Hercules (BattleMech)

Description
The Hercules was built in response to a request by the Free Worlds League for a 'Mech with balanced mobility and firepower. The Hercules is powered by a Magna 350 XL Engine that propels the 'Mech up to speeds of 86.4 kph. The Hercules is also well armored, with eleven tons of Aldis Heavy Ferro-Fibrous for protection. Overall, the Hercules has turned out to be a good all-around trooper 'Mech that can handle a variety of combat roles, from air defense to long-range direct fire support.

Weapons and Equipment
The Hercules carries a wide variety of weapons. For long-range firepower, the 'Mech is armed with a Fusigon Model XI ER PPC. The ER PPC is backed up at intermediate ranges by an Imperator Code Red LB-X Autocannon/10 that can fire both standard and cluster rounds, making it effective against a wide range of combat units. For close-range combat, the Hercules carries a Holly Streak SRM-2 launcher, an Aberdovey Medium Pulse Laser, and two Martell Small Pulse Lasers. For added protection from missile attacks, the 'Mech also carries a Burow Anti-Missile System.

Variants

 * HRC-LS-9001 : A basic field modification of the Hercules, the 9001 model removes the Anti-Missile System to add a second Streak SRM-2 launcher. BV (1.0) = 1,347, BV (2.0) = 1,566


 * HRC-LS-9003 : This Dark Age variant uses a Composite Structure to free mass for an Ultra autocannon. Several smaller weapons were replaced by CASE II and an Angel ECM Suite.


 * HRC-LS-9004 : This Hercules variant is based on the 9003 model, but replaces the Angel ECM suite with a Blue Shield system.

Custom Variants

 * HRC-LS-9000 Hercules Walker : A uniquely customized Hercules created for Hauptmann Julius Walker of the Coventry CPM, after fighting Kristin's Krushers in 3066. The 'Mech's ER PPC, single Small Pulse Laser, and LB 10-X Autocannon were replaced by a massive LB 20-X with three tons of ammunition. Also, the techs added an additional Medium Pulse Laser, two standard Medium Lasers and CASE to the design. BV (1.0)=1,416