Osprey
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| Osprey | |
| Model | OSP-2R Mk. V |
| Production information | |
| Tech Base | 2nd RSAB |
| Introduced | 3002 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass | 55 tons |
| Engine | 330 XL Fusion |
| Top Speed | 118.8 km/h |
| Jump Capability | 210 m |
| Armament | 1 x 150mm Gauss Rifle 3 x ER Medium Lasers 2 x Stiletto Missile Launchers |
| Heat Sinks | 10 Double Heat Sinks |
| Armor | 2nd RSAB Ferro-Fibrous with CASE II |
| Equipment | 1 x Countermeasures |
Overview
The Osprey Battlemech is one of the few Star League era designs that is still in use by the 2nd RSAB. While the original model was intended as an urban fighter[1], 2nd RSAB engineers have updated the design to perform primarily fire-support and heavy reconnaissance roles.
Design
Like the original OSP-15 model, the OSP-2R Mk. V model carries a gauss rifle as its primary armament, replacing the original Star League M-7 model with a 2nd RSAB 150mm version and two tons of ammunition. The original three Martel medium lasers have been replaced with 2nd RSAB standard ER Medium Lasers. The 'Mech also mounts a ballistic anti-missile system and a countermeasures suite. Finally, in place of the Holly LRM-10 rack, the 'Mech mounts two Stiletto missile launchers with a total of nine rounds available.
Designers have taken full advantage of advanced materials to upgrade the Osprey's top speed to almost 120km/h with a jump capacity of 210m. The mech carries the maximum amount of armour and is able to disperse heat with 10 double heat sinks.
Usage
The Osprey is intended to be used to provide highly-mobile support to its lance mates, remaining at a distance and pinning down units with its heavy gauss rifle and missile system. The Osprey is unusual amongst 2nd RSAB designs in that it relies on a preponderance of ammunition-based weaponry. While it is able to ensure that any shot fired will almost always hit a target, the meagre array of lasers does limit the 'Mech once its ammunition stores have been depleted. Because of its use in a fire-support role, it tends to carry more armour-piercing rounds and fewer anti-infantry and cluster rounds, as a percentage of its overall gauss ammunition, than other units.
In heavy lances, the Osprey acts as a mobile heavy recon unit. With light lances, the Osprey acts as a heavy fire unit, coordinating attacks with more mobile elements of its lance. Finally, the Osprey can act as a front-line combat unit within a medium lance.
The Osprey is a common sight within the 2nd RSAB's line regiments and divisions, but is more rare in reserves regiments, especially those units geared towards urban defense or assault as the close quarters tend to limit the effectiveness of the stiletto missiles and to a lesser degree, the gauss rifle.
Variants
An experimental model developed by the Experimental Combat Brigade replaces the 150mm gauss rifle with a Large Pulse Laser and an 80mm gauss rifle (with 1 ton of ammunition) and 3 double heat sinks. While reducing the Osprey's long-range capabilities, this design is intended to be used as a highly mobile city fighter. In this role, the 'Mech will tend to carry more anti-infantry and cluster ammunition. Only two prototypes currently exist but to date their performance has been encouraging leading to speculation that a limited production run may be ordered.
Quirks
- Easy to maintain
- Improved Targeting - Long Range
- Minimal Arms
