Calliope (BattleMech)

Description
The Calliope was primarily designed as a garrison BattleMech for the Magistracy Armed Forces to combat infantry and vehicles. The design was also introduced to replace the aging Snake BattleMech commonly used by both the Capellan Confederation and the Magistracy of Canopus for the same role. Work on the design began in 3124 and continued for some three years before the unveiling of the 'Mech in 3127. Although the Calliope is entirely dependent on ammunition and is rather slow compared to modern 'Mechs of its class, it has excelled in its role as an anti-infantry and anti-armor BattleMech. Majesty Metals has managed to sell these 'Mechs not only to the Magistracy's Capellan ally, but also to the Duchy of Andurien and a number of mercenary units.

Weapons and Equipment
As the Calliope is primarily meant for combating infantry and vehicles, its armament is rather limited. A right arm-mounted Ceres Arms plasma rifle allows this 'Mech to overheat and moderately damage its hardened opponents, and quite literally melt any other "soft" targets. Thus, this weapon poses a serious threat to infantry and battle armor, as many can be incinerated by a single shot. The plasma rifle does not come without drawbacks, however, and is limited to only 20 shots supplied by two tons of ammunition. A left torso-mounted Spencer Selectable 9-Tube MML-9 allows the pilot to fire at both long and short ranges, and is rather effective against hardened targets. This effectiveness, however, is essentially gone once the two tons of missile ammunition run out, and the Calliope pilot will have to either rely on the plasma rifle or the use of physical attacks to continue their role. The MML ammunition bays are kept safe by CASE in the left torso.

To reduce costs and gain the space needed to mount ferro-fibrous armor, endo-steel structure, and double heat sinks, a compact gyro and standard fusion engine are used at the price of added weight.

Custom Variants

 * CAL-1MAFSW Snow White : Debuting in 3141 on the King of the Mountain Arena and piloted by Adrienne Caselotti, this variant of the Calliope packs a pair of Streak SRM-4, supported by a Clan ER PPC augmented by a PPC capacitor and a Clan improved heavy medium laser. Intended to operate in concert with Team Magic Mirror's seven "Dwarfs" - a oversize squad of Gnome battle armor carried by Snow White in battle - a skin of Clan ferro-lamellor armor and 10 Clan laser heat sinks to keep the 'Mech fighting. BV2 = 1,668.

Design Quirks
The Calliope is subjected to the following Design Quirk:
 * Easy to Maintain