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This page is still under construction. Current experiments include bolding section headers and list items, moving variants to infobox (only partly finished) and formatting the prose list of variants differently (three alternate styles are shown). Feel free discuss on talk page.

{{InfoBoxBattleMech|
|image=Mad Cat.jpg
|name=Timber Wolf
|manufacturer=[[Wolf Clan Site #1]], [[Wolf Clan Site #2]]
| production year=2945
|year reference=<ref>''[http://www.masterunitlist.info MUL online date for the ''{{PAGENAME}}'']''</ref><ref name=TRO>''Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade'', pp. 136-137, "Mad Cat OmniMech Profile"</ref>
|model=Prime
|class=Heavy
|cost= 24,233,124 C-bills
|mass=75
|chassis=Type W3 [[Endo Steel|Endo-Steel]]
|armor=Composite A-2 [[Ferro-Fibrous]]
|engine=Starfire 375 [[XL Engine|XL]]
|speed=86.4
|armament=
'''Primary Configuration'''
*2x[[ER Large Laser]]s
*2x[[ER Medium Laser]]s
*1x[[Medium Pulse Laser]]
*2x[[LRM-20]]s
*2x[[Machine Gun]]s

'''Alt. Config. A'''
*2x[[ER PPC]]s
*3x[[Medium Pulse Laser]]
*1x[[ER Small Laser]]
*1x[[Streak SRM-6]]

'''Alt. Config. B''' - 
*1x[[Gauss Rifle]] 
*1x[[LRM-10]]
*1x[[Large Pulse Laser]]
*1x[[Small Pulse Laser]]
*1x[[SRM-4]] 
*[[Artemis IV]] Fire Control System 

'''Alt. Config. C'''
*2x[[ER Large Laser]]
*1x[[Ultra Autocannon/5]]
*2x[[LRM-15]]
*1x[[ER Medium Laser]]
*1x[[Anti-Missile System]]

'''Alt. Config. D'''
*2x[[ER PPC]]
*4x[[Streak SRM-6]] (two rear-mounted)
*1x[[ER Small Laser]]

'''Alt. Config. E'''
*2x[[ER Large Laser]]
*2x[[ATM 9]] 
*1x[[Light TAG]]

|BV (1.0)=2,252<ref name=CO>''Combat Operations'', p. 108</ref>
|BV (2.0)=2,737<ref name=TRO/><ref>''Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)'', p. 110</ref>
}}

Description

The Timber Wolf is a fast heavy OmniMech. A signature design of the Clans' military might, it was arguably the first Clan OmniMech encountered by Inner Sphere forces (as opposed to periphery forces) on The Rock in 3049 by Phelan Kell.

Vaguely resembling a cross-over between the MAD (Marauder) and CAT (Catapult) series, the Timber Wolf was tagged with the Inner Sphere reporting name Mad Cat on first contact. (The targeting computer on Phelan Kell's Wolfhound' switched between MAD and CAT when trying to identify it; Precentor Martial Anastasius Focht later officially designated it "Mad Cat".

The Timber Wolf is vastly more powerful than either the Marauder or the Catapult. It uses its speed and firepower to engage an enemy at the range of its choosing. When first encountered by Inner Sphere forces the idea that a heavy 'Mech could move so swiftly while being as heavily armed and armored as the Timber Wolf was inconceivable. With its twelve tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor and arsenal that rivaled that of most assault 'Mechs of the era, it was completely alien to Inner Sphere military planners, commanders, and even the Precentor Martial of ComStar. It technological secrets have since been reverse-engineered by the Inner Sphere.

First introduced in 2945, the Timber Wolf was designed by Clan Wolf as a second generation OmniMech along with the Gargoyle and the Naga to replace the aging Woodsman. While the Gargoyle may have been a very capable, fast assault OmniMech, and the Naga may have been an excellent fire-support OmniMech, Clan Wolf (and indeed every other Clan) instantly realized the value of the Timber Wolf; thus, production rights to the Timber Wolf were jealously (and successfully) defended. Only through trade, gifts and battlefield salvage has the Timber Wolf entered the armies of other Clans. Until the invasion of the Inner Sphere, production of the Timber Wolf has been limited to a single facility on Strana Mechty.

Armament/primary configuration

The default configuration of the Timber Wolf features a well blended mix of energy and missile weaponry; primarily extended-range lasers and long range missile racks that give the Timber Wolf considerable firepower at medium and long range. A pair of LRM-20 racks supplemented by two Extended Range Large Lasers make up the bulk of the Timber Wolf's firepower. The Timber Wolf also has an array of lighter, shorter ranged weaponry for use once the 'Mech draws closer to its prey: two ER Medium Lasers and a Medium Pulse Laser. Finally, it has two Machine Guns for point defense against infantry. Even on the modern battlefield the primary configuration of the Timber Wolf is a force to be reckoned with.

Alternate Configurations

Alternate Configurations	Battle Value
Alt. Config. A - Configured specifically for long range, direct fire combat, the A configuration of the Timber Wolf is armed with a pair of ER PPCs. These give the Timber Wolf A the capability of stripping nearly two tons of armor off of an enemy 'Mech at extreme ranges.	BV (1.0) = 2,470, BV (2.0) = 2,854
Alt. Config. B - Armed to engage an enemy at either short or long ranges, the B configuration is an attempt to use the Timber Wolf in a workhorse role. This variant notably includes a Gauss rifle. Additionally, both of the missile launchers are linked to an Artemis IV Fire Control System to allow for greater missile accuracy.	BV (1.0) = 2,012, BV (2.0) = 2,224
Alt. Config. C - A long range configuration of the Timber Wolf, the C configuration carries an assortment of long range weapons.	BV (1.0) = 2,164, BV (2.0) = 2,500

Alt. Config. D

This configuration mounts a pair of ER PPCs as its primary weapons. These are supported by four Streak SRM-6 launchers with two in each side of the torso, one rear mounted on each side. BV (1.0) = 2,351, BV (2.0) = 2,682

Alt. Config. E

Configured to use the added flexibility of the new Advanced Tactical Missile system, the E configuration mounts two ER Large Lasers as its primary direct fire weapons. The E Configuration also carries two ATM 9 launchers which can fire ammunition that is tailored to the ranges which it is engaging the enemy at. Finally, a Light TAG designator can call in Arrow IV artillery fire. BV (1.0) = 2,194, BV (2.0) = 2,444

Alt. Config. F

This variant takes the primary configuration, downgrades the pulse laser to an ER Medium and replaces the Machine Guns with three Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifles. BV (2.0) = 2,764

Alt. Config. H - A configuration that is capable of engaging an enemy with devastating effect at any range, the H configuration carries a pair of LRM-20 launchers linked to an Artemis IV Fire Control System for long range firepower. For close combat, two Heavy Large Lasers are carried, each of which can strip a full ton of armor from an enemy 'Mech at short ranges. Finally, seemingly added almost as an afterthought, an ER Small Laser completes the H's weaponry loadout. BV (1.0) = 2,095, BV (2.0) = 2,627

Alt. Config. S - A highly maneuverable urban combat configuration of the Timber Wolf, the S mounts five jump jets, allowing it to jump up to one hundred and fifty meters. To offset the inaccuracy from using jump jets, the S configuration is armed with a Large Pulse Laser backed up by two Medium Pulse Lasers. The S configuration also carries four SRM-6 launchers and two Machine Guns, making it a deadly close combat fighter. BV (1.0) = 2,229, BV (2.0) = 2,462

Alt. Config. U - Similar to the primary configuration's armament, this version is used in underwater combat. In addition to a BattleMech HarJel System that protects the torsos from hull breaches, the Timber Wolf U also carries four UMUs that allow it to cruise through the water at 43km/h. The weapons are restricted to a pair of Artemis IV-enhanced LRT-15s on each shoulder, while each arm carries an ER Large Laser and ER Micro Laser. BV (2.0) = 2,627

Alt. Config. Z - Used by The Society's MechWarriors, this version of the Timber Wolf carries twin iATM 9 missile launchers with four tons of ammunition. Each arm carries an ER Large Laser and an ER Medium Pulse Laser. To maximize its battlefield utility it also carries a Nova CEWS in the center torso.

Custom Configurations

• Pryde - A non-standard alternate configuration of the Timber Wolf, this configuration was famously used by Star Colonel Aidan Pryde. The primary long range weapons are a pair of ER Large Lasers which are backed up by a pair of LRM-20s for long range combat. For close combat, two ER Medium Lasers are carried as well as an ER Small Laser. The Pryde Configuration also mounts four jump jets making it highly maneuverable. BV (1.0) = 2,624 BV (2.0) = 2,900

• Bounty Hunter - A variant used by the infamous Bounty Hunter, it mounted a Large Pulse Laser and a Medium Pulse Laser in each arm. It also had a Medium Pulse Laser in both the left and right torso with a clan Light TAG in the center torso. A Light Active Probe, ECM suite, and a Targeting Computer provided stealth and increased accuracy. It's painted all green with credit symbols. BV (1.0) = 2,393 BV (2.0) = 2,829

Notable Pilots

• Vlad Ward, eventual Khan of Clan Wolf, was piloting a Timber Wolf on The Rock in 3049. Later, Vlad would make the Timber Wolf his primary 'Mech of choice, and would pilot one in the Great Refusal.

• The Bounty Hunter piloted a modified Timber Wolf during the FedCom Civil War era.

• Star Colonel Aidan Pryde of Clan Jade Falcon piloted a Timber Wolf during the Battle of Tukayyid.

• On Tharkad, Phelan Kell commands the troops of his Wolves from the cockpit of a Timberwolf.

Related 'Mechs

• Woodsman - The Timber Wolf was one of three designs intended to replace the Woodsman. The Woodsman is an early OmniMech (either first or early second generation). The other OmniMechs intended to replace the Woodsman, the Gargoyle and the Naga, are closer in appearance to the original design.

• Gargoyle - The Gargoyle was designed as another upgrade over the Woodsman; however, the Gargoyle mounts less armor and has less pod space than the Timber Wolf.

• Naga - The distantly related Naga fire-support OmniMech was another variation of the Woodsman. The Naga extends the torso laterally to accommodate the placement of Arrow IV artillery systems.

• Linebacker - The Linebacker was designed as an eventual replacement to the Timber Wolf. The Linebacker boasts a single improvement over the venerable Timber Wolf, a higher walking and running speed, allowing the Linebacker to keep pace with lighter, faster OmniMechs. Otherwise, the Linebacker mounts less armor and ten tons less pod space.

• Mad Cat Mk II - Designed by Clan Diamond Shark for trade and profits, the Mad Cat Mk II is a 90-ton assault BattleMech, with a hull based strongly on that of the Timber Wolf. The Mad Cat Mk II has been dealt to other home clans and Inner Sphere armies, hence the choice of the Inner Sphere designation, "Mad Cat".

• Mad Cat III - Following the success of the Mad Cat Mk II , the 55-ton Mad Cat III was an attempt by the Diamond Sharks to trade on the reputation original design in the medium weight class.

• Savage Wolf (Mad Cat Mk IV) - The third Clan Sea Fox BattleMech evoking the weapons loadout and visage of the Timber Wolf, the 75-ton Savage Wolf is very similar to the original, emulating the "D" configuration.

• Rakshasa - Designed by the NAIS for the Federated Commonwealth, the Rakshasa chassis and weapons were designed to "emulate" the primary configuration of the Timber Wolf. The lack of Clan weapons and construction materials, however, prevent an exact duplication of the original's abilities.

Notes

• The Timber Wolf/Mad Cat is one of the most iconic non-unseen BattleMechs, featuring on the cover of the BattleTech Compendium and Technical Readout: 3050, as well as on the 20th Anniversary Classic BattleTech logo and the MechWarrior series icon. Its distinctive silhouette is now also the iconographic symbol for the Clan Invasion era.

• Anastasius Focht, the Precentor Martial of the ComGuard named the Timber Wolf the "Mad Cat" after he studied the battle footage of Phelan Kell's encounter with Clan Wolf, noting familiar aspects with the Marauder and the Catapult. He also pointed out that it would be impossible for ComStar to replicate the 'Mech when Myndo Waterly suggested that their armorers modify their Catapults to that configuration.

Gallery

• 

  Timber Wolf in urban terrain

• 

  Timber Wolf in motion from interior of TRO 3050U.

• 

  Timber Wolf from TRO 3050 upgrade cover

• 

  Timber Wolf in action

• 

  Aidan Pryde's Timber Wolf

• 

  Timber Wolf A in combat

• 

  Timber Wolf B in combat

• 

  Timber Wolf C in motion

• 

  Timber Wolf D in motion

• 

  Timber Wolf S in battle

• 

  Timber Wolf Prime in motion

Bibliography

• Combat Operations
• Endgame (Novel)
• Interstellar Players
• Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Clan & Star League)
• Record Sheets: 3060
• Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New
• Technical Readout: 3050
• Technical Readout: 3050 Revised
• Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3055
• Technical Readout: 3055 Upgrade
• Technical Readout: 3067
• The Wars of Reaving Supplemental
• Malicious Intent (Novel)
• Falcon Guard (Novel)