Difference between revisions of "Gladiator (BattleMech)"

m (tech base and mech type)
(disambig note, minor formatting)
 
(25 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
:''For the [[Clan]] [[OmniMech]] that was designated the ''Gladiator'' by the Inner Sphere, please see ''[[Executioner]]''.''
+
{{Update Needed|[[Shrapnel (magazine)#Issue 15|''Shrapnel'' Issue 15]]}}
 +
{{otheruses|the 55-ton Inner Sphere BattleMech|other uses|Gladiator}}
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
 
{{InfoBoxBattleMech
−
|image=Gladiator 3075.jpg
+
|image = Gladiator Shrapnel015.jpg
−
|name=Gladiator
+
|name = ''Gladiator''
−
|manufacturer=[[New Samarkand Armor Works]], [[Merryweather Industries]], [[StarCorps Industries]]<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p. 9</ref>
+
|manufacturer =  
−
|production year=2490
+
[[Merryweather Industries]]<ref name=TRSWp96f>''Technical Readout: Succession Wars'', pp. 96–97: "GLD-4R Gladiator"</ref> <!-- reprinted from TRO:3075 -->
−
|year reference=<ref>''TechManual'', p. 15</ref><ref name=TRO:3075>''Technical Readout: 3075'', pp. 206-207, "Gladiator 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref><ref name="xtro">''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 2'', p. 5</ref>
+
----
−
|model=GLD-4R
+
[[New Samarkand Armor Works]]<ref name=TRSWp96f />
−
|cost= 5,002,057 C-bills
+
----
−
|Tech Base=Inner Sphere
+
[[StarCorps Industries]]<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p. 9</ref>
−
|mech type=BattleMech
+
|production year = 2490
−
|mass=55
+
|year reference = <ref name=TRSWp96f /><ref>''TechManual'', p. 15</ref><ref name=TRO:3075>''Technical Readout: 3075'', pp. 206–207: "Gladiator 'Mech Profile"</ref><ref>''Era Digest: Age of War'', p. 11</ref><ref name="xtro">''Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 2'', p. 5</ref>
−
|chassis=MW240
+
|model = GLD-4R<ref name=TRSWp96f />
−
|armor=Kemplar 5000
+
|cost = 5,002,057 [[C-bill]]s
−
|engine=[[Core Tek 275]]
+
|Tech Base = Inner Sphere
−
|comsys=[[Fujika Multiband]]
+
|mech type = BattleMech
−
|T&T=[[General systems AV-12]]
+
|mass = 55
−
|heat sinks=13
+
|chassis = [[MW240]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
|speed=86
+
|armor = [[Kemplar 5000]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
|jumpjets=GE-220
+
|engine = [[CoreTek 275]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
|armament=
+
|comsys = [[Fujika Multiband]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
*1x [[PPC]]
+
|T&T = [[General systems AV-12]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
*1x [[SRM-6]]
+
|heat sinks = 13 [[heat sink|single]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
*2x [[Medium Laser]]s
+
|speed = 86 <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
|BV (1.0)=??
+
|jumpjets = [[GE-2200]] <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
−
|BV (2.0)=1,291<ref name=TRO:3075/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 98</ref>
+
|armament = <!-- <ref name=TRSWp96f /> -->
 +
* 1x [[PPC]]
 +
* 1x [[SRM-6]]
 +
* 2x [[medium laser]]
 +
|BV (1.0) = N/A
 +
|BV (2.0) = 1,291<ref name=TRSWp96f /><ref name=TRO:3075/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 98</ref>
 
}}  
 
}}  
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
The first homegrown [[BattleMech]] produced by the [[Draconis Combine]] was the '''''Gladiator'''''. The 55-ton 'Mech took seven years to design, as [[Coordinator]] [[Kozo Von Rohrs]] refused to open up the process to anybody but a select group at [[New Samarkand Armor Works]] (the predecessor of [[Luthien Armor Works]]) who were under constant surveillance by [[DEST]]. [[Introduction Year::2468]] finally saw the GLD-1R ''Gladiator'' hit mass-production.<ref name="xtro"/> Following the [[Battle of Nox]] in [[2475]], the  dishonored 'Mech was retired from official production, with NSAW closing down the production lines by [[Production Ceased::2488]].<ref name=TRO:3075/>
+
The first homegrown [[BattleMech]] produced by the [[Draconis Combine]] was the '''''Gladiator'''''. The 55-ton 'Mech took seven years to design, as [[Coordinator]] [[Kozo Von Rohrs]] refused to open up the process to anybody but a select group at [[New Samarkand Armor Works]], the predecessor of [[Luthien Armor Works]], who were under constant surveillance by [[DEST]]. [[Introduction Year::2468]] finally saw the GLD-1R ''Gladiator'' hit mass-production.<ref name="xtro"/> Following the [[Battle of Nox]] in [[2475]], the  dishonored 'Mech was retired from official production, with NSAW closing down the production lines by [[Production Ceased::2488]].<ref name=TRO:3075/>
  
−
[[Merryweather Industries]] was the first private company to attempt BattleMech production without governmental support. Despite their location in the [[Terran Hegemony]], they acquired the plans to the ''Gladiator'' and produced a new run in [[2490]]. They were unable to raise the capital to finish their second run, the 4R, and nearly went bankrupt before moving into [[IndustrialMech]]s. The GLD-4R production lines were closed down in [[Production Ceased::2495]].<ref name=TRO:3075/>
+
[[Merryweather Industries]] was the first private company to attempt BattleMech production without governmental support. Despite their location in the [[Terran Hegemony]], they acquired the plans to the ''Gladiator'' and produced a new run in [[2490]]. They were unable to raise the capital to finish their second run, the 4R, and nearly went bankrupt before changing over to [[IndustrialMech]]s. The GLD-4R production lines were closed down in [[Production Ceased::2495]].<ref name=TRO:3075/>
  
−
A few salvaged ''Gladiator'' -1Rs were still in service with militaries across the Inner Sphere and Periphery, though these relics were finally pushed to extinction during the [[Extinction Era::Reunification War]]. <ref name=xtro/>
+
A few salvaged ''Gladiator'' -1Rs were still in service with militaries across the Inner Sphere and Periphery, though these relics were finally pushed to extinction during the [[Extinction Era::Reunification War]].<ref name=xtro/>
  
−
The 55-ton ''Gladiator'' has a top speed of 86 km/h, comparable to many other 'Mechs of the same weight. Nine and a half tons of armor provides a respectable amount of protection. Five [[jump jet]]s enables the 'Mech to jump up to 150 meters at a time.<ref name=TRO:3075/>
+
==Weapons and Equipment==
 +
The 55-ton ''Gladiator'' is built on an [[MW240]] chassis, carrying a [[Core Tek 275]] fusion engine that gives it a top speed of 86 km/h, comparable to many other 'Mechs of the same weight. Nine and a half tons of [[standard armor]] provides a respectable amount of protection, while five [[jump jet]]s gives it greater agility and enables the 'Mech to jump up to 150 meters at a time.<ref name=TRO:3075/>
  
−
==Weapons and Equipment==
+
A [[Lord's Light P1]] [[PPC]] provides long range firepower. Two [[Argra 1L]] [[medium laser]]s are just as powerful up close and a [[Thunderstroke (SRM-6)|Thunderstroke]] [[SRM-6]] exploits any holes in an enemy's armor.<ref name=TRO:3075/>
−
A Lord's Light P1 [[PPC]] provides long range firepower. Two Argra 1L [[Medium Laser]]s is just as powerful up close and adds a Thunderstroke [[SRM-6]] to exploit any holes in an enemy's armor.<ref name=TRO:3075/>
 
  
 
==Variants==
 
==Variants==
 
[[File:Gladiator (2).jpg|thumb|left|150px|An old ''Gladiator'', likely GLD-1R]]
 
[[File:Gladiator (2).jpg|thumb|left|150px|An old ''Gladiator'', likely GLD-1R]]
−
*;GLD-1R : The original ''Gladiator'' used primitive technologies, so it only had a [[Large Laser]] and two Medium Lasers. In addition, it could only manage a top speed around 64 km/h.<ref name=TRO:3075/> It was protected by sixteen and a half tons of [[Primitive Armor]].<ref name="xtro"/> The GLD-1R went out of production by 2488<ref name=TRO:3075/>. During the [[Jihad]], several companies began producing this primitive design of ''Gladiator'' as a part of the appearance of [[RetroTech]] on the battlefield, driven by the need for war materiel; companies which produced the primitive ''Gladiator'' during this era included [[Rastaban Agricultural Products]],<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p. 7</ref> [[Metals of the Earth]]<ref name="O:DCp4">''Objectives: Draconis Combine'', p. 4, "State of the Industry at a Glance (Dec 3079)"</ref> and [[Sword of the Prophet Enterprises]]<ref name="O:DCp34">''Objectives: Draconis Combine'', p. 34, "Sword of the Prophet Enterprises"</ref> although many of these manufacturing lines had closed down by [[3079]]. BV (2.0) = 1,027<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 199</ref>  
+
*; GLD-1R : The original ''Gladiator'' used [[Primitive Technology|primitive technology]], so it only had a [[large laser]] and two [[medium laser]]s. In addition, it could only manage a top speed around 64 km/h,<ref name=TRSWp96f /> and was protected by 16.5 tons of [[primitive armor]].<ref name="xtro"/> The GLD-1R went out of production by 2488<ref name=TRO:3075/>. During the [[Jihad]], several companies began producing this primitive design of ''Gladiator'' as a part of the appearance of [[retrotech]] on the battlefield, driven by the need for war matériel; companies which produced the primitive ''Gladiator'' during this era included [[Rastaban Agricultural Products]],<ref>''Objectives: Lyran Alliance'', p. 7</ref> [[Metals of the Earth]]<ref name="O:DCp4">''Objectives: Draconis Combine'', p. 4: "State of the Industry at a Glance (Dec 3079)"</ref> and [[Sword of the Prophet Enterprises]]<ref name="O:DCp34">''Objectives: Draconis Combine'', p. 34: "Sword of the Prophet Enterprises"</ref> although many of these manufacturing lines had closed down by [[3079]]. BV (2.0) = 1,027<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 199</ref>  
  
−
*;GLD-2R : A more modern variant that still used some primitive technologies, the 2R upgraded the top speed of the 1R to 86 km/h. Few of these were ever fielded, as the design was apparently just a test bed for the newer technologies. Production of the GLD-2R stopped by 2488. BV (2.0) = 1,245<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 200</ref>, 1,184<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 96</ref>  
+
*; GLD-2R : A more modern variant that still used some primitive technologies, the 2R upgraded the top speed of the 1R to 86 km/h but the armament was unchanged.<ref name=TRSWp96f /> Few of these were ever fielded, as the design was apparently just a testbed for the newer technologies. Production of the GLD-2R stopped by 2488. BV (2.0) = 1,245,<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 200</ref> 1,184<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 96</ref>  
  
−
*;GLD-3R : The test platform for Merryweather, the 3R upgraded the Large Laser to two [[LRM-10]]s. BV (2.0) = 1,282<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 201</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 97</ref>
+
*; GLD-3R : The first test platform for Merryweather, the 3R replaced the [[large laser]] with two [[LRM-10]]s.<ref name=TRSWp96f /> BV (2.0) = 1,282<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 201</ref><ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 97</ref>
  
−
*;GLD-5R : The 5R is an upgraded variant that was unveiled by [[StarCorps Industries]] after a ''Gladiator'' fielded by Major [[Alex Keller]] of the [[Devil's Brigade]] that utilized cutting-edge and experimental technology gained notoriety. The production model is powered by a bigger [[Light Fusion Engine]]. [[Improved jump jet]]s, which had been installed onto Major Keller's 'Mech, have been omitted in favor of standard versions, and a [[C3i Computer]] allows the 'Mech to share targeting telemetry with like-equipped units. It is armed with a [[Snub-Nose PPC]], two [[ER Medium Laser]]s, and an [[MML-5]] with [[Artemis IV Fire Control System]] to improve accuracy. Additional heat sinks help to alleviate heat problems. This version has 9.5 tons of standard armor plates, which places it on par with the older 55-ton trio. BV (2.0) = 1,345<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 202</ref>, 1,425<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 99</ref><div style="clear:left;">
+
*; GLD-5R : The 5R is an upgraded variant that was unveiled by [[StarCorps Industries]] after a ''Gladiator'' fielded by Major [[Alex Keller]] of the [[Devil's Brigade]] that utilized cutting-edge and experimental technology gained notoriety. It is armed with a [[snub-nose PPC]], two [[ER medium laser]]s, and an [[MML-5]] with [[Artemis IV FCS]] to improve accuracy. Additional [[double heat sink]]s help to alleviate heat problems.<ref name=TRSWp96f /> This version has 12 tons of [[standard armor]], which gives it maximum protection for a 'Mech of its size. BV (2.0) = 1,425<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 99</ref><div style="clear:left;">
  
 
===Custom Variants===
 
===Custom Variants===
−
*;Keller's GLD-1R : This variant had a 220-rated [[Light Fusion Engine]] connected to a [[supercharger]], which can add some speed. The 'Mech also had six [[Improved jump jet]]s, and a [[C3i Computer]], which allows the 'Mech to share targeting telemetry with like-equipped units. It is armed with a [[Snub-Nose PPC]] (which uses a [[PPC Capacitor]]), two [[ER Medium Laser]]s, and an [[MML-5]] with one ton of ammunition devoted to long range missiles and another used for short range. Eleven double heat sinks are barely adequate for such a 'Mechs's generated heat. The 'Mech also used eleven tons of armor, which is almost the maximum such a machine can carry. BV (2.0) = 1,348<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 203</ref>, 1,557<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 100</ref>
+
*; ''Gladiator'' Keller : This variant had a 220-rated [[light fusion engine]] connected to a [[supercharger]], which can add some speed. The 'Mech also had six [[improved jump jet]]s, and a [[C3i computer]], which allows the 'Mech to share targeting telemetry with like-equipped units. It is armed with a [[snub-nose PPC]], enhanced by a [[PPC Capacitor]], two [[ER medium laser]]s, and an [[MML-5]] with one ton of ammunition devoted to long range missiles and another used for short range. 11 [[double heat sink]]s are barely adequate for such a 'Mechs's generated heat. The 'Mech also used 11 tons of armor, which is almost the maximum such a machine can carry. BV (2.0) = 1,348,<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged'', p. 203</ref> 1,557<ref>''Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War'', p. 100</ref>
  
 
==Design Quirks==
 
==Design Quirks==
−
The ''GLD-1R Gladatior'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name="xtro"/>
+
The ''GLD-1R Gladiator'' variant is subject to the following [[Design Quirks]]:<ref name="xtro"/>
 
* [[Bad Reputation]]
 
* [[Bad Reputation]]
 
* [[Cowl]]
 
* [[Cowl]]
Line 62: Line 68:
  
 
==Notes==
 
==Notes==
−
The ''Gladiator'' (specifically the GLD-3R variant) was featured in Issue 0201 of [[BattleTechnology]]. In the article by [[Dale A. Kemper]], additional details are described regarding Merryweather Industries' ill-fated production run of the GLD-3R ''Gladiator''.
+
* The GLD-3R ''Gladiator'' variant was featured in [[BattleTechnology#Issue_0201|Issue 0201]] of ''[[BattleTechnology]]''. In the article by [[Dale A. Kemper]], additional details are described regarding Merryweather Industries' ill-fated production run of the GLD-3R ''Gladiator''.
  
−
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}Originally intended to meet a [[Star League Defense Force]] requirement for a new long-range support 'Mech, Merryweather Industries offered the GLD-3R ''Gladiator'', with the first prototypes undergoing testing in [[2468]]. After achieving success in its early field tests, Merryweather Industries was awarded a contract to produce twelve hundred of the 'Mechs. However, in [[2470]] the contract was revoked, pointing to computer simulations that showed the 'Mech was not powerful enough to fill the role it had been built for. Having already produced over a hundred of the machines, and prepared to produce two thousand more, the loss of the contract nearly bankrupted Merryweather Industries. Private investors were quickly sought, and with the approval of the Star League, two thousand ''Gladiators'' were sold, most notably to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Draconis Combine]]. Following the conclusion of the first run, Merryweather Industries discontinued the ''Gladiator'' line and continued to produce [[IndustrialMechs]]. The long-range close-support role would eventually be filled by the [[Archer]], specifically the ARC-2C variant. At the time of the article's printing (February 3028), the author estimates that about one hundred and fifty of the 'Mechs remain, though most are hybrids. There are no known examples of "standard" ''Gladiators'' as they were built. <ref name=BattleTechnology>''BattleTechnology'', Issue 0201, page 42-43</ref>
+
{{ApocryphalContentStart}}
 +
* Originally intended to meet a [[Star League Defense Force]] requirement for a new long-range support 'Mech, Merryweather Industries offered the GLD-3R ''Gladiator'', with the first prototypes undergoing testing in [[2468]]. After achieving success in its early field tests, Merryweather Industries was awarded a contract to produce 1,200 of the 'Mechs. However, in [[2470]] the contract was revoked, pointing to computer simulations that showed the 'Mech was not powerful enough to fill the role it had been built for. Having already produced over 100 of the machines, and prepared to produce 2,000 more, the loss of the contract nearly bankrupted Merryweather Industries. Private investors were quickly sought, and with the approval of the Star League, 2,000 ''Gladiators'' were sold, most notably to the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] and the [[Draconis Combine]]. Following the conclusion of the first run, Merryweather Industries discontinued the ''Gladiator'' line and continued to produce [[IndustrialMechs]]. The long-range close-support role would eventually be filled by the ''[[Archer]]'', specifically the ARC-2C variant. At the time of the article's printing (February 3028), the author estimates that about 150 of the 'Mechs remain, though most are hybrids. There are no known examples of "standard" ''Gladiators'' as they were built.<ref name=BattleTechnology>''BattleTechnology'', #Issue 0201, pp. 42–43</ref>
  
−
As presented in BattleTechnology, the GLD-3R ''Gladiator'' mounts a pair of DLC-10 shoulder-mounted [[LRM-10]] launchers, backed up by a single Duodyne Mark II [[Medium Lasers|Medium Laser]] in each arm. A Fujika Multiband communication system and General Systems AV-12 targeting package is used. The GLD-3R is mentioned as using GE-2200 jumpjets, which are noted as allowing for altitude variation during during movement. The top speed and cruising speed is listed as 58.1kph and 84.2kph, slower than what its engine should theoretically provide. Compared to the GLD-3R presented in later sources, the one described in BattleTechnology has one fewer jump jet and mounts an extra half-ton of armor.<ref name="BattleTechnology"/>
+
* As presented in ''BattleTechnology'', the GLD-3R ''Gladiator'' mounts a pair of [[DLC-10]] shoulder-mounted [[LRM-10]] launchers, backed up by a single [[Duodyne Mark II]] [[medium laser]] in each arm. A [[Fujika Multiband]] communication system and [[General Systems AV-12]] targeting package is used. The GLD-3R is mentioned as using [[GE-2200]] [[jump jet]]s, which are noted as allowing for altitude variation during during movement. The top speed and cruising speed is listed as 58.1 km/h and 84.2 km/h, slower than what its engine should theoretically provide. Compared to the GLD-3R presented in later sources, the one described in ''BattleTechnology'' has one fewer jump jet and mounts an extra half-ton of armor.<ref name="BattleTechnology"/>
 
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
 
{{ApocryphalContentEnd}}
  
−
No mention is made of the earlier GLD-1R, GLD-2R, or Merryweather's second ''Gladiator'' run (the GLD-4R). The artwork presented for the ''Gladiator'' is completely different from the art presented for the GLD-4R ''Gladiator'' in Technical Readout: 3075. It is unclear whether the artwork presented is meant to be of an original ''Gladiator'', or one of the many "hybrid" ''Gladiators'' mentioned by the article author.
+
* No mention is made of the earlier GLD-1R, GLD-2R, or Merryweather's second ''Gladiator'' run, the GLD-4R. The artwork presented for the ''Gladiator'' is completely different from the art presented for the GLD-4R ''Gladiator'' in ''Technical Readout: 3075''. It is unclear whether the artwork presented is meant to be of an original ''Gladiator'', or one of the many "hybrid" ''Gladiators'' mentioned by the article author.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
−
Image:GLD-1R Gladiator.jpg|GLD-1R ''Gladiator''
+
Gladiator 3075.jpg|Original ''Gladiator'' from ''[[Technical Readout: 3075|TRO:3075]]''
−
File:Gladiator_FMSLDF_p168.jpg|A Draconis Combine ''Gladiator'' of the [[Star League]] [[BattleTech_eras|era]].
+
GLD-1R Gladiator.jpg|Experimental GLD-1R ''Gladiator'' from ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 2|XTRO:Primitives II]]''
 +
Gladiator Shrapnel015.jpg|''Gladiator'' from [[Shrapnel_(magazine)/Issue_15|''Shrapnel'' #15]]
 +
Gladiator_FMSLDF_p168.jpg|[[DCMS]] ''Gladiator'' from ''[[Field Manual: SLDF|FM:SLDF]]''
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
Line 81: Line 90:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
 +
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
 +
* [[BattleTechnology#Issue 0201|''BattleTechnology'', Issue #0201]]
 
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''
 
* ''[[Era Digest: Age of War]]''
 
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 2]]''
 
* ''[[Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 2]]''
Line 90: Line 101:
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
 
* ''[[Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
 
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]''
−
* ''[[BattleTechnology#Issue 0201|BattleTechnology, Issue 0201]]
+
{{div col end}}
  
−
[[Category:Primitive BattleMechs]]
+
[[Category:'Mechs]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Draconis Combine BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Terran Hegemony BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Improved C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Improved C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]

Latest revision as of 07:24, 17 April 2024

This article is about the 55-ton Inner Sphere BattleMech. For other uses, see Gladiator.
Gladiator (BattleMech)
Gladiator
Production information
Manufacturer Merryweather Industries[1]

New Samarkand Armor Works[1]

StarCorps Industries[2]

Production Year 2490[1][3][4][5][6]
Model GLD-4R[1]
Class Medium
Cost 5,002,057 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 55 tons
Chassis MW240
Armor Kemplar 5000
Engine CoreTek 275
Communications System Fujika Multiband
Targeting Tracking System General systems AV-12
Heat Sinks 13 single
Speed 86 km/h
Jump Jets GE-2200
Armament
BV (1.0) N/A
BV (2.0) 1,291[1][4][7]


Description[edit]

The first homegrown BattleMech produced by the Draconis Combine was the Gladiator. The 55-ton 'Mech took seven years to design, as Coordinator Kozo Von Rohrs refused to open up the process to anybody but a select group at New Samarkand Armor Works, the predecessor of Luthien Armor Works, who were under constant surveillance by DEST. 2468 finally saw the GLD-1R Gladiator hit mass-production.[6] Following the Battle of Nox in 2475, the dishonored 'Mech was retired from official production, with NSAW closing down the production lines by 2488.[4]

Merryweather Industries was the first private company to attempt BattleMech production without governmental support. Despite their location in the Terran Hegemony, they acquired the plans to the Gladiator and produced a new run in 2490. They were unable to raise the capital to finish their second run, the 4R, and nearly went bankrupt before changing over to IndustrialMechs. The GLD-4R production lines were closed down in 2495.[4]

A few salvaged Gladiator -1Rs were still in service with militaries across the Inner Sphere and Periphery, though these relics were finally pushed to extinction during the Reunification War.[6]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The 55-ton Gladiator is built on an MW240 chassis, carrying a Core Tek 275 fusion engine that gives it a top speed of 86 km/h, comparable to many other 'Mechs of the same weight. Nine and a half tons of standard armor provides a respectable amount of protection, while five jump jets gives it greater agility and enables the 'Mech to jump up to 150 meters at a time.[4]

A Lord's Light P1 PPC provides long range firepower. Two Argra 1L medium lasers are just as powerful up close and a Thunderstroke SRM-6 exploits any holes in an enemy's armor.[4]

Variants[edit]

An old Gladiator, likely GLD-1R
  • GLD-2R 
    A more modern variant that still used some primitive technologies, the 2R upgraded the top speed of the 1R to 86 km/h but the armament was unchanged.[1] Few of these were ever fielded, as the design was apparently just a testbed for the newer technologies. Production of the GLD-2R stopped by 2488. BV (2.0) = 1,245,[12] 1,184[13]

Custom Variants[edit]

Design Quirks[edit]

The GLD-1R Gladiator variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:[6]

Notes[edit]

  • The GLD-3R Gladiator variant was featured in Issue 0201 of BattleTechnology. In the article by Dale A. Kemper, additional details are described regarding Merryweather Industries' ill-fated production run of the GLD-3R Gladiator.

Apocryphal Content Starts

The information after this notice comes from apocryphal sources; the canonicity of such information is uncertain.
Please view the reference page for information regarding their canonicity.

  • Originally intended to meet a Star League Defense Force requirement for a new long-range support 'Mech, Merryweather Industries offered the GLD-3R Gladiator, with the first prototypes undergoing testing in 2468. After achieving success in its early field tests, Merryweather Industries was awarded a contract to produce 1,200 of the 'Mechs. However, in 2470 the contract was revoked, pointing to computer simulations that showed the 'Mech was not powerful enough to fill the role it had been built for. Having already produced over 100 of the machines, and prepared to produce 2,000 more, the loss of the contract nearly bankrupted Merryweather Industries. Private investors were quickly sought, and with the approval of the Star League, 2,000 Gladiators were sold, most notably to the Lyran Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine. Following the conclusion of the first run, Merryweather Industries discontinued the Gladiator line and continued to produce IndustrialMechs. The long-range close-support role would eventually be filled by the Archer, specifically the ARC-2C variant. At the time of the article's printing (February 3028), the author estimates that about 150 of the 'Mechs remain, though most are hybrids. There are no known examples of "standard" Gladiators as they were built.[19]
  • As presented in BattleTechnology, the GLD-3R Gladiator mounts a pair of DLC-10 shoulder-mounted LRM-10 launchers, backed up by a single Duodyne Mark II medium laser in each arm. A Fujika Multiband communication system and General Systems AV-12 targeting package is used. The GLD-3R is mentioned as using GE-2200 jump jets, which are noted as allowing for altitude variation during during movement. The top speed and cruising speed is listed as 58.1 km/h and 84.2 km/h, slower than what its engine should theoretically provide. Compared to the GLD-3R presented in later sources, the one described in BattleTechnology has one fewer jump jet and mounts an extra half-ton of armor.[19]

Apocryphal Content Ends

  • No mention is made of the earlier GLD-1R, GLD-2R, or Merryweather's second Gladiator run, the GLD-4R. The artwork presented for the Gladiator is completely different from the art presented for the GLD-4R Gladiator in Technical Readout: 3075. It is unclear whether the artwork presented is meant to be of an original Gladiator, or one of the many "hybrid" Gladiators mentioned by the article author.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 96–97: "GLD-4R Gladiator"
  2. ↑ Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p. 9
  3. ↑ TechManual, p. 15
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 Technical Readout: 3075, pp. 206–207: "Gladiator 'Mech Profile"
  5. ↑ Era Digest: Age of War, p. 11
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Experimental Technical Readout: Primitives, Volume 2, p. 5
  7. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 98
  8. ↑ Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p. 7
  9. ↑ Objectives: Draconis Combine, p. 4: "State of the Industry at a Glance (Dec 3079)"
  10. ↑ Objectives: Draconis Combine, p. 34: "Sword of the Prophet Enterprises"
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 199
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 200
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 96
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 201
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 97
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 99
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged, p. 203
  18. ↑ Record Sheets: 3075 Unabridged - Age of War, p. 100
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 BattleTechnology, #Issue 0201, pp. 42–43

Bibliography[edit]

Retrieved from "https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=Gladiator_(BattleMech)&oldid=1068251"