Gauntlet (OmniMech)

Description
Its name alluding to the insignia of the Lyran Commonwealth, the Gauntlet is a medium-class OmniMech that was manufactured for the Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces. It was designed as a swift cavalry unit capable of keeping up with lighter 'Mechs while also being able to bring the flexibility and firepower of a medium 'Mech.

The genesis of the Gauntlet stems from both Archon Adam Steiner's proposal for development of a medium OmniMech intended to honor the Lyran spirit and Coventry Metal Works' purchase of the plans for the Bushwacker in the wake of the Jihad. Despite this, a troubled development cycle marred by persistent technical issues and heavy opposition from many members of the LCAF's senior generals for such a medium-weight design would delay the introduction of the Gauntlet to 3128, almost thirty years after the Archon's initial proposal.

Despite the heavy disdain for the 'Mech from within LCAF High Command, they were not willing to challenge the late Archon's desire for a exclusively Lyran 'Mech and permit export of the Gauntlet. Thus while the most prestigious (Social General infested) LCAF regiments normally first in line for an OmniMech would pass over the 'Mech, the Gauntlet would end up reaching more regular commands which welcomed the design, especially the LCAF's lightning companies.

Aside from visually resembling its Clan Invasion progenitor, the Gauntlet shares a similar frame and various other components with modern Bushwacker models, allowing both Coventry Metal Works and TharHes Industries to reduce costs for both designs through economies of scale.

Weapons and Equipment
The Gauntlet is designed to be a powerful and swift machine, with a Defiance 275-rated Light Fusion Engine at its heart, which is supported by a sturdy Coventry GTL-Flex Endo-Steel frame. In addition to its twenty-one-ton pod capacity, the 'Mech has been given a boost of speed in combat: a built-in MASC.

Designers laid out the Gauntlet's primary configuration with two powerful medium-to-long range weapons. The 'Mech's principal firepower comes from its right arm-mounted Heavy PPC. In the other arm is its long-range weapon, a Class 10 Thunderbolt Missile with two tons of ammunition protected by CASE. The 'Mech's speed is further increased thanks to a pod-mounted Supercharger.

Alternate Configurations

 * Alt. Config. A : Armed with a powerful mix of missile and long-range light weaponry, the "A" configuration uses a pair of 7-tube Multi-Missile Launchers mounted in its side torsos. Backing up these flexible weapons is a pair of lightly-hitting Light PPCs, with one found in each of the arms. CASE II is installed in each of the 'Mech's arms, so as to shield the arm weaponry from possible ammunition explosions. BV (2.0) = 1,420


 * Alt. Config. B : Designed for close combat, the "B" configuration is designed similarly to Coventry’s Black Hawk KU or the older Clan Nova OmniMechs. The configuration is armed with ten Medium Lasers split between the 'Mech's two arms with the addition of a single Medium Pulse Laser in the right torso. These weapons are tied into an accurate Targeting Computer. Other equipment found in the "B" configuration is a Guardian ECM Suite, five Jump Jets, and a Coolant Pod to help cope with the high levels of heat produced by the Gauntlet B's weapons and equipment. BV (2.0) = 2,076


 * Alt. Config. C : Intended to cripple and capture enemy units, the C configuration's principal tool in its mission is a TSEMP Cannon found in the left arm. Its offensive weaponry includes a single Snub-Nose PPC and a Light Autocannon/5 found in the other arm. Both arms' lower actuators have been removed to allow the 'Mech the flexibility of flipping its arms. CASE II has been added to the right torso to prevent any ammunition explosion effects from crippling the 'Mech's engine and arm weapons. One additional heat sink is added as well. BV (2.0) = 2,048