compiled overview of the 25
ton Dart 'Mech, from various
BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:
After the
Commando and the
Valkyrie were designated as the standard light
BattleMechs for the
Federated Commonwealth, several battle reports have suggested that the high amounts of ammunition aboard these
'Mechs limits their effectiveness in tight combat situations.
Coventry Metal Works, in an obvious
PR move, suggested a new design to the
Federated Commonwealth military for their consideration. Much to Coventry's suprise, the
Office of Procurement accepted the design and ordered immediate construction.
The
Dart is a fast
'Mech equipped with three
Magna 200P Small Pulse Lasers as its weaponry. In the fast-strike mentality that pervades the upper
echelon of the
Federated Commonwealth military, this design will be used primarily in raids on
Clan supply depots and in actions to cut off frontline
Clan 'Mechs from their supply lines. When more of the
Dart 'Mechs become available, they will also serve in
scouting missions.
The three pulse lasers were chosen because of their accuracy in short-range situations. The
Dart's 3.5 tons of armor provides ample protection from small
Clan 'Mechs and
Elementals. The
'Mech also has a remarkable
speed of 151 kph, making it faster than any known
Commando variant in existence.
Before the
Clan invasion, standard practice for field-testing was to assign new designs to units
garrisoned along the
periphery to guard against
pirate attacks. Since the tentative peace won on
Tukayyid, most new
'Mechs are now being tested on border worlds against the enemy for which they are intended.
Breaking with this new policy, the
Federated Commonwealth has decided to test some of their newer designs in what remains of the
periphery to maintain secrecy until their designs are perfected. The
Dart has been assigned to several light and medium
Federated Commonwealth 'Mech units, with encouraging results reported.
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