Hercules HRC-LS-9000

         In commissioning the design of the Hercules, House Marik was seeking a ‘Mech offering a strong balance between mobility and firepower. The goal was to provide a wide range of weapons for a BattleMech that could serve a multitude of roles.

         The Hercules is intended to be a mobile firing platform. Mounting a new Magna 350 XL fusion engine, this heavy BattleMech moves at a standard speed of 54 kph, one of the few of this weight class to be able to move so fast.
         This ‘Mech’s defensive capabilities are equally impressive. Equipped with eleven tons of Aldis ferro-fibrous weave armor, the Hercules can weather even the most deadly volleys, whether from Clan OmniMechs or their Inner Sphere counterparts. With the Burow anti-missile system mounted in the center body, the Hercules can also defeat incoming missile attacks.
         Though its defensive capabilities are impressive, the ‘Mech’s firepower is equally impressive. Its primary weapon is the reliable Fusigon Model XI Extended Range PPC.
         Supporting the PPC is an Imperator Code Red LB 10-X autocannon. In addition to these two mainstays of firepower is a Streak SRM-2 and a medium pulse laser.
         The only modification to the original design is the addition of two rear-mounted Martell pulse lasers. Designed to fend off Elemental swarming attacks, these small lasers have proven to be a significant selling feature of the ‘Mechs.
         Despite its impressive array of defenses and weapons, the Hercules has been plagued by a number of minor problems. The electrical system seems to overload when hit by PPC fire. Despite the addition of several damper circuits, some MechWarriors still complain of the problem, but Kali Yama officials insist that the flaw has been corrected.

         The Outworlds Alliance has purchased two Hercules ‘Mechs for their arsenal. This is a unique move for a Periphery state, given the higher cost of the Hercules over the older-technology ‘Mechs that are usually sold to these governments. Some experts believe that the Alliance has purchased the Hercules purely for the purpose of dismantling them and analyzing their advanced technology.
         Perhaps the best testing ground for this ‘Mech so far has been its participation in the games on Solaris VII. Kali Yama Weapons Industries representatives have persuaded at least two stables or cooperatives to make use of the Hercules. In all matches where it competed, the Hercules fared quite well.