Jupiter

Description
The Jupiter was designed by Clan Jade Falcon to complement their premier assault 'Mech, the Turkina, during the Jihad. Although not as versatile as the Turkina, it was developed from the most commonly available parts at the time, giving the Jupiter a rugged and easily-repaired design that many other designs cannot match. Due to its durability, Jupiters have been spotted in many mercenary and House armies throughout the post-Jihad Inner Sphere.

Weapons and Equipment
The Jupiter is a massive BattleMech that can reach 54 km/h at best speed, thanks to its XL Engine. Nineteen and a half tons of armor provide protection that can be matched by few other 'Mechs.

The Jupiter is armed for long range combat. The 'Mech mounts a pair of Type XX ER PPCs and two Series IV LRM-15 launchers, giving it excellent long range capabilities. These are backed up by four Type DL Ultra AC/5s which allow the 'Mech to put a large volume of fire downrange. Additionally, the ER PPCs allow the 'Mech to stay in combat when its ammunition-dependent weapons have been silenced due to a lack of ammunition in prolonged engagements.

Variants

 * Jupiter 2 : The Jupiter 2 is a more maneuverable variant of the Jupiter. The 'Mech removes the Ultra AC/5s and replaces them with a pair of Ultra AC/10s. The LRM-15s have been upgraded with Artemis IV for increased accuracy. Finally, to increase its maneuverability, the Jupiter 2 has had jump jets added that allow it to jump up to ninety meters. BV (1.0) = 2,915 BV (2.0) = 3,278


 * Jupiter 3 : This version of the Jupiter sports a completely new weapons configuration. Sporting the same Ultra AC/10s as the 2 version, the rest of the weapons are replaced with a pair of HAG 30 cannons and two ER Medium Lasers. BV (1.0) = ?? BV (2.0) = 3,074


 * Jupiter 4 : This Dark Age variant of the Jupiter uses an XL Fusion Engine to reach a top speed of 64 km/h. In place of the standard weaponry, it carries two ER PPCs, two Streak SRM-4s, and a pair of Artemis IV enhanced LRM-15s. BV (2.0) = 2,955

Notable pilots

 * Kyle Powers - Knight-Errant of the Republic, piloted a Jupiter, probably his own 'Mech, during his mission in Achernar. He was killed by the Steel Wolf warrior Torrent.


 * Raul Ortega - Achernar MechWarrior, used Kyle Powers mech after his death, taking his place as leader of the Republic forces in Achernar.


 * Major Catford - Old Republican officer, who left his post in a Guard Republic's unit, trying to form a mercenary regiment (who he named Heavy Eridani Horse) without success... In 3133 reappeared in republican's planet Basalt, as a commander of a mercenary unit under orders of Aldrington Emblyn. With his Jupiter, crushed an attack of their rival mercenary unit, but when his force attacked Obsidian Island, the prison in which Emblyn was imprisoned, his own unit betray him, passing to the enemy. With his 'Mech destroyed, he ejects... but his ejection seat crashed on a rock, killing him.


 * Wesley Parks - officer of mercenary group Bannson's Raiders, who fight against Combine invasion in planet Saffel, in 3134, piloted a Jupiter. His later destiny is unknown..