Pouncer

Description
The Pouncer was originally a test bed design that was upgraded to combat specifications on the orders of then-IlKhan Ulric Kerensky, as it was realized that a more mobile 'Mech was needed when combating Inner Sphere forces. The Pouncer is built on a lightweight DSAM Endo 4 Endo Steel chassis and is powered by a 240 XL engine which gives it a maximum speed of 97.2 km/h. The 'Mech's mobility is enhanced with five Grandthrust Mk. Four jump jets that allow it to jump up to one hundred and fifty meters. For protection from enemy fire, the Pouncer has a respectable six tons of Forging ZM15 Ferro-Fibrous armor. Overall, the Pouncer is an excellent OmniMech with fifteen and a half tons of pod space, allowing it to carry a wide variety of weapons payloads.

The last of the Nova factories on Toshaka were later retooled to create Pouncers after the Wars of Reaving.

Weapons and Equipment
In its primary configuration the Pouncer greatly resembles the Adder OmniMech which it shares much of its design concepts with. The Pouncer has two ER PPCs for long range striking power. These are backed up by a single ER Small Laser for close combat. All of the weapons on the Pouncer Prime are linked to an advanced Targeting Computer that increases their accuracy.

Alternate Configurations

 * Alt Config. A : The A configuration of the Pouncer is a powerful long range bombardment configuration. The 'Mech has two LRM-15 launchers allowing it to act as a fire support 'Mech. For close range combat, the 'Mech has four ER Medium Lasers and a single rear mounted ER Small Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,942, BV (2.0) = 2,081


 * Alt Config. B : The Pouncer B is a capable all around 'Mech. For long ranges, it has a pair of ER Large Lasers and a single LRM-10 launcher. When the Pouncer B closes with its enemies, it can bring to bear its two SRM-4 launchers which can seek out weak points in an enemy's armor. BV (1.0) = 1,588, BV (2.0) = 1,836


 * Alt Config. C : The C configuration relies on a powerful Ultra Autocannon/10 that can fire twice as fast as a standard autocannon for its primary firepower. This is supported by a pair of ER Medium Lasers and a trio of ER Small Lasers for close range firepower. BV (1.0) = 1,596, BV (2.0) = 1,653


 * Alt Config. D : A close combat configuration, the Pouncer D carries six ER Medium Lasers for its primary firepower. These are linked to an advanced Targeting Computer for increased accuracy. The 'Mech also has two highly accurate Streak SRM-6 launchers which can eviscerate a target at close range. For protection from rear attacks, the 'Mech has a single ER Small Laser. BV (1.0) = 2,182, BV (2.0) = 2,246


 * Alt Config. E : Configured around the new Advanced Tactical Missile system, the E configuration carries as its primary weapons a pair of ATM-9 launchers. These launchers can fire specialized munitions that increase in damage potential as the ranges close. The ATM launchers are supported in short range combat by an ER Medium Laser and two ER Micro Lasers. BV (1.0) = 1,659, BV (2.0) = 1,632


 * Alt Config. F : Introduced during the Word of Blake Jihad, the F configuration is built for for anti-infantry and tank combat, mounting a Plasma Cannon supported by a pair of ER Flamers and two Heavy Flamers. Mounting an ER Medium Laser as well, the Pouncer F also carries a Remote Sensor Dispenser and an Active Probe. BV (2.0) = 1,308


 * Alt Config. H : The H configuration is a dedicated brawler. The 'Mech carries as its primary weapons four Heavy Medium Lasers and a Heavy Small Laser, all of which are linked to a Targeting Computer. The 'Mech also carries two Streak SRM-6 launchers giving it impressive close range firepower. BV (1.0) = 1,586, BV (2.0) = 1,784

Custom Variants

 * Pouncer Oren : An abtakha warrior adopted by Clan Ice Hellion, Oren's unique tactical outlook of favoring speed and mobility over firepower made her an outcast among the Wolves, but meshed well with the similar views of the Ice Hellions. Still piloting the Pouncer she was captured with, the Hellions have refitted the now Star Captain-ranked warrior's 'Mech with a MASC system.

Related Designs
Adder (Puma) - The Pouncer share many features with this Light OmniMech created by Clan Star Adder, especially in its primary configuration, but adds 5 more tons.