Panther PNT-10K

         Produced only by Alshain Weapons and its parent company, Gorton, Kingsley, and Thorpe Enterprises, the Panther has been the preeminent light ‘Mech for House Kurita throughout the Succession Wars.   With the New Oslo factory falling inside the Free Rasalhague Republic, the Panther also played an important part in the new KungsArme, especially the Husar regiments.  
         Ten years ago, the Panther was produced on two planets, New Oslo and Jarett, both of which have fallen to the Clans.   With the New Oslo plant disassembled and the Jarett one gutted before their loss to the Clans, the production of Panthers has dropped dramatically.
         Alshain Weapons already had plans to build another factory on Krenice, but the Clan invasion telescoped those plans.   Still out of production because of the loss of Jarett, Panthers incorporating recovered technology are expected to begin marching off the line at Krenice sometime within the next year.
         The availability of Star League technology has given Gorton, Kingsley, and Thorpe the chance to make a good thing better at its rebuilt factory on Satalice.   Though the Panther was already well-armed and -armored, GK&T is planning to improve both weapons systems and to beef up the ‘Mech’s defenses besides.   The use of Endo Steel internal structure saves enough weight to allow the other changes.
         The excellent Lord’s Light particle Beam Weapon is replaced by the second-generation, extended-range Lord’s Light 2.   Field trials have shown no problems with the new system.   The reliable Cat’s Eyes 5 targeting system has been merged with the Artemis IV fire-control system, greatly improving the accuracy of the Telos-4 Short-Range Missiles.   Though the Panther is well-armored for a light ‘Mech, an occasional lucky shot could detonate the missile reloads, making this model a perfect candidate for Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment.   Panthers with such equipment are just beginning to reach the most prestigious units.