Difference between revisions of "Stalker"

(Updated STK-P entry to reflect info from TRO 3025 Revised)
(The STK-4P is built as a proper 75-tonner, not an underweight 85-tonner. Weird but another example is the 20-ton Flea with its 15 ton variant.)
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The '''''Stalker''''' was first produced in [[Introduction Year::2594]] as a heavy assault [[BattleMech]] for the [[Reunification War]]. The engineers and designers at [[Triad Technologies]] created the ''Stalker'' to be a heavily-armored weapons platform capable of handling combat at any range and absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment.  Although among the slowest 'Mechs ever built, the ''Stalker'' was still fast enough to keep up with other assault 'Mechs and lead major advances, using its firepower to blast holes in the enemy's lines.  Its heavy armor and armament also makes it well-suited for urban combat.  Indeed a favorite tactic developed by ''Stalker'' [[MechWarrior (pilot)|pilots]] was to lie in wait inside a building until an enemy 'Mech passed by, then crash through the wall and emerge onto the street behind them.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
 
The '''''Stalker''''' was first produced in [[Introduction Year::2594]] as a heavy assault [[BattleMech]] for the [[Reunification War]]. The engineers and designers at [[Triad Technologies]] created the ''Stalker'' to be a heavily-armored weapons platform capable of handling combat at any range and absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment.  Although among the slowest 'Mechs ever built, the ''Stalker'' was still fast enough to keep up with other assault 'Mechs and lead major advances, using its firepower to blast holes in the enemy's lines.  Its heavy armor and armament also makes it well-suited for urban combat.  Indeed a favorite tactic developed by ''Stalker'' [[MechWarrior (pilot)|pilots]] was to lie in wait inside a building until an enemy 'Mech passed by, then crash through the wall and emerge onto the street behind them.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
  
For nearly two hundred years, the ''Stalker'' remained in service in the [[Star League Defense Force]] as a workhorse assault 'Mech until the fall of the [[Star League]], where it continued in the same capacity for another two hundred years in service to the [[Successor States]].  It also remained in continuous production during this time for, when Triad Technologies was destroyed in the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], both [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] and [[Trellshire Heavy Industries]] began producing ''Stalker''s at their factories on [[Shiro III]] and [[Twycross]] respectively.  Both the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]] were thus able to maintain the largest number of ''Stalker''s in their arsenals, but still the 'Mech was so common throughout the [[Inner Sphere]] and [[Periphery]] that some pilots lost their fear of it (at least until they had to face one in combat). Its long career also led to a large number of variants, one of the most common being removing ten to fifteen tons of weaponry in order to lighten the strain on its increasingly older, battle-worn skeleton.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/>
+
For nearly two hundred years, the ''Stalker'' remained in service in the [[Star League Defense Force]] as a workhorse assault 'Mech until the fall of the [[Star League]], where it continued in the same capacity for another two hundred years in service to the [[Successor States]].  It also remained in continuous production during this time for, when Triad Technologies was destroyed in the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], both [[Irian BattleMechs Unlimited]] and [[Trellshire Heavy Industries]] began producing ''Stalker''s at their factories on [[Shiro III]] and [[Twycross]] respectively.  Both the [[Free Worlds League]] and [[Lyran Commonwealth]] were thus able to maintain the largest number of ''Stalker''s in their arsenals, but still the 'Mech was so common throughout the [[Inner Sphere]] and [[Periphery]] that some pilots lost their fear of it (at least until they had to face one in combat).
 +
 
 +
Its long career also led to a large number of variants, one of the most common being removing ten to fifteen tons of weaponry in order to lighten the strain on its increasingly older, battle-worn skeleton.<ref name=TRO3025r/><ref name=TRO3039/> (See Notes below.)
  
 
Starting in the late 3040s, Irian began utilizing newly-recovered [[lostech|lost technology]] to update the original design, improving upon its weaponry and armor and increasing its heat management capabilities.  These new STK-5M models were fielded in time to take part in the [[Clan Invasion]], although even with their upgrades they were sorely tested by the [[Clans]]' [[OmniMechs]].  The [[Federated Commonwealth]] also produced their own variant, the STK-5S, although this was introduced towards the end of the invasion.  New variants would continue to be produced in the wake of the [[FedCom Civil War]], one for both of the split nations, and by Irian in an effort to further keep the design alive.<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 98-99</ref>
 
Starting in the late 3040s, Irian began utilizing newly-recovered [[lostech|lost technology]] to update the original design, improving upon its weaponry and armor and increasing its heat management capabilities.  These new STK-5M models were fielded in time to take part in the [[Clan Invasion]], although even with their upgrades they were sorely tested by the [[Clans]]' [[OmniMechs]].  The [[Federated Commonwealth]] also produced their own variant, the STK-5S, although this was introduced towards the end of the invasion.  New variants would continue to be produced in the wake of the [[FedCom Civil War]], one for both of the split nations, and by Irian in an effort to further keep the design alive.<ref name=TRO3050u>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', p. 98-99</ref>
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*;STK-4N : A modification of the ''Stalker'' introduced in [[2876]] which sought to increase its heat efficiency, the 4N model removes one of the LRM-10 launchers and adds six heat sinks to the design. These make the ''Stalker'' more heat efficient but also make the 'Mech weaker when engaging an enemy at long range. BV (1.0) = 1,225, BV (2.0) = 1,558<ref name=TRO3039/>
 
*;STK-4N : A modification of the ''Stalker'' introduced in [[2876]] which sought to increase its heat efficiency, the 4N model removes one of the LRM-10 launchers and adds six heat sinks to the design. These make the ''Stalker'' more heat efficient but also make the 'Mech weaker when engaging an enemy at long range. BV (1.0) = 1,225, BV (2.0) = 1,558<ref name=TRO3039/>
  
*;STK-4P : In [[2928]], as ''Stalkers'' suffered structural weakness symptomatic of the extreme stress the 85-ton 'Mech's skeleton had to bear, this necessitated the lightening of the load by a full ten to fifteen tons. The 4P was a common solution to this problem: techs simply removed the twin LRM-10s, leaving its close-range firepower intact, in order to keep an otherwise capable 'Mech in service. Occasionally, techs only had to remove one LRM and a laser or two instead. BV (1.0) = 1,126, BV (2.0) = 1,417<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref>
+
*;STK-4P : In [[2928]], as ''Stalkers'' suffered structural weakness symptomatic of the extreme stress the 85-ton 'Mech's skeleton had to bear, this necessitated the lightening of the load by a full ten to fifteen tons. The 4P was a common solution to this problem: techs simply removed the twin LRM-10s, leaving its close-range firepower intact, in order to keep an otherwise capable 'Mech in service. Occasionally, techs only had to remove one LRM and a laser or two instead. BV (1.0) = 1,126, BV (2.0) = 1,417<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 116</ref><ref>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 110</ref> (Note that the STK-4P designation is reserved for a variant that is built as a 75-ton 'Mech, as opposed to an underweight 85-ton 'Mech; see Notes below. Context suggests that this is a downgrade that involves the removal of one ton of internal structure, and swapping the now-oversized 255-rated fusion engine for a nominally lighter and less powerful one with a 225 rating.)
  
 
*;STK-5M : An upgrade originating from the Free Worlds League, the 5M variant of the ''Stalker'' was introduced in [[3050]] using moderate amounts of Star League technology.  Most of the weaponry was retained but both large lasers were removed for a single Diverse Optics Sunbeam [[ER Large Laser]] placed in the 'Mech's centerline and a [[Narc Missile Beacon]] in the left torso accompanied by two tons of reloads, allowing the ''Stalker'' to tag enemy units with homing beacon and direct friendly missile fire onto them.  The seventeen [[double heat sink]]s of the 5M afford it far greater heat efficiency than the twenty single heat sinks of previous models, although it still could not handle firing all of its weaponry simultaneously, and an additional ton of armor was added for survivability.  Other changes included the use of proprietary components such as an [[Irian E.A.R.]] communications system, Riese-456 armor and a Irian Chassis Class 30. Unfortunately the designers of the new 5M dismissed the inclusion of [[CASE]], a factor which led directly to the deaths of several ''Stalkers'' during the Clan Invasion due to ammunition cook-offs caused by overheating and weapon penetrations. BV (1.0) = 1,316, BV (2.0) = 1,655<ref name=TRO3050u/>
 
*;STK-5M : An upgrade originating from the Free Worlds League, the 5M variant of the ''Stalker'' was introduced in [[3050]] using moderate amounts of Star League technology.  Most of the weaponry was retained but both large lasers were removed for a single Diverse Optics Sunbeam [[ER Large Laser]] placed in the 'Mech's centerline and a [[Narc Missile Beacon]] in the left torso accompanied by two tons of reloads, allowing the ''Stalker'' to tag enemy units with homing beacon and direct friendly missile fire onto them.  The seventeen [[double heat sink]]s of the 5M afford it far greater heat efficiency than the twenty single heat sinks of previous models, although it still could not handle firing all of its weaponry simultaneously, and an additional ton of armor was added for survivability.  Other changes included the use of proprietary components such as an [[Irian E.A.R.]] communications system, Riese-456 armor and a Irian Chassis Class 30. Unfortunately the designers of the new 5M dismissed the inclusion of [[CASE]], a factor which led directly to the deaths of several ''Stalkers'' during the Clan Invasion due to ammunition cook-offs caused by overheating and weapon penetrations. BV (1.0) = 1,316, BV (2.0) = 1,655<ref name=TRO3050u/>
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==Notes==
 
==Notes==
In German products the unit's proper name was perfectly translated to '''Pirscher'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''PRS-3F'''.
+
*While reducing the loadout by 10 to 15 tons would typically result in an underweight 'Mech with a nominal 85-ton chassis, the STK-4P variant is essentially a new, different 'Mech built on a 75-ton chassis with a correspondingly smaller engine and lighter internal structure. This would normally be considered a distinct 'Mech design, but–much like the 20-ton ''[[Flea]]'' for which a 15-ton variant exists–this is not the case with the ''Stalker''.
 +
*In German products the unit's proper name was perfectly translated to '''Pirscher'''. The model code was accordingly changed to '''PRS-3F'''.
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
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[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Boosted C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Boosted C3 Equipped BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:Heavy BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Assault BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Assault BattleMechs]]
 +
[[Category:75 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:85 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:85 ton BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Inner Sphere General BattleMechs]]
 
[[Category:Inner Sphere General BattleMechs]]

Revision as of 07:18, 1 December 2020

Stalker
Stalker
Production information
Manufacturer Triad Technologies
Irian BattleMechs Unlimited
Trellshire Heavy Industries
Defiance Industries[1]
Production Year 2594[2][3]
Model STK-3F
Class Assault
Cost 7,463,825 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech type Inner Sphere BattleMech
Mass 85 tons
Chassis Titan H1
Armor Valiant Lamellor
Engine Strand 255
Communications System Cronol PR
Targeting Tracking System Spar 3c Tight Band
Heat Sinks 20
Speed 54.0 km/h
Armament
BV (1.0) 1,152
BV (2.0) 1,559[3]


Quote

It's not flashy. It's not the cutting edge. It just keeps coming.
-From Triad Technologies marketing campaign[3]

Description

The Stalker was first produced in 2594 as a heavy assault BattleMech for the Reunification War. The engineers and designers at Triad Technologies created the Stalker to be a heavily-armored weapons platform capable of handling combat at any range and absorbing a tremendous amount of punishment. Although among the slowest 'Mechs ever built, the Stalker was still fast enough to keep up with other assault 'Mechs and lead major advances, using its firepower to blast holes in the enemy's lines. Its heavy armor and armament also makes it well-suited for urban combat. Indeed a favorite tactic developed by Stalker pilots was to lie in wait inside a building until an enemy 'Mech passed by, then crash through the wall and emerge onto the street behind them.[2][3]

For nearly two hundred years, the Stalker remained in service in the Star League Defense Force as a workhorse assault 'Mech until the fall of the Star League, where it continued in the same capacity for another two hundred years in service to the Successor States. It also remained in continuous production during this time for, when Triad Technologies was destroyed in the Succession Wars, both Irian BattleMechs Unlimited and Trellshire Heavy Industries began producing Stalkers at their factories on Shiro III and Twycross respectively. Both the Free Worlds League and Lyran Commonwealth were thus able to maintain the largest number of Stalkers in their arsenals, but still the 'Mech was so common throughout the Inner Sphere and Periphery that some pilots lost their fear of it (at least until they had to face one in combat).

Its long career also led to a large number of variants, one of the most common being removing ten to fifteen tons of weaponry in order to lighten the strain on its increasingly older, battle-worn skeleton.[2][3] (See Notes below.)

Starting in the late 3040s, Irian began utilizing newly-recovered lost technology to update the original design, improving upon its weaponry and armor and increasing its heat management capabilities. These new STK-5M models were fielded in time to take part in the Clan Invasion, although even with their upgrades they were sorely tested by the Clans' OmniMechs. The Federated Commonwealth also produced their own variant, the STK-5S, although this was introduced towards the end of the invasion. New variants would continue to be produced in the wake of the FedCom Civil War, one for both of the split nations, and by Irian in an effort to further keep the design alive.[4]

Weapons and Equipment

The Stalker's weapons array is geared to increase damage as it closes with its target. The Stalker's long range weapons are two Jackson B5c LRM-10 launchers, one of each mounted in either "arm" with an accompanying one ton of reloads. These provide the Stalker with its longest-range punch and allow it to give indirect fire support when needed. At shorter range the Stalker next brings its two Magna Mk III Large Lasers split between left and right torso to bear on its target. For close ranges, the Stalker carries four Magna Mk II Medium Lasers split between the two arms and two Thunderstroke SRM-6 launchers, each fed by two tons of reloads, split between left and right torso.[2][3]

The number of weapons carried by the Stalker is so great that should a pilot attempt to fire them all at once they would easily overload the twenty heat sinks the 'Mech carries. Originally, the Stalker used a special fire-control computer which determined the range to the enemy and suggested the optimal mix of weapons to avoid such a problem occurring, although with the ravages of age, many older 'Mechs lack this vital piece of equipment. These pilots therefore must take care when in combat: thirteen and a half tons of armor may defend against the enemy's blows, but will do nothing to prevent an ammunition cook-off caused by overheating.[2][3]

Variants

  • STK-3H 
    The 3H variant of the Stalker was introduced by Triad Technologies in 2638 to take part in sieges. The 'Mech removes both large lasers and LRM-10s and replaces them with two LRM-20 launchers and two tons of reloads. This makes the 3H a powerful long range fire support 'Mech. BV (1.0) = 1,249, BV (2.0) = 1,624[3]
  • STK-4N 
    A modification of the Stalker introduced in 2876 which sought to increase its heat efficiency, the 4N model removes one of the LRM-10 launchers and adds six heat sinks to the design. These make the Stalker more heat efficient but also make the 'Mech weaker when engaging an enemy at long range. BV (1.0) = 1,225, BV (2.0) = 1,558[3]
  • STK-4P 
    In 2928, as Stalkers suffered structural weakness symptomatic of the extreme stress the 85-ton 'Mech's skeleton had to bear, this necessitated the lightening of the load by a full ten to fifteen tons. The 4P was a common solution to this problem: techs simply removed the twin LRM-10s, leaving its close-range firepower intact, in order to keep an otherwise capable 'Mech in service. Occasionally, techs only had to remove one LRM and a laser or two instead. BV (1.0) = 1,126, BV (2.0) = 1,417[7][8] (Note that the STK-4P designation is reserved for a variant that is built as a 75-ton 'Mech, as opposed to an underweight 85-ton 'Mech; see Notes below. Context suggests that this is a downgrade that involves the removal of one ton of internal structure, and swapping the now-oversized 255-rated fusion engine for a nominally lighter and less powerful one with a 225 rating.)
  • STK-5M 
    An upgrade originating from the Free Worlds League, the 5M variant of the Stalker was introduced in 3050 using moderate amounts of Star League technology. Most of the weaponry was retained but both large lasers were removed for a single Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Laser placed in the 'Mech's centerline and a Narc Missile Beacon in the left torso accompanied by two tons of reloads, allowing the Stalker to tag enemy units with homing beacon and direct friendly missile fire onto them. The seventeen double heat sinks of the 5M afford it far greater heat efficiency than the twenty single heat sinks of previous models, although it still could not handle firing all of its weaponry simultaneously, and an additional ton of armor was added for survivability. Other changes included the use of proprietary components such as an Irian E.A.R. communications system, Riese-456 armor and a Irian Chassis Class 30. Unfortunately the designers of the new 5M dismissed the inclusion of CASE, a factor which led directly to the deaths of several Stalkers during the Clan Invasion due to ammunition cook-offs caused by overheating and weapon penetrations. BV (1.0) = 1,316, BV (2.0) = 1,655[4]
  • STK-5S 
    Outfitted with the relatively recently rediscovered Star League technology of circa 3050, the FedCom 5S can be characterized primarily by its tendency to overheat. The designers behind this variant took the simple expedient of upgrading its engine and firepower without taking heat build-up into consideration. The 'Mech has had its engine replaced with an XL Engine and the large lasers have been removed and replaced with two Large Pulse Lasers. For protection against ammunition explosions, CASE has been added to both side torsos, and an Anti-Missile System has been added for protection against incoming missiles. BV (1.0) = 1,009, BV (2.0) = 1,423[9]
  • STK-6M 
    Irian’s attempt to make up for the shortcomings of the 5M, the 6M introduced in 3062 drops the SRMs and Narc entirely, upgrades the LRMs to 15-tube racks with integral Artemis IV FCS and three tons of reloads each, and upgrades the lasers to ER versions, mounting a fifth medium. Most importantly, the LRM magazines are now protected with CASE. BV (1.0) = ?, BV (2.0) = 2,029[9]
  • STK-7D 
    The 7D Stalker introduced by the Federated Suns in 3062 is built on a standard chassis and engine for rugged durability and carries a primarily energy arsenal. Its two primary weapons are two ER PPCs, giving the 7D a striking distance out to just under seven hundred meters. The 'Mech is also armed with four Medium Pulse Lasers for close combat, which are backed up by two Streak SRM-4 launchers to take advantage of any weak points in an enemy's armor. The lasers and ER PPCs are all linked to an advanced Targeting Computer, which gives the 7D extreme accuracy. BV (1.0) = 1,533[10], BV (2.0) = 1,901[9]

Custom Variants

  • STK-3F Stalker Jagawen 
    Designed for close combat, the Stalker used by Sho-sho Jagawen Torisobo in 3028 replaced the LRM launchers with an additional SRM-6 rack in each torso. Six additional heat sinks kept the machine cool. BV (2.0) = 1,570[13]

Apocryphal Variants

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.

These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior Online:

  • STK-M Misery 
    Implied to be a Stalker piloted by J. Elliot Jamison, the Misery Hero 'Mech retains the STK-3F's twin Medium Lasers in each arm, right torso mounted SRM-6 and center torso mounted Large Laser but removes the remaining SRM-6 and LRM-10s to mount a mammoth Gauss Rifle in the left torso. Carrying two tons each of Gauss rounds and SRM missiles, twenty-two single heat sinks strive to keep the Misery in the thick of combat.[1]

Apocryphal Content Ends

Notable Pilots

Related Designs

Notes

  • While reducing the loadout by 10 to 15 tons would typically result in an underweight 'Mech with a nominal 85-ton chassis, the STK-4P variant is essentially a new, different 'Mech built on a 75-ton chassis with a correspondingly smaller engine and lighter internal structure. This would normally be considered a distinct 'Mech design, but–much like the 20-ton Flea for which a 15-ton variant exists–this is not the case with the Stalker.
  • In German products the unit's proper name was perfectly translated to Pirscher. The model code was accordingly changed to PRS-3F.

Gallery

References

  1. Objectives: Lyran Alliance, p.12
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 110-111
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 Technical Readout: 3039, p. 162-163
  4. 4.0 4.1 Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 98-99
  5. Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 51
  6. Era Report: 2750, p. 129
  7. Technical Readout: 3025, p. 116
  8. Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, p. 110
  9. 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 152
  10. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 140
  11. Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 112
  12. Record Sheets: Upgrades, p. 141
  13. Historical Turning Points: Misery, p. 18
  14. Record Sheets: 3050 Unabridged (Inner Sphere) p. 250
  15. Wolf's Dragoons (sourcebook) p. 98
  16. Technical Readout: 3145 Free Worlds League, p. 38

Bibliography