BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Tarantula ZPH-1X
Designer: Ruger
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere
Technology Rating: D
Tonnage: 25
Configuration: Quad BattleMech
Era/Year: Succession Wars / 3049
Rules (Current): Introductory
Rules (Era): Introductory
Rules (Year): Introductory
Total Cost: 1,956,250 C-Bills
Battle Value: 615
Chassis: Corean IX (Quad)
Power Plant: 150 Fusion
Walking Speed: 64.8 kph
Maximum Speed: 97.2 kph
Jump Jets: Rawlings 75
Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: StarSlab/2
Armament:
2 Magna Mark II Medium Lasers
1 SRM 2
Manufacturer: Corean Enterprises MacAdams-Suharno
Primary Factory: Stewart
Communications: Garret T10-B
Targeting & Tracking: Corean Calcmaster
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Overview:
The recent success of the GOL-3M Goliath has prompted Corean Enterprises to take another
look at four-legged 'Mech designs. In an effort to avoid the kind of problems shown by the
poorly regarded Scorpion, the designers decided on an entirely new purpose for the quad
chassis. Intended to serve as a light recon 'Mech, the Tarantula is the first four-legged
design to mount jump jets.
Capabilities:
Corean designers decided to take advantage of the stability and maneurerability provided by
a four-legged chassis to build an extemely agile recon 'Mech. The resulting design combined
the squat, four-legged look of the Scorpion with the sleek lines of the Mercury.
A primary concern was to improve the pilot's comfort, since quad 'Mechs are notorious
for giving MechWarriors a bumpy ride. Care was given to enlarging the cockpit and to
installing a special seat that helps negate the jarring bounces that occur whenever the
Tarantula crests a hill. The 'Mech's legs are equipped with sophisticated shock absorbers,
which not only smooth the ride, but help absorb the enormous impact of a 240-meter jump.
The Tarantula's armor protection is good for a 'Mech of its size, and also spread more
evenly around the front and back than is usual. In addition, the 'Mech's legs are heavily
armored and reinforced to prevent loss of the limbs during battle or landing.
The Tarantula's primary weapons are two Magna Mk II medium lasers, mounted in raised
pods on the upper surface and the left and right torso. The Tarantula also sports a Hovertec
Streak SRM-2 Pod in the center torso, directly below the cockpit.
All the test pilots have commented on the noticeably comfortable ride, improved
stability, and handling. In fact, once a pilot grows accustomed to the four-legged
differences, the Taratula is clearly superior to a bipedal 'Mech of similar specifications,
such as the Spider.
Naturally, there are many skeptics who doubt that a four-legged design can ever compete
with the more traditional 'Mechs. Old habits die hard, and it will be difficult for most
MechWarriors to drop preconceived notions based on the old Scorpion design. Those who can
will discover a startling new 'Mech of unsurpassed agility and a low profile particulary
well-suited to recon and surveillance.
Deployment:
Because of this 'Mech's unusual nature, many pilots simply will not accept an assignment to
it, preferring instead to enter the ranks of the Dispossessed. With this in mind, the
Tarantula is assigned on a purely voluntary basis. Unit commanders are offered the 'Mech,
and they consult with their men for volunteers. Corean's public relations department is busy
working out a promotional holovid for distribution to appropriate units, utilizing actual
battle footage and MechWarrior testimonials. It may take a long time, but Corean hopes to
eventually erase the Scorpion form the minds of pilots, and replace it with the Tarantula.
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Equipment Mass
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Internal Structure: Standard 2.50
Engine: 150 Fusion 5.50
Walking MP: 6
Running MP: 9
Jumping MP: 6
Heat Sinks (Single): 10 0.00
Gyro: Standard 2.00
Cockpit: Standard 3.00
Armor Factor: 80 5.00
Type: Standard
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 8
Center Torso: 8 10
Center Torso (rear): 6
R/L Torso: 6 8
R/L Torso (rear): 4
R/L Front Leg: 6 8
R/L Rear Leg: 6 8
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Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
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SRM 2 CT 1 1.00
SRM 2 (Ammo 50) CT 1 1.00
3 Jump Jets RT 3 1.50
Medium Laser RT 1 1.00
3 Jump Jets LT 3 1.50
Medium Laser LT 1 1.00
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Alpha Strike Statistics
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Point Value (PV): 20
TP: BM, SZ: 1, TMM: 2, MV: 12"j
Damage: (S) 2 / (M) 2 / (L) 0, OV: 0
Armor (A): 3, Structure (S): 2
Specials:
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