Buster

The Buster class IndustrialMech was created by the Bluth Corporation in 2615. By 2795, the Buster HaulerMech series was so popular that several factories across the Terran Hegemony produced it. The Buster was particularly popular with heavy mining operations, where it could easily load the massive output of a mine into transports quickly. Many DropPorts also used the Buster to load and unload DropShips. The ability to move cargo with more finesse than a vehicle, combined with the leg mounted track system, allowed the Buster to navigate tight spaces.

The introduction of the Powerman family forced the Buster from the number one sales spot. The lawsuits between Bluth Corporation and Sitwell Corporation (the Powerman's producer) alleging industrial espionage, trade secret infringement, and other various charges eventually destroyed Bluth Corporation. The Buster remains in production around the Inner Sphere.

The latest member of the Buster family, the Buster XXI was introduced in 3060. This version is equipped with Tracks and Industrial TSM which makes it even more effective.

During the Jihad, the Word of Blake created several Buster IndustrialMech-MODs for use by the Blake Protectorate Militia.

Weapons and Equipment
As an IndustrialMech, the Buster has no armament. However, for its role as LoaderMech it has two Lift Hoists to help lift additional cargo beyond its own hand actuators.

Cargo
The standard Buster has a Lift Hoist in each arm, and a five ton cargo bay in the left and right torso. The center torso has a one ton cargo bay, allowing the Buster to carry eleven tons of cargo internally.

Variants

 * Buster XV : This earlier version of the Buster lacks Tracks and Industrial TSM, but is otherwise identical to the Buster XXI. BV (2.0) = 222

Some desperate forces have armed their Busters to oppose BattleMechs. (These modifications are often referred to as "IndustrialMech-MODs". These MOD versions are all equipped with Advanced Fire Control and double the armor protection of the standard Buster, but it remains Commercial Armor so this increased protection is negligible.


 * Buster (AC)/Buster XV-M HaulerMech MOD : This variant carries an Autocannon/5 in the right torso and an LRM-10 in the left torso. Each weapon has a ton of ammunition. The weapons completely replace the Lift Hoists and Cargo Bays. Five single heat sinks are added. BV (2.0) = 443


 * Buster (PPC)/Buster XV-M-B HaulerMech MOD : This version puts a Particle Projection Cannon in the right torso, completely filling the Cargo Bay that was mounted there. Ten heat sinks are added to allow the PPC to fire. This version of the Buster removes the Lift Hoists, but keeps a two ton cargo bay in the left torso. BV (2.0) = 475


 * Buster XV-M-C HaulerMech MOD : This is one of two variants first seen in use by the Word of Blake Protectorate Militia. This Buster was equipped with a Gauss Rifle with two tons of ammunition, backed up by two Rocket Launcher 10s. BV (2.0) = 726


 * Buster XV-M-W : Another Word of Blake variant, this model carries a single LB 10-X autocannon with a ton of each ammunition type. Unlike the other Buster MODs, it is also equipped with an Ejection Seat. BV (2.0) = 713


 * Buster XXI-M : This Dark Age modification simply removes the cargo and Lift Hoists and replaces them with a pair of SRM 2 and a ton of ammunition in each side torso. Seven heat sinks are also provided. This Buster also has Advanced Fire Control and retains the Industrial Triple Strength Myomer and Tracks of the civilian version. BV (2.0) = 504


 * Gauss-Buster MilitiaMech : A Dark Age refit used by the Mississauga Militia, the Gauss-Buster uses a right torso-mounted Heavy Gauss Rifle with one ton of ammunition, Heavy Industrial Armor, and an Advanced Fire Control system. To power the Heavy Gauss Rifle without an internal fusion engine, the Gauss-Buster depends on a cable-linked external power source, making it effectively a lightly mobile turret. BV (2.0) = 675

Design Quirks
The BC XXI Buster features the following Design Quirks:
 * Easy to Pilot
 * Gas Hog
 * Non-Standard Parts
 * Loose Seals