BattleMech Technical Readout
Name/Model: Super Locust (Ghost Locust) LCT-XX
Designer: Strider Arashi
Source(s): Custom Mordel.Net Units
Technology: Inner Sphere (Mixed)
Technology Rating: F
Tonnage: 25
Role: Scout
Configuration: Biped BattleMech
Era/Year: Dark Age / 3150
Rules (Current): Experimental (Extinct)
Rules (Era): Experimental
Rules (Year): Experimental (Extinct)
Total Cost: 7,907,292 C-Bills
Battle Value: 1,007
Chassis: Bergan VII Endo Steel
Power Plant: LTV 200 XL
Walking Speed: 86.4 kph
Maximum Speed: 129.6 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: StarSlab/1x Ferro-Fibrous
Armament:
1 Emerald Sunglow Enhanced Focus (Clan Tec ER Medium Laser (C)
4 Crystal Core Dawnlight (Clan Tech) ER Small Lasers (C)
Manufacturer: Achernar BattleMechs, Alliance Defenders Limited, Bergan Industries, Bordello Military Goods, Inc., Corean Enterprises, Defiance Industries, Diplass BattleMechs
Primary Factory: Achernar (ABM), New Avalon (ABM), Cahokia (ABM), Alpheratz (ADL), Terra (ADL), Ares (BI), Aldebaran Bergan Complex (BI), New Earth (BI), New Oslo (BI), Antwerp V (BMGI), Jersey City (BMGI), Augusta (CE), New Avalon (CE), Novaya Zemlya (CE), Stewart (CE), Furillo (DI), TH-R/D, Refit Complex, New Earth (DI), Texas Facility 3 (DI), Hesperus II (DI), Anywhere (DBM), Apollo (DBM), Timbuktu (DBM), Winter (DBM)
Communications: Garret T10-B with Nova CEWS
Targeting & Tracking: O/P 911 OT Mod 3
================================================================================================
Overview:
Description:
The Locust was one of the most common BattleMechs in existence, having been in continuous
production since the design was first introduced by Bergan Industries in 2499. One of the
smallest 'Mechs ever built, the Locust was designed exclusively for reconnaissance and quick
strike missions, using its then-phenomenal speed to outrun most enemies. In a situation
where it was unable to outrun its enemies, the 'Mech did have a light array of weapons with
which to defend itself, but the Locust lacked the firepower or staying power to be a true
front-line combatant and as a result few MechWarriors enjoyed piloting Locusts. Within its
weight-class though, the Locust was considered an excellent 'Mech, overshadowed as a scout
only by designs which mounted jump jets. Often when a Locust engaged in combat it was as a
holding action until reinforcements could arrive, although when operating in groups of three
they could swarm lone enemy 'Mechs that were separated from friendly support.[27][28]
Bergan Industries built Locusts from eight different factories and supplied the Star League
and its member states right through to the Amaris Civil War.[27] During the Succession Wars
the number of manufacturers increased and the design was being built in nearly a dozen
factories, including ones in the Periphery.[28] The wide variety of manufacturers meant
production costs for the 'Mech were low and parts were widely available, leading to everyone
from lowly pirates to corporate defense forces buying Locusts in large numbers. It also led
to many different variants of the Locust, including a failed Davion version mounting a PPC,
although those in the Periphery were largely limited to building the original LCT-1V
model.[27][28][33]
As the Succession Wars wound down those manufacturers within the Successor States began to
experiment with new and rediscovered technology to build updated versions of the Locust. The
Capellan Confederation in particular modified the Ares facility to build the LCT-1L variant
of the Locust with a version of the Triple Strength Myomer that wouldn't catch on fire.[28]
Other updated variants, including the LCT-3D, LCT-3M, and LCT-3S were introduced just in
time to take part in the Clan Invasion.[33] After the war the Word of Blake approached
Corean Enterprises about creating a new Locust variant for their militia, agreeing to buy
the entire first production run to assuage the company's misgivings. The various Periphery
powers, still largely reliant on the Locust, also began fielding updated variants of their
own, although none of the Great Houses were much interested in revitalizing the line.[34]
Even into the thirty-second century though the Locust continues to be produced and used out
in the Periphery.[18]
Manufacturers
The following manufacturers produced the Locust at some time. Models and planets are noted
where known. Vicore Industries was licensing its Locust variants to other companies by
3067.[35]
Bergan Industries has produced the Locust throughout its history, even licensing it to the
four Periphery powers before the Amaris Coup.[16]
Ares: The 1V was in production from its introduction through at least 3054,[4][8][28] by
then being produced in limited numbers for triple-strength myomer testing using its 1L
refit; production . The 1E was introduced in 2811, commissioned by the Capellan government
to reduce dependence on ammunition.[16] Production of the 1Vb was revived during the
Jihad.[10] The variant produced in 3080 was not specified.[9] Bergan introduced its 7V
during the ilClan era;[10] the 7V2 is presumably a refit or production variant of the Bergan
product.
New Earth: The 1Vb Royal SLDF model was produced from its introduction in 2610, ceasing
during the collapse of the Star League.[28]
Achernar BattleMechs' main facility was on New Avalon. The West Fabrication Facility on
Achernar was a longtime producer of IndustrialMechs before its capture by the Word of Blake,
who converted the plant to produce the Osprey; the plant was destroyed in June 3077.[36]
The WFF facility produced the 5W variant before its destruction.[3]
New Avalon facility was producing the 3D in 3050[4] and 3054.[1] They purchased the 5M
license from Corean, with production starting in 3067.[35]
Alliance Defenders Limited: Produced the 1V in 3025,[4] 3050,[28] and 3054.[5] The 3080
production model is not known.[7]
Bordello Military Goods, Inc. was producing an unspecified variant on Antwerp in 3080.[11]
Clan Ghost Bear salvaged the Locust line on Alshain after its conquest, producing the 1V by
3054.[37]
Corean Enterprises MacAdams-Suharno: Corean was producing 16 Locusts on Stewart annually in
3025.[38] Corean produced the 3M in its Stewart plant in 3050[4] and 3054.[17] The 5M was
part of the Project Phoenix revival, with the Word of Blake receiving the entire first
production run during the early Jihad.[35] The 6M was in production by 3071[12] and still
going in 3085.[3] The model produced in 3080 is unknown,[13] though the 5W2 was in
production by 3085.[3]
Defiance Industries: Defiance produced the 3S on Furillo in 3050[4] and 3054.[14] The 5S was
a Jihad-era design.[10] The version produced in 3080 is not specified.[15] Near the start of
the ilClan era, they introduced the 7S.[10]
Diplass BattleMechs produced the 1V on Timbuktu until the SLDF invasion of the Rim Worlds
Republic.[16]
Gibson Federated BattleMechs: FWDI produced 16 Locusts annually at its Gibson facility in
3025[38] and was producing the 3M model in 3050[4] and 3054.[17]
Interstellar Armaments on Rockwellawan was producing the 1V in 3145.[18]
Majesty Metals and Manufacturing: MMM produced the ubiquitous 1V in 3025,[28] 3050,[4] and
3054.[19] MMM was producing one or more variants on Canopus IV and Dunianshire in 3080.[20]
Pinard Protectorates Limited on MacLeod's Land still produced the 1V in 3050[4] and
3054.[21] In 3080, PPL was producing an unspecified variant.[22]
Protectorate Military Industries on Erod's Escape was producing an unspecified variant in
3145.[23]
Rim Motors on Otisberg was producing an unspecified variant in 3145.[24]
Taurus Territorial Industries on Taurus was producing the 1V in 3050[4] and 3054.[25] In
3080, TTI produced an unspecified variant.[26]
The site or even producer is not always known or specified in available documents.
The Marian Hegemony was fielding the 1V2 by 3067, though its source was unknown.[35]
The Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat were producing the 5V by 3067.[35]
The "Periphery-born" 5T was in use by the Capellans by 3085.[3] The use of a machine gun
array implies a Taurian origin.
Capabilities:
Weapons and Equipment:
The main weapon of the LCT-1V Locust was a single Martell medium laser mounted in a chin
turret. Backing this up were two Sperry Browning machine guns, which effectively deterred
infantry attacks against the Locust's vulnerable legs. These were mounted on either side of
the 'Mech and jointly fed by a 200-round magazine. Lacking hand actuators the Locust was
vulnerable to other 'Mechs when engaging in close combat.[6][27][28][39]
The primary asset of the Locust was its speed, using a 160-rated fusion engine to attain a
cruising speed of 86.4 km/h and top speed of 129.6 km/h. This speed is necessary for the
'Mech's survival, since four tons of armor means the Locust can be quickly crippled or
destroyed by direct hits. The standard engine-mounted 10 heat sinks are sufficient in most
cases, although those variants which mount more energy weapons can suffer.[6][27][28]
This particular variant has been bumped up to 25 tons, featuring 4 Clan tech gear and
weapons, and Null Signature System/Chameleon LPS and 15 Clan Tech double heatsinks. This
particular variant has 1 Emerald Sunglow Enhanced Focus (Clan Tech) Extended Range Medium
Laser, located in The Center Torso, and 4 Crystal Core Dawnlight (Clan Tech) Extended Range
Small Lasers, coupled with a Nova CEWS and a Clan Tech Recon Camera, making this mech run
full out guns blazing with full null sig/chameleon running and still staying cool running
all the while.
Design Quirks:
The Locust has the following Design Quirks:[90][91]
Compact ’Mech
Narrow/Low Profile
Cramped Cockpit
No/Minimal Arms
Weak Legs
Deployment:
Primarily used as a scout, this BattleMech can be a surprisingly effective ambusher as well
especially if this BattleMech manages to get behind enemy BattleMechs and manages to hit
them from behind.
Variants:
Variants:
LCT-1E
Developed by Bergan in response to Capellan requests for a Locust with greater punch and
lower munition consumption as the First Succession War shifted to lower level raiding, the
LCT-1E Locust was introduced in 2811. Among the least-produced variants, the "Energy" Locust
carried an entirely laser-based weapons assortment, with two Martell medium lasers and two
Magna small lasers mounted in the arms. This choice allowed Capellan MechWarriors to
overcome the 'Mech's limited firing arc by flipping its weaponry between forward and
rearward arcs at will.[6][27][28][16][40] BV (1.0) = 484;[30] BV (2.0) = 553[41][42]
LCT-1L
The LCT-1L Locust was an attempt to allow the 'Mech to operate at even higher speeds by
adding Triple Strength Myomer to the design. Introduced in 3030, the weapons are identical
to those on the LCT-1V, as it was a testbed for the technology by Bergan Industries' Ares
plant.[33][43] BV (1.0) = 364;[44] BV (2.0) = 474[45][46]
LCT-1M
The LCT-1M was a long-range version of the Locust built for the Federated Suns in 2571. This
variant carried two LRM-5 launchers in place of the machine guns and one ton of reloads, at
the cost of three tons of armor protection.[6][27][28][47] BV (1.0) = 382;[48] BV (2.0) =
424[49][50]
LCT-1S
The LCT-1S Locust built for the Lyran Commonwealth in 2567 also replaced the machine guns,
this time with two SRM-2 racks with one ton of reloads for a heavier close range punch. This
came at the cost of one ton of armor protection.[6][27][28][51] BV (1.0) = 376;[52] BV (2.0)
= 440[53][54]
LCT-1V (C)
A Clan-tech retrofit of the classic Locust and intended for second-line and solahma troops,
the Locust C replaced each of the arm-mounted machine guns with a Clan ER small laser, which
frees up the weight to replace the center medium laser with a Clan-grade medium pulse laser,
but leaves the structural components of the LCT-1V unaltered. BV (2.0) = 672[55]
LCT-1Vb
The Royal Locust introduced in 2610 mounts a small pulse laser and a medium pulse laser in
each arm, while keeping the torso-mounted medium laser. It also uses an XL engine, endo
steel chassis, and ferro-fibrous armor, and the single heat sinks have also been upgraded to
double heat sinks. BV (2.0) = 642[56][57]
LCT-1V2
The 1V2 Locust was a Periphery upgrade of the design introduced in 3066 for the Marian
Hegemony. While still carrying the center-mounted medium laser, it mounted four RL-10s in
place of the machine guns.[2][58] BV (1.0) = 500;[59] BV (2.0) = 568[60]
LCT-3D
The 3D Locust, introduced in 3049, used Star League technology to take the concept of the 1M
further. Although it carried only two Magna Longbow-5 LRM-5 launchers, the engineers at
Achernar BattleMechs on New Avalon upgraded the armor to ferro-fibrous and the structure to
endo steel. Completely lacking in close-range, weaponry this variant was suitable for
harassing the enemy at long range then fleeing before they could get too close.[33][61] BV
(1.0) = 377;[62] BV (2.0) = 436[63][64]
LCT-3M
The 3M Locust was built for the Free Worlds League in 3050, with production carried out at
both Corean Enterprises on Stewart and Free Worlds Defense Industries on Gibson. It retained
the Martell medium laser, but replaced the machine guns with four Magna small lasers and
added a Voelkers Parasol anti-missile system in the left arm for missile defense. The armor
was upgraded to Kallon FWL Special ferro-fibrous with CASE in the left torso to protect the
one ton of AMS ammo, and utilized a Corean-II Delux Endo Steel chassis. The electronics were
also updated to a Garrett T10 B communications system and a Corean CalcMaster
targeting-tracking system.[33][65] BV (1.0) = 464;[48] BV (2.0) = 522[66][67]
LCT-3S
The 3S Locust, constructed on Furillo by Defiance Industries in 3049, carried the 1S upgrade
further. This time, as with the 3M, the structure used endo steel and the armor was used
ferro-fibrous, but the SRM-2s were upgraded to Coventry T4H Streak SRM-2s while the medium
laser was kept.[33][68] BV (1.0) = 431;[52] BV (2.0) = 483[69][70]
LCT-3V
This Locust variant, introduced in 3004, was similar to the 1V except that it carried a set
of two medium lasers in the center torso, while retaining the arm-mounted machine guns. The
additional armament comes at the cost of half a ton of machine gun ammunition and half a ton
of armor protection.[71] BV (1.0) = 434;[30] BV (2.0) = 490[72][73]
LCT-5M
The 5M was a straightforward enhancement of the 3M model, keeping the construction and
electronics improvements while upgrading all of the lasers to extended-range models, giving
it one Magna Mk VI ER medium laser and four Magna Mk IV ER small lasers. In addition, the
use of a Hermes 240 XL engine allowed engineers to upgrade the 'Mech's top speed to 194
km/h. Designed by the Word of Blake, each of their Level III units had at least one 5M
Locust after its introduction in 3066.[2][74] BV (1.0) = 516;[62] BV (2.0) = 719[75] or
516[2]
LCT-5M2
This Dark Age version of the Locust has a top speed nearing 170 km/h. It carries an ER
medium laser in the center torso and a medium pulse laser in each arm. It's protected by
ferro-fibrous armor. BV (2.0) = 693[76]
LCT-5M3
This Locust variant was also introduced during the Dark Age. It uses a smaller engine, which
reduces the top speed to 140 km/h, but adds a half ton of armor and carries an ER medium
laser in each arm and an ER large laser in the center torso. BV (2.0) = 929[77]
LCT-5S
Developed from the LCT-3S, this configuration carries an MML-3 in each arm. The higher heat
load requires 10 double heat sinks instead of the singles used by the 3S. The medium laser,
endo steel chassis, and armor of the 3S remain the same. The biggest drawback to this design
is apparently its lack of missile ammunition; it only carries a single ton of ammo in a
CASE-protected bay. BV (2.0) = 509[78]
LCT-5T
This upgrade made the Locust into a devastating anti-infantry 'Mech. Built in 3070, it used
an XL engine and ferro-fibrous armor to make enough space for three light machine guns in
each arm, each trio linked to a Machine Gun Array. A half-ton of CASE-protected ammunition
was sufficient for sustained firing, while single heat sinks could handle even the load of
the ER medium laser that was of use against hardened targets.[79] BV (2.0) = 520[80]
LCT-5V
The 5V Locust is similar to the 3V Locust, carrying a pair of ER medium lasers, two RL-10s,
and was protected by ferro-fibrous armor; the original LTV 160 engine was used. Built in
3068, its relatively low-tech design made it attractive to Periphery powers, namely the
Magistracy of Canopus and Taurian Concordat.[2][81] BV (1.0) = 537;[59] BV (2.0) = 665[82]
LCT-5W
Developed by the Word of Blake in 3076 this Locust uses MASC to top out at speeds of over
180 km/h. It's equipped with a pair of ER medium lasers, TAG, and an improved C3 computer.
Light ferro-fibrous armor protects the endo steel structure. BV (2.0) = 695[83]
LCT-5W2
Developed from a Word of Blake design in 3079, this Locust has a top speed of over 150 km/h,
and used MASC to provide bursts of speed topping out at over 180 km/h. A pair of ER medium
lasers provides firepower while a C3 slave, Guardian ECM suite, and TAG system provide
electronic support. The chassis uses endo steel, an XL engine provides power, light
ferro-fibrous armor provides protection, and double heat sinks keep the heat from the
weapons under control. BV (2.0) = 787[84]
LCT-6M
Built in 3071, the 6M variant used a massive Hermes 280 XL engine to propel it to an
astounding speed of 226.8 km/h, and was capable of bursts of speed reaching 302.4 km/h
through a MASC system. The 6M used a small cockpit to save weight with the side effect of
making the 'Mech harder to pilot and utilized ferro-fibrous armor to get the most of the
light armor the 'Mech carried. It was armed with two Magna Mk VI ER medium lasers, which
were backed up by a single Magna Mk IV ER small laser. The 6M was produced by Corean
Enterprises on Stewart.[85][86] BV (2.0) = 956[87]
LCT-7S
Defiance Industries uses this model as a testbed for their Clan-spec XL engine and ER medium
laser. The Furillo plant produces this model, which has a top speed of 180 km/h. An endo
steel chassis is protected by four tons of ferro-fibrous armor, and 10 double heat sinks
keep things cool. Like the original Locust this model carries a machine gun in each arm fed
from a CASE protected half ton ammunition bay. Despite these features pilots should remember
that the Locust is still a scout 'Mech. BV (2.0) = 706[88]
LCT-7V
Built by Bergan Industries on Ares, this updated Locust uses a 200-rated light engine to
improve survivability and reach a top speed of 150 km/h, protected by three and a half tons
of heavy ferro-fibrous armor. The main firepower comes from a medium X-Pulse laser in the
center torso, and each arm carries a MagShot Gauss rifle; the Gauss rifles are fed from a
one ton ammo bin in the center torso. Endo steel is used to provide weight savings needed
for this equipment. BV (2.0) = 585[88]
LCT-7V2
Based on the LCT-7V, this model replaces the weapons completely. Each arm mount has an ER
small laser while the center torso carries a light PPC, which turns the Locust into a light
sniper that can reposition itself quickly. BV (2.0) = 634[89]
Apocryphal Content:
From BattleTech: The Crescent Hawks' Inception:
"First Modification"
As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the
LCT-1V that exchanges the machine guns and their ammunition for a pair of medium lasers, one
mounted in each arm.
"Second Modification"
As of 3028, the techs on Chara III used this designation for a field modification of the
LCT-1V First Modification that swaps the fusion engine out for a smaller, 140-rated one, and
adds one small laser to each torso side.
From MechWarrior Online:
LCT-PB Pirates' Bane
Themed as a variant piloted by Lori Kalmar, despite the fact it utilizes technology that was
not commonly available when she piloted a Locust, the MWO Hero 'Mech is built around an
190-rated XL engine on an endo steel frame, freeing up weight for twin small lasers in each
side torso supported by a pair of center-torso mounted machine guns. Additionally fitted
with a Guardian ECM suite, two tons of machine gun ammunition and 10 double heat sinks
support it in combat.[1]
Related BattleMechs:
Locust IIC - One of the 'Mechs carried on the Exodus with General Aleksandr Kerensky and the
remnants of the SLDF, the Clans created their own upgraded IIC variant of the Locust using
Clan technology. BV (1.0) = 975; BV (2.0) = 1,103
Koto - One of the most common 'Mech designs on Solaris VII, as with the Inner Sphere as a
whole, the humble Locust was also a frequent basis for a number of refurbished custom
designed 'Mechs, such as Omnitech Industries' Koto.
Notable MechWarriors:
Tariq al-Nahib
Wilkie Baskerville
Irena Borjon
Vladimir Bruiskov
Deb Carson
Deb Carson
Michael Ferman
Timothy Gardner
Bill Hasser
Savannah Johnson
Peter Knopf
Mirko Ko'onen
Janina Lukic
Russel Madison
Martha Maveries
George McPhearson
Mavis Morgan
Ceallach Munro
Bernice Paulson
Anselm Remaldi
Anthony Ryan
Buster Sakhoff
Takumi
Matt Vanek
Rozell Williams
Ashlyn Winters
Kim Yaro
Shin Yoshida
================================================================================================
Equipment Mass
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Internal Structure: Endo Steel (C) 1.50
Engine: 200 XL (C) 4.50
Walking MP: 8
Running MP: 12
Jumping MP: 0
Heat Sinks (Double): 15 [30] (C) 5.00
Gyro: Compact 3.00
Cockpit: Small (C) 2.00
Armor Factor: 76 4.00
Type: Ferro-Fibrous (C)
Internal Armor
Structure Value
Head: 3 9
Center Torso: 8 9
Center Torso (rear): 2
R/L Torso: 6 9
R/L Torso (rear): 2
R/L Arm: 4 8
R/L Leg: 6 9
================================================================================================
Weapons and Ammo Location Critical Tonnage
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Nova CEWS (C) H 1 1.50
Recon Camera (C) H 1 0.50
ER Medium Laser (C) CT 1 1.00
2 ER Small Lasers (C) RT 2 1.00
2 ER Small Lasers (C) LT 2 1.00
Chameleon LPS * 6 0.00
Null-Signature System ** 7 0.00
* Chameleon LPS occupies 1 critical slot in each location except the Head and Center Torso
** Null-Signature System occupies 1 critical slot in each location except the Head
================================================================================================
Alpha Strike Statistics
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Value (PV): 39
TP: BM, SZ: 1, TMM: 3, MV: 16"
Damage: (S) 3 / (M) 3 / (L) 0, OV: 0
Armor (A): 3, Structure (S): 1
Specials: ECM, ENE, MHQ1, NOVA, PRB, RCN, STL
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