Wolfhound

|
Wolfhound
Model	WLF-2R Mk. I
Production information
Tech Base	2nd RSAB
Introduced	3041
Technical specifications
Mass	35 Tons tons
Engine	315 XL Fusion
Top Speed	162 km/h
Jump Capability	0 m
Armament	1 x ER Large Laser 2 x ER Medium Laser 1 x Medium Pulse Laser 1 x ER Small Laser
Heat Sinks	10 Double Heat Sinks
Armor	2nd RSAB Ferro-Fibrous
Equipment	1 x Laser AMS

Overview

The Wolfhound is the first 2nd RSAB battlemech based on an post-Star League Inner Sphere model.

Designed as part of a competition for a new light command mech, the small design team consisted of two former members of the Crimson Lancers who had recently returned from the Inner Sphere. Inspired by the performance of the Federated Commonwealth's Wolfhound battlemech, and with 2nd RSAB intelligence having acquired the design plans for it, a detailed analysis showed it to be a fundamentally sound design that could be used as a good starting point for the team's design.

Despite the initial misgivings of many involved, the Wolfhound performed superbly and was selected to be put into full production.

Design

The design team swapped out the original Wolfhound's internal structure, engine, armour, cockpit for state of the art 2nd RSAB components. This allowed the designers to maximize the mech's armour while upgrading it's top speed to over 160 km/h. While not jump-capable, the design's speed and weapons load compensated adequately. As with the original design, the mech is entirely ammunition independent. The weapons layout is very similar to the original design, with an ER Large Laser in the right arm and an ER Medium Laser in each torso. A Medium Pulse Laser in the centre torso with an ER Small Laser in the head rounds out the offensive capabilities.

A laser anti-missile system upgrades the defensive capability considerably but can lead to significant heat buildup should the mech be subjected to multiple simultaneous bombardments.

The mech is equipped with 10 double heat sinks which can handle the anticipated heat load, assuming the anti-missile system is not in constant use.

As a command mech, the designers included upgraded communications systems which have been reinforced against EM interference.

Usage

While the initial reaction of most pilots to an Inner Sphere-inspired mech was negative, the involvement of Crimson Lancer members, who are highly regarded within the 2nd RSAB, convinced most pilots and commanders to approach the design with an open mind.

Intended to be used to command a light lance or company, the mech is expected to utilize its speed and long range weaponry to support more mobile mechs while coordinating the battle with its superior communication equipment. The mech can also provide defensive cover to its lance mates against missile attacks as most light mechs do not tend to mount anti-missile systems.

As a standalone unit, the mech is intended to act as a harasser or a deep raider behind enemy lines. The lack of dependency on ammunition allows the unit to be more aggressive when making hit-and-run attacks. Despite carrying the maximum armour possible, the mech is not able to go toe-to-toe with much heavier designs. Its mobility is its best defense against a better-armed opponent.

Variants

Despite being a relatively new design, there have been several variants developed and that are in active use.

The Mk. I-A replaces all of the weaponry with an 80mm Gauss Rifle in the right arm with 1 ton of ammunition, a countermeasures suite, a Snub-Nosed PPC in the left torso, an ER medium Laser in the centre torso, and 2 AP Gauss Rifles in the right torso with one ton of ammunition. This multi-purpose design is found primarily within the militia and home guard units and is unpopular with front-line and reserves units due to the heavy dependence on ammunition.

The Mk. I-C model replaces the large laser with an ER PPC, swaps the anti-missile system for a countermeasures suite, switches the centre torso laser to an ER Medium laser, and replaces the left torso laser with a Stiletto launcher with 2 tons of ammunition. The upgraded firepower turns the design into a light mech hunter that is also capable of harassing medium recon units.

Finally, the Mk. I-D variant moves to an all-Pulse Laser armament for city fighting while keeping the Laser Anti-Missile System. A Large Pulse Laser in the right arm is coupled with a Medium Pulse Laser in each torso and a Small Pulse Laser in the centre torso.

Quirks

• Easy to Maintain
• Command Battlemech