Battletech: The Mercer Class DropShip (The Mechwarrior Dropship Guide)
4Battletech: The Mercer Class DropShip (The Mechwarrior Dropship Guide)
The attack of Clan Steel Viper against the cursed Jade Falcons and their failed attempt to conquer their own foothold in the Inner Sphere is one of the often-forgotten details of history, even by the Clan itself.
Although Clan Steel Viper had failed at the Battle of Tukayyid, their losses had been much lighter than those suffered by the other participating Clans. As such Khan Zalman and saKhan Christopher Ahmed were able to quickly rebuild their forces and direct their warrior's anger at a new target: Clan Jade Falcon. Between the time of the loss at Tukayyid and the middle of 3055, Clan Steel Viper succeeded in conquering nine worlds held by the Jade Falcons.
Unfortunately this also overstretched the Clan, especially when the peoples of these worlds unexpectedly began resisting the Steel Vipers' rule, and civilian disturbances increasingly tied down Steel Viper military assets.
Things got worse after Clan Steel Viper started the Hegira War against Clan Jade Falcon in 3061. They were utterly crushed and lost all their possessions in the Inner Sphere.
To show that they were still a force to be reckoned with, the Vipers planned an assault on their longtime enemies, Clan Snow Raven.
Knowing the Ravens would challenge any landing attempts they made, the Vipers realized that they needed a heavily armed and well protected 'Mech transport. Their concern was simple: The massive naval forces of the Snow Ravens would rip through a standard fleet of Union-C DropShips, destroying 'Mech Trinaries before they even hit the ground.
With this in mind, the Mercer class was developed to carry a full Binary, while maximizing the armament and protection mounted on the hull. This way, the Mercer class combined elements of a Assault and a standard transport Dropship.
In the Viper's attack on Lum, Clan Snow Ravens Main World, the Mercer performed well, shocking the defenders and delivering its cargo of 'Mechs to the ground while still fighting off the Snow Raven forces. While ultimately unsuccessful, the battle was long and hard, disrupting production for more than a month.
The Snow Ravens were able to down at least two Mercer class DropShips in flight and destroy a third on the ground. It is unknown if any of these vessels were salvageable. But to lose only three Dropships against the “Naval Clan” is a substantial achievement in its self.
What is a DropShip? https://youtu.be/hg1VuIUK6uc
Battletech: The Mechwarrior Dropship Guide should provide basic information about Dropships and their role in the interstellar travel. If you are in a Successor State of the Great Houses, the Clan Occupation Zones or on Holy Terra. From the Inner Sphere to the Periphery and the Clan Home worlds, every Mechwarrior can use this information to learn about Battletech lore and Battletech history.
Drop-ships are the workhorse of interstellar travel.
All-important classes will be introduced and their features (aerodyne/ spheroid, Docking Collar, KFFC Boom, Mech Bay, fighter cubicle, …) explained. You will see, that in the BattleTech universe, BattleMechs are not the pinnacle of technology.
(This publication was approved by the Precentor Obeedah.)
Praise the Word of Blake!
Additional Sources:
Technical Readout 3026
Technical Readout 3057
Technical Readout 3067
Technical Readout 3075
Technical Readout 3085
Technical Readout 3145
DropShips and JumpShips: ComStar Intelligence Summary
#Drop-shipping #Dropship #battletech #battletechlore #battletechhistory #innersphere #mechwarrior #battletechgame #aerotech #matthewmercer #daggerheart
Music by Karl Casey @ White Bat Audio
Fair Use and Copyright Disclaimer:
The video contains copyrighted material and intellectual property from the Battletech universe and Mechwarrior. It is used under fair use for educational and informational purposes. Fair use is a legal doctrine allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission. The video's transformative nature provides commentary, analysis, and historical information. It aims to enhance understanding without infringing on copyright holders' rights. Full credit is given to the creators and authors involved. The video is non-commercial, and no ownership claims are made. If you believe your material has been used improperly, please contact us. The information presented is based on available knowledge and research, but may not be entirely accurate or current.