Valiant

The Valiant was developed by Vining Engineering and Salvage Team, one of the many weapon manufacturers on Solaris VII, at the behest of Irian BattleMechs Unlimited. Based on the Scarabus, the Valiant was conceived as a light skirmisher. The Valiant first saw use during the Solaran resistance to the occupying Word of Blake in 3068. The two remaining prototypes were smuggled off world in 3070, when the design was picked up by Wakazashi Enterprises. Since the destruction of Luthien Armor Works, the heavy industry of the Draconis Combine was diversifying and expanding to keep the DCMS equipped. The need for a ready-made BattleMech design overwhelmed the traditional Draconian dislike of Hatchets. The 'Mech has received a tepid reception, even among the mercenaries that VEST has sold the design to, partly stemming from the design's meager five tons of armor.

Johnston Industries began to produce the design in late 3074 when Margaret Florence became their Chief Design Operator. The former CFO of VEST/Wakazashi and one of the members of the Valiant design team brought the 'Mech with her, along with a new variant. Despite copyright suits pending in the Federated Suns, Lyran Alliance, and Draconis Combine as of 3075, the Valiant continues to be produced by factories in all three nations.

Weapons and Equipment
As a fast skirmisher, the Valiant wields only three ER Medium Lasers and its Hatchet. The configuration's lack of ammo dependency is perhaps the characteristic that potential buyers are most interested in, as the chaos of the Jihad often leaves opportunities for resupply few and far between.

Variants

 * V4-LNT-J3 : The version designed by Margaret Florence for Johnston Industries is powered by a Light Fusion Engine and upgrades the armor flange over the right forearm into a full-fledged Small Shield. A FireTech F6 Infernus Flamer in the same arm provides anti-infantry support. Terminal Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor also addresses the concerns of MechWarriors who wanted more protection, though at the cost of the MASC. Finally, a trio of ER Small Lasers improves the J3's offensive capability . BV (2.0) = 926


 * VLN-3T : A newer variant produced by VEST for the Solaris arenas, the 3T also uses a Small Shield, though at the cost of armor. This variant is produced solely for the arenas, as it has too little armor for actual combat . BV (2.0) = 890, 852


 * VLN-3E : Developed for The Republic of the Sphere, this Valiant uses a Composite Structure and XL Gyro to save weight. The design is protected by five and a half tons of Heavy Ferro-Fibrous armor. The MASC, hatchet and shield were replaced with a Light AC/5 and a Fluid Gun, each with a ton of ammunition. A Targeting Computer improves weapon accuracy. BV (2.0) = 1,019

Custom Variants

 * VAL-NT-JX "Hot Knife" : Based on the Valiant J3, this custom one-off variant uses a Light Engine and Supercharger to maintain the quick speed of the standard Valiant. For increased protection it carries six and a half tons of armor. The hatchet has been replaced with a Vibroblade equipped with an Actuator Enhancement System, and the armored flange on the right arm has been upgraded to be a Small Shield. The rest of the weaponry remains the same. BV (2.0) = 995