Wasp LAM: WSP-105 - Mandrake Matherson

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WSP-105 Wasp LAM

Status: FASA official

Mass: 30 tons

Chassis: Harvard 12K

Power Plant: GM 180

Cruising Speed: 64.8 km/h

Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h

Jump Jets: GM ATO 100 Jet Propulsion

Jump Capacity: 180 meters

Armor: Durallex Light

Armament:

1 Martell Medium Laser

1 Holly SRM Rack

Manufacturer(s):

Harvard Co., Inc.

Communications System: Rand 1200

Targeting & Tracking System: Rand LAMTar 100

AeroTech / TR3025

Overview:
After the intial success of the Stinger LAM, many other manufacturers jumped on the bandwagon, purchasing several different classes of 'Mechs upon which to construct conversion systems. Many firms developed conversion systems for the Wasps, but the conversion process hampered the accuracy of the Wasp's weapons systems, making them either inaccurate or inoperable. Finally, Dr. Katherine Piscalia joined the Harvard Company staff as lead engineer on the LAM program. Her design for a conversion system was a stunning success. Within two years, she managed to develop a Wasp LAM that passed field testing by the armed forces of the Star League.

Capabilities:
The Wasp LAM can convert faster than any other LAM, making it a highly coveted product. When the Succession Wars erupted, most of Harvard Company's plants were reduced to rubble. General Kerensky took with him a large number of Wasp LAMs when he vanished from the Inner Sphere. As others were stationed at remote garrisons within the Star League, almost every house in the Successor States also seized a few.

The only real difference between the Stinger and Wasp LAMs rests with the Wasp's weaponry system. Armed with a Martell 200 high-energy medium laser and one Holly SRM rack, the Wasp LAM is a threat to many light 'Mechs. Its armor placement is identical to that of the Stinger LAM, except that the Wasp LAM's emergency ejection system ejects the pilot backwards, through the back of the 'Mech's head, instead of upward. This system is rather unreliable, however, and a number of pilots have died using it. The attack and recon capabilities of this 'Mech are well documented, and it moves quickly in both fighter and 'Mech mode.

Deployment:
Wasp LAMs served in many battles during the First Succession War, which drastically reduced the availability of these 'Mechs. In 2891, the battle for Lablon along the Steiner/Kurita border brought attention to this 'Mech.

Spies from House Steiner discovered that Kurita forces were massing several LAMs to take control of Lablon. Because these 'Mechs were adept at outmaneuvering battle formations, House Steiner moved quickly against the LAM unit. in a series of desperate raids, Steiner forces succeeded in pinning down the LAMS, which delayed by several months Kurita plans to control Lablon.

Wanting to add to their LAM forces, House Liao paid well for information that House Davion had several Wasp LAMs in for repairs on the planet Lee. Hoping to capture these 'Mechs, House Liao mounted a deep raid to Lee in 2943. Tipped off by a Davion double agent, the Wasp LAMs were fully repaired and ready for battle when the Liao forces arrived. The Liao DropShips were totally surprised to meet the LAM welcoming committee, and fled home quickly.

Kurita replaced its fighter force on Capra with a contingent of Wasp LAMs from the Dieron Regulars. In 3017, Davion recon forces studied the world and detected no fighters on the landing fields. Thinking that the planet had no air defense, Davion DropShips descended with little fighter cover. Suddenly, their DropShips were confronted by no less than 15 LAMS, most of which were Wasp LAMs temporarily assigned to the Regulars. The Davion forces were held at bay for some time, and were eventually repelled. This was the largest unit made up solely of LAMs to be employed in combat.

Variants:
The only known variants of the Wasp LAM (WSP-105-LAM-) were the original prototypes built by Harvard Company. Many of these were scrapped long ago due to their conversion diufficulties. Despite the variant's problems, House Liao currently has a few different versions of the Wasp LAM.

Type: WSP-105 Wasp LAM

Technology Base: Inner Sphere Level 2 Custom

Tonnage: 30

BV : 481 Cost : 2238340

ACTUATORS: RA RH LA LH
HEAT SINKS: 2RT 2LT
ENDO STEEL:
FERRO FIBROUS:

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Wasp LAM: WSP-105 - Mandrake Matherson

Mandrake Matherson's Wasp LAM

Status: Fluff-text variant

Mass: 30 tons

Chassis: Harvard 12K

Power Plant: GM 180

Cruising Speed: 64.8 km/h

Maximum Speed: 97.2 km/h

Jump Jets: GM ATO 100 Jet Propulsion

Jump Capacity: 180 meters

Armor: Ferro-Fibrous

Armament:

Martell Medium Laser

Holly SRM Rack

Manufacturer(s):

Harvard Co., Inc.

Communications System: Rand 1200

Targeting & Tracking System: Rand LAMTar 100

Overview:

AeroTech / TR3025

"Lieutenant Mandrake Matherson:

Lieutenant Matherson was the leader of the Twelfth Air Lance of the Dieron Regulars on Capra. In several major skirmishes on that world, he proved himself to be a brilliant warrior by using his AirMech configuration to the fullest advantage. While he lacks certain aerospace skills, he was given command of the Twelfth Air Lance due to his performance on Capra. His Wasp LAM is in perfect condition, and was recently refitted with armor plating from a Star League bunker on Galtor. This new armor is stronger and more effective than any in the Successor States, and he considers it an honor to have it tested on his 'Mech."

[Editor's Notes: Obviously, they're talking about Ferro-Fibrous Armor, which makes this a simple variant.]

Type: Mandrake-Wasp LAM

Technology Base: Inner Sphere Level 2 Custom

Tonnage: 30

BV : 507 Cost : 2303340

ACTUATORS: RA RH LA LH
HEAT SINKS: 2RT 2LT
ENDO STEEL:
FERRO FIBROUS: RA3 LA3 LT4 RT4

Wasp LAM: WSP-105 - Mandrake Matherson

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