Pinion

The Pinion is part test-bed, part leftovers. Developed by Clan Jade Falcon and introduced into service in 3065, the Pinion BattleMech is the second Clan 'Mech to be produced by Olivetti Weapons on Sudeten. The second-line BattleMech was designed as a patrol/guard duty 'Mech, so it has modest speed coupled with good maneuverability.

Additionally, the Pinion is meant to test the effectiveness and drawbacks of heavy lasers. Early reports from Clan Star Adder indicated heavy lasers are unreliable and possibly damaging to the MechWarrior. In order to properly judge the effect of this new weapon, the Falcons decided to use garrison MechWarriors as guinea pigs. Their vitals were carefully tracked and medical evaluations were administered weekly as part of these tests.

The leftovers in the 'Mech are its micro pulse lasers. Micro pulse lasers were developed for ProtoMech production, but when Khan Marthe Pryde killed the program in 3064, the Falcons were left with an overabundance of leftover lasers. Rather than waste this (unwanted) resource, the Jade Falcons have decided to utilize them on the Pinion. When the supplies of micro pulse lasers are used up, the Pinion will be refitted and retrofitted with heavier weapons already in production.

Weapons and Equipment
The largest gun on the Pinion is its Witherer Heavy Large Laser. Though it is somewhat difficult to hit with, it packs a strong punch into a relatively small package. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the four Raid Micro Pulse Lasers that mounted in the Pinion's torso. These weapons are only useful at pointblank range, but the pulse technology makes it easier to hit with them. These make the Pinion devastating against conventional infantry. The Series 14a Medium Pulse Laser has a decent range and is also easy to hit with. This all-energy weapon configuration allows the 'Mech to range far and wide without having to worry about resupply or ammunition explosions in combat. Fourteen double heat sinks keeps the 'Mech fairly cool, though an alpha strike will seriously overheat it.

Variants

 * Pinion 2 : This variant replaces the four Micro Pulse Lasers with a pair of Small Pulse Lasers. These lasers deal the same amount of damage as each other, but the smalls have a better range and are still effective against infantry. BV (1.0) = 1,490, BV (2.0) = 1,657


 * Pinion 3 : This variant is equipped with a pair of Heavy Large Lasers. BV (2.0) = 1,611