Locust IIC

Description
One of the best known BattleMechs in the Inner Sphere for its low production and operation costs, the Locust is also well known in the Clans. In 2832, Clan Mongoose unleashed an upgraded version of the venerable 'Mech on the Clans, known as the Locust IIC. The speedy design complemented Mongoose tactics, enabling them to win many Trials. When Clan Smoke Jaguar absorbed the Mongooses, they became the owners of the production line on Circe. This subsequently fell to Clan Jade Falcon following the de facto annihilation of the Jaguars. In addition to those three Clans, Clan Wolf has often used the Locust IIC as a garrison unit. Since it is a second-line unit Inner Sphere MechWarriors rarely see it in action.

Weapons and Equipment
Designed as a fast and light reconnaissance vehicle, the Locust was also tasked with fast-strike raids and at least became a front-line unit in the Inner Sphere. Larger than the original Locust, the IIC gives MechWarriors comparable speed with more protection and terrifying offensive capabilities. The main armament consists of a Medium Pulse Laser, flanked by eight Extended Range Small Lasers, allowing the Locust to be an excellent anti-infantry BattleMech with capabilities to harass heavier BattleMechs. Its larger size also allows it to be a more durable weapon platform, the Locust IIC is a far more difficult enemy than its Inner Sphere twin.

Variants

 * Locust IIC 2 : The Clan Jade Falcon version carries CASE with an Extended Range Medium Laser in the center torso section and two Streak SRM-2s in each arm. SRM munitions are stored in arms with a cross-feed mechanism. BV (1.0) = 857, BV (2.0) = 937


 * Locust IIC 3 : This Clan Smoke Jaguar version is set up to sport an Extended Range Large Laser in its center torso, with a Small Pulse Laser in each arm, making this variant a quite capable infantry killer in addition to its role as a fast sniper. BV (1.0) = 902, BV (2.0) = 980


 * Locust IIC 4 : This version was almost completely redesigned so that it could be produced in the Inner Sphere by Clan Jade Falcon on their Occupation Zone headquarters world of Sudeten. It replaces the small lasers of the standard variant with three General Systems Heavy Small Lasers in each arm. The medium pulse laser has been downgraded to a Series 7Ja ER Medium Laser, while a pair of additional double heat sinks are added to help deal with the increased heat. BV (1.0) = 701, BV (2.0) = 795


 * Locust IIC 5 : This variant, based on the IIC 4, was produced by Clan Wolf on New Oslo and Satalice, though the latter fell to Clan Ghost Bear. Instead of heavy lasers, it mounts an ATM 3 in each arm, along with a ton of ammunition for each instead of the additional heat sinks of the previous variant. BV (1.0) = 798, BV (2.0) = 878


 * Locust IIC 6 : This newer variant on the IIC 4 uses three Heavy Machine Guns in each arm. Each trio is linked to a Machine Gun Array. This powerful infantry hunter also adds an additional half ton of armor. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 776


 * Locust IIC 7 : Still an infantry killer, the IIC 7 mounts a trio of Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifles in each arm. One meager ton of ammunition supplies this variant. The ER Medium Laser of the IIC 4 remains in place. A Targeting Computer enhances these weapons' accuracy. BV (1.0) = ??, BV (2.0) = 980


 * Locust IIC 8 : Produced by Clan Ghost Bear, this version uses a 300-rated XL engine. All standard weapons have been replaced by a single ER Large Laser. BV (2.0)= 1,119


 * Locust IIC 9 : This version uses an experimental 350-rated XXL Engine, a Laser Anti-Missile System, and a pair of Improved Heavy Medium Lasers. The Jade Falcon engineers who designed it also installed an XL Gyro and used Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor to protect the chassis. BV (2.0)= 1,133

Related BattleMechs

 * Locust - The original Locust is a fast recon BattleMech, but lacks jump capabilities.