Big Mac Returns to Confederation

Mira, Valexa PDZ, Capellan March, Federated Suns

Reports from Mira and Mesartim are that McCarron's Armored Cavalry have left both worlds. Other unconfirmed sightings place the mercenary regiments in the Algol system of the Capellan Confederation. It seems that McCarron's two-year oddyssey in the Federated Suns has come to an end, much to the relief of the AFFS top brass. Damage from the MAC's raiding may exceed the 13 Billion C-bills that the Davion government has estimated.

WTH-1 Whitworth

Overview:

The Whitworth was first built in 2610 as a scout 'Mech intended to fill the gap between the light Wasp and the medium Phoenix Hawk. Whitworth's development program soon produced a well-armed, versatile vehicle. Although slower than other scout 'Mechs, the Whitworth made up for it with the protection given by its excellent Durallex Light armor.

The Whitworth was initially armed with Harpoon-6 SRM launchers. Star League defense planners replaced these with Longbow-10 LRMs on most models in an effort to discourage MechWarriors from engaging the Whitworth in close-range combat. Known to critics and admirers alike as the "Tin Woodsman", the Whitworth served throughout the Age of War and then in Star League scout units thereafter.

Star League's death throes also brought the destruction of many Whitworths, serving as they did in heavy combat zones. Survivors were quickly recruited into the forces of the noble houses that replaced the Star League, however. In the present Succesor States era, Whitworths continue to serve their units well.

Capabilities:

Though the Whitworth is somewhat handicapped at closer ranges, its longbow missile launchers give it excellent long-range capabilities. Its mass enables it to stand up in combat with 'Mechs of 20 to 40 tons, and its armor allows the 'Mech to take considerable punishment.

The Whitworth lacks speed, however, and must often be supported by lighter, faster 'Mechs to carry out its mission. On the other hand, the Whitworth's jump jet design is a good one, requiring little maintenance and expanding the 'Mechs mobility considerably. Pilots may complain at times about the Whitworth's sluggishness, but its armor often makes up for the deficiency.

The Whitworth's legs are unusually slender, creating vulnerable points in the leg actuators and causing its legs to tear loose occassionally during strenuous maneuvers. The Houses sometimes replace the legs with those of other 'Mechs, a bizarre-looking, but effective solution.

Variants:

Besides the old SRM-6 armed Whitworths, which are extremely rare, no significant variations on the basic design exist. Any other modifications have been made by individual MechWarriors or by small-unit commanders.

From Inner Sphere Military Vehicles, 3024.

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Altair, Al Na'ir Prefecture, Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine

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