Thug
| BattleMech Readout | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Thug | |
| Production Information | |
| Manufacturers | Maltex Corporation[1] |
| Year | 2572[2] |
| Base Model | THG-10E |
| Class | Assault[2] |
| Roles | Sniper |
| Cost | 7,760,641 C-Bills[3] |
| Battle Value | 1,203 [3] |
| Tech Level | Level 1: Intro[3] |
| Component Information | |
| Mass | 80 Tons[2] |
| Chassis | Earthwerks VOL |
| Power Plant | Pitban 320[2] |
| Jump Jets | None |
| Armor | Durallex Heavy Special[2] |
| Comms | Colmax-025[2] |
| TTS | Instatrac Mark XV[2] |
| Armament | 2 Donal PPCs |
| Technical Information | |
| Walk Speed | 43.2 kph[2] |
| Run Speed | 64.8 kph[2] |
| Sprint Speed | 86.4 kph |
| Jump Distance | N/A |
| Movement | 4/6/0 |
| Armor Points | 232 Standard[2] |
| Heat Sinks | 19 Single[2] |
| Load Weight | 19 Tons[2] |
| Characteristics | N/A |
Maltex launched the Thug in 2572, intending it as a replacement for the WarHammer. It was built to maintain the heavy weapons load of its predecessor, while strengthening its armor significantly.
With the destruction of Maltex Corporation's primary plant, Earthwerks continued production under license, maintaining the model through the Succession Wars, only marginally reducing its capabilities in the process.[2]
The loss of technology cost the Thug in terms of overall safety, but allowed it to maintain most of its impressive level of armor.[2]
Armament and Capabilities
Perhaps its strongest feature, the Thug maintains an impressive 19 Single Heat Sinks along with its paired Donal PPCs, allowing it to maintain fire almost constantly with its primary weapons.
This is supplemented by two Holly SRM 4-Racks, giving it a punishing arsenal after closing with any foe that survives the initial PPC barrage.
This was intended to allow the Thug to act as a ranged support unit until it needs to advance. Fourteen and a half tons of heavy armor permit it to engage in protracted close range combat. Specialized dilating covers prevent damage to the missile systems prior to their opening, and the weapons themselves serve as an excellent tool for finding breaches in the enemy's armor.
The original THG-11E featured more compact Tiegart PPCs, that while more rare, took up only 90% of the space the Donals required. This was combined with the more powerful TharHes Ares-5 targeting system for incredible performance. These parts proved to be its biggest downfall, and replacements often had to be drawn from WarHammer stockpiles.
Eventually, Earthwerks was forced to adopt components from the Thug's rival, and weapons made for the venerable WarHammer would find their way into newly manufactured units.[1][2]
Models and Configurations
THG-11E The original modernized Thug featured numerous advances lost to time. Tiegart Particle Cannons and Bical SRM-6 Launchers provided it with a powerful offensive array. An Endo-Steel chassis saved weight for the 15.5 tons of armor, while 18 Double Heat Sinks kept it cool. CASE ensured lucky hits would be unlikely to destroy the 'Mech, granting it superior protection.[1]
Gallery
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| THG-10E TRO 3025 (Revised) |
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| THG-11E TRO 2750 |
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Notes
TRO 3050 states that the Thug THG-11E carries Ferro-Fibrous Armor, a feature not reflected in its stat line and contradicting all other sources. It is my determination that this may have reflected an original intent from Maltex Industries' sales department prior to them settling on Endo-Steel.