Panther
| BattleMech Readout | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Panther | |
| Production Information | |
| Manufacturers | Alshain Weapons[1] |
| Year | 2739[1] |
| Base Model | PNT-9R[1] |
| Class | Light[1] |
| Roles | Sniper |
| Cost | 2,485,711 C-Bills[3] |
| Battle Value | 664[3] |
| Tech Level | Level 1: Intro[3] |
| Component Information | |
| Mass | 35 Tons[1] |
| Chassis | Alahain 56-Carrier[1] |
| Power Plant | Hermes 140[1] |
| Jump Jets | Lexington Lifters[1] |
| Armor | Maxmillian 42[1] |
| Comms | Sipher CommCon CSU-4[1] |
| TTS | Cat's Eyes 5[1] |
| Armament | 1 Lord's Light Particle Beam Weapon PPC |
| Technical Information | |
| Walk Speed | 43.2 kph[1] |
| Run Speed | 64.8 kph[1] |
| Sprint Speed | 86.4 kph |
| Jump Distance | 120 Meters[1] |
| Movement | 4/6/4[1] |
| Armor Points | 104 Standard[1] |
| Heat Sinks | 13 Single[1] |
| Load Weight | 12 Tons[1] |
| Characteristics | N/A |
The Panther was originally intended to act as a fire support 'Mech for the Star League units in the waning years, it would find its footing in service to the Draconis Combine. Alshain Weapons was commissioned to construct it as a Periphery bandit hunter, where it struggled due to the less formidable Large Laser the original variant carried.
It was regarded favorably due to its hardiness in the face of difficult conditions. Rather than discard the design, it was refitted with a PPC, which would serve as its primary weapon from then on.[1]
The Succession Wars cost it the more advanced electronics of the original, leaving it with low tech computer systems. Despite this, it remains in wide service with the DCMS.[1]
Alshain Weapons' parent company, Gorton, Kingsley, and Thorpe Enterprises had been expanding operations from Alshain's Krenice factory to Satalice and Jarett to feed the Combine's need for more Panthers. When all three worlds fell to the Clans during the Invasion, Panther production took a massive hit, leaving it without a production line.
Armament and Capabilities
The Panther's role as a fire support unit for faster 'Mechs has always been the primary focus of the design, one it has carried out efficiently for over 300 years. In that time, it has also been adapted to the more conventional soldier role, and many Combine companies are comprised mostly or entirely of Panthers.
The Lord's Light PPC is an unusual weapon for such a light 'Mech, giving it excellent firepower. The model is noted for being light and flexible enough to serve as an arm mounted weapon, though this frequently causes issues with its cooling system. When in hand to hand combat, the coolant tubes that connect the PPC to the rest of the 'Mech are prone to pinching, cutting off coolant and shutting down the weapon. The designers tried to counter this flaw by adding three Heat Sinks to the arm, but the problem persists.
To back it up, the Panther also sports a Telos Four-Shot SRM system nestled in the unit's chest, where it is well protected. Twenty-five volleys provide the system with more than enough ammunition for most engagements.
Mobile and well-suited to infighting, the Panther gained a reputation for handling city engagements, and is often referred to as "the alley cat" by Lyran Commonwealth MechWarriors.[1]
Models and Configurations
PNT-8Z
The original design of Panther, the 8Z sported a Large Laser, an additional ton of armor, an extra Heat Sink, and a superior electronics suite. Most of these have since been modified to be equivalent of the prevalent 9R, but a few examples of the original remain.[1]
PNT-10K
The Star League technology upgrade of the Panther, the 10k dramatically improved the equipment of the original. The PPC was upgraded to the ER PPC The Lord's Light 2, while the missile system was supplemented with the Artemis IV FCS for better accuracy, and CASE for better protection. To facilitate the new equipment, Endo-Steel Structure was introduced.[2]
Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors
Ted "Red Beard" Henry
A Captain in Kurita's 2nd Legion of Vega, he and his Panthers fought from prepared positions against House Davion's 42nd Avalon Hussars. His delaying action successfully disrupted the attack, allowing for the 2nd to successfully withdraw from the engagement.[1]
Melinda Carlyle
A member of Hansen's Roughriders, Carlyle pilots a dull green Panther with bright yellow stripes, known as Tooth-Puller. She has used it to great effect terrorizing enemies, particularly her favored target, other Panther pilots. By the age of 47, she had numerous Panther kills under her belt.[1]
Richard Ahrmram
Commander of the 3rd Proserpina Hussars, Colonel Ahrmram has chosen to maintain family tradition over taking a heavier 'Mech. He piloted the blue and gold Panther, the Lord Yama, which had been his father's machine. He was known to move with the flow of battle, monitoring progress and occasionally engaging foes, where his marksmanship turned the tide of more than one battle.[1]
Gallery
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| PNT-9R TRO 3025 (Original) |
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| PNT-10K TRO 3050 |
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| PNT-9R SWM Manual |
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| PNT-9R SWM Abridged Manual |
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Notes
The Alahain 56-Carrier chassis was almost certainly a typo. Our researchers believed the incorrect spelling came from Alshain Weapons' Chief of Design, Yuto Imura. Due to Combine social class structure, no one beneath him was willing to question the mistake, and it has since become a permanent fixture of Panther' lore.