AL-GR-A1 Atalanta
What would evolve into the Atalanta was developed by Majesty Metals and Manufacturing following the discovery of the Helm Memory Core, but massive technical challenges faces the Canopians and whilst they were able to develop the base chassis, outside help was needed.
Step forwards Earthwerks Incorporated, one of the Free Worlds League's largest arms conglomerates and one of the most established producers within the Inner Sphere. With the FWL now of the few states that was benefiting from the Clan Invasion by selling upgrade packs and weapons to the Great Houses facing the existential threat that was the Clan Invasion.
With a chassis already developed as well as the Canopians looking to field there new 'Mech the initial development cost for the production was already met, all that was needed was weapons and an engine and with the Canopians willing to pay, Earthwerks was more than willing to provide the needed parts. For a price of course.
At its core the 70 ton Atalanta is a Grasshopper heavily reworked and stripped to its skeleton before being reworked to feature Endosteel that was produced locally in the Canopus system. The 350 rated XL engine allows the 'Mech to reach 86kph but the MASC system allows it to hit up just over 100kph for short periods of time.
Armament consists of an imported Gauss Rifle in the right arm as well as an imported ER Large Laser and two Small Pulse Lasers whilst three locally produced Medium Lasers made the 'Mech capable of engaging targets at all ranges.
Although shipping and production delays did mean that whilst the Atalanta, named after a mythic Greek Huntress and warrior, was meant to enter production in 3056, it wasn't until 3059 until the first units were shipped out to formations outside of the Magistry with the FWL purchasing the bulk of the initial batch.
Drawn by the amazing Matt Plog.
