Wolverine (BattleMech)

Description
The Wolverine was developed as a fast strike BattleMech, one which could take part in missions requiring speed and firepower but too hazardous for lighter recon 'Mechs. Although meeting all the requirements for just such a machine, the Wolverine has since become known for its versatility and is considered a jack of all trades throughout the Inner Sphere. With the same electronics package as the Phoenix Hawk and mobility that allows it to keep up with most medium 'Mechs, the Wolverine is often used for command purposes when working with medium units, in spite of the terrible visibility and cramped cockpit due to the placement of the head-mounted weaponry.

During the Pre-Star League Era, the early history of the Wolverine was born as a direct result of the Federated Suns need for a front-line unit that could keep up with a forward advance and outmaneuver enemy BattleMechs. At the time, while they fielded their own versions of the Mackie and Battleaxe - they were too massive, slow, and lacked maneuverability. When the Terran Hegemony debuted their Shadow Hawk and Griffin - the Davions suddenly had their answer in which they could model a design that fit their requirements for an ideal cavalry 'Mech. Fierce competition followed suit by companies within Richard Varnay's Capellan March with Norse BattleMech Works ultimately winning a contract with the AFFS. The designers, led by Supervising Engineer Russell Bell, while using the aforementioned inspirations opted for maneuverability, followed by a balanced weapons loadout with both offensive reach and close-in firepower without taxing heat exchange systems. Initially this was accomplished with the inclusion of a prototype Autocannon and medium-class laser, but Norse BattleMech Works felt this made the design too lightly armed compared to the competitors it was influenced by. The design team then made arrangements to allow the initial prototype to mount a PPC and additional heatsinks in place of the Autocannon, but the first PPC they were able to secure was completely unsuitable for the test frame, due to significant overheating and EM interference making for a wholly inaccurate weapon.

This initial failure did not go unnoticed by the AFFS High Command and they urged the company to stick with the initial proposed design. Instead of rushing to create and test alternative weapon loadouts, the Norse engineers opted instead to stick with the original prototype for the Wolverine while electing for heavier levels of armor protection. Most of the armor was focused on the legs and arms, while extra plating was specially placed around the main joints to protect from shrapnel and debris. The end result was a 'Mech that was more stable, cooler running, and could endure severe punishment while out-jumping Shadow Hawks and Griffins. Prince Varnay himself would receive the very first 4 production-grade WVR-1R Wolverines in 2471. It would go on to become the standard AFFS BattleMech for centuries, ironically serving as a template for the Hegemony's upgrades of the 'Mechs it was based on to in turn match the Wolverine. To counter this, Norse BattleMech's introduced yet another more influential variant in 2490 known as the WVR-3R and would not be fully upgraded to modern standards for another 85 years.

Purchasing the primary production rights to the design from Norse, Kallon Industries introduced the definitive WVR-6R Wolverine in 2575 for the newly-formed Star League Defense Force in the lead-up to the Reunification War, where it served with distinction. Afterwards it was approved for use by the Great Houses and became quite common on the battlefields of the Succession Wars after the fall of the Star League. Besides being produced by Kallon's factories on Nanking and Thermopolis, Free Worlds Defense Industries and Victory Industries later acquired the right to build Wolverines from their plants on Gibson and Marduk respectively. The Free Worlds League was thus the largest user of Wolverines followed thereafter by the Federated Sun-turned-Federated Commonwealth. The Fourth Succession War brought about minor changes when the House Davion captured Nanking from the Capellan Confederation but lost Marduk to the Draconis Combine. In the end the exchange was a net gain for Federated Suns thanks to the larger Nanking factory with the Confederation the clear loser. Houses Davion, Marik and Kurita all introduced new variants of the Wolverine which exploited the recent recovery of lostech just prior to the Clan Invasion.

During the Combine-Ghost Bear War House Kurita found itself running short of equipment when they lost Marduk and Al Na'ir to Duke James Sandoval's surprise attack, although DCMS forces managed to recapture Marduk in mid-3064. Inspired by Vicore Industries' "Project Phoenix" initiative Victory Industries went about scouring the entire Combine for any old Wolverine chassis in order to perform a complete strip, disassembling those in the worst shape for their parts and apply a modernizing factory refit to the rest. By 3067 this effort had virtually picked the Draconis Combine clean of older Wolverine machines but the new WVR-8K was so well-received it inspired the production of brand-new models. The Federated Suns was similarly inspired by the success of the WVR-8K to perform their own updates on the aging design although the League, themselves still prolific Wolverine users, had yet to institute what turned out in the end to be a long and costly program.

Weapons and Equipment
The Wolverine carries a weapons payload that is both versatile and, at the same time, limited by its ammunition dependencies. The primary weapon on board is a GM Whirlwind Autocannon/5. This weapon, mounted in the right arm along with one ton of ammunition, allows the Wolverine to cause damage to the enemy at respectable ranges. This is backed up for short range work by a Harpoon-6 SRM-6 launcher with one ton of reloads in the left torso and a single Magna Mk II Medium Laser mounted in the head. The laser is the most unique aspect of the Wolverine as it is mounted in a ball turret originally providing a 360° field of fire on early models of the Wolverine. Following the addition of the Harpoon launcher and Tek BattleCom electronics blister, a fire-interrupt circuit had to be added to prevent pilots from shooting their own 'Mech.

Five Northrup 120000 jump jets, with two in either leg and the fifth in the rear torso, improves upon the Wolverine's relatively fast cruising speed of 54 km/h by allowing it to jump up to 150 meters at a time. Unfortunately the jets are slightly underpowered for this role and must be operated near maximum thrust to achieve their potential, resulting in increased wear and tear on the components. For this reason a number of variants were introduced which simply removed the jump jets.

Nine and a half tons of armor make the Wolverine well-protected and emphasize its survivability when undertaking dangerous reconnaissance missions. Twelve heat sinks also provide adequate heat dissipation even in the event of damage to the fusion engine, further emphasizing the durability of the machine. In its role as a command 'Mech the Wolverine is well equipped with the same Tek BattleCom system with multi-channel transceiver/receiver as found on the Phoenix Hawk. Well-shielded in the head blister this set-up allows the Wolverine to provide superior electronic support when leading other 'Mechs or conducting reconnaissance on its own.

Variants

 * WVR-1R : Infamously nicknamed the "Varnay-1R", the original primitive Wolverine was introduced in Introduction Year::2471. It mounted an Autocannon/5 with 2 tons of ammunition in the right arm and a Medium Laser in the left to provide coverage in the "weak zone" sixty-meters inside the main gun's reach. A 265 Primitive Engine gave the 'Mech a top speed of 64 km/h with four Prototype jump jets providing enhanced mobility for a total jumping distance of 120 meters. The design was also heavily protected by 14.5 tons of armor. BV (2.0) = 885


 * WVR-3R : Entering production in Introduction Date::2490, the primitive 3R was built in response to the Terran Hegemony creating new versions of the 'Mechs the Wolverine was originally based on. It traded in 3 tons of armor and a ton of autocannon ammunition for a shoulder-mounted six-pack SRM launcher with one ton of reloads - a loadout that would remain essentially unchanged for the later "modernized" 6R. BV (2.0) = 867


 * WVR-6D : Introduced in 2834, the 6D drops the SRM and one heat sink of the 6R to upgrade the AC/5 to an Autocannon/10, mounted in the left arm. Two tons of ammunition in the left side supply it, spread through the arm and torso. One jump jet is moved from each leg to the corresponding side torso. BV (2.0) = 1,115


 * WVR-6K : The 6K Wolverine was introduced by the Draconis Combine in 2598 when they decided to produce a variant which removed the troublesome jump jets. Retaining the head laser and SRM launcher it also replaces the autocannon for a Large Laser, Medium Laser and Small Laser in the right arm.  Additionally this variant adds two more heat sinks, an additional ton of SRM ammo and two more tons of armor. BV (1.0) = 970, BV (2.0) = 1,248


 * WVR-6M : Eventually becoming the sole variant manufactured by Kallon's Thermopolis plant, the 6M was introduced in 2816 after Lyran raiders destroyed the plant's stockpiles of GM Whirlwind autocannons in the later years of the First Succession War. Boasting increased firepower and endurance as a strike raider, Kallon fitted a Magna Mk III large laser into the GM's semi-detachable mount. The weight saved also allowed the Marik designers to add a second Medium Laser to the right arm, as well as two additional Heat Sinks to help with the extra heat load, and one more ton of armor for added protection. Unlike the similar 6K, the 6M still retains the five jump jets of the 6R, though this causes it to run hot in heavy combat. BV (1.0) = 1,059, BV (2.0) = 1,291


 * WVR-7D : The 7D variant of the Wolverine is a major upgrade to the design introduced in 3050 by the Federated Suns' new Nanking factory. The standard engine on the 'Mech was replaced with a Nissan 275 XL version and the armor has been upgraded to Kallon Unity Weave Ferro-Fibrous material with an extra half-ton added. To increase the Wolverine's speed, MASC has been added, allowing it to move up to 108 km/h in bursts. Finally, the weapons payload has been upgraded as well. The autocannon has been upgraded to a General Motors Nova-5 Ultra Autocannon/5 and the medium laser is now a Sutel Precision Line Medium Pulse Laser. The design retains its jumping capability, as well as the SRM-6, although CASE now protects the SRM reloads. BV (1.0) = 1,090, BV (2.0) = 1,314


 * WVR-7H : Similar in many ways to the 7D, the 7H—referred to as the Wolverine II—was used by the Royal Brigades of the SLDF starting in 2770 and was also an upgrade of the 6R. It utilizes an Endo Steel structure, Ferro-Fibrous armor, and double heat sinks to increase combat capabilities. Extra armor protects the legs, while CASE protects all the ammo bins. Like the 7D, the autocannon is upgraded to an Ultra-class model and the medium laser is upgraded to a pulse version. In addition, the SRM-6 is slaved to an Artemis IV Fire Control System to improve the accuracy of the individual missiles. BV (2.0) = 1,301


 * WVR-7K : Another major upgrade of the Wolverine, this one for the Combine and first rolling off Marduk's production lines in 3050, the 7K model is also built with an XL Engine for power with the saved weight used to increase and upgrade its arsenal. The primary weapon is a Victory Drumbeat Large Pulse Laser and a Victory Throb Small Pulse Laser in the right arm, which is backed up by a medium pulse laser in the head and two Telos-6 SRM-6 launchers in the left and right torsos with one ton of reloads each. The 'Mech uses thirteen double heat sinks to dissipate the added heat from the laser arsenal. Additionally, the 7K does have jump jets and can jump up to 150 meters, and while still carrying standard armor it increases the amount by one and a half tons for added protection. BV (1.0) = 1,165, BV (2.0) = 1,331


 * WVR-7M : The 7M variant of the Wolverine has aspects of both the 7D and the 7K versions but is much closer to the original model. Introduced by FWDI in 3050 the 'Mech uses an XL engine, which is augmented with MASC, so as to push the machine up to 108 km/h in bursts. The 7M has twelve double heat sinks and, for a weapons package, it carries two Diverse Optics Sunbeam ER Large Lasers in the right arm and two Magna 400P medium pulse lasers in the head mount while retaining the SRM-6 for close range work. BV (1.0) = 1,309, BV (2.0) = 1,673


 * WVR-8C : The 8C variant of the Wolverine, introduced by Victory Industries in 3067 after the success of the 8K, is built on an Endo Steel chassis and uses an XL Engine for power. It carries a large pulse laser as its primary weapon, as well as a medium pulse laser and a small pulse laser. For additional close-combat capability this version carries two Streak SRM-6 launchers while a C3 Slave Unit allows it to share targeting telemetry with friendly units but only carries thirteen double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 1,356 (C3: 125), BV (2.0) = 1,447


 * WVR-8D : The 8D Wolverine is an one of two updated versions introduced by Kallon in 3066 that incorporates some of the newest equipment to the AFFS. The 'Mech is built with an Endo Steel chassis and uses an XL engine augmented with MASC, enabling speeds of up to 108 km/h. Its main gun is a Rotary Autocannon/2, backed up by an ER Medium Laser and a Streak SRM-6 launcher. Both the Rotary Autocannon and the ER Medium Laser are linked to an advanced Targeting Computer, making the Wolverine extremely accurate. However the design carries only ten double heat sinks. BV (1,0) = 1,354, BV (2.0) = 1,547


 * WVR-8K : The 8K Wolverine was first introduced for the Combine in 3064 when Victory Industries decided to update the design. It is built using an XL engine for power and uses fifteen double heat sinks for its high heat load.  This variant carries, as its main weapon, a Lords Light ER PPC in the right arm backed up by an Diverse Optics ER medium laser also in the right arm and a Victory Heartbeat medium pulse laser in the head. Finally, to exploit any weak points in an enemy's armor, the 'Mech carries a Guided Technologies Second Gen Streak SRM-6 launcher in the left torso along with one ton of ammo.  Twelve tons of Starshield A armor with CASE provide additional protection, with the plating designed specifically to make repairs quicker to accomplish.  Although certain prestigious Combine units turned their noses up at using a refurbished 'Mech to replenish their ranks, many others were less picky and the design proliferated after its success on Al Na'ir. BV (1.0) = 1,481, BV (2.0) = 1,576


 * WVR-9D : The 9D Wolverine is the companion of the 8D and shares some similarities, such as the Endo Steel chassis and the XL engine. First fielded at the same time as the 8D the 'Mech carries, as its main weapon, a Rotary Autocannon/2 backed up by two medium pulse lasers and a Streak SRM-6 launcher. It also carries a TAG laser designator, to designate targets for Arrow IV artillery attacks. Unlike the 8D, this variant does not jump, though it does retain the MASC and has twelve double heat sinks. BV (1.0) = 1,123, BV (2.0) = 1,369


 * WVR-9K : The 9K Wolverine introduced in 3074 uses a Light Engine for power. The resulting decrease in tonnage necessitated a complete revision of the weapon systems. Its main gun is the Snub-Nose PPC mounted in the right arm. An SRM-4 is the only other heat-building weapon mounted on the 'Mech. A trio of Light Machine Guns are also in the arm, linked to a Machine Gun Array to deter infantry. To counteract battle armor, the 9K carries a pair of B-Pods. This Wolverine variant carries a Sword in its left hand and a C3 Slave in the head to feed targeting telemetry back to lance-mates. Triple Strength Myomers make the sword more powerful and the design faster when they heat up, but a MechWarrior must disengage some of the ten double heat sinks in order to build the necessary heat. In light of the heavier engine, the inclusion of a Compact Gyro seems unhelpful at best. BV (2.0) = 1,397


 * WVR-9M : The Wolverine 9M introduced in 3073 is powered by a Nissan XL Engine that allows the 'Mech to move at speeds of up to 86.4 km/h while sacrificing durability. The 9M can also jump up to one hundred and fifty meters, as with most other variants. The 9M is armed with a Fusigon Strongtooth Heavy PPC as its primary weapon, which has a similar damage profile to a Clan ER PPC, but at reduced ranges. This is backed up by a Diverse Optics ER medium laser and a Guided Technologies Second Generation Streak SRM-6 launcher for close combat. BV (2.0) = 1,617


 * WVR-9W : This 3077 variant carries a pair of Light PPCs, an MML-5 with Artemis IV, and a single ER medium laser. To coordinate fire with friendly units, it's equipped with an Improved C3 Computer. Seven Improved Jump Jets provide a 210 meter jump range, and the Mech is protected by an experimental CASE II system and Light Ferro-Fibrous armor. BV (2.0) = 1,404


 * WVR-9W2 : Introduced in 3084 this variant has an ER medium laser and ER small laser to provide close range firepower. An Artemis IV system attached to an MML-5 and a pair of Light PPCs provide long range firepower. A C3 Slave shares targeting data, while a Guardian ECM Suite disrupts enemy electronics. Light Ferro-Fibrous armor and CASE protect the Wolverine. Seven Improved Jump Jets improve mobility. BV (2.0) = 1,480

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

From MechWarrior Online:
 * WVR-Q Quarantine : Painted a sickly green and covered in bio-hazard symbols, the Quarantine Hero 'Mech is built around 275 rated XL engine and an Endo Steel frame, fitted with three jump jets and clad in near maximum armor. Using its entire left-side as a shield, the Quarantine carries an AC/5 and a trio of Medium Lasers in its right arm supported by two right torso mounted SRM-6 launchers. Carrying only twelve double heat sinks, the 'Mech stores three tons worth of SRM and autocannon reloads split between both legs.

Related designs
Conjurer - The WVR-7H Wolverine II served as the basic inspiration for a IIC-style redesign of the Wolverine that became known as the Conjurer (Hellhound). The Clans could never name a BattleMech after the Not-Named Clan and elected to rename the redesigned 'Mech that nevertheless is nothing but a reworked Wolverine concept, a Wolverine IIC in all but name. ComStar even reported the Conjurer as Wolverine-IIC in early sightings, presumably based on assumptions drawn from the obvious nature of the 'Mech.

Notable Pilots

 * Salome Ward, the executive officer of the Kell Hounds piloted a Wolverine for nearly her entire career.


 * Roger Callahan, a founding member of Clan Wolverine, is known to have piloted a Wolverine II during Operation KLONDIKE.

Design Quirks
The WVR-1R and WVR-3R Wolverine variants are subject to the following Design Quirks:
 * Jettison-Capable Weapon (AC/5)
 * Obsolete (2500)
 * Protected Actuators
 * Stable