Sokuryou

Description
The Sokuryou SurveyMech is a Militarized Industrial 'Mech that was originally conceived in 3064. However, the design had languished for decades until the 3080s, when the Draconis Combine finally approved the design for production. Osaka Heavy Metrics was one of many small firms that were awarded contracts to bolster the Combine's damaged military and industrial infrastructure. The Sokuryou is an Industrial 'Mech, and is designed as a modestly speedy and cost-effective 'Mech as alternative to support frontline combat units. By 3085, the 'Mech was in production at two manufacturing plants on Philadelphia and Togura.

Weapons and Equipment
The 'Mech principle mission was for survey and recon, to fulfill this it was given a Beagle Active Probe and a ton of Communication Equipment. For its secondary task as an artillery spotter, the vehicle has Target Acquisition Gear mounted in its right arm.

The design features Ejection Seat, with which most Industrial 'Mechs are not normally equipped. Its hull is protected by 5.5 ton of Blue Heavy Industrial Plate giving its similar protection to comparable light BattleMechs.

Variants

 * SKU-181 : The original civilian version of the Sokuryou, it was designed as a highly functional survey vehicle. It was to be equipped with a 100-rated ICE powerplant, instead of later model's fusion engine. Unlike its successor the SKU-197, it boasts more powerful Communication Equipment and large fuel tank for additional range. The design only reached the prototype stages, as production of the 197 and 198 take up all of Osaka's production capability . BV(2.0)=328


 * SKU-198 : This variant is designed as direct-combat vehicle and was developed in Introduction Year::3085, unlike the 197. The design drops the Communication Equipment and the TAG for Medium Lasers. However, the design is noted for its weak armor and low speed . BV (2.0)=581