Hornet Hopkins HNT-171

       A design that has long been out of favor, the Hornet was one of the first ‘Mechs to use recovered technology in the hope of improving its performance. The work was done at the high-security Kallon factory on the planet Talon in the Wernke system. The HNT-171 model shown has appeared in limited numbers in F-C units, mostly in the Sarna March. This is apparently a field test. Wolf’s Dragoons, which always deployed the Hornet in greater numbers than did House Davion, maybe be using a different model, but Our Blessed Order has been unable to confirm that.
       The Federated Commonwealth version is far more effective than the old HNT-151. It incorporates the lighter Endo Steel construction, combined with Ferro-Fibrous armor and Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment. The 171 model carries half a ton less armor than the 151 but has virtually the same amount of external protection and significantly more protection against an ammunition explosion.
       The MainFire Point Defense Anti-Missile System gives the Hornet better defense against enemy missiles at the cost of an effective small laser. It remains to be seen, however, whether the improved Hornet will prove more valuable on the battlefield.