Rakshasa MDG-1B

       Since the Inner Sphere’s first look at an OmniMech on The Rock in 3049, ‘Mech designers have marveled at the design excellence of the so-called Mad Cat. Few could believe that the firepower of a Marauder and a Catapult could be combined on one chassis, and still move at a 33 percent higher speed. NAIS technicians and students have been laboring for more than five years to emulate the Mad Cat’s design profile. A recent breakthrough has produced a masterpiece of design, the Rakshasa, so named for the mythical creature than mimicked its adversaries’ appearance and skills.

       Whether because of, or in spite of, the tight security around the Rakshasa project, rumors abound that the “breakthrough” that led to the final design came from analysis of a captured Clan Mad Cat. No matter what the truth, the Rakshasa is an amazing product of years of development. Built on a heavily modified GM Marauder chassis, the ‘Mech uses endo steel technology to strengthen and lighten the skeleton.
       After long debate, the designers chose to focus on firepower rather than safety. They eliminated the plans for CASE to make room for Artemis IV fire-control processors. These sensors provide the two Federated 10-shot missile LRM packs with unmatched accuracy and tight shot grouping. It is hoped that this accuracy will make up for the smaller launchers, since Clan LRM racks are considerably lighter.
       The Rakshasa’s “bite” comes from two arm-mounted ExoStar ER large lasers, each of which is supplemented by a Martell medium laser for additional short-range fire-power. The muzzles of these weapons are recessed into the ‘Mech’s forearms, allowing the pilot to engage in hand-to- hand combat without damaging the laser’s optics and emitters. A single Martell medium pulse laser rounds out the Rakshasa’s armaments, making it a virtual double of its parent design.
       Field testing and simulation show that while the Rakshasa’s mission profile matches that of the Mad Cat, its weapon range and firepower are clearly inferior to the Clan design. Despite this shortcoming, the Rakshasa remains a formidable heavy ‘Mech, with superior accuracy, speed, and maneuverability.

       One of the few drawbacks of this otherwise excellent design is that the paired ER lasers generate excessive heat. The problem can be corrected by replacement with standard large lasers, a variation suggested as a relatively simple field upgrade.

       General Motors has just begun full production of the Rakshasa, expecting to send four out by the end of the year, and six each year thereafter. Initial shipments are designated to the Tenth Lyran Guards RCT at Ft. London. Because this unit is not only in an extremely important tactical location, but also commanded by Victor Steiner’ Davion himself, the Rakshasa should get quite a workout once it arrives.