Koschei

The product of heavy government investment, the Koschei was the second BattleMech produced in the Capellan Confederation. Since the Confederation Defense Company was not interested in helping, Earthwerks and the Confederation invested in improving the infrastructure on Tikonov and recruiting local engineers. The first Koscheis were produced in Introduction Year::2504. Production of the 3I stopped in 2714 to make way for an improved variant. By the time of the Succession Wars there were few such 'Mechs on the battlefield.

In Reintroduction Year::3067, Tikonov returned to the Capellan Confederation. Earthwerks marked the occasion by reintroducing the Koschei, but the Xin Sheng movement left little room for a 'Mech designed with Slavic tastes in mind. As such, the 5I found acceptance with mercenary units.

The Koschei was a fast heavy 'Mech for its time, topping out at 86 km/h. Twelve tons of armor provide a high level of protection.

Weapons and Equipment
The primary weapon of the Koschei is an Imperator-B Autocannon/10. This low-heat weapon still has respectable range and firepower. It is backed up by Magna Mk II Medium Lasers. The standard allotment of heat sinks is almost thoroughly sufficient for the 'Mech.

KSC-3I
The default variant.

KSC-3L
An effort to improve long-range firepower, the 3L took out one laser and the autocannon to make room for a Large Laser and LRM-15. BV (2.0) = 1,384

KSC-4I
The upgraded version of the 3I debuted in 2719. It is built on an Endo Steel chassis with Ferro-Fibrous armor. It features an LB-X Autocannon/10 and more lasers, but was not well-received. BV (2.0) = 1,516

KSC-4L
An upgraded version of the 3L, the 4L utilizes an Endo Steel structure and enhances the accuracy of the missile launcher with an Artemis IV Fire Control System. The remaining weight savings goes to upgrading the lasers to a Large and Medium Pulse Laser, respectively, while double heat sinks counter the increased heat. BV (2.0) = 1,503

KSC-5I
The 5I was introduced by Earthwerks in 3071, primarily for the mercenary market. It saves weight with an XL Engine, Endo Steel, and Light Ferro-Fibrous armor. Thirteen double heat sinks keep the heat build-up from a Heavy and a Snub-Nose PPC and five Extended Range Small Lasers under control. The machine also mounts jump jets and a Guardian ECM Suite. BV (2.0) = 1,945

KSC-5MC
As part of the Trinity Alliance, the Magistracy of Canopus acquired plans for the Koschei in 3068. Majesty Metals and Manufacturing produces their variant on the 5I at Dunianshire. It removes the jump jets and weapons in favor of a different configuration. It hearkens back to the earlier versions with a Rotary Autocannon. ER lasers and a Snub-Nose PPC necessitates the addition of a fourteenth heat sink. BV (2.0) = 1,748

KSC-5X
Still on the drawing board as of 3075 is a new variant that utilizes an experimental Claw and pulse lasers to go with the jump jets. It is to be an urban combatant. BV (2.0) = 1,554

KSC-6L
Initially produced on Dunianshire, the 6L uses a Sniper Artillery Cannon and a battery of 4 Medium Lasers. A Targeting Computer assists the lasers, and the two tons of ammunition for the artillery cannon are protected by an advanced CASE II system. The Triple Strength Myomer and Light Fusion Engine can propel this Koschei at speeds of up to 97.2 km/h, though 12 double heat sinks leave the machine running cool. BV (2.0) = 1,465

KSC-NM
Inspired by the original Koschei-3I, this variant takes the large-bore AC/10 to the next level by turning it into the full, recently recovered Ultra AutoCannon/20. The lasers were upgraded to ER Medium Lasers and Double Heatsinks were installed. It also features Triple Strength Myomer, five JumpJets to increase maneuverability, and a Light Engine, as well as an Endo Steel internal frame. Due to the expense of the components, a limited number were produced, to be utilized in fast-strike urban combat missions. The mere two tons of ammo for the UAC/20 limit its peak combat endurance to a strike-and-retreat tactic, yet it is also devastating during that period.