Shugosha

Shugosha
Production information
Manufacturer	Luthien Armor Works
Use	LoaderMech
Model	PTN-LAW
Class	Light
Introduced	Star League Era
Cost	754,985 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type	Inner Sphere IndustrialMech
Mass	20 tons
Chassis	Unspecified
Armor	BAR 5 commercial armor
Engine	40-rated fusion engine
Communications System	Unspecified
Targeting Tracking System	Unspecified
Heat Sinks	10 single heat sinks
Speed	32 km/h
Armament	2x Lift hoists 1x Searchlight 2x Cargo bays
BV (2.0)	102

Description

The Shugosha is a light IndustrialMech originally produced by Luthien Armor Works in the Draconis Combine. Based on the 15 ton ultralight Patron LoaderMech, the Shugosha is distinct from the older design by being five tons heavier and powered by a fusion engine. However, it would not be until the invasion of Luthien in 3052 that the design would distinguish itself.

The initiation of Operation Dragonslayer by Clans Smoke Jaguar and Nova Cat forced Luthien's defenders to militarize every capable machine, and their scramble for equipment led to a unique use for the Shugosha. LAW engineers converted several of these 'Mechs into drones and fit them with enough armor and weapons to produce convincing façades, making them look like typical BattleMechs fielded during this era, such as the Archer and the Thunderbolt. Though not combat effective like regular BattleMechs, their presence helped the Kurita defenders appear greater in number.

The success of these MilitiaMechs encouraged the DCMS to award LAW a contract to produce a limited run of three of these DroneMechs at LAW's factory on Nykvarn, albeit without the cosmetic changes. Following the Jihad, the newly formed Republic of the Sphere bought a few examples as part of their evaluation of drone technology.

Weapons and Equipment

Not built for speed, the 40-rated fusion engine of the Shugosha allows it to work for long periods of time. As with all fusion powered units, the engine comes with 10 single heat sinks to allow it to handle the base heat produced by the mech.

Typical for an IndustrialMech, it features an industrial cockpit with life support and BAR 5 commercial armor; while this armor protection gives the design some resistance to damage while undertaking routine tasks, in combat most modern weaponry will easily penetrate its hull. For its primary task as a LoaderMech, the Shugosha has two lift hoists, one mounted in each of its side torsos, and mounted searchlight in the center torso aids the pilot operating the 'Mech at night. Finally, the Shugosha features a pair of one and a half ton cargo bays, one in each of its side torsos.

Variants

• LAW-QM1 Q-Mech

  This is first of the three experimental drone variants of the Shugosha. Fitted as a Q-Mech, it is a combat machine pretending to be harmless IndustralMech, and mounts a Remote Drone Operating System in the head, a booby trap in center torso, and a large laser mounted in the right torso. BV (2.0) = 161

• LAW-QM2 Q-Mech

  Similar to QM1, this variant swaps the large laser for an LRM-5 launcher and single ton ammunition mounted in left torso. For short-range combat, pair of medium lasers are fitted in right arm. BV (2.0) = 157

• LAW-QM3 Q-Mech

  Based on the QM1, this version mounts a powerful PPC in its left torso. BV (2.0) = 189

Related Designs

• Patron - A Free Worlds League ultralight LoaderMech.

Notes

• The Shugosha first appeared in third book of the Blood of Kerensky novels, Blood Legacy written by author Michael Stackpole.

• The image of the Shugosha originates from Patron due to its design legacy and as a cost-saving method of reusing images for minor variants.

Bibliography

• Master Unit List
• Record Sheets: Vehicle Annex, IndustrialMechs & Exoskeletons
• Technical Readout: Vehicle Annex Revised