons: A Flamer in the turret, one Small Laser in the front and on each side, and a front-mounted SRM-6.[2] BV (2.0) = 1,029[3]
  • Demolisher (Arrow IV) - This Advanced version of the Demolisher tank debuted during the FedCom Civil War. It replaces the AC/20's and some armor with a pair of Arrow IV missile launchers and seven tons of ammunition. For defense against close range attacks it mounts a pair of Medium Lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,297[4]
  • Demolisher (Clan) - Developed by the Clans, this variant carries twin LB 20-X ACs as its main armament. Mounted coaxially with these huge autocannon are a pair of Medium Pulse Lasers. Six Machine Guns scattered across the front and side arcs protect it from infantry. Like most Clan vehicles, the Clan Demolisher carries CASE to protect the ammunition bay. BV (2.0) = 1,563[5]
  • Demolisher (Gauss) - This version of the Demolisher swaps the AC/20's for twin Gauss Rifles and a pair of Medium Lasers. It also adds some armor protection. BV (2.0) = 1,529[6]
  • Demolisher (MRM) - Developed during the Clan Invasion this variant can launch almost one hundred missiles at an enemy thanks to its three MRM-30 launchers. A C3 Slave allows it to take advantage of targeting data provided by other units. BV (2.0) = 1,242[7]

Related Designs

Gallery

References

  1. Record Sheets: 3039 p. 50 - BV2 for original Demolisher Tank.
  2. Technical Readout: 3039, p. 86
  3. Record Sheets: 3039 p. 50 - Devastator Heavy Tank - Tank listing with BV2.
  4. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 171
  5. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 172
  6. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 173
  7. Record Sheets: 3058 Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 174
  • Combat Operations, p. 120

Bibliography