Locust

From Lostech Wiki

Template:InfoBoxBattleMech

Description[edit]

The Locust was one of the most common BattleMechs in existence, having been in continuous production since the design was first introduced by Bergan Industries in Introduction Year::2499. One of the smallest 'Mechs ever built, the Locust was designed exclusively for reconnaissance and quick strike missions, using its then-phenomenal speed to outrun most enemies. In a situation where it was unable to outrun its enemies, the 'Mech did have a light array of weapons with which to defend itself, but the Locust lacked the firepower or staying power to be a true front-line combatant and as a result few MechWarriors enjoyed piloting Locusts. Within its weight-class though, the Locust was considered an excellent 'Mech, overshadowed as a scout only by designs which mounted jump jets. Often when a Locust engaged in combat it was as a holding action until reinforcements could arrive, although when operating in groups of three they could swarm lone enemy 'Mechs that were separated from friendly support.[1][2]

Bergan Industries built Locusts from eight different factories and supplied the Star League and its member states right through to the Amaris Civil War.[1] During the Succession Wars the number of manufacturers increased and the design was being built in nearly a dozen factories, including ones in the Periphery.[2] Besides Bergan's Ares facility, versions of the Locust were built on Furillo (Defiance Industries), New Avalon (Achernar BattleMechs), Stewart (Corean Enterprises), Gibson (Free Worlds Defense Industries), Alpheratz (Alliance Defenders Limited), Canopus IV (Majesty Metals and Manufacturing), Taurus (Taurus Territorial Industries) and MacLeod's Land (Pinard Protectorates Limited). The wide variety of manufacturers meant production costs for the 'Mech were low and parts were widely available, leading to everyone from lowly pirates to corporate defense forces buying Locusts in large numbers. It also led to many different variants of the Locust, including a failed Davion version mounting a PPC, although those in the Periphery were largely limited to building the original LCT-1V model.[1][2][3]

As the Succession Wars wound down those manufacturers within the Successor States began to experiment with new and rediscovered technology to build updated versions of the Locust. The Capellan Confederation in particular modified the Ares facility to build the LCT-1L variant of the Locust with a version of the Triple Strength Myomer that wouldn't catch on fire.[2] Other updated variants, including the LCT-3D, LCT-3M, and LCT-3S were introduced just in time to take part in the Clan Invasion.[3] After the war the Word of Blake approached Corean Enterprises about creating a new Locust variant for their militia, agreeing to buy the entire first production run to assuage the company's misgivings. The various Periphery powers, still largely reliant on the Locust, also began fielding updated variants of their own, although none of the Great Houses were much interested in revitalizing the line.[4] Even into the thirty-second century though the Locust continues to be produced and used out in the Periphery.[5]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The main weapon of the Locust was a single Martell medium laser mounted in the center torso. Backing this up were two Sperry Browning machine guns, which effectively deterred infantry attacks against the Locust's vulnerable legs. These were located in either arm and fed by a one-ton ammo bin located in the center torso. Lacking hand actuators the Locust was vulnerable to other 'Mechs when engaging in close combat.[6][1][2][7]

The primary asset of the Locust was its speed, using a 160-rated fusion engine to attain a cruising speed of 86.4 km/h and top speed of 129.6 km/h. This speed is necessary for the 'Mech's survival, since four tons of armor means the Locust can be quickly crippled or destroyed by direct hits. The standard engine-mounted 10 heat sinks are sufficient in most cases, although those variants which mount more energy weapons can suffer.[6][1][2]

Variants[edit]

  • LCT-1E
    Developed by Bergan in response to Capellan requests for a Locust with greater punch and lower munition consumption as the First Succession War shifted to lower level raiding, the LCT-1E Locust was introduced in 2811. Among the least-produced variants, the "Energy" Locust carried an entirely laser-based weapons assortment, with two Martell medium lasers and two Magna small lasers mounted in the arms. This choice allowed Capellan MechWarriors to overcome the 'Mech's limited firing arc by flipping its weaponry between forward and rearward arcs at will.[6][1][2][8][9] BV (1.0) = 484;[10] BV (2.0) = 553[11][12]
  • LCT-1L
    The LCT-1L Locust was an attempt to allow the 'Mech to operate at even higher speeds by adding Triple Strength Myomer to the design. Introduced in 3030, the weapons are identical to those on the LCT-1V, as it was a testbed for the technology by Bergan Industries' Ares plant.[3][13] BV (1.0) = 364;[14] BV (2.0) = 474[15][16]
  • LCT-1V (C)
    A Clan-tech retrofit of the classic Locust and intended for second-line and solahma troops, the Locust C replaced each of the arm-mounted machine guns with a Clan ER small laser, which frees up the weight to replace the center medium laser with a Clan-grade medium pulse laser, but leaves the structural components of the LCT-1V unaltered. BV (2.0) = 672[25]
  • LCT-3D
    The 3D Locust, introduced in 3049, used Star League technology to take the concept of the 1M further. Although it carried only two Magna Longbow-5 [LRM-5]] launchers, the engineers at Achernar BattleMechs on New Avalon upgraded the armor to ferro-fibrous and the structure to endo steel. Completely lacking in close-range, weaponry this variant was suitable for harassing the enemy at long range then fleeing before they could get too close.[3][32] BV (1.0) = 377;[33] BV (2.0) = 436[34][35]
  • LCT-3V
    This Locust variant, introduced in 3004, was similar to the 1V except that it carried a set of two medium lasers in the center torso, while retaining the arm-mounted machine guns. The additional armament comes at the cost of half a ton of machine gun ammunition and half a ton of armor protection.[42] BV (1.0) = 434;[10] BV (2.0) = 490[43][44]
  • LCT-5M
    The 5M was a straightforward enhancement of the 3M model, keeping the construction and electronics improvements while upgrading all of the lasers to extended range models, giving it one Magna Mk VI ER medium laser and four Magna Mk IV ER small lasers. In addition, the use of a Hermes 240 XL engine allowed engineers to upgrade the 'Mech's top speed to 194 km/h. Designed by the Word of Blake, each of their Level III units had at least one 5M Locust after its introduction in 3066.[28][45] BV (1.0) = 516;[33] BV (2.0) = 719[46] or 516[28]
  • LCT-5M3
    This Locust variant was also introduced during the Dark Age. It uses a smaller engine, which reduces the top speed to 140 km/h, but adds a half ton of armor and carries an ER medium laser in each arm and an ER large laser in the center torso. BV (2.0) = 929[48]
  • LCT-5S
    Developed from the LCT-3S, this configuration carries an MML-3 in each arm. The higher heat load requires 10 double heat sinks instead of the singles used by the 3S. The medium laser, endo steel chassis, and armor of the 3S remain the same. The biggest drawback to this design is apparently its lack of missile ammunition; it only carries a single ton of ammo in a CASE-protected bay. BV (2.0) = 509[49]
  • LCT-6M
    Built in 3071, the 6M variant used a massive Hermes 280 XL engine to propel it to an astounding speed of 226.8 km/h, and was capable of bursts of speed reaching 302.4 km/h through a MASC system. The 6M used a small cockpit to save weight with the side effect of making the 'Mech harder to pilot and utilized ferro-fibrous armor to get the most of the light armor the 'Mech carried. It was armed with two Magna Mk VI ER medium lasers, which were backed up by a single Magna Mk IV ER small laser. The 6M was produced by Corean Enterprises on Stewart.[56][57] BV (2.0) = 956[58]
  • LCT-7S
    Defiance Industries uses this model as a testbed for their Clan-spec XL engine and ER medium laser. The Furillo plant produces this model, which has a top speed of 180 km/h. An endo steel chassis is protected by four tons of ferro-fibrous armor, and 10 double heat sinks keep things cool. Like the original Locust this model carries a machine gun in each arm fed from a CASE protected half ton ammunition bay. Despite these features pilots should remember that the Locust is still a scout 'Mech. BV (2.0) = 706[59]
  • LCT-7V
    Built by Bergan Industries on Ares, this updated Locust uses a 200-rated light engine to improve survivability and reach a top speed of 150 km/h, protected by three and a half tons of heavy ferro-fibrous armor. The main firepower comes from a medium X-Pulse laser in the center torso, and each arm carries a MagShot Gauss rifle; the Gauss rifles are fed from a one ton ammo bin in the center torso. Endo steel is used to provide weight savings needed for this equipment. BV (2.0) = 585[60]
  • LCT-7V2
    Based on the LCT-7V, this model replaces the weapons completely. Each arm mount has an ER small laser while the center torso carries a light PPC, which turns the Locust into a light sniper that can reposition itself quickly. BV (2.0) = 634[61]

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

"Apocryphal" content notice: This section contains information from officially licensed BattleTech universe material which hasn't been confirmed as "canon" by the copyright owners.

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

From BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception:

  • "First Modification"
    As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the LCT-1V that exchanges the machine guns and their ammunition for a pair of medium lasers, one mounted in each arm.
  • "Second Modification"
    As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the LCT-1V First Modification that swaps the fusion engine out for a smaller, 140-rated one, and adds one small laser to each torso side.

From MechWarrior Online:

"Apocryphal" content ends here.

Design Quirks[edit]

The Locust has the following Design Quirks:[62][63]

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • Locust IIC - One of the 'Mechs carried on the Exodus with General Aleksandr Kerensky and the remnants of the SLDF, the Clans created their own upgraded IIC variant of the Locust using Clan technology. BV (1.0) = 975; BV (2.0) = 1,103
  • Koto - One of the most common 'Mech designs on Solaris VII, as with the Inner Sphere as a whole, the humble Locust was also a frequent basis for a number of refurbished custom designed 'Mechs, such as Omnitech Industries' Koto.

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Locust Pilots

Notes[edit]

  • The (original) Locust artwork from TRO:3025 is one of the Unseen 'Mech designs. The Locust was Reseen in 3067 using revised artwork.
  • Author Blaine Lee Pardoe stated in a blog entry that, according to his memory which he admitted could be wrong, the Locust was among the BattleMechs for which he wrote the original background as initially published in TRO:3025, after being given only its name, image, and game stats to work with for the TRO entry.
  • In German products, the unit's proper name was translated to Heuschreck. The model code was accordingly changed to HSC-1K.
  • In French products, the unit's proper name was translated as Sauterelle, which can mean both Locust and Grasshopper.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TRO3025p8
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TRO3039p281
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Technical Readout: 3050, p. 54
  4. ↑ Technical Readout: Project Phoenix, p. 4
  5. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named FM:3145p189
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TRSWp8f
  7. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 9
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named FSW-154
  9. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 5
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named CO121
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 5
  12. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 435
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 6
  14. ↑ Combat Operations, p. 122
  15. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 6
  16. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 436
  17. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 7
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Combat Operations, p. 130
  19. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 7
  20. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 437
  21. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 8
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Combat Operations, p. 132
  23. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 8
  24. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 438
  25. ↑ Battle of Tukayyid Supplemental, p. 72: "Locust C"
  26. ↑ Record Sheets: Operation Klondike, p. 19
  27. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 159
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named TRCIp86f
  29. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 10
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Combat Operations, p. 139
  31. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 10
  32. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 11
  33. ↑ 33.0 33.1 Combat Operations, p. 127
  34. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 11
  35. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 15
  36. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 12
  37. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades (Complete), p. 12
  38. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 16
  39. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 13
  40. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 13
  41. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 17
  42. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 440
  43. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 14
  44. ↑ Record Sheets: 3039 Unabridged, p. 440
  45. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 15
  46. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 15
  47. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 73
  48. ↑ Record Sheets: 3145 New Tech, New Upgrades, p. 74
  49. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 18
  50. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 16
  51. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 16
  52. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 17
  53. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 17
  54. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Project Phoenix, p. 13
  55. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 227
  56. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrades, p. 18
  57. ↑ Speed Demon - LCT-6M Locust Profile
  58. ↑ Record Sheets: Phoenix Upgrade (Complete), p. 18: The Record Sheet lists a BV of 955, but the later Master Unit List has it at 956
  59. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 5
  60. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 5
  61. ↑ Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 16, p. 21
  62. ↑ BattleMech Manual, Fourth Printing, p. 93: "BattleMech Quirk Table"
  63. ↑ BattleMech Manual Errata (Version 6.01), p. 9: "BattleMech Quirk Table"

Bibliography[edit]

Retrieved from "https://lostech.miraheze.org/wiki/Locust?oldid=16535"