Support LAMs

[RifleMech]

I wanted make some LAMs that were designed for supporting operations instead of direct combat. I also wrote up a background for how these forgotten LAMs were rediscovered.



Support LAMs
Wreckage of sunken ships and aircraft have been popular dive spots on Terra and other planets for centuries. The same hold true of sunken LAMs and it was one such LAM that reintroduced the Support LAM to the Inner Sphere.

As a former Wasp LAM Pilot, historical author, and certified diver, C.R. Russell was interested in seeing the sunken LAM wrecks on Carver V (Liberty). During the summer of 3095 he finally got his chance. On a clear June morning he and his party set out on his expedition to dive LAM wrecks. After a week of diving, various LAMs they were scheduled to dive a pair of WSP-100 LAMs. That is where his plans changed beyond his imagination.

Both of the LAMs were in AirMech mode under fifteen meters of water. The first was upright and resting with its right side against a reef. The second about three hundred meters away was resting on its left side in the mud. They are believed to have ditched in the ocean after taking damage fighting Rim World’s Forces during the Amaris Civil War. Despite the battle and crash damage both LAMs were relatively intact, making their wrecks ideal dive sites.

Once in the water over the first wreck, Russell’s excitement turned to confusion. What he was seeing didn’t match the plans and pictures he’d studied. The wings on this LAM weren’t as swept as those on Wasp LAM and were clipped. The LAM’s jump jets were also mounted in the side torsos instead of the legs. Figuring it was an unknown variant he began to take pictures and scans of the wreck. After studying the damage to the left side jump jets, he swam under the LAM and spotted two more differences. The first was that unlike the WSP-100 Wasp LAM, this LAM’s arms were deployed while in AirMech Mode. The LAM’s left arm ended in a stump and the right forearm was buried in the reef. The other visible difference was the LAM’s open bomb bays. The WSP-100 Wasp LAM has a single continuous five-ton bomb bay in the right torso. This LAM had a bomb bay in each side torso that he estimated could carry two tons of bombs each. He was convinced that this LAM was not a WSP-100 Wasp LAM as everyone had believed. It was as yet unknown LAM. He just needed to prove it.

Later that day he dove on the second LAM. From the debris field and how it lay on its side in the mud it was evident that this LAM had suffered catastrophic damage to its left torso. Even with the damage enough of the LAM remained that he could see that it share the many of the same features as the previous LAM. The big difference was that from the rear center torso was a refueling drogue. Further examination showed what he believed to be a small laser and fluid suction system mounted on the right arm. No LAM he knew of carried industrial equipment. He was convinced it was a variant of the first LAM, one designed for support rather than combat.

Marking these LAMs for further study he set off for their next destination. Three days later he was further excited by the discovery of another misidentified LAM. Like the previous LAM, this wreck was believed to be a WSP-100 Wasp LAM. As he approached the wreck in question he could see it was laying on its back with its legs up. He could also see that it was too large to be a Wasp LAM. It was also too large to be of a type he’d dived on three days before. Like that LAM though, this one had what appeared to be two bomb bays, one in each side torso. On closer examination though, what was presumed to be bomb bays lacked bomb racks. Instead there appeared to be multiple tie-downs for cargo. Amazed he spent the rest of he day examining the wreck.

Russell would spend the next ten years scouring remaining records for the identity of the wreck he’d seen on Carver V (Liberty). During his research he identified several LAMs that because of their low production numbers and lack of public attention would cause them to be forgotten or misidentified over time. His resulting book, “Unsung and Forgotten LAMs” would catalog all the LAMs that he discovered.


Edit
I attached the Scimitar and Buccaneer LAMs as an RTF file. I hope you enjoy.

[RifleMech]

Scimitar LAM
Mass: 30 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 140
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: Rolls-Royce Avon Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament:
4 Small Lasers
4 Internal Bomb Racks
2 Mine Dispensers
Manufacturer: Supermarine
Primary Factory: Terra (factory destroyed 2767)
Communications System: unspecified
Targeting and Tracking System: unspecified

Overview
Taking advantage of the delays in the development of the Harvard Company, Inc.’s Wasp LAM, Supermarine submitted their design for a fighter-bomber LAM to the SLDF for consideration in 2689. Also base on the Wasp Mech, and similar in appearance to its competitor, the Scimitar featured a two ton bomb bay protected by CASE and supplemented by a mine dispenser in each side torso. For defense a pair of small lasers were mounted in each arm.

To mount all the equipment, Supermarine used a 120 rated engine. While just as fast as the Wasp LAM in Fighter and AirMech Modes, in Battlemech Mode the Scimitar was 32.2 kph slower its parent design. SLDF observers were also skeptical about the Scimitar’s small lasers. Supermarine had chosen pairs of small lasers over medium lasers to keep the Scimitar pilot’s from seeking a more conventional fight. However, the laser’s short range coupled with the Scimitar’s slow speed meant that it couldn’t easily escape from a fight. However, the biggest issue SLDF observers had was with the Scimitar’s bomb bays. While the four ton bomb load was good their small size reduced the types of bombs the Scimitar could carry. The use of CASE was also questioned. Some SLDF Observers felt more armor spread over the torso would have been better.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Scimitar though. The mine dispensers held some promise. They allowed to Scimitar to deploy small mine fields that it could use to corral targets, disrupt charges, and discourage pursuit. Intrigued by the mine dispensers, and lacking a bomber LAM, the SLDF procurement office ordered 24 Scimitars for further testing.

Testing was going well until, Harvard company, Inc worked out their Wasp LAM’s conversion system issues and debuted the WSP-100 Wasp LAM to the SLDF a year later. The Wasp LAM’s faster BattleMech speed, and larger continuous bomb bay cause interest in the Scimitar to waned. SLDF officials did give Supermarine some recommendations, unfortunately to carry them out Supermarine would have needed to completely redesign the Scimitar. Facing growing cost overruns, Supermarine shelved the Scimitar program in favor of other less costly endeavors. This wasn’t the end of the Scimitar’s story, however. Ten years after Supermarine shelved the Scimitar, the SLDF placed a request for a unit that could keep up with and refuel LAMs without being limited to fixed landing fields or vulnerable mid-air refueling. Designers at Supermarine believed the Scimitar could fulfill that need with a minimum amount of retooling.
 
During the revision, Supermarine replaced the bomb bays with fuel tanks. CASE was retained in the event of a fuel explosion. A refueling drogue replaced the mine dispensers and was installed in the center torso. The final change was the replacement of two of the small lasers, one in each arm, with two light fluid suction systems to rapidly refuel its tanks. One laser in each arm were kept for defense.

While just under four tons of fuel was less than standard SLDF tanker craft, as a LAM the Scimitar could land in terrain conventional tanker units could not. This allowed the Scimitar to refuel other LAMs without being out in the open while still being capable of mid-flight refueling. Impressed, and lacking better alternatives, the SLDF Quartermaster ordered hundreds to support LAM Companies.

Capabilities
The Scimitar’s slow speed in BattleMech Mode and short ranged weaponry means it is usually only used when air travel isn’t practical or to refuel another unit while on the ground. In AirMech and Fighter Modes, the Scimitar-1F uses its bombs and mines to attack targets on the ground, set ambushes, and break up attacking formations. The Scimitar-TR2 uses its AirMech and Fighter modes to conduct mid-air refueling operations of other LAMs, and aircraft and to make quick getaways when raiding enemy fuel bunkers.

Battle History
Although not intended for combat the Scimitar did see action, usually taking part in clandestine operations. As these operations were classified, little is known about them. The Scimitar’s most known operations took place during the Amaris Civil War. During the fight for Carver V, the original SCM-TR1s were pressed into service against Republican Forces. They were often used to mine harbor entrances and beaches and to drop torpedoes on Republican naval craft. Those that survived were used in the same roles when the SLDF finally moved to retake Terra. None are know to have survived the fighting.

The SCM-TR2 Scimitar tanker variant also saw action during the fight for Carver V. They were used to transport fuel from larger SLDF bases and surface navy ship to smaller island bases. Scimitars were also used by the Third Regimental Combat Team (The Eridani Light Horse)’s Striker Regiments. The Scimitar LAM pilots of the Third RCT supply companies were well practiced keeping 3rd RCT’s other LAMs fueled while behind enemy lines while fighting against Periphery forces when Amaris staged his coup. They used that practice against Republican Forces during reconnaissance raids and resupply missions of Operation Intruder. By the end of the war they Third RCT had lost most of their Scimitar LAMs. The remainder were lost during the First Succession War keeping their Wasp LAMs operational.


Deployment
While exact numbers are not available, what records exist indicate that a lance of SCM-TR2 Scimitars were assigned to many SLDF Striker and CAAN Regiments that utilized LAMs. Most of those that survived left the Inner Sphere during Operation Exodus. It is believed that they were cannibalized to keep Wasp LAMs used by the Pentagon Powers operating. The same fate met those that remained in the Inner Sphere. Those that weren’t cannibalized were destroyed delivering fuel behind enemy lines or in nuclear fireballs. There are rumors that some survived the Succession Wars in Comstar caches only to be later used by the Word of Blake’s Forces on Gibson and Terra. These rumors cannot be substantiated.

The twenty-four SCM-TR1 Scimitars that the SLDF initially ordered were assigned to the CAAN Training Base on Carver V’s island of Quantico, for use as trainers and test craft. By 2700 they had been replaced by Wasp LAMs and placed into mothballs, where they remained until 2768 when they were pressed into service against Republican Forces. None are known to have survived the Amaris Civil War.


Variants
Besides the Tanker and Fighter Bomber variants there was the SCM-TR3, was a scout variant. It replaced the bomb bays with electronic warfare equipment consisting of a Beagle Active Probe and a reconnaissance camera and a Guardian ECM Suite and reconnaissance camera. Remote sensor dispensers replaced the mine dispensers.

Notable MechWarriors
Lieutenant John Cresswell, was instructing at the SLDF training base on Carver V when Amaris launched his coup. He safely ejected from his WSP-100 Wasp LAM before it could into the ocean. After being rescued by a CAAN submarine he returned to Quantico. As a replacement for his lost Wasp LAM he was given one of the SCM-TR1 Scimitar LAM that had been brought out of mothballs. He was killed when his Scimitar LAM crashed off the coast of Australia during the SLDF liberation of Terra.

Note:
The stats are in the first post.

[RifleMech]

Buccaneer LAM
Mass: 50 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 200
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: Rolls-Royce Spey Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament:
1 SRM-4 or LRM-5
2 Internal Bomb Racks
Manufacturer: Blackburn
Primary Factory: Terra (factory destroyed 2767)
Communications System: Blue Parrot Com System
Targeting and Tracking System: Blue Parrot ASV search/attack radar

Overview
In response to the SLDF’s request for a larger bomber LAM, Blackburn developed the Buccaneer LAM and delivered two variants for testing in 2715. Intended operate in pairs, each variant mounted 5 tons of bomb bays and a mine dispenser in each side torso backed by a mine dispenser. For additional support the Buccaneer LAMs mounted either a rotary SRM-4 (BCN-R1S) or rotary LRM-5 (BCN-R1L) in the center torso and two tons of ammo, one in each side torso. With plenty of ammo, the missile launchers are intended to give the Blackburn additional flexibility in the battlefied support role by starting fires, laying smoke screens or mine fields but could be used to directly attack opponents. The Buccaneer LAM is protected by 7.5 tons of armor.

Capabilities
With two six ton bomb bays the BCN-R1 Buccaneer LAM was capable of carrying more than twice the bomb load of the lighter WSP-100 Wasp LAM. The missile launchers also provide greater or longer ranged firepower than the Wasp LAM. The Buccaneer LAM is also as fast as the Wasp LAM in Fighter and AirMech Modes but slower in BattleMech Mode by 10.8 kph. This wasn’t deemed a great concern though as the Buccaneer wasn’t designed to get into a close fight while on the ground. Also of concern were the Buccaneer’s jump jets. They were slow to respond making the LAM slow to accelerate. Despite this problem, the Buccaneer proved a capable support bomber and the SLDF ordered several hundred.

Later when the SLDF put out request for non-combat support LAMs Blackburn created additional variants Buccaneer LAM.  The first was a tanker variant with two fuel tanks with nearly six tons of fuel each and a centrally mounted refueling drogue. The second was a cargo variant with thirteen tons of cargo space. Both variants use a Beagle Active Probe and Guardian ECM Suite to alert them of and hide them from incoming enemy units. These are back by two small lasers in the cargo variant. The third was an electronic warfare variant. It would use it’s Beagle Active Probe to alert it to incoming units and Guardian ECM Suite and Communications Equipment to keep it hidden while deploying remote sensors and using its imaging equipment. The imaging equipment proved difficult to maintain however as converting from Fighter Mode would often require the equipment to be recalibrated.

Battle History
In 2773, the Third Regimental Combat Team used their BCN-R2C Buccaneers to help deliver much needed supplies to Quantico and other SLDF held islands on Carver V during the long fight with Republican Forces for the planet. While many tons of supplies were delivered, the Buccaneer’s slow performing jump jets proved, and light weaponry to be a liability. Their slow acceleration and light weaponry made them targets for Republican Fighter Pilots. Many would be shot down while attempting to accelerate away after dropping their supplies. This would be the fate of many Buccaneers. Do to their high losses, on supply missions, air-drops would be standard but losses remained high.
During the early days of the First Succession War, the last surviving Buccaneer Elint variant used by militia forces on the planet Carver V. After deploying it’s load of remote sensors it was attacked by  Capellan aerospace fighters. Slow, compared to the Capellan fighters, and already low on fuel the Buccanner’s pilot tried to escape in AirMech Mode. She was shot down and crashed two kilometers of the Quantico’s west coast.


Deployment
Compared to more well known LAMs, only a few hundred Buccaneer LAMs would be manufactured, with the most common being the bomber and cargo variants. These would be spread evenly between the SLDF’s Regular and Royal Regiments. The Elint variant would the least produced variant and remained exclusive to Royal units. Few Buccaneers survived the Amaris Civil War. Those that did were lost in the fires of the First Succession War and during the Pentagon Wars.

Variants
Blackburn did not make any other variants other than the ones already covered. A few individuals attempted to increase their LAMs direct combat abilities at the expense of bomb load and cargo space. This usually had atmospheric flight problems do to disrupted air flow.

Notable Pilots
Tiffany Lawson was one of the few DCMS Buccaneer LAM pilots during the First Succession War. Her BCN-R2C Buccaneer cargo variant was pressed into combat against Davion Forces. On her second bomb run, rounds from a Davion Rifleman’s AC/5 passed through the open cargo doors to strike and detonate one of the remaining bombs. The resulting explosion destroyed her LAM. She survived but was medically retired do to her injuries.


Note:
The stats are in the first post.

[RifleMech]

CTL-S3 Cutlass LAM
Mass: 25 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 100
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: Westinghouse Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: Standard
Armament:
4 Machine Guns
4 Internal Bomb Racks
Manufacturer: Vought
Primary Factory: Terra (factory converted 2727)
Communications System: unspecified
Targeting and Tracking System: unspecified

Overview
Vaught developed the Cutlass LAM in 2700 in an attempt to win a SLDF contract for LAM production. Although the Cutlass LAM showed promise it was plagued with problems and proved to be a disappointment for the SLDF. After several years of service the SLDF relegated the Cutlass to the Terran Hegemony’s militia forces in 2710. Even though the militia was eager to have LAMs of their own, they were also disappointed with the Cutlass. By 2724, Stinger LAMs and Wasp LAMs replaced most of the Militia’s Cutlass LAMs. Vought continued to produce parts for the Cutlass until 2727 when they retooled the factory to produce conventional aircraft.


Capabilities
Using an innovative tailless design Cutlass LAM proved easy to pilot and very stable while in Fighter Mode. Pilots enjoyed flying them. However, the Cutlass LAM also had several problems. Mounting a  Westinghouse 100 fusion engine and four Westinghouse Jump Jets the Cutlass was slow for a LAM and even a light mech, 33% slower than a Stinger LAM, The slower speed wasn’t deemed too big a concern however as it allowed the Cutlass LAM a payload of 6.5 tons, as much as the heavier Wasp LAM. Unfortunately, the Westinghouse jump jets were slow to respond giving the Cutlass LAM poor performance while in flight.
Armament for the CTL-S3 Cutlass LAM consists of a pair of machine guns and bomb bays in each side torso. Vought’s designers had wanted to mount lasers but heat problems with them plagued development. Unwilling to reduce the bomb load, and in a hurry to complete the Cutlass machine guns were used. While weak against armored targets, machine guns are potent against infantry formations. Vought’s marketing department used that to advertise the Cutlass as a defense LAM specializing in anti-infantry and light ground attacks 
If that had been all of the Cutlass LAM’s problems, it could still have had a long carrier with the Terran Hegemony’s Militia.  The Cutlass LAM’s problems didn’t end with poor performance and light weaponry. The Cutlass’s long nose gear had a tendency to collapse when landing resulting in numerous crashes and the engine and conversion system required more maintenance than other LAMs. As a result the Cutlass LAM spent most of its service life in hangers undergoing maintenance and repairs.

Battle History
Outside of training exercises the Cutlass LAM did not see combat until the Amaris Civil War. Desperate for any war material, SLDF personnel pressed the Cutlass LAM back into service. In 2767, Hegemony defenders used Cutlass LAMs to defend the orbital shipyards over the planet Summer. The Cutlass LAM’s machine guns were ideal for repelling boarders as they wouldn’t damage the hulls of SLDF warships. Unfortunately, the Cutlass LAM’s slow speed, exasperated by it’s poor performance made it an easy target for RWR aerospace fighters. Still, the Cutlass LAMs helped repel several boarding attempts before they were destroyed.
During the Amaris Civil War, the defenders of New Dallas pulled several Cutlass LAMs out of mothballs to help with their defense. They spent most of their time bombing RWR infantry units. The last of Cutlass LAMs were destroyed during destruction of Port Vera.


Deployment
The Cutlass LAM served with the SLDF from 2700 until 2710 when they were transferred to the Terran Hegemony’s militia forces. Do to the Cutlass LAM’s ongoing problems, and their being more capable LAMS available, most Cutlass LAMs were placed in storage by 2724. The Cutlass LAM was officially retired in 2734. Some would be pressed back into service during the Amaris Civil War. None were believed to have survived the war and the Cutlass LAM was forgotten about until 3153 when a lostech prospector discovered a long lost bunker on the planet Muphrid. Inside the bunker were nearly two dozen Cutlass LAMs, in various state of repair, Rumor has it, she hopes to repair enough Cutlass LAMs to form a mercenary company. 



Variants
The initial prototypes (CTL-S1) used medium lasers with laser insulators to try to mitigate the laser’s lack of cooling jackets.  In addition to the chance of the lasers being damaged armor had to be reduced to compensate for the insulator’s weight. The second prototype (CRL-S2) replaced the medium lasers and their problematic insulators with a pair of small lasers and increased the armor by 1 ton. A small production run of 14 was produced for testing and evaluation but heat problems continued to be a problem. The CTL-S4 was a recon variant that replaces the machine guns with a recon camera in each side torso and a Beagle Active Probe mounted in the center torso. Only a dozen were produced for testing purposes.
The CTL-S5 removes the machine guns and reduces the armor by .5 tons. In their place is a pair of SRM-2s and 1 ton of ammo. For a time it looked like this would have become the main variant but Vought was never able to solve the jump jets performance problems. 98 were manufactured before the SLDF cancelled further orders.
A proposed variant, the CTL-S6, was to have mounted a single LRM-5 in the center torso. This would have given the Cutlass LAM a longer weapon’s reach but it is unknown if any were built.


Notable MechWarriors
Lt. Tom Alkire commanded a lance of Cutlass LAMs during the defense of Summer’s orbital shipyards. He and his lance were instrumental in repelling RWR Marines from the shipyards and orbiting ships. Their Cutlass LAMs were no match for Republican Vulcan aerospace fighters though. He and the other members of his lance all perished in the fighting.
Jay T. Quillan is a lostech prospector who discovered a major find in 3153 when she discovered a bunker filled with twenty-two Cutlass LAM. So far she’s managed to get eight of the LAMs operational and hopes to get another four operational by the end of the year. However, her fledgling mercenary company “Quillan’s Privateers” is having trouble finding qualified pilots willing to operate the ancient LAMs.

[RifleMech]

SKT-R1 SkyTractor LAM
Mass: 45 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 180
Cruising Speed: 32.4 kph (Mech and AirMech Modes)
Maximum Speed: 54 kph (Mech and AirMech Modes)
Jump Jets: Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: Commercial Armor
Armament:
Buzzsaw
2 Sprayers
Nail/Rivet Gun
Manufacturer: Air Tractor
Primary Factory: destroyed 2768
Communications System: L3 Integrated Com System
Targeting and Tracking System: AT-SkyWarden

Overview
Air Tractor originally designed the SkyTractor LAM as a proof of concept. They wanted to see if LAM Technology could be used to replace several more conventional farming and ranching vehicles. They debuted the SKT-1R SkyTractor at the 2720 Farming Technology Expo on Terra. To their surprise their LAM was an unexpected hit. They received enough interest from the larger agricultural and ranching businesses and even a few Terran Hegemony militias and fire departments expressed interest in the SkyTracker LAM. On March 28th 2722 Air Tractor began limited production the SkyTractor. Although it never did replace more conventional farming units Air Tractor’s new LAM Division managed to maintain a modest profit margin.

Capabilities
The SkyTractor LAM is a Jack-of-All-Trades of Agricultural Mech. Cargo bays and sprayers allow Farmers and vineyards to use the SkyTracker LAM as crop duster. A Buzzsaw and lift hoist allows the SkyTractor to be used to harvest some crop types, mostly trees in that conventional unit types couldn’t reach. Ranchers use the SkyTractor LAMs spotlights and remote sensors and nail/rivet gun and lift hoist to heard animals, watch for rustlers and maintain fence lines. The SkyTractor could also be pressed into service in fire fighting, rescue, and patrol duties. It was these later duties that interested Hegemony Militia and Fire Departments.

Battle History
Davis Farm and Vineyards of Terra were among the first purchasers of the SkyTractor LAM. When fast moving forest fire threatened their forest threatened their Northern California operations in 2726 they used all four of their LAMs to fight the fire. The Davis LAM pilot’s used their LAMs fluid suction systems and sprayers to make constant water drops. When winds became too bad to fly they continued to fight the fire on the ground using the LAM’s sprayers, buzzaws and lift hoists to create fire breaks. By the time the fire was put out most of the farm and vineyard had been burned but thanks to the SkyTractor’s abilities, and their pilots tireless efforts, Davis F&V were able to evacuate all their personnel and animals safely.
On June 24th, 2730, the Double R Bar Ranch was using SkyTractor LAMs to heard their cattle and maintain their fence when they had trouble with cattle rustlers. Dale Rogers was already patrolling her family’s fence line in her family’s Skytractor, affectionately named “Trigger”, when a remote sensor alerted her to moving vehicles where none should be. She converted to Fighter Mode to quickly cross her family’s ranch to investigate the trespassing. Arriving at the site of the alert she discovered tracks of several ground vehicles being used to herd cattle. She followed the tracks in AirMech Mode a hole in the fence that was in a sensor blind spot At the fence line she gained elevation and converted back to Fighter Mode. She used her SkyTractor’s recon camera to follow the rustler’s trail from high in the sky. After flying several miles she spotted the rustlers and cattle with the Double R Bar brand she converted to back to AirMech mode and roared in to land in the middle of them. In mech mode, she used her sprayers and nail gun to scatter the rustlers and disable their vehicles. Taken completely by surprise the rustlers fled on foot. Dale then cut down the rustlers pens and herded her family’s cattle back to their ranch, stopping along the way to repair their fence line in MechMode. She also remote sensor inside the fence line and a note on the fence warning rustlers to stay clear of the Double R Ranch or she’d have get mean They had no further problems with rustlers.
During the Amaris Civil War the South African Forest Service pressed their SkyWarden LAMs into combat against Rim Worlds Republic Forces that were poaching endangered species. They were initially successful against RWR infantry and lightly armored vehicles. Their successes turned to losses though against faster aerospace fighters and more heavily armed anti-aircraft units. The SAFS lost the last of the SkyWarden LAMs while evacuating a village that had been protesting the hunting of elephants by RWR troops.


Deployment
Rarely seen in formations larger than lance size the SkyTractor and its variants were used by Militia Forces and Forestry, Fire, and Animal Conservation Departments on numerous worlds within the Terran Hegemony. Private individuals and companies with the proper permits also used the SKT-R1 SkyTractor. As they were never intended for combat, and served in more remote areas, many survived the Amaris Civil War, mostly in civilian hands. With the factory destroyed those that survived he Civil War often found themselves grounded for lack of maintenance and were cannibalized for parts during the Succession Wars. Records indicate that a few wee included in Kerensky’s Exodus but it is presumed they met the same fate as those in the Inner Sphere.

Variants
The SKT-R2 SkyBoss LAM is a fire-fighting variant used by Terran Hegemony fire departments to fight fires in remote areas. It replaces the right torso cargo bay with a fluid gun. An ammo bay for the fluid gun replaces the left right torso cargo bay. The SKT-R3 SkyWarden LAM was a patrol and light-strike variant. A machine gun replaces the nail/rivet gun. Bomb Bays replace the cargo bays. A SRM-2 in the left torso replaces the sprayers. A Mech Mortar/1 in the right torso replaces the right liquid cargo bay. Ammo bays for the SRM and Mortar replace the liquid cargo bay the left torso. Although armed, it is not intended to engage heavily armored targets but smugglers and poachers. The SKT-R4 SkyTerror was a variant created by the RWR after their take over of AirTraor’s LAM. Based on the SKT-R3 Skywarden the SkyTerror replaces the lift hoist with a medium pulse laser and mech flamer and a pair of mine dispensers replaces the fluid suction system. None were built as the factory was destroyed by sabotage before the first SKT-R4 could be completed. “Trigger” is a SKT-R2 SkyTractor that was modified by the Rogers Family in the early day of the Amaris Civil War. As with other variants a machine gun replaced the nail/rivet gun. The biggest change was replacing the buzzsaw and right liquid cargo bay with a medium rifle cannon and 1 ton of ammo that had been liberated from a museum. Even though the medium rifle cannon was very dated it did give Trigger some ranged firepower.

Notable Pilots
LAM Pilot Dale Rogers and “Trigger”
During the Amaris Civil War Dale Rogers, then the matriarch of the Double R Bar Ranch hid Trigger in a hidden cave. She and her family used him in secret to defend their and neighboring ranches against RWR “rustlers”. Even though Trigger had been modified to carry more weapons he was only effective against lightly armored vehicles and troops. During one raid, Trigger lost a jump jet to a RWR AA unit. Although he and Dale managed to escape by flying over a canyon Trigger wasn’t able to generate enough thrust to maintain flight-forcing Dale to eject. While she landed safely, Trigger crashed into the river and sank. He’d remain at the bottom of the river until the war ended. After the war the Rogers family spent years-rebuilding Trigger. A lack of parts meant they were unable to restore Trigger beyond display condition. Trigger was displayed in front of the family’s main residence in fighter mode where he’s remained ever since. That he wasn’t just a retired cropduster but a rare Land-Air-Mech had been forgotten about until research for this entry rediscovered the forgotten details of Trigger’s past.   

[RifleMech]

DEMON LAM
Mass: 35 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 140 Allison Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: General Electric J79 Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 90 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament: DEM-N3 Demon
2x Streak SRM-2s
6 Bomb Bays
Manufacturer: McDouglas Donnell
Primary Factory: Terra (factory converted to produce the Phantom LAM in 2760.)
Communications System: Spooky Com System
Targeting and Tracking System: Spectral TTS

Overview
Similar to the later, and heavier, Phantom LAM, the Demon LAM was McDouglass Donnell’s first LAM to be purchased by the SLDF. The Demon LAM was not as successful as McDouglass Donnell had hoped with only a few hundred being purchased for operational testing.

Capabilities
Introduced in 2751, the Demon LAM was a multi-roll LAM that prioritizes firepower over speed. In Mech Mode, the Demon LAM can run at 64 kph which is slow for a medium Mech.  With only three jump jets, the Demon LAM was slow in it’s other modes too. In fighter mode, the Demon LAM was just able to reach orbit while in Fighter Mode making it an easy target for enemy aerospace units. In AirMech Mode, the Demon LAM was speedy but at 151 kph there were plenty of other units that were as fast or even faster. However, the Demon LAM could still go places other units couldn’t. It was also protected with 5 tons of armor and carried a six ton bomb load in addition to a pair of Streak SRM-2s. The SLDF ended up purchasing a couple hundred for operational testing. During it’s operational testing problems were discovered with the Demon LAM’s ejection system. Under high-gee maneuvers the ejection system would sometimes not operate immediately causing injury or death to the pilot. While the SLDF did appreciate the Demon LAM's bomb load, it's slow speed continued to be a problem. Ongoing difficulties with the ejection system added to the Demon LAM’s whoas.   By 2756, the Demon LAM had largely been transferred to militia and training units. 

Battle History
In 2654, Demon LAMs attached to the 376th BattleMech Division helped assault a Castle Brian type fortress in the Periphery. They took part in conducting bomb runs on the fortress before they were destroyed in a nuclear fireball. In 2755, Demon LAMs that were a part of 154th Mechanized Infantry Division helped defeat a rogue brigade of Rim Worlds Republic troops. They did so by skirting enemy lines at tree top level in AirMech mode to attack the rogue RWR supply caches and ammo dumps. This forced the rouge RWR forces to weaken their front lines as they sent troops to hunt them down and guard other supply depots.

Deployment
The Demon LAM only saw limited deployment with the SLDF before the SLDF began transferring the Demon LAM to Terran Hegemony Militia units. The SLDF’s Quarter Master Office planned to make the remaining Demon LAMs in their inventory available to other Houses in 2764. Rising problems in the Periphery saw those plans delayed and then canceled when the Amaris Civil War began.

Variants
The few records that exist indicate that there were a few prototypes Demon LAMs that reduced the bomb load for other weapons and an additional jump jet. It is believed that these prototypes were testing weapon load outs for the Phantom LAM that was being developed as it's replacement.

Notable Pilots
LT. Chase Anderson and her LAM “Angel Annie” were assigned to the 154th Mechanized Infantry Division during their fight with the rogue Rim Worlds Republic troops. She and her LAM helped defeat the brigade by hunting down their supply depots and destroying them. Unfortunately, Lt. Anderson and her LAM didn’t live to see the defeat of the rogue brigade. They were shot down by by a rogue RWR Lancelot while returning from a successful bombing mission. An unlucky hit penetrated her LAM’s rear right torso armor and detonated the remaining SRM ammo blowing the LAM’s torso off and sending her into a downward spin at treetop level. The sudden high-gee move caused the ejection system to delay. When it finally activated she was ejected towards the ground and was killed on impact. “Angel Annie” was likewise destroyed on impact.

[RifleMech]

PHANTOM LAM
Mass: 45 tons
Chassis: Modified Tri Modal LAM
Power Plant: 180 Wright Fusion Engine
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: General Electric J79 Jump Jets
Jump Capacity: 120 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament: (FTM-4E Phantom)
Medium Laser
SRM-4
6 Bomb Bays
LRM-5
Manufacturer: McDouglas Donnell
Primary Factory: Terra (factory destroyed 2767)
Communications System: Ghost Com System
Targeting and Tracking System: Spook TTS

Overview
The Phantom LAM is an improvement over McDouglas Donnell’s earlier Demon LAM. While the Demon LAM had a greater payload and comparable ground speed of the Mk I Wasp LAM it only had three jump jets. This made the Demon LAM’s airspeed in AirMech and Figher Modes very slow and thus an easy target. McDouglas Donnell took the lessons they’d learned with the Demon LAM and applied them to the new design. The resulting Phantom LAM, while still slower than the more famous LAMs, had a greater airspeed than the earlier Demon LAM. The Phantom LAM also has double the weapons payload while having increased flight and operation times. Impressed the SLDF placed an order for several thousand Phantom LAMs. However, the Amaris Civil War cut production far short. With the destruction of the factory and the loss of all remaining Phantom LAMs during the early days of the First Succession War, the design was forgotten.

Capabilities
Introduced in 2760,  Phantom LAM prioritizes firepower and endurance over speed. In Mech Mode the Phantom LAM can run at 64 kph which is slow for a medium Mech. With four jump jets the Phantom LAM’s airspeed in AirMech and Fighter Mode is also slow but still faster than Mech Mode. Making up for the slower speeds, the Phantom LAM has a larger payload for weaponry and fuel. For ground attacks, the Phantom LAM carries six tons of bombs evenly split between each side torso. For direct firepower the FTM-4E Phantom LAM is armed with a SRM-4 in the right torso and a LRM-5 in the left. Both launchers have one ton of ammo. A center torso mounted medium laser provide some ammo free firepower. What truly gained the SLDF’s attention was that the Phantom LAM's three tons of fuel and improved life support systems. These gave the Phantom LAM the ability to remain in the field longer without resorting to using bomb space for drop tanks and consumables pods or mid-air refueling. Although it could do those things if the mission required it. The Phantom LAM's long endurance also inspired the SLDF to request reconnaissance and command and control variants for SLDF Royal Special Forces Units.

The first two variants however were created in the field as a response to lessons learned during operations against Periphery rebels. With the LRM Launcher being located in the left torso, the FTM-4E Phantom LAM's field of fire in Fighter Mode was lopsided. Periphery aerospace fighter pilots quickly learned to attack the Phantom LAM's right side where they'd be out of reach from the Phantom LAM's LRMs. This led to two the field variants designed to balance out LAMs weapon ranges, Techs took a pair of FTM-4Es and swapped the LRM and SRM launchers creating the FTM-4S and FTL-4Lvarints. The FTM-4L being armed with the two LRM-5s and the FTM-4S with the two SRM-4s. These Phantom LAMs continued to operate in pairs using their missiles ranges to provide support for the other. Quite a few Periphery pilots were surprise by these new variants and the changes in tactics.

Battle History
During the Periphery Uprising of 2765, a squadron of Taurian Defender conventional fighters engaged a pair of Phantom LAMs. Not knowing these were the new 4L and 4S variants the Taurian's attacked from the LAM's right side. As they engaged the 4S which was in the lead, they were surprised when the following Phantom LAM 4L fired its right LRM-5 at them hitting one of the Defenders. As the struck fighter went out of control the remaining stunned pilots flew in front of the Phantom 4S fired both it's SRM-4s and it medium laser destroying a second fighter. The Phantom LAMs shot down another two Defenders before the remainder fled the area. Although both of the Phantom LAMs were damaged during the fight they successfully completed their bombing mission and returned to base.

Deployment
Most of the Phantom LAM’s, and their variants, were initially only deployed by SLDF Regular and Royal Units. Typically a company of Phantom LAMs would contain two lances of fighter bomber variants and one recon/spotter lance, usually consisting of paired Specter and Ghost variants. The FTM-4K Kitsune and FTM-4C Spooky variants only saw service with SLDF Royal Units and none survived the fall of the Star League. After the fall of the Star League the majority of surviving Phantom LAMs, ended up in Davion hands. None survived the chaos of the First Succession War.

Variants
There were a total of six known variants of the Phantom LAM. The main variants are the FTM-4S and FTL-4L. These variants swap one o the missile launcher to have two of the same type for balanced firepower. The FTM-4S has a pair of SRM-4s. The FTM-4L has two LRM-5s. The remaining four variants each had a different function and received a different “spectral” name.
The FTM-4F Specter LAM was primarily a “stealth” bomber variant using a Guardian ECM Suite to conceal it’s approach. It also doubled a spotter by carrying TAG and Recon Cameras in its bomb bays to direct laser guided ordnance and indirect missile and artillery attacks.
The FTM-4G Ghost LAM is a tactical reconnaissance variant. It is equipped with a Beagle Active Probe enabling it seek out enemy units and a Guardian ECM Suite to keep it hidden while behind enemy lines as it deploys it’s remote sensors. It is armed with a SRM-2 and pair of bomb bays in each side torso. The bomb bays allow the Ghost LAM to also act as a spotter by carrying TAG and or Recon Cameras.
The FTM-4C Spooky LAM was usually used in as a strategic reconnaissance and command unit. It mounts a Hi-Rez Imager to detect hidden units and direct attacking units to them while at higher altitudes. Its four tons of communication equipment allows the Spooky LAM to function as a mobile HQ or to generate ECCM to counter any enemy ECM Suites. A Guardian ECM Suite helps keep it from being detected. While capable of carrying bombs, its bomb bays typically carry TAG and/or Recon Cameras for spotting or additional fuel and life support consumables, or rocket launchers to give it some means of defense.
The final variant, the FTM-4K Kitsune functions was designed for the Wild Weasel roll. The Kitsune carries a Beagle Active Probe to find hidden enemy AA units and three bomb bays spread between each torso location to attack them. For protection, the Kitsune is equipped with seven tons of communications equipment to generate sensor ghosts and a Guardian ECM Suite set to generate ECCM to counter enemy ECM. This made the Kitsune a visible, if difficult, target while at the same time depriving enemy AA of their own electronic protection.  Few of this variant were made though as the FTM-4G could be pressed into the same role.


Notable Pilots
Lt, Charlene Tiggs, flew a FTM-4G Kitsune variant before and during the Amaris Civil War. Stationed on  Carver V (Liberty) she often found herself using her LAM's sensors to detect and confuse enemy units so other units could deliver vital supplies to various islands held by SLDF defenders. After Carver V was liberated she and the remains of her LAM Company went with General Kerensky's forces to liberate Earth. Operating off a large cargo ship, she conducted several Wild Weasel missions to help clear the beaches for the SLDF landings in Alaska. On her fifth sortie her LAM was heavily damaged by RWR aerospace fighters who were attempting to repel the landings. She managed to make it back to the ship and land in AirMech Mode. However, her LAM's damaged legs collapsed upon landing. Although she survived she spent the next year relearning how to walk. She left with Kerensky's Exodus. Her fate after that is unknown. It is believed she died during the Pentagon Wars.