New Terran Hegemony Heavy Mech Shown Off
The CPLT-C1 - A Catapult for the 26th Century
Hollis Incorporated, Corey, 2561:
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The Terran Hegemony got a new member today, but it isn’t a system, nor even a planet – the CPLT-C1 Catapult was shown to a select audience as Hollis Incorporated’s winning bid for the three year fire support ’Mech contract. Weighing in at 65 tons, this heavy ’Mech boasts a pair of Holly LRM-15’s, four Martell Medium Lasers, 10 tons of Duralex Heavy armour, Anderson Propulsion 21 Jumpjets for a maximum jump distance of 120 meters, and a Magna 260 engine allowing a speed of 64.8 km/h.
Tests began with a trio of Catapults firing upon a Lance of light ’Mech targets 500 meters away. Within a few quick salvos the light ’Mechs had been reduced to flames and twisted metal. A second test showed a single Catapult jump-jetting from hill to hill, showcasing its agility.
Skeptics, however, are unconvinced the purchase was a wise one. “Ja it’s got jump jets, but sixty-four kilometers is too slow for a ’Mech like this.†Said one visitor from Tharkad. “You always hear claims that ‘oh it’s not going to need to be faster, it’s a support ’Mech!’ Ja well when you’re in ze cockpit of one and it’s your neck on the line, suddenly zat low speed becomes a concern quite fast. However, ve have been shown these Catapults are capable of destroying a lance of Light, un-moving ’Mechs. I can certainly see why speed was not ze focus.†Ending with a chuckle he stated: “I guess it can still outrun ze hover tanks!†A nearby representative from Marik overheard this and supported the opinion: “Saying this thing can sit at the back and fire is all fine and good – until a lance of Commandos breaks through the front lines. What then? Become so much borscht that’s what. Stationary targets just shows how good they are on a parade ground, a gift for byrokrati. Give me a real ’Mech with a good mix of speed and firepower any day.â€
There was support for the new ’Mech, however, from Sianese visitors who stated: “It is foolish to build all ’Mechs for all situations. If you build something that is unspecialised, it will be mediocre at all things.†A delegate from Luthien gave similar praise: “With so focussed a tool, a man could do great things. There is an elegance to its usage. I foresee a bright future for this machine.â€
Time will tell who was right with their assertions, but for now it is clear that the purchase of this ’Mech by the Terran Hegemony has caused quite a stir among the dignitaries invited to view it.