Since the Inner Sphere's first look at an omni-mech on The Rock in 3049, designers have marvelled at the design excellence of the so-called Mad-Cat. Few could believe that the firepower of a Marauder and a Catapult could be combined in one chassis, and still move at a 33 percent higher speed. NAIS technicians and students have been laboring for more than five years to emulate the Mad Cat's design profile. A recent breakthrough has produced a masterpiece of design, the Rakshasa so named for the mythical creature that mimicked its adversaries' appearance and skills.
Whether because of, or in spite of, the tight security around the Rakshasa project, rumors abound that the "breakthrough" that led to the final design came from the analysis of a captured clan Mad Cat.
No matter what the truth, the Rakshasa is an amazing product of years of development. Built on a heavily modified General Motors Marauder chassis, the Rakshasa uses endo-steel technology to strengthen and lighten the skeleton.
After long debate, the designers chose to focus on firepower rather than safety. They eliminated plans for Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment to make room for Artemis IV fire-control processors. These sensors provide the two Federated LRM-10 racks with unmatched accuracy and tight shot grouping. It is hoped that this improved accuracy will make up for smaller launchers, since Clan LRM racks are considerably lighter.
The Rakshasa's "bite" comes from two arm-mounted ExoStar ER large lasers, each of which is supplemented by a Martell medium laser for additional short-range firepower. The muzzles of these two weapons are recessed into the 'Mech's forearms, allowing the pilot to engage in hand-to-hand combat without damaging the laser's optics and emmiters. A single Martell medium pulse laser rounds out the Rakshasa's armaments, making it a virtual double of its parent design.
Field testing and simulation show that while the Rakshasa's mission profile matches that of the Mad Cat, its weapon range and firepower are clearly inferior to the clan design. Despite this shortcoming, the Rakshasa remains formidable, with superior accuracy, speed, and maneuverability.
Whether because of, or in spite of, the tight security around the Rakshasa project, rumors abound that the "breakthrough" that led to the final design came from the analysis of a captured clan Mad Cat.
No matter what the truth, the Rakshasa is an amazing product of years of development. Built on a heavily modified General Motors Marauder chassis, the Rakshasa uses endo-steel technology to strengthen and lighten the skeleton.
After long debate, the designers chose to focus on firepower rather than safety. They eliminated plans for Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment to make room for Artemis IV fire-control processors. These sensors provide the two Federated LRM-10 racks with unmatched accuracy and tight shot grouping. It is hoped that this improved accuracy will make up for smaller launchers, since Clan LRM racks are considerably lighter.
The Rakshasa's "bite" comes from two arm-mounted ExoStar ER large lasers, each of which is supplemented by a Martell medium laser for additional short-range firepower. The muzzles of these two weapons are recessed into the 'Mech's forearms, allowing the pilot to engage in hand-to-hand combat without damaging the laser's optics and emmiters. A single Martell medium pulse laser rounds out the Rakshasa's armaments, making it a virtual double of its parent design.
Field testing and simulation show that while the Rakshasa's mission profile matches that of the Mad Cat, its weapon range and firepower are clearly inferior to the clan design. Despite this shortcoming, the Rakshasa remains formidable, with superior accuracy, speed, and maneuverability.
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my fingers