Highlander

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Highlander
Model	HGN-2R Mk. VI
Production information
Tech Base	2nd RSAB
Introduced	3009
Technical specifications
Mass	85 tons
Engine	340 XL Fusion
Top Speed	86.4 km/h
Jump Capability	150 m
Armament	1 x 200mm Gauss Rifle 2 x ER Large Lasers 1 x Snub-Nosed PPC 2 x Stiletto Missile Launchers
Heat Sinks	13 Double Heat Sinks
Armor	2nd RSAB Ferro-Fibrous with CASE II
Equipment	Counter Measures Anti-Missile System

Overview

The Highlander is one of the few Star League era designs to remain in use with the 2nd RSAB. Like the Osprey, the design has been updated to use the latest technologies. Initially designed to defend a hill or city, the Highlander was a rugged design that packed armour, mobility, and good firepower at all ranges. The current incarnation lives up to its namesake in spades and is designed to fulfill a similar role.

Design

While the outward appearance of the 'Mech closely resembles the original design, what lies beneath the maximally armoured ferro-fibrous skin is vastly superior. 2nd RSAB designers have reduced the weight by 5 tons but drastically increased the Highlander's mobility. Sporting a top speed of over 86 km/h and a jump capacity of 150 metres, the Mk. VI has the ability to outmanoeuvre most other heavy and assault 'Mechs. In addition, the added jumping mobility allows the 'Mech to deliver its traditional "Highlander Burial" with even more devastating effect.

The primary weapon system is still a Gauss Rifle, but in this case, a 200mm version that offers superior range and damage capabilities over the old M-7 model. Two ER Large Lasers compliment the the Gauss Rifle, combining good range and damage potential. Unlike the original design, the Mk. VI has a drastically reduced missile capacity, relying on two Stiletto missile launchers. In order to provide the 'Mech with a nasty in-close punch, a Snub-Nosed PPC rounds out the weapons load. Supporting the weapons system is a ballistic Anti-Missile system as well as a countermeasures suite.

4 tons of Gauss ammunition, 2 tons of AMS ammunition, and 2 tons of Stiletto missiles ensure that the new Highlander can stay in the fight for a prolonged period of time. 13 double heat sinks ensure that it is able to deal with any potential heat load.

Usage

The Highlander is equally effective at both city warfare and providing fire support to its lance mates in more open terrain. The improved mobility of the 'Mech allows it to hunt down Medium recon 'Mechs as well as act as a heavy raider behind enemy lines.

In Heavy and Assault lances the Highlander tends to act in a support role. When paired with lighter units, the Highlander will act as a shock unit, barging through the heart of the enemy lines to open up a hole for its lighter companions to rush through.

While not overly common within the 2nd RSAB forces, it is considered a privilege to pilot a Highlander given the 'Mech's long and glorious history.

Variants

In order to turn the 'Mech into a more specialized fighter in tight quarters, such as cities, the Mk. VI-A variant removes the Gauss Rifle and replaces it and the ammunition with a cluster of 3 Large Pulse Lasers and an additional 6 double heat sinks to handle the heat load. Approximately 40% of the Highlanders operating within the Reserves urban defense units are of this configuration. This design is far less effective at longer ranges and is thus not found in the 2nd RSAB's main line regiments.

An experimental model being tinkered with by the Experimental Combat Brigade, the Mk. VI-B, trades in the 200mm Gauss Rifle and its ammunition for a cluster of 4 80mm Gauss Rifles with 2 tons of ammunition. Meant to pepper targets at range, this model has significant targeting problems due to the interference caused by so many Gauss Rifles packed into one location. In addition, the drop off in range and penetrating ability is concerning. It is unlikely that this variant will be produced in any quantities until the targeting issues have been corrected.

Quirks

• Reinforced Legs