Editing Flea

{{InfoBoxBattleMech
|image=FleailRec26.png
|name=''Flea''
| manufacturer=[[Earthwerks Incorporated]]
| model = FLE-17<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| cost = 1,728,000 [[C-bill]]s
| Tech Base = Inner Sphere
| mech type =BattleMech
| mass = 20
| feet=biped
| production year=2475
| year reference=<ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref><ref>''Wolf's Dragoons'', p. 105: "...the ''Trooper'' name was abandoned in favor of the more descriptive ''Flea''."</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 242: "...the FWL renamed [the ''Trooper''] the ''Flea''."</ref>
| chassis = [[Earthwerk Trooper II]] [[endo steel]]<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| armor = [[Livingston Ceramics]]<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| engine = [[GM 120]]<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| speed = 97<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| speed with MASC = 119<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| comsys = [[Neil 2000]]<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| T&T = [[Dalban HiRez-B]]<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| heat sinks=10 [[single heat sink]]s<ref name="TRO3050U"/>
| armament= 
* 2x [[Medium pulse laser]]s
* 1x [[Flamer]]
* 2x [[Small laser]]s
| BV (1.0) = 371<ref name=CO/>
| BV (2.0) = 510<ref name="TRO3050U">''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 8: "FLE-17 ''Flea'' 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 6</ref>
}}

==Description==
Focused on speed and firepower, the lightly armored '''''Flea''''' was an extremely rare sight until the arrival of the [[Wolf's Dragoons]] [[mercenary unit]], with the design experiencing a revival as an inexpensive recon and anti-personnel militia 'Mech.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3050'', p. 50: "''Flea'' Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO3050Rp46-47>''Technical Readout: 3050 Revised'', pp. 46–47: "''Flea'' 'Mech Profile"</ref>

Initially called the ''Trooper'' when it was introduced as the [[Free Worlds League]]'s first [[BattleMech#Light|light]] scout [[BattleMech]] in [[Introduction Year::2475]], the design was so heavily flawed that it took 25 years before all the issues were corrected, with a new name selected to escape the bad press.<ref name="TRO3039"/> The early prototype was designed by Colonel [[J. Marcus Llewelyn-Jaymes]] and his handpicked team at [[Toddlette Industries]] in a bid to create a dedicated reconnaissance BattleMech for the [[Free Worlds League Military]]. The design was considered highly maneuverable and lightweight at the time, and utilized a basic chassis similar to their larger [[WorkMech]]s; the 'Mech's systems appeared straightforward, with a power plant, gyroscope, cockpit, and other critical systems housed in an "armored-box" mounted on reinforced, armored "bird-walker" legs. Only with the help of Col. Llewelyn-Jaymes contacts in the military and government circles, and according to rumors, possible bribery of politicians and decision makers, the [[FWLM]] ultimately accepted delivery of the ''Trooper''. While it was considered easy to maintain by technicians and logisticians, it wasn't long before it gained a poor reputation among those that piloted it. Since the design was based off their WorkMechs, it completely lacked any dedicated ejection mechanism, and forced pilots to manually exit should they become disabled. Additionally, the legs proved to be unable to cope with heavy combat, which became apparent in various failed trials before the FWLM's Minister of Defense. Despite these shortcomings, the League's Chief Armorer and Quartermaster General continued purchasing the prototype year after year. This ultimately led to the ''Trooper'' being selected as the very first FWLM 'Mech to be upgraded with "modern" technology in [[2501]] and rechristened as the FLE-4 ''Flea''.<ref name="XTRO:Pv5"/>

While produced on and off until the early [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], excessive losses of the lightly armored design led Earthwerks to switch its production line to manufacturing heavier designs. This changed with the arrival of Wolf's Dragoons, who brought with them a large number of ''Flea''s and reached an exclusive production arrangement with Earthwerks that resulted in the company opening new lines to replenish the Dragoons' losses in the [[Fourth Succession War]].<ref name="TRO3039">''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 242: "FLE-4 ''Flea'' Profile"</ref> With multiple lines on [[Asuncion]], [[Bernardo]] and [[Victoria (CC)|Victoria]], after letting the Dragoons' exclusivity clause lapse, Earthwerks started selling the easy to manufacture, easy to maintain 'Mech by the [[DropShip]] load across the [[Inner Sphere]].<ref name="TRO3050U"/>

Originally produced exclusively for the Dragoons until the [[Capellan Confederation]] acquired the design's blueprints via a [[Maskirovka]] raid during the [[3040]]s, the post–[[Helm Memory Core]] FLE-17 variant is based on the older FLE-15 model. Since the Dragoons used the ''Flea'' in a recon role more than an antipersonnel 'Mech, Earthwerks conceived a new design by incorporating recovered technology. Retaining the design's maximum speed of 97.2 km/h, the addition of an [[endo steel]] chassis frees up weight for a [[MASC]] system that allows the 'Mech's speed to be pushed up to 129.6 km/h in short bursts. The increase of speed is required to ensure survival on the modern battlefield, as the FLE-17 is only clad in a pitiful three tons of [[Livingston Ceramics]] armor plating.<ref name="TRO3050U"/><ref name=TRO3050Rp46-47/>

Once the FLE-17 plans were captured and the Dragoons' contract clause lapsed, Earthwerks began producing the new design almost exclusively for the Confederation until [[3053]], which saw use within their numerous militias. It was rarely seen among any of the other Great Houses' military, but some sightings did appear after on the mercenary markets with Dragoon serial numbers, which gave some credibility to reports of [[Wannamaker's Widowmakers]] operating an extensive salvage operation on [[Outreach]]. With the Confederation's later advances in stealth technology and light weaponry, the ''Flea'' became a logical test platform for new prototypes. These performed well, which encouraged Earthwerks to refit several older models.<ref name="TRO3050U"/>

==Weapons and Equipment==
The FLE-17's primary weapons are two [[Martell (Medium pulse laser)|Martell]] [[medium pulse laser]]s, replacing the FLE-15's more mundane standard lasers. These are backed up by an [[Olympian]] [[flamer]] which works well for anti-personnel use. The ''Flea'' also has two rear-mounted [[Martell (Small laser)|Martell]] [[small laser]]s for point defense.<ref name="TRO3050U"/><ref name=TRO3050Rp46-47/>

==Variants==
*; TP-1R : The predecessor to the original ''Flea'' FLE-4 model, the ''Trooper'' TP-1R prototype was built in [[2475]], by [[Toddlette Industries]], on a [[Primitive Technology|primitive chassis]] and maintained ground speeds of nearly 100 km/h. Its weaponry was mounted in fully articulated turret-style pods, and only consisted of two [[small laser]]s in the left arm, a [[machine gun]] in the right fed by only half a ton of ammo, and a chin-mounted [[flamer]]. It was protected by only two tons of [[primitive armor]].<ref name="XTRO:Pv5">''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 5'', p. 3</ref> BV (2.0) = 236<ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/7407/trooper-tp-1r MUL Profile for TP-1R includes BV2.]</ref>

*; FLE-4 : An original ''Flea'' model, the FLE-4 is built on a [[Chassis|standard chassis]] and has a maximum speed of 97.2 km/h. The 'Mech was armed with a [[Martell (Large laser)|Martell]] [[large laser]], allowing it to attempt to keep any heavier 'Mechs at a stand-off range if they attempt to engage, and is supported by two [[Martell (Small laser)|Martell]] [[small laser]]s for close in work as well as an [[Olympian]] [[flamer]] for anti-infantry purposes. The cost of its relatively heavy weaponry and high speed is its two tons of armor, half that of even the venerable ''[[Locust]]'' and the reason why the 'Mech was discontinued.<ref name=TRSWp6f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 6–7: "FLE-16 Flea"</ref> BV (1.0) = 360;<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 130</ref> BV (2.0) = 427<ref name="TRO3039"/>

*; FLE-14 : Entering production in [[2519]] the FLE-14 ''Flea'' was an attempt to create an [[BattleMech#Ultralight|ultralight]] BattleMech. Weighing a mere 15 tons, it could arguably be regarded as a different 'Mech design. It was capable of a maximum ground speed of nearly 150 km/h, with an average cruising speed near 90 km/h, and this variant also had a 120 meter jump capability. Its weapons and armor however were very light: Only one ton of armor protected the unit, and the single [[medium laser]] mounted in the right arm was barely enough to make it a viable battlefield unit. Intended to replace the ''[[Wasp]]'' or ''[[Stinger]]'' scout 'Mechs, the FLE-14 was definitely quicker, but the low armor protection and limited jump range made it vulnerable. As a result, it saw only one production run and was phased out once its shortcomings were revealed.<ref name=XTRO:SWp3>''Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1'', p. 3</ref> BV (2.0) = 270<ref>[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/5769/flea-fle-14 MUL Profile for FLE-14 includes BV2.]</ref>

*; FLE-15 : Another early variant, the FLE-15 features a more common light 'Mech offensive payload with two [[Martell]] [[medium laser]]s as its primary weapons. For close combat and anti-infantry work, it mounts two [[Medium_laser#Martell|Martell]] [[small laser]]s, two [[Sperry Browning]] [[machine gun]]s, and an [[Olympian]] [[flamer]].<ref name=TRSWp6f /> Lighter weapons allows it to carry an extra ton of armor over the FLE-4.<ref name="TRO3039"/> BV (1.0) = 352;<ref name=CO/> BV (2.0) = 430<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/1136/flea-fle-15 MUL online entry for FLE-15]''</ref>

*; FLE-16 : Built as part of Wolf's Dragoons' exclusive contract with [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] to replenish the Dragoons' losses at the end of the [[Fourth Succession War]], alongside renewed production of original Fleas, the FLE-16 was the first new production model of the extremely rare 'Mech in centuries. The variant remedied the earlier FLE-14's weaknesses by combining incredible speed with additional armor and weaponry on a 20 ton chassis; the engine was upgraded to a [[GM 180]] in order to reach a similar maximum ground speed of 151 km/h, and it mounts two [[Medium_laser#Martell|Martell]] [[medium laser]]s supported by an [[Olympian]] [[flamer]] while retaining an armor profile like the earlier FLE-15. Even though the FLE-16 carries more weaponry than its ultralight predecessor, the armor is still too low to endure direct combat.<ref name=TRSWp6f /> BV (2.0) = 506<ref name=TRSWp6f /><ref>''Record Sheets: Succession Wars'', p. 7</ref>

*; FLE-19 : This dedicated anti-infantry variant is designed for urban defense, and is not for use against other 'Mechs. Each arm has four [[light machine gun]]s and a [[Machine Gun Array]]. It also utilizes a [[flamer]] that can threaten [[combat vehicle]]s as well as infantry, and a single [[Rocket Launcher 10]] provides a one-shot damage potential against armored targets. The FLE-19 has proven popular with [[Periphery]] nations and [[mercenary unit]]s.<ref name="TRO3050U"/>  BV (2.0) = 381<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 7</ref>

*; FLE-20 : A Capellan infantry support variant, the FLE-20 strips half a ton of armor to mount two [[ER medium laser]]s and a [[light PPC]]. The loss of armor is not seen as a risk, since it is replaced with [[stealth armor]], along with the required [[Guardian ECM suite]].<ref name="TRO3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 791<ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 8</ref>

*; FLE-21 : Another Capellan variant, the FLE-21 mounts a 180-rated Light engine supplemented by a [[supercharger]], giving it a top speed of more then 140 km/h. While still having very little armor, it is also protected by a [[Guardian ECM Suite]]. Like its cousin, the FLE-20, the model 21 mounts stealth armor, and also shares the pair of [[ER Medium Laser]], along with an [[ER Flamer]] for work against infantry units. [[Wolf's Dragoons]] placed a large order for the 21 model, trying to see if they could also be used as a light 'Mech hunter. BV (2.0) = 823 <ref>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26'', p. 12</ref>

*; "Fire Ant" : A vicious anti-infantry variant, the origin of the ''Flea "Fire Ant"'' is a mystery, with Earthwerks denying the design.<ref name="TRO3050U"/> It was first seen in the [[Chaos March]], most notably in urban fighting on [[Carver V]], in [[3063]]<ref>3063 is the introduction date of the ''Fire Ant'' according to the [[Master Unit List]]</ref> and none were spotted after [[3068]].<ref name="TRO3050U"/> Possibly the predecessor to the FLE-19 and -20, the exact configuration is not known, if one even exists, as it seems to be a refit variant of sorts.<ref name="TRO3050U"/> The typical ''Fire Ant'' refit removed half a ton of armor in favor of six [[machine gun]]s and three [[flamer]]s.<ref name=RS>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)'', p. 9</ref> It was thought to be a designated pacification unit, in the sense of a SecurityMech, as opposed to a frontline BattleMech design.<ref name="TRO3050U"/> BV (2.0) = 332<ref name=RS/><ref name=MC2E>''MechCommander 2'', In-game encyclopedia</ref>

===Apocryphal Variants===
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

''From [[MechWarrior Online]]:''
*; FLE-R5K ''Romeo 5000'' : [[PGI]]'s ''Flea'' [[Hero 'Mech]], the ''Romeo 5000'' is built upon a 120-rated [[light fusion engine]] and [[endo steel]] frame, saving weight to carry a center torso mounted [[medium pulse laser]], an [[SRM-2]] in each side torso and twin [[ER small laser]]s in each arm. Clad in three tons of armor, ''Romeo 5000'' carries two tons of [[SRM]] reloads and is fitted with ten [[double heat sink]]s.<ref name=MWO>''MechWarrior Online'' "''Flea'' Sale Page"</ref>
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}

== Design Quirks ==
The ''Flea'' and variants, unless specified otherwise, are subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref>''BattleMech Manual'', p. 91: Design Quirk Table - Flea Entry</ref>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Improved Life Support]]
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]

The FLE-14 ''Flea'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:SWp3/>
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Hard to Pilot]]
* [[Narrow/Low Profile]]
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]

The TP-1R ''Trooper'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name=XTRO:Pv5/>
* [[Bad Reputation]]
* [[Easy to Maintain]]
* [[Exposed Actuators]]
* [[Improved Life Support]]
* [[Modular Weapons]]
* [[No/Minimal Arms]]
* [[No Ejection Mechanism]]
* [[Obsolete]] (2405)
* [[Weak Legs]]

==Notable Pilots==
:See: [[:Category:Notable Flea Pilots]]

==Notes==
* The FLE-4 and FLE-15 originally appeared in ''Stardate'' magazine,<ref>''Stardate'' Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 4–5</ref> which is no longer considered canonical. Even then the ''Flea''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s original ''Trooper'' name was mentioned as part of its history.

* The ''Fire Ant'' variant is derived from the 'Mech of the same name found in the video game ''[[MechCommander 2]]''. Although the 'Mech in the game is never referred to as a ''Flea'', the in-game art, the specifics, and the reference to the design in ''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'' and the stats for it in ''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Inner Sphere)'' establish that the ''Fire Ant'' is a ''Flea'' variant. The ''Fire Ant'' will also make its second video game appearance in [[MechWarrior Online]] with an apocryphal designation: FLE-FA.<ref>FLE-FA designation introduced by [[MechWarrior Online]]; canonical sources otherwise only refer to it as the ''Flea "Fire Ant"'' variant</ref>

* There was an apocryphal version in ''MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries'' that sported two [[Machine Gun Array]]s, two [[small laser]]s, and a [[flamer]].

* [[Wolf's Dragoons]] arrived in the Inner Sphere with a half-dozen of the otherwise rare (at the time) ''Flea'' BattleMech. They were down to only a pair at the end of the Fourth Succession War and ordered many more when a deal was reached with Earthwerks.<ref name="TRO3039"/>

* The ''Flea'' was the sixteenth BattleMech announced for [[MechWarrior Online]], but it would not be added to the game for a long time; the developers had indicated it may never be developed, to the point of hiding and obscuring the [http://www.mwomercs.com/news/2012/09/449-battlemech-16-flea announcement page] for the 'Mech. The Flea finally resurfaced for preorder on March 1st 2018, more than five years after its original reveal.

* In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to '''''Floh'''''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''FLO-4'''.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:Flea_FLE-4_WolfsDragoonsSB.jpg|Original FLE-4 ''Flea'' from ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''
Image:Flea_FLE-15_WDSB.jpg|Original FLE-15 ''Flea'' from ''Wolf's Dragoons''
Image:FLE-14 Flea Internal view.jpg|Internal view of FLE-14 ''Flea'' from ''[[BattleTechnology]]'' magazine Issue 8
Image:3050 Flea.jpg|FLE-17 ''Flea'' from [[Technical Readout: 3050|TRO:3050]]
File:Flea.jpg|''Flea'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade|TRO:3050 Upgrade]]''
Image:FLE-4FLEA.png|FLE-4 ''Flea'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3039|TRO:3039]]''
Image:FLE-16Flea.png|FLE-16 ''Flea'' from ''[[Technical Readout: Succession Wars|TRO:SW]]''
Image:Flea_FLE-14_XTROSW1.jpg|Experimental FLE-14 ''Flea'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1|XTRO:SW I]]''
Image:TP-1RTrooper.png|Primitive TP-1R ''Trooper'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 5|XTRO:Primitives V]]''
Image: FleailRec26.png|Modernized FLE-21 from ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 26]]''
Image:CCG Unlimited Flea.jpg|FLE-17 ''Flea'' in battle from ''[[BattleTech Trading Card Game|CCG]]''
Image:Flea_FireAnt.gif|Model of ''Flea'' Fire Ant from ''[[MechCommander 2]]''
Image:MW4-M Flea.png|Model of ''Flea'' from ''[[MechWarrior 4: Mercenaries|MW4:Mercenaries]]''
Image:MWO Flea.png|Model of ''Flea'' from ''[[MechWarrior Online|MWO]]''
File:Alpha Strike Recon Lance - Flea.jpg|''Flea'' miniature from ''[[BattleTech Alpha Strike: Recon Lance Pack]]''
</gallery>

==References==
<references />

==Bibliography==
* ''[[BattleMech Manual]]''
* ''[[Combat Operations]]''
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 5]]''
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Volume 1]]''
* ''[[Master Unit List]]''
* ''[[MechCommander 2]]'' (video game)
* [https://mwomercs.com/flea ''MechWarrior Online'' ''Flea'' Sale Page]
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere)]]''
* ''[[Record Sheets: Succession Wars]]''
* ''[[Stardate]]'', Vol. 3, No. 1
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Revised]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: Succession Wars]]''
* ''[[Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook)|Wolf's Dragoons]]''

[[Category:'Mechs]]
[[Category:Ultralight BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Light BattleMechs]]
[[Category:15 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:20 ton BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Free Worlds League BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Capellan Confederation BattleMechs]]
[[Category:Wolf's Dragoons BattleMechs]]
[[Category:German renamed units]]