Ice Ferret (Fenris)

Description
A powerful medium scout and recon 'Mech, the Ice Ferret was regarded as something of a foreign concept when it was first encountered by Inner Sphere forces. Referred to as the Fenris by Inner Sphere forces, the Ice Ferret is a very capable medium scout OmniMech, which is well armored and fast, and can be configured as a strike/headhunter or as a fire-support 'Mech.

Deployed extensively by Clan Wolf, the Ice Ferret was actually designed to combat the pride of Clan Wolf, the Timber Wolf OmniMech. Originally named the Wolf Hunter, the Ice Ferret was first produced in the mid-2900s by Clan Ice Hellion, but performed poorly due to lack-luster weapon configurations. Annoyed by the constant Hellion harassment, but appreciating the potential of the new OmniMech, Clan Wolf warriors eventually began challenging for the OmniMech, and eventually won the production facility for the design. The Wolves renamed the design after the only natural predator of the Ice Hellion, the Ice Ferret, and altered the configurations to improve performance. The Ice Hellions would maintain a large number of the "Wolf Hunters" in their touman during their existence. However, in the early years of the Jihad era, the Ice Ferret's few production facilities would end up being destroyed during the chaotic fighting in Clan Homeworlds. The design would end up being phased out of use and replaced by the Viper.

Weapons and Equipment
The Ice Ferret is built on a lightweight Endo Steel chassis that saves weight and is powered by a massive 360 XL engine that gives the Ice Ferret a top speed of 129.6 km/h and also accounts for one third of the 'Mech ' s total weight. The Ice Ferret has twelve double heat sinks mounted on the chassis and is protected by seven and a half tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor, giving the 'Mech almost the maximum amount of armor protection for its weight.

In its primary configuration, the Ice Ferret is capable of acting in a variety of roles. The Ice Ferret carries an Active Probe allowing the 'Mech to detect hidden enemy units. For close combat, the Ice Ferret prime has a Streak SRM-2 launcher and an ER Small Laser. For long range engagements, the 'Mech is armed with a single ER PPC, giving it excellent long range hitting power for its size.

Alternate Configurations

 * Alt. Config. A : The A configuration carries a single LB-X Autocannon/2 for its excellent long range sniping capabilities. This is backed up by two ER Medium Lasers for close combat capabilities and a single Anti-Missile System for added defense against missile weapons. BV (1.0) = 1,210, BV (2.0) = 1,323


 * Alt. Config. B : The Ice Ferret B has an ER Large Laser as its only long-range weapon. For close combat, the B configuration carries an SRM-4 and an SRM-6 launcher as well as a highly accurate Small Pulse Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,308, BV (2.0) = 1,461


 * Alt. Config. C : A fire support configuration of the Ice Ferret, the C configuration has a trio of LRM-5 launchers, each linked to an Artemis IV fire control system for increased missile accuracy. For close range defense, the 'Mech has a single ER Small Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,057, BV (2.0) = 1,211


 * Alt. Config. D : Configured for work as a harasser, the D configuration is armed with a simple arsenal of four highly accurate Medium Pulse Lasers and an Anti-Missile System for added defense from missile carrying enemies. BV (1.0) = 1,541, BV (2.0) = 1,653


 * Alt. Config. E : The E configuration of the Ice Ferret carries as its primary weapon an ATM-9 launcher, which is capable of firing specialized ammunition for short, medium, and long ranges. Backing this up for close combat, is an ER Medium Laser and an ER Small Laser. BV (1.0) = 1,329, BV (2.0) = 1,483


 * Alt. Config. F : Providing direct-fire support the Fenris F carries a single ER Large Laser in each arm, while a Watchdog CEWS provides electronic support. BV (2.0) = 1,771


 * Alt. Config. G : A striker/harrasser configuration that carries a single SRM-4 and two AP Gauss Rifles in each arm. An ER Small Pulse Laser is mounted in each side torso. For artillery support, a Light TAG unit is mounted in the center torso. BV (2.0) = 1,196


 * Alt. Config. H : Capable of engaging an enemy at a variety of ranges, the Ice Ferret H has an ER Large Laser for long range combat. For short ranges, the 'Mech has two Heavy Medium Lasers and a single SRM-6 launcher. BV (1.0) = 1,342, BV (2.0) = 1,619


 * Alt. Config. I : This configuration takes advantage of Inner Sphere technology. A Bloodhound Active Probe finds threats. Each arm carries an SRM-6 and an M-Pod. The SRM is equipped with a two ton ammunition bay, but once that's empty the MechWarrior only has a single ER Small Laser for weaponry. BV (2.0) = 1,096


 * Alt. Config. J : A close range combatant, this configuration carries five ER Small Lasers and a Heavy Machine Gun in each arm. These weapons are tied into a Targeting Computer. A Supercharger allows the 'Mech to quickly approach and retreat from threat forces. BV (2.0) = 1,771


 * Alt. Config. K : A Large Pulse Laser and ER Small Laser are carried in the left arm, while a pair of ER Medium Lasers are mounted in the right arm. Additional protection comes from a Laser AMS. BV (2.0) = 1,769


 * Alt. Config. L : A powerful anti-infantry configuration, the Fenris L carries a Plasma Cannon and three Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifles. All of its weapons are linked to an advanced Targeting Computer, which makes it deadly in close combat. BV (2.0) = 1,380


 * Alt. Config. T : An Improved Heavy Large Laser and ER Medium Laser are mounted in the left arm, while the right arm carries a single SRM 2 with a ton of ammunition. An Active Probe finds hidden threats while an engine Supercharger allows the Ice Ferret to sprint at speeds of 160km/h. BV (2.0) = 1,825


 * Alt. Config. U : An underwater specialist, this configuration carries an SRT-4, LRT-5, and a pair of ER Medium Lasers. To maneuver quickly through the water, it's equipped with seven UMUs. BV (2.0) = 1,532

Apocryphal Configurations
These variants were introduced in various apocryphal sources, and thus far have not appeared in any canonical media.

From MechWarrior Online:
 * IFR-RC "Rainbow Crow" : A customized variant of the Rainbow Crow. Piloted by Karl Devalis, the Rainbow Crow uses a pair of Heavy Medium Lasers in its left arm. The center torso carries a Guardian ECM. The right arm uses a single Heavy Machine Gun with one ton of ammo. In the right torso, a single Streak SRM-6 with two tons of ammo.

Notable Pilots

 * Clan Wolf saKhan Marialle Radick piloted an Ice Ferret most of her career.