Bane (Kraken)

The Bane is a BattleMech that is based upon a Star League prototype that was never put into production. Tagged the Kraken by Inner Sphere forces who opposed it, the Bane was first built in Introduction Year::2827. It was originally a significant part of many Clan toumans, but was gradually relegated to second-line status following the introduction of the OmniMech. As such, it is still critical to many defensive units. The design uses a lightweight XL Engine so that it can mount the arsenal that it does. Nineteen tons of armor protects this venerable assault 'Mech.

Weapons and Equipment
This long-range, direct-fire support 'Mech is armed with ten Ultra Autocannon/2s. This weapon has one of the longest ranges in the Clan arsenal, so the Bane can stand back at extreme range and pepper an enemy unit with impunity. Four tons of ammunition keep the 'Mech well-supplied. It runs into problems up close, however, stemming from the minimum range of the autocannons. To keep enemies at bay, especially unarmored infantry, the Bane mounts four Machine Guns. Ten double heat sinks are sufficient to keep the 'Mech cool.

Variants

 * Bane 2 : This variant is effective at both medium and short range. It trades out the autocannon for four Ultra Autocannon/10s. In addition, it is capable of spitting out almost twice the damage of the original. Fourteen tons of ammunition allow the Bane 2 to stay in the fight for a long time. BV (1.0) = 2,106, BV (2.0) = 2,502


 * Bane 3 : This design changes the weapons configuration totally. Eight LRM-15 provide fire support, while sixteen tons of ammunition proves sufficient for the design. A One-Shot Streak SRM-4 provides one-time close support. Nineteen double heat sinks are up to the task of keeping the design cool. BV (1.0) = 2,616, (2,581) , BV (2.0) = 2,941


 * Bane 4 : This redesign actually addresses the ammunition-dependency of the earlier Banes. In this upgrade, Clan Jade Falcon scientists changed many elements of the Bane slightly, resulting in a 'Mech with a different appearance than its predecessors. Its focus is also short range, as evidenced by twin Model SH Ultra Autocannon/20s. Six tons of ammunition is adequate, though only barely. Three System 4 ATM 6s, along with four tons of ammunition, give the design great flexibility at all ranges. A single Series 7K ER Large Laser allows the 'Mech to stay in the fight in the event its ammunition bins have run dry. Seventeen double heat sinks are unequal to the task assigned them. The Falcons first deployed this multi-use design between 3065 and 3067. BV (1.0) = 2,199, BV (2.0) = 2,709


 * Kraken-XR : A Clan Jade Falcon variant that uses Experimental Technology extensively, the Kraken-XR was first spotted at Olivetti Weaponry on Sudeten. The standard Kraken skeleton was replaced by an Endo-Composite Structure to save weight while keeping strength. The Kraken-XR uses sixteen Laser Heat Sinks, and carries nineteen tons of Reflective Armor for protection. The weapons load appears to be a cross between the Bane 2 and Bane 3 variants, consisting of a pair of Rotary AC/2s in each arm and a Streak LRM-10 in each torso. A single ER Large Laser acts as a backup weapon in case the ammunition runs dry. For more protection the Kraken-XR mounts CASE II in each ammunition bay. BV (2.0) = 3,055

Design Quirks
The Kraken-XR variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:
 * Difficult to  Maintain
 * Extended Torso Twist
 * Protected Actuators
 * Poor Performance
 * Prototype