Legionnaire

''This article is about the BattleMech. For the military rank, see Legionnaire (rank).''

Description
The Legionnaire was developed as the Federated Suns answer to the Lyran Blitzkrieg. The Legionnaire entered production during the Word of Blake Jihad. A lance of Legionnaires played an important role in the third battle of New Avalon. As Blakist forces tried to ford the Thames river, the Legionnaires quickly assaulted their left flank, breaking their momentum and eventually forcing them off-world. Capable of reaching 118 km/h, the Legionnaire is a fast flanker. It is built on an Endo Steel chassis, which is protected by nine and a half tons of armor. The Legionnaire was one of the last new designs to be mass-produced by the Achernar BattleMech factory.

Weapons and Equipment
The Legionnaire is built around a single Mydron Model RC large-bore rotary Autocannon with three tons of ammunition slaved to a sophisticated Targeting Computer, giving it extreme accuracy in battle.

Variants

 * LGN-1X : This was the original prototype created in 3068, which was designed to be a scout 'Mech. It was armed with a Rotary Autocannon/2, two ER Medium Lasers, had a Beagle Active Probe, and an additional half-ton ton of armor. The LGN-2X prototype was chosen for production instead. BV (2.0) = 1,322


 * LGN-2F : Based on the LGN-2X1 MUSE FIRE design, this variant uses a Torso-Mounted Cockpit to protect the pilot. The Targeting Computer has been removed and a pair of arm-mounted ER Medium Lasers joins the standard Rotary Autocannon/5. Nearly ten tons of Reflective Armor provides additional protection from energy weapons, but leaves the 'Mech slightly more vulnerable to ballistic and missile attacks. BV (2.0) = 1,808


 * LGN-2K : This variant swaps out the Autocannon for an ER PPC, turning the Legionnaire into a potent sniper. The weight saved enables the addition of enough jump jets for the 'Mech to leap up to 210 meters at a time and more armor. It also carries a Targeting Computer and MASC system to reach a top speed of nearly 150km/h. BV (1.0) = 1,341 BV (2.0) = 1,597


 * LGN-2XA : This variant removes all the standard weaponry and mounts an Arrow IV launcher in the right arm and torso. BV (2.0) = 1,172


 * LGN-2XU : This variant retains the Targeting Computer but replaces the Rotary Autocannon with an Ultra AC/10. The chassis is protected by Ferro-Fibrous Armor. BV (2.0) = 1,128


 * Export : The export version swaps the Rotary cannon for a less sophisticated Mydron Model B Autocannon/10.

Custom Variants

 * LGN-2X1 MUSE FIRE : A project to create an upgrade package for the Legionnaire, this version carries an ER Medium Laser in each arm. The standard armor was replaced by Clan made Reflective Armor. A Clan built Rotary AC/5 was crammed into the right torso. To provide room for the pilot, the MUSE FIRE uses a Torso Cockpit. The room freed in the 'Mech's head is used to store three tons of ammunition. This version doesn't carry the Targeting Computer of the standard version. BV (2.0) = 2,032


 * LGN-Ortega: The personal ride of Raul Ortega moves the Rotary Autocannon from its torso mount to the right arm, giving it a wider field of fire. It also exchanges the targeting computer for three Medium Lasers. BV (1.0) = 1,340

Design Quirks
The Legionnaire has the following Design Quirk:
 * Easy to Maintain
 * Improved Targeting (Medium)
 * Exposed Weapon Linkage

Related BattleMechs

 * Centurion - Unsuccessful in increasing the mass of the Centurion BattleMech, Corean Enterprises reworked their prototype skeletons rather than scrap the project. Ultimately, the design team produced the Legionnaire BattleMech.


 * Blitzkrieg - The role of the Legionnaire was inspired by the performance of the Blitzkrieg BattleMech during the Federated Commonwealth Civil War. Both designs are built to be a fast flanking unit mounting a single, powerful weapon system.

Notable Pilots

 * Raul Ortega - Knight-Errant of the Republic, piloted a Legionnaire most of Achernar campaign against the Steel wolves.

Design Quirks
The LGN-2F Legionnaire variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:
 * Easy to Maintain
 * Exposed Actuators
 * Exposed Weapon Linkage (RAC/5)
 * Poor Sealing
 * Stable
 * Rumble Seat