Banzai

First developed in 3076, the Banzai is an Experimental Draconis Combine BattleMech designed to be a close-in brawler with a deadly sting.

Produced by Luthien Armor Works of New Samarkand, and utilizing a mix of Inner Sphere and Clan technology while based on the chassis of the Daboku/Mauler assault 'Mech, and much like the extensive modification of the Charger into the Hatamoto-Chi, the Banzai is regarded as a separate new design.

Built around the MAL-1K Mauler's Endo Steel chassis and powered by a massive 360 Rated Extra Light Fusion Engine, augmented by the inclusion of both MASC and a Supercharger, the Banzai is capable of reaching speeds of 100 km/ph in brief bursts. Seventeen and half tons of standard armor allow the 'Mech to weather an incredible volume of fire as it advances, while fifteen Double Heat Sinks ensure the Banzai is able to fire its ranged weaponry as closes to its intended target. For the pilot's protection from the 'Mech's booby trap, the Banzai is equipped with a Full-Head Ejection System.

Only four of the designs were produced during the Jihad, with one lost while it was assigned to the 8th Dieron Regulars. The 'Mech was used in the assault against Word of Blake forces in the occupied Prefecture capital of Dieron. The pilot successfully engaged the Blakists, and found it needed to withdraw. The Banzai was destroyed during its retreat, when its engine was breached by enemy fire. After the pilot was automatically ejected from the 'Mech, the Banzai's self-destruct booby trap destroyed the surrounding Blakists (and Kurita allies) in an explosion. The pilot was killed after its Full-Head Ejection System landed roughly.

Weapons and Equipment
The Banzai’s weapon load-out is intended to compensate and benefit its incredible speeds by assault 'Mech standards. While originally intended to carry an PPC Capacitor enhanced ER PPC in arm, the finished design instead mounts two Clan-tech Large Pulse Lasers in its right arm supported by two torso mounted Clan Medium Pulse Lasers, the Pulse Lasers allowing the pilot to maintain accuracy while running. A head mounted Clan-tech ER Small Laser is added almost as an afterthought.

At melee combat range the Banzai is equipped with a Large Vibroblade in its left arm, while as its weapon of last resort, the 'Mech has been designed to carry a powerful Booby Trap, which uses the engine’s power to cause an explosion to destroy surrounding enemies. This is seen as a spoil-sport device to prevent the 'Mech from being salvaged.

Variants
There are no known variants of the Banzai.

Design Quirks
The Banzai has the following Design Quirk:
 * Stabilized Weapons (RA Large Pulse Lasers)
 * Difficult to Maintain
 * Non-Standard Parts
 * Prototype