Daikyu

Named for the ancient Japanese longbow and first produced in Introduction Year::3055, the Daikyu is armed to strike an enemy with a powerful blow at long range and, as such, is poorly armed for short-range combat. The Daikyu attempts to dictate the range at which it engages with its top speed of 86.4 kph, which allows the Daikyu to keep up with most medium and heavy 'Mechs and makes it capable of outpacing most assault 'Mechs. The Daikyu is also well protected with twelve tons of armor and CASE to protect against ammunition explosions.

Weapons and Equipment
The Daikyu is built around long-range firepower. The primary weapon the 'Mech carries is a Lord's Light 2 ER PPC backed up by a pair of Imperator Ultra Autocannon/5s. This combination of weapons gives the Daikyu a devastating long-range punch. The 'Mech also carries a LongFire V LRM-5 launcher, giving it limited indirect fire support capabilities. For close combat, the Daikyu carries a single Diverse Optics Type 20 Medium Laser.

Variants

 * DAI-01r : A simple field refit, the Daikyu 1r trades the Ultra Autocannon/5s of the original for two LB 5-X ACs and an experimental C3 Boosted Slave. BV (2.0) = 1,513


 * DAI-02 : A variant made to address concerns of a lack of short-range firepower, the 02 variant was built soon after Operation Bulldog. The 'Mech carries a pair of Streak SRM-6 launchers in place of the two Ultra Autocannon/5s. Additionally, for close combat, the 02 variant of the Daikyu has two ER Medium Lasers. It is also outfitted with a C3 Slave unit to share targeting information with other friendly units. It also has the addition of jump jets, giving it a jumping capacity of 150 meters. BV (1.0) = 1,714, BV (2.0) = 1,831


 * DAI-03 : The 03 variant is built with a Light Fusion Engine and has a C3 Slave unit to share targeting data with friendly units. The 'Mech replaces both of the Ultra Autocannon/5s with an MRM-20. The Medium Laser has been upgraded to an ER Medium Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,439, BV (2.0) = 1,692

Custom Variants

 * DAI-01 Daikyu Tabitha : Tabitha McBane of Lindon's Battalion owns a uniquely customized Daikyu. As a minor holo-vid celebrity on the side, she used her considerable skills and a bit of luck to win a Clan ER PPC in a televised poker game. She had the weapon fitted in place of the 'Mech's Inner Sphere ER PPC. She also swapped out the Ultra autocannons for LB-X versions, similar to the 01r variant. BV (1.0) = 1,532