SM1

Description
The SM1 Tank Destroyer was designed as a speedy infighter by scientists from Clan Nova Cat. The machine is a cheap and effective combat vehicle. The vehicle has unique "glass" dual cockpits on the front of the vehicle that are functionally identical while mounting a smaller anti-infantry turret just behind its left side cockpit. The vehicle's unique split cockpit design allows the cockpit modules to eject from the vehicle. Due to its appearance, the SM1 was dubbed the "Suicide Machine" by its first pilots because they felt over-exposed with the tank's all ferro-glass cockpit.

Following their integration with the Draconis Combine in 3060, Clan Nova Cat found its advanced manufacturing capacities lacking due to the harsh realities of living in the Inner Sphere. Thus the Clan decided to begin to embrace the Inner Sphere's combined-arms doctrine of combat.

Working with Luthien Armor Works, as it did with the Shoden project at LAW's defunct facilities on Irece, this facility began to produce the SM1 Tank Destroyer in 3065. Clan Nova Cat provided the advanced technology from their own factories after upgrading LAW's facilities on Irece. The deal with LAW gave the Clan shares in the manufacturing plant itself, and purchasing rights for the SM1's first five years of production.

The vehicle was accepted by Nova Cat Galaxies after the performance of volunteer crews. After the vehicles were first introduced, several appeared in the ranks of the Draconis Combine's local Ryuken regiment, which they have apparently won through trials.

Weapons and Equipment
The SM1 mounts a deadly Type 10 Ultra Autocannon/20 fixed in its nose. The gun has over six tons of ammunition. The tank also mounts four Series 2C Light Machine Guns in its small turret for anti-infantry work.

Variants

 * SM1A : This variant swaps out the Ultra AC for an LB-X Autocannon/20 with five tons of ammunition. The weight saved goes towards a Light Active Probe, and a Light Machine Gun Array to guide its 4 light machine guns. The vehicle became available during the FedCom Civil War. = BV (2.0) = 1,214, 1,239


 * SM3 : This variant swaps the autocannon for a Gauss Rifle, Medium Pulse Laser and four Light Machine Guns. The Gauss Rifle been given 32 rounds, while the light machine guns been given hundred rounds between the for guns. BV (2.0) = 1,593


 * SM1 Telos : Originally developed by Clan Nova Cat, the DCMS took over development of this model. All the weapons and armor have been removed, and replaced with Vehicular Stealth Armor. The main weaponry was replaced with a single Extended LRM-15 launcher and five tons of ammunition. A single Machine Gun and half ton of ammunition complete the weapons loadout. A Guardian ECM Suite is used to power the stealth armor. The ammo is stored in a CASE protected bay.

Design Quirks
The SM1 Telos variant is subject to the following Design Quirks:
 * Poor Sealing
 * Rumble Seat