Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)

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; upon analyzing the data recording from Kell's 'Mech, 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. Its 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.

Weapons and Equipment
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&#39;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

 * 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. For close combat, the A configuration has three Medium Pulse Lasers, an ER Small Laser, and a Streak SRM-6 to find any weak points in an enemy's armor. 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. For long range combat, a Gauss Rifle and an LRM-10 launcher gives the Timber Wolf B a powerful long range punch. For short to medium range engagements, a Large Pulse Laser is carried. Finally, for short ranges, a Small Pulse Laser and SRM-4 launcher are carried. 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. For direct fire capabilities, the Timber Wolf C mounts two ER Large Lasers and an Ultra Autocannon/5. For indirect fire support capability, its two LRM-15 launchers provide an ample quantity of firepower. Finally, for close range protection, the C carries an ER Medium Laser and an Anti-Missile System. 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 the left torso and two in the right torso. One Streak SRM-6 on both torsos is rear mounted. A single ER Small Laser rounds out the Timber Wolf D&#39;s arsenal. 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, it carries a Light TAG designator for calling 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 : The first custom configuration used by the infamous Bounty Hunter of the time of the initial Clan Invasion, 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. BV (1.0) = 2,393 BV (2.0) = 2,829


 * Bounty Hunter 2 : The second custom configuration used by the Bounty Hunter at the start of Jihad mounted a Large Pulse Laser in the left arm and paired ER Medium Lasers in the right arm, supported by a trio of SRM-4s in the left torso and similar trio of Streak SRM-4s in the right. Rounded out by an Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle in each side torso and a ER Small Laser in the right, the Bounty Hunter's second Mad Cat also mounted a Targeting Computer as well as a Coolant Pod and three Jump Jets to enhance its effectiveness. A single ton of reloads for each weapon type was carried. BV (2.0) = 2,799


 * BLO : A custom configuration used by the Blessed Order's revived First Division's Unending Faith III, the Mad Cat BLO carries a ER PPC in each arm supported by Streak SRM-6 rack in each side torso and a ER Small Laser in the center torso. Carrying two tons of Streak reloads, its combat effectiveness is enhanced by TAG in the right torso and a Light Active Probe and Inner Sphere Improved C3 Computer mounted in left torso. BV (2.0) = 2,611

Apocryphal Configurations
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior Online:
 * TBR-WAR "Warrant" : A customized variant of the Timber Wolf rumored to be piloted by Vlad Ward, the Warrant uses an LB 5-X Autocannon in its left arm, with one ton of ammo. The right arm uses an ER Medium Laser and ER Large Laser. Each side torso carried an LRM-20 with one ton of ammo. The left torso supported a Medium Pulse Laser, while the right torso carries an ER Small Laser . A single ER Medium Laser in the right torso.

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.


 * Arguably the most famous Inner Sphere pilot of the chassis, the Bounty Hunter piloted a Mad Cat that he captured from Clan Smoke Jaguar during the Clan Invasion and 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 commanded the troops of his Wolves from the cockpit of a Timber Wolf.

Related Designs

 * 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 of the original design in the medium weight class.


 * Mad Cat Mk IV (Savage Wolf) - 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.


 * Mad Dog (Vulture) - Created by Clan Smoke Jaguar, the Mad Dog Omnimech was derived from both Clan Coyote's Lupus and Clan Wolf's Timber Wolf moulds. Although using the same moulds could be considered a compliment, the naming proves otherwise as it was intended to be an insult and slur to both the Omnimechs and Clan designers.


 * 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.