I wanted to see if a combat vehicle was a better option than some armless bipedal 'Mechs and chose the Urbanmensch as a test. I think the vehicle is less expensive and for the most part a better option.
Wildcat Light Tank
Mass: 35 tons
Movement Type: Wheeled
Power Plant: HydrOx 140
Cruising Speed: 43.2 kph
Maximum Speed: 64.8 kph
Armor: ProtecTech 6
Armament:
1 ChisComp 32 Small Laser
1 Mydron Model B AC/10
Manufacturer: Hansen Industries
Primary Factory: Layover
Communication System: BasComm 200
Targeting & Tracking System: BasTrax 400
Introduction Year: 3025
Tech Rating/Availability: E/X-D-D-D
Cost: 671,806 C-bills
Overview
Urban defense has long been an environment of paradox.
While urban areas are by nature full of vital targets, most
commanders are loathe to risk their valuable and increasingly rare
'Mechs in built-up areas and few 'MechWarriors are willing to
be assigned to garrison duties. The Wildcat Light Tank was
designed to fill such needs by being relatively inexpensive yet
providing a heavy punch at close range. The vehicle itself
was the brainchild of 'Proud' Mary Hansen; while she is of no
relation to the commanders of the notorious mercenary unit
Hansen's Roughriders. she was willing to trade on their name to
accumulate enough working capital to start her company in 3027.
Capabilities
The Wildcat was designed around the new HydrOx 140 fuel-cell
powerplant, which was designed to be lightweight yet provide more
power than its compact nature would suggest. While the power
output was impressive, it came at the cost of the endurance for
that output. While adequate for its intended urban defense role,
it becomes more of an issue when in the field. The fuel cell can
use ordinary filtered water, but it can be a hindrance away from
any source of water.
The firepower for the little tank is based around the standard
armored fighting vehicle concept of a single heavy weapon and a
smaller support weapon. The primary weapon for the Wildcat is
the well-understood and reliable Mydron Model B autocannon, mounted
in the centrally located turret. Supplied with two tons of ammunition,
the autocannon provides a good anti-vehicle impact for most battles.
Even if the tank crew manages to run through their ammunition, the
Wildcat uses a box magazine design that allows for the empty
magazine to be swapped out for a fully loaded one in less than a couple
of minutes. A single ChisComp 32 small laser is mounted above the
autocannon in a small auxiliary turret that allows the weapon to
better act as a deterrent against opposing infantry.
With a slow speed for a light tank, the Wildcat was designed to mount
as much armor as its frame can carry. With over 7 tons of armor, the
vehicle can endure punishment few vehicles even 20 tons heavier can.
In the urban environment is was designed for, this protection allows it
to act with some impunity. Even so, a Wildcat commander still needs
to act with caution as even the tough armor is not invulnerable.
The Wildcat is also equipped to act as an urban scout, allowing it to
skulk around and find hidden ambushes for heavier units. To that end,
the BasTrax 400 has a suite of enhanced optics and auditory sensors
in a sensor module mounted coaxially with the autocannon. While it gives
up the range and power of some targeting systems, the BasTrax can find
targets that others might not be able to locate. This ability can also be
put to use in other environments, but the relatively slow speed of the
Wildcat puts it at a disadvantage as a light scout.
Deployment
While not a stellar performer, the Wildcat has been proven to
be an effective combatant in its intended role for the AFFS. As
such, it has become common for garrison units to be composed
of large numbers of the AFV. The inexpensive nature of the Wildcat
has also made it attractive to mercenary units in spite of its
non-standard set of spare parts for the HydrOx 140. The little tank
has thus also been found in varying numbers across the Inner Sphere.
Type: Wildcat
Technology Base: Inner Sphere (Standard)
Movement Type: Wheeled
Tonnage: 35
Battle Value: 499
Equipment Mass
Internal Structure 3.5
Engine 120 Fuel Cell 5
Cruising MP: 4
Flank MP: 6
Heat Sinks: 1 0
Control Equipment: 2.0
Power Amplifier: 0.5
Turret: 1.5
Armor Factor 112 7.5
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Front 4 28
R/L Side 4/4 22/22
Rear 4 18
Turret 4 22
Weapons
and Ammo Location Tonnage
Trailer Hitch Rear 0.0
Small Laser Turret 0.5
AC/10 Turret 12.0
Recon Camera Turret 0.5
AC/10 Ammo (20) Body 2.0
