Black Knight Crusader BLC-KNT

         Despite a problem with heat buildup, the Black Knight had served the Com Guards well for hundreds of years.   Modern-day weapons technology, however, eventually outstripped the Black Knight’s capabilities.   For the upgrade, ComStar techs replaced the Magna Hellstar PPC with an extended-range Magna Sunspot PPC that could target enemy units at extreme ranges, retained the twin McCorkel large lasers for medium-range fighting, and upgraded the medium lasers with pulse technology for close-quarters fighting.   To give the new Black Knight additional short-to-medium-range firepower, the techs sacrificed the original machine’s Beagle probe and small laser.
         In addition, recognizing the success of Federated Commonwealth ‘Mechs in using ax- and hatchet-wielding ‘Mechs against the Clans, the techs designed a long-bladed, sword-like hatchet for the Knight’s left hand.

         Despite its use of double heat sinks, the revamped Black Knight remains prone to overheating.   To avoid this hazard, MechWarriors are advised to use the Black Knight’s weapons only at the ranges for which they are designed.
         The Black Knight proved tremendously successful on the battlegrounds of Tukkayid, able to wear down the enemy at long range with its ER PPC and large lasers until it could close to administer the coup de grace with its pulse lasers and hatchet.   After the ComStar reformation, Word of Blake dissenters took several of these ‘Mechs into the Free Worlds League.