compiled overview of the 20
ton Stinger 'Mech, from various
BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:
First designed after
Earthwerks won the bid against
General Mechanics Incorporated (the designers of the
WSP-1A Wasp), the
Stinger STG-3R was put into production along with the
Wasp because of the great need for light scouts and also because of the similarities in the design of the two
'Mechs.
In 2479, the first
Stingers came off the
assembly line. In the next four centuries, nearly 200,000 more units would be constructed. Estimates place the number of operational
Stingers currently used by the
Successor States at 5,000 or more. Indeed, the
'Mech is still being produced in a number of facilities both in and out of the
Inner Sphere.
The
Stinger was designed as a scout and
reconnaissance
'Mech, although it is also used as a training
'Mech in some
MechWarrior academies, replacing the
TRC-4B Chameleon. The
Stinger is lightly armored and mounts limited weapons. Its speed and maneuverability, however, make it a difficult target and a tough
'Mech to pin down.
The
Stinger mounts an Omicron 3000 medium
laser in its right arm, and two LFN Linblad
machine guns on the right and left forearm. Though the
Stinger's
armor is minimal, it is considered average for light
'Mechs. Its real defensive strength lies in its speed and maneuverability. With maximum speeds surpassing 90
kph and the powerful jump capability of its Chilton 360
jump jets, the
Stinger can get itself out of
most tight spots.
Overheating is never a problem with the
Stinger design. The coolant jackets of the Linblad
machine guns effectively block all heat emissions from those weapons, and the heat buildup from the Omicron 3000 medium
laser is minor. Even with its
jump jets firing continuously, the
Stinger can't develope heat problems
unless conditions outside the 'mech are extreme.
One of the biggest complaints of
Stinger pilots is the
cramped cockpit space.
Many times, a pilot must literally squeeze himself into the control seat, and then often can't get out again without help from his technician.
Here is a little Stinger related love story of sorts:
Elements of
Wolf's Dragoons raided the
Davion planet of
Doneval II in 3021. During the raid, a party of
cadets of the
Meistmore Mechwarrior Academy were training on
Stingers in a deserted area of the planet, where they were ambushed by a lance of the elite
Black Widow Company of
Wolf's Dragoons. Almost immediately, the cadet's instructor was put
out of action.
The cadets ran for cover, with only the
Wasp of the
Black Widow Company keeping up. It happened that the first cadet disabled was
a woman to whom each of the other four cadets was attracted. Though she
ejected successfully, the Black Widow
Wasp was quickly upon her.
As one, the other four cadets turned around to engage the Wasp, knocking it out before it could get to the girl. The cadets then picked her up, and ran into the wilderness before the heavy enemy
'Mechs could come into range.
It was said that the pilot of the Black Widow Wasp nearly died of shame to be taken by 'a bunch of kids'.
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