Wasp

Introduced in Introduction Year::2464 as an attempt by General Mechanics to create a fast and maneuverable recon BattleMech for the Terran Hegemony, the Wasp was revolutionary for being the first 'Mech capable of jumping, sporting a prototype jump jet system; however, the system was not perfected for most of the next decade. After improvements in production and jump jet technology progressed, the modern WSP-1A Wasp began production in 2471. Centuries later, it is still considered a valued asset for recon work and is one of the most numerous 'Mechs in existence.

Initially constructed without monomolecular stress-resistant materials (MMSR) in the lower leg actuator, this wasn't identified as a flaw until the 2580 Battle of Imbros III when many Wasp MechWarriors practiced the jump-kick maneuver. After performing the maneuver even once, so much stress was put on the actuator that any subsequent jump-kicks immediately amputated the lower leg upon impact. By 2610 nearly all Wasps had been retrofitted with MMSR actuator bars.

The classic WSP-1A had a ground speed that could be considered lackluster when compared to many modern light 'Mechs, but this was offset by its jump capability. While carrying heavier weapons than 'Mechs like the Locust, the Wasp would generally only engage other light 'Mechs, using its jump capabilities to avoid conflicts with larger foes. The Wasp was also used in the role of raider because of its ability to hit and fade in rough terrain.

Even after the sheer destruction of the Succession Wars, the Wasp still remained the most numerous 'Mech ahead of the Locust and Stinger; many thousands were in use by all of the Great Houses and in the Periphery while 100 or more were built each year from factories across known space. Nearly half of all newly built Wasps came from IBMU's and Kali Yama's factories located in the Free Worlds League on Shiro III and Kalidasa respectively. Among other major Inner Sphere Wasp manufacturing sites were Defiance Industries' Furillo factory within the Lyran Commonwealth and Achernar BattleMechs on New Avalon within the Federated Suns. Many of the Great Houses had Wasp variants built specifically for them, as did Wolf's Dragoons. Even out in the Periphery the Wasp was manufactured on Taurus, Perdition, Canopus IV and Alpheratz, making it equally common among the Periphery States.

The reintroduction of Star League lostech was used to update the ancient design with modern improvements, starting first with the WSP-1S built by Defiance for the Federated Commonwealth. This was followed by the new WSP-3W built specifically for Wolf's Dragoons by Achernar, then the WSP-3M built by IBMU and Kali Yama. Another wave of updates came when Vicore Industries began to peddle their "Project Phoenix" program and found a willing buyer in Hellespont Industries. Requiring only minor changes to their production line, these new more mobile, more stealthy WSP-3Ls debuted in late July of 3067, and within the Capellan Confederation Armed Forces was used with new Raven and Phoenix Hawk models to form Shadow Lances. Taurus Territorial and Detroit Consolidated also began building these new Wasps under license from Hellespont, while Defiance designed their own updated version of the Wasp, the WSP-3S, which was then licensed to Achernar.

Weapons and Equipment
The WSP-1A Wasp was not designed as a line combat unit. It carries a light weapons payload meant primarily for self-defense against other light 'Mechs and was not meant to be used to engage heavier 'Mechs, resulting in tactics such as the jump-kick in order to deal more damage. The primary weapon is a Diverse Optics Type 2 medium laser carried in the right arm, backed up by a Bical SRM-2 launcher in the left leg which can carry one ton of standard or Inferno rounds in the left torso, making it useful against enemy 'Mechs and a good deterrent against infantry and vehicles. Published schematics indicate that the leg-mounted SRM-2 launcher is located near the hip.

The six jump jets split between the Wasp ' s left and right legs are responsible for its jumping distance of 180 meters and its longevity as a recon 'Mech. These also make up for the relatively slow 66.5 km/h cruising speed produced by its four-ton fusion engine. 10 single heat sinks are more than enough for the Wasp - it can actually fire both of its weapon systems continuously with little to no issue unless the jump jets have been overused. The three tons of armor protection is average for light 'Mechs, and with its placement around the chassis essentially two shots to the same spot anywhere will punch through and cause damage.

Variants

 * WSP-1 : Developed by General Mechanics on Mars in 2464 as the first generation Wasp, this version used several primitive components. The primitive engine reduced the top speed to 85 km/h and meant that only a single medium laser was carried, the prototype jump jets could only cover 150 meters in a jump, and the primitive armor provided much less protection than the later Succession Wars-era Wasps, even though it carried three and a half tons of armor.


 * WSP-1D : Developed in response to logistical attrition during the later years of the First Succession War, this Federated Suns variant developed in 2823 exchanges the SRM-2 launcher for two ChisComp 32 small lasers in the left torso and an Olympian flamer in the left leg. While firing these additional weapons leads to an increased heat output, it is not enough to pose a serious risk. BV (1.0) = 327; BV (2.0) = 403


 * WSP-1K : Another variant intended to ease logistical requirements as the First Succession War dragged on, the Draconis Combine's 1K Wasp was introduced in 2818, improving protection while sacrificing firepower. It retains the medium laser but replaces the SRM-2 launcher with a Sperry Browning machine gun and one ton of ammunition in the left torso. The saved weight was used to upgrade the armor by half a ton. BV (1.0) = 330; BV (2.0) = 376


 * WSP-1L : A variant of the Wasp produced by Hellespont for Capellan Confederation in 2799, the 1L replaced the medium laser and SRM-2 launcher with a single Holly SRM-4 launcher carried in the right arm supplied with a single ton of reloads in the right torso. Envisioning a variant highly adaptable to the raiding actions of the First Succession War, the Capellan Strategios deployed the 1L with multiple munition types based on their intended mission role, such as incendiary or gas SRMs for anti-infantry support or smoke SRMs for recon concealment. The reduction in overall firepower made the 1L an adequate though not spectacular combatant.  BV (1.0) = 290; BV (2.0) = 335


 * WSP-1S : The Federated Commonwealth's model of choice starting in 3049, Defiance Industries of Furillo upgraded the chassis to endo steel and the armor to three and a half tons of ferro-fibrous. This variant uses the weight savings to carry a medium pulse laser in its right arm, two Defiance B3S small lasers in the right torso, and a Zippo flamer in the left torso. BV (1.0) = 336; BV (2.0) = 423


 * WSP-1W : Associated with Wolf's Dragoons and debuting in 3009, the 1W Wasp replaced all of the weapons with six small lasers, two each split between the right arm, right torso, and left torso. While sacrificing long-range capability this gives the 1W superior close-range firepower. BV (1.0) = 316; BV (2.0) = 373


 * WSP-3A : Developed by the Outworlds Alliance in 3082, the 3A was armed with a single medium pulse laser. It also utilizes endo steel and an XL gyro to save weight. While using a smaller engine, its reduced ground speed was offset by improved jump jets allowing it to jump 240 meters at a time. It also includes a Full-Head Ejection System. BV (2.0) = 401


 * WSP-3K : This variant was introduced in the Dark Age era. It carries a single medium laser and an MRM-10 into combat on an endo steel frame. It uses an XL engine and 10 single heat sinks. Most importantly, it's equipped with a Full Head Ejection System to protect the pilot. BV (2.0) = 477


 * WSP-3L : Developed by Vicore Industries from Word of Blake plans and manufactured by Hellespont Industrials of Sian, TTI on Taurus, and DCM on Detroit, the 3L variant uses the Capellan Confederation's new stealth armor and a Hellespont Type W Endo Steel chassis to make it more stealthy, mobile and survivable. Four tons of Hellespont Lite Stealth Armor provide superior protection and, along with a Guardian ECM suite, makes it harder to locate and hit the Wasp. The six jump jets were also relocated to the rear torso to better protect them and decrease cost. A Diverse Optics ER medium laser is carried in the right arm and a Death Bloom RL-10 is mounted in the right torso; the inclusion of a Marian weapon to the 'Mech was controversial but nevertheless provided additional firepower. Despite other improvements, the 3L variant still carries 10 single heat sinks, a cost-cutting measure to take advantage of the Capellans' massive stockpile of these components. For communications this variant mounts a Hellespont Tight Beam system and a RadCom TXXI for targeting-tracking. It is also equipped with a Full Head Ejection System. First appearing in 3067, the WSP-3L was the first model featuring the new "Project Phoenix" makeover. BV (1.0) = 441; BV (2.0) = 610


 * WSP-3M : The post–Helm Memory Core House Marik variant introduced in 3051, the 3M Wasp upgrades the chassis to Irian Chassis Second Generation Class 20 endo steel and the armor to ferro-fibrous. This variant carries an Intek medium pulse laser in its right arm and a single Irian Weapons Works SRM-2 launcher in the right torso with CASE for the ammunition. The variant is also equipped with the potent Irian E.A.R. communications system and the Wasat Aggressor targeting-tracking system. BV (1.0) = 346; BV (2.0) = 394


 * WSP-3P : Another Dark Age era variant, this model has a top speed of 110 km/h and can cover 210 meters in a jump. It's also equipped with a Full-Head Ejection System. For offensive operations it carries an ER medium laser and a RL-10. BV (2.0) = 537


 * WSP-3S : The Lyran Alliance's Project Phoenix rebuild, the 3S variant of the Wasp introduced in 3067 upgrades the engine to a light version and carries two ER medium lasers, a Full-Head Ejection System, a Guardian ECM suite, and a TAG target designator. Defiance also licensed this version to Achernar on New Avalon. BV (1.0) = 584; BV (2.0) = 595


 * WSP-3W : Manufactured by Achernar for Wolf's Dragoons in 3050, the Clan Invasion era 3W upgraded the armor to ferro-fibrous and carried two Sutel Precision Line small pulse lasers in the right arm and four ChisComp 32 small lasers split between left leg and left torso. This increased firepower came at the cost of reducing armor protection to just two tons. BV (1.0) = 276; BV (2.0) = 342


 * WSP-3X : A failed Irian BattleMechs Unlimited variant designed under the supervision of Herbert Sampson, this model built on the 3M with upgrades to an XL engine and XL gyro. It was armed with two Thunderbolt 5 launchers and a medium laser, and it used compact heat sinks. The weight of the new systems necessitated a reduction to a minimal two tons of armor, and due to high cost and poor performance, the project was scrapped in 3091. BV (2.0) = 521.


 * WSP-4W : A replacement for the 3W, Wolf's Dragoons deployed this improved model shortly before the Jihad began due to negative combat experiences with its predecessor. Protection is increased to three tons of ferro-fibrous armor and it is powered by a light fusion engine with 10 double heat sinks. The right arm and left torso are equipped with ER medium lasers and a pair of small pulse lasers are installed in the left leg. BV (2.0) = 551


 * WSP-5A : Produced after the Dark Age began, this Wasp variant uses an ER medium laser and Streak SRM-2 as its weaponry. The Streak ammo is protected by CASE II while the armor is ferro-fibrous. This variant uses an XL engine to reach speeds of 120 km/h, and eight jump jets are attached to the endo-composite frame to allow 240 meter jumps. BV (2.0) = 517


 * WSP-7MAF : This 3071 variant uses an XL engine on a Hellespont Type W endo steel frame to propel the Wasp up to 129 km/h. It also mounts enough jump jets to match, with a maximum range of 240 meters per jump. It has to use this speed to good effect, as it is only protected by three tons of Jolassa 328 armor. The right arm medium laser was upgraded to a Diverse Optics ER medium laser, and the design uses 10 double heat sinks to dissipate waste heat. Finally, a Doombud MML-5 with two tons of ammunition gives it a decent punch at all ranges. In order to make room for these upgrades, a small cockpit and XL gyro are also used. Despite the unit designation, the design was manufactured by all three members of the Trinity Alliance at Hellespont Industries, Taurus Territorial Industries, and Detroit Consolidated MechWorks. BV (2.0) = 488


 * WSP-8T : Manufactured by Hellespont and Detroit Consolidated in 3075, the 8T carries a single MML-3 and a light PPC to increase the Wasp ' s effective range. The increased size of the weaponry forced designers to use a small cockpit and XL engine. BV (2.0) = 439


 * Wasp C : Produced by Wolf Empire techs, this 'Mech uses a unique blend of Clan and Inner Sphere technology. The engine, gyro, endo steel chassis, and jump jets are Inner Sphere quality, while the ferro-fibrous armor, double heat sinks, and weapons are Clan grade. The right arm carries a Clan ER large laser while the left leg has a Clan-built Improved One Shot Streak SRM-2. The laser's long range is particularly useful, as the Wasp C has ground speed and jump radius of Succession Wars era Wasps. BV (2.0) = 755

Apocryphal Variants
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception:
 * "First Modification" : As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the WSP-1A that exchanges the SRM-2 and ammunition for one medium laser in the left leg and a ton of armor. (+4 to head, +4 to center torso, +3 to each leg, +2 to each side torso and -2 to center torso/rear)


 * "Second Modification" : As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the WSP-1A First Modification that exchanges the jump jets for three medium lasers, one each installed in the head, center torso, and left arm.

Design Quirks
The Wasp has the following Design Quirks:
 * Easy to Maintain
 * Extended Torso Twist
 * Ubiquitous

The WSP-1 Wasp variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:
 * Hard to Pilot
 * Weak Legs

Related designs

 * WSP-2A Super Wasp - Although it carried the designation WSP-2A, this is arguably not a variant but rather a new 'Mech design based on the regular Wasp in a similar fashion to IIC evolutions of existing designs, albeit without Clan level technology. The Super Wasp weighs in at 25 tons, 25% more than its predecessor.


 * Wasp LAM - A heavy modification of the Wasp, it was capable of transforming between a 'Mech and an aerospace fighter. The most successful of the LAMs, it is nonetheless very rare and hard to use, and is almost unseen by the 31st century. While the Wasp has seen many variants and production over the years, the LAM model was only briefly produced.

Notable Pilots

 * See Category:Notable Wasp Pilots