Compiled overview of the 90 ton
Viking 'Mech, from various
BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:
The
Viking is the second
'Mech co-produced by
ComStar and the
Free Rasalhague Republic, following quickly on the heels of the
Beowulf. When ComStar officials requested a new fire-support
BattleMech that could take over for the aging
Bombardier, Grumium was happy to oblige.
ComStar chose to upgrade the
Grumium Creations factory, taking a small company that provided various parts and systems and turning it into a production
powerhouse.
Grumium Creations used connections in the
Draconis Combine to obtain permits to purchase
large numbers of Shigunga LRM-20 and LRM-15 missile launchers, and built the chassis and internal workings of the
Viking around them. The
'Mech carries two each of these heavy weapons. Designers gave each launcher plenty of ammunition, and equipped the launchers with the
Artemis IV fire-control system to improve their accuracy. Backup weaponry consists of two small lasers and
four SperryBrowning Machine Guns; a somewhat paltry short-range assortment,
but very disheartening for infantry.
The
Viking lacks an
XL engine because its manufacturer could not afford them, so its speed is poor compared to the
Bombardier it replaces. However,
Grumium Creations' designers hope that the
Viking's heavy armor and dual
CASE systems will make it
attractive to pilots all the same.
As with the
Beowulf, half the
Vikings produced go to the
Com Guards, the other half to the Rasalhague
Kungsarme.
Vikings have so far appeared only in the Third
Hussars of the
Kungsarme and the 403rd Division of the
Com Guards.
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