Viper (Dragonfly) Prime

         Earning its name from its erratic and swift movement, and also from its relative lack of firepower compared to other Clan ‘Mechs, the Dragonfly is no less a nuisance to the Inner Sphere than its more powerful brethren.   It has solid armor protection, double heat sinks, and excellent speed and jumping ability.   With any of its weapon arrangements, the Dragonfly can cause trouble for an enemy and then leave the field to fight another day.

         In its standard configuration, the Dragonfly appears to try to accomplish too much with too little capacity.   Mounting short-range missiles and medium pulse lasers as its main weapons, this version of the Dragonfly lacks the range advantage of most Clan ‘Mechs.   Though its speed and maneuverability can get the Dragonfly into close range quickly, its armor and armament are insufficient to fight pitched battles with other medium ‘Mechs.
         Alternate Configuration A makes the Dragonfly better equipped to slug it out at close range.   The Artemis IV fire control system increases the effectiveness of the ‘Mech’s enlarged short-range missile rack.   The suite of five medium lasers also enhances the Dragonfly’s firepower, and the double heat sinks dissipate their heat quickly.
         Alternate Configuration B is rare, and its surprise value helps compensate for its inherent weaknesses.   Its clout is concentrated in the extended-range particle projection cannon mounted on the left arm, with just enough pod space left for two small pulse lasers.   This weapons mix, like that of Alternate Configuration A, puts the Dragonfly’s double heat sinks to the test.
         Used exclusively in urban actions, Configuration C of the Dragonfly boasts a host of anti-personnel weapons.     The paired machine guns in the left torso are linked to the triple mount in the right torso, firing simultaneously or independently and sharing the same ammunition supplies.   The three flamers can root out whatever hidden enemies the Dragonfly’s Beagle active probe turns up.   Two extended-range medium lasers in the left arm round out the weapons array.
         Another general-purpose configuration apparently preferred by some Clan MechWarriors is the D variant.   It offers excellent striking power and efficient ammunition use with a Streak SRM-6 in its left arm and a pair of medium lasers in its right arm.   The small long-range missile launcher in the right torso allows the ‘Mech to announce its presence, and the small laser in the left torso provides extra firepower at close range.  

         The Dragonfly is in common use only among the Ghost Bears.   That Clan’s preference for this comparatively weak design may be partly responsible for their relative lack of success compared to the other Clans.   As a specialty ‘Mech, however, the Dragonfly has its uses;   the Ghost Bears’ only mistake is overusing a ‘Mech that is better suited for specialized roles and missions.