Whitworth Crusader WTH-Battleproof

         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.
         The Star League’s death throes also brought about the destruction of many Whitworths, because most served in heavy combat zones. Survivors were quickly recruited into the forces of the noble houses that replaced the Star League. In the present Successor States era, Whitworths continue to serve their units well.

         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 against ‘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 ‘Mech’s 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 occasionally during strenuous maneuvers. House technicians sometimes replace the factory-issue legs with those of other ‘Mechs, an effective solution with bizarre-looking results.

         During the Age of War, the original, SRM-armed Whitworths were often drawn into close-range combat with larger ‘Mechs that invariably destroyed or badly damaged them. This led to the replacement of the SRM by the Longbow LRM to encourage fighting at less devastating ranges. The leg-actuator problem also existed during the same period, but no major design changes were made because of the ready availability of repair facilities.
         Today, Whitworths are found mostly in House Davion and House Kurita forces, where the ‘Mechs are well-respected and their pilots are invariably skilled veterans. Whitworths are most commonly used for reconnaissance in force or for raids on well-defended areas, and are usually deployed in association with Wolverines and Phoenix Hawks. They also serve alongside ‘Mechs such as Riflemans and Warhammers to provide fire support for heavy attack forces. City defense and garrison duty are other common assignments for the Whitworth.
         The two most prominent Whitworth pilots are rival MechWarriors on opposite sides of the Kurita-Davion conflict. Indeed, the battles between Gavro Kent of Davion’s Fifth Regiment, Syrtis Fusiliers, and Marco Halman, of Kurita’s Second Regiment, Dieron Regulars, have become as legendary as they are bitter.
         Facing each other across the frontier, units of the two Houses have clashed repeatedly on the oft-contested world of Bergman’s Planet. Recon forces of both sides have been used heavily there, constantly probing enemy defenses, and the Dieron Regulars and Syrtis Fusiliers were both assigned to a sector where a massive engagement took place.
         Providing missile fire for a long-range duel with Davion forces, Halman spotted his former friend’s jungle-camouflaged Whitworth on a nearby ridge. Disobeying orders, Halman advanced against Kent, leaving the rest of his lance strung out behind him. The two ‘Mechs approached one another through a field of missile fire followed by laser fire. Though the Kurita commander was angry at his scout ‘Mech for moving out of line, he realized that his own position was in danger of collapse unless he supported Halman’s advance. He therefore issued the order for his Warhammers and Riflemans to move out.
         Meanwhile, Halman and Kent were engaging in a furious melee, blasting away with lasers and pounding with fists. Just when it seemed as though Kent had gained the upper hand, having crippled one of Halman’s Whitworth’s arms and badly damaged the ‘Mech’s head, a supporting wave of Kurita ‘Mechs swept over the combatants. Kent was forced to retreat, leaving his hated rival alive.
         Though the Halman-Kent rivalry has drawn a great deal of attention, other Whitworth MechWarriors are as skilled and as noteworthy, if not as famous.