compiled overview of the 25
ton Commando 'Mech, from various
BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:
The
Commando COM-2D was designed as a reconnaissance
'Mech, offering a strong alternative to the
Wasp and
Stinger. While not jump-capable, the
Commando has more powerful weapons than either of the better-known scout
'Mechs.
Conceived by the engineers at
Coventry Defense, the first
prototype Commando was tested in 2483 and carried a large
laser on the right arm. Because the abrupt heat generated by the laser consistently broke down the
lubricants in the
'Mech's wrist and hand, the weapon was later replaced with an
SRM-4 rack.
After the test runs proved its battle-worthiness, the
Commando was commissioned by the
Lyran Commonwealth in 2486. Though the
Star League made many attempts to draft the
Commando model into its own forces, the
Lyran Commonwealth managed, through clever stalling and subtle lying, to keep the design to itself. That has proved to be a
prudent move on the part of the Commonwealth.
Despite the lightness of its armor, the
Commando's ten SRMs allow the
'Mech to fulfill a secondary role as a barrage vehicle
in a pinch. Though it is unusual to combine two
missile systems in one
'Mech, the design prevents a lucky enemy hit from knocking out all the missile tubes and rendering the
Commando ineffective in one shot. This concept also allows the
Commando to lay down a heavy pattern of missile fire directed at one target or split his fire and shoot at two separate targets.
This design feature also has its drawbacks. The two different missile systems require two different command systems. The medium
laser in its left arm requires a third command system, and coordinating all these systems requires a much larger computer than originally planned. This is one of the reasons that the
Commando's weight went up from the original 20 to 25
tons. Despite the difficulties, the various
Lyran 'Mech plants, especially the one at
Coventry Defense, were producing many
Commandos annually.
The
Commando provides a healthy supply of ammo for its missile systems, carrying 25 rounds for its right-arm launchers in its right torso, and carrying 15 rounds in its left torso for the chest's six launchers.
The fact that the
Commando packs firepower comparable to some heavier
'Mechs does not mean it can go
toe-to-toe with them. Indeed, because of the
Commando's thin armor, pilots must take special care to avoid
exposure to enemy fire. Instead the
MechWarrior will often use the
Commando's firepower to let loose with a barrage at a heavier
'Mech and then run, counting on the enemy being too occupied with the damage to his
'Mech to follow the
Commando closely.
The
Lyran Commonwealth awards special commendations to scouts who perform
beyond the call of duty. In the lengthy dedications of these commendations are many stories of
Commandos on the battlefield.
One impressive account tells of
Lewan and Cynth Tulmani, a brother-and-sister scout team in the
Winfield's Brigade. In 3011, the unit was two regiments strong and stationed on
Severen. Poor intelligence reports suckered them into believing that the thrust of
Kurita's attack would bypass their position. Many
'Mechs, including Lewan and Cynth's, were
trapped in a mountain pass when they were attacked and mowed down by an aerial bombardment.
The Tulmanis were left, hurt and alone, with their damaged
'Mechs. Lewan's
'Mech had lost its left arm, and Cynth was
riding a headless machine.
Looking east they could see that the capital city, their original destination, was burning.
They decided to travel west toward a more distant and perhaps still intact city to link up with
reinforcements or any other stragglers.
Traveling by night to avoid the numerous
Kurita patrols, at last they arrived at a city still held by the
Lyran Commonwealth. They arrived just in time to see
DropShips of the Second
Donegal Guards landing and mustering for a counterattack. As very few of the arriving officers were familiar with the surrounding countryside, Cynth and Lewan immediately volunteered their services. With very little repair to either themselves or their
'Mechs, the two scouted the advance of the Second Donegal Guards.
Since that time, the scouts of
Winfield's Brigade wear on their lapels the green
tartan stripe of the
Donegal Guards, in honor of the Tulmani's courage.
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