Gladiator (BattleMech)
Sarna News
| |
| Gladiator | |
|---|---|
| Production information | |
| Manufacturer | New Samarkand Armor Works, Merryweather Industries |
| Model | GLD-4R |
| Class | Medium |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 55 tons |
| Chassis | MW240 |
| Armor | Kemplar 5000 |
| Engine | CoreTek 275 |
| Speed | 86 km/h |
| Jump Jets | GE-220 |
| Armament |
|
| BV (2.0) | 1,291[1] |
Contents
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. 2468 finally saw the GLD-1R Gladiator hit mass-production. Following the Battle of Nox in 2475, the dishonored 'Mech was retired from official production as quickly as possible.[2]
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 IndustrialMechs.[2]
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 jets enables the 'Mech to jump up to 150 meters at a time.[2]
Armament
A Lord's Light P1 PPC provides long range firepower. Two Argra 1L Medium Lasers is just as powerful up close and adds a Thunderstroke SRM-6 to exploit any holes in an enemy's armor.[2]
Variants
- 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.[2]
- 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.[2]
- 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 Light Fusion Engine and uses an XL Gyro to save space. Improved jump jets improves maneuverability 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 Lasers, and an MML-5 with Artemis IV Fire Control System to improve accuracy. Additional heat sinks help to alleviate heat problems.[2]