Curtiss Hydro systems has long been a major company within the Free Worlds League, producing most of the water purification systems used within that realm. While recently discovered lostech has greatly benefited the producers of armaments, the public sector remains largely unaffected. The costs of manufacturing and maintaining advanced water purification equipment continues to rise, with no end in sight.
       In light of the current need for innovative and advanced military hardware, and Curtiss' need for more profits, the company created Curtiss Mititech, a new subdivision devoted entirely to BattleMech production and design. Their idea people quickly went to work to produce a revolutionary new 'Mech, one that would make military heads turn, using all-new materials and components. The result was a truly state-of-the-art 'Mech: the TR1 Wraith.

       The Wraith is designed for maximum speed and maneuverability; all other concerns were secondary. To achieve this end, a massive LTV 385 Extra-light engine was installed, giving the 'Mech a maximum running speed of more than 115 kph. Combined with a jump capacity of 210 meters, the Wraith had unprecedented mobility for a 55-ton 'Mech.
       The compact CurtissJets, designed and produced at the same facility as the 'Mech, are very efficient and lightweight because of their proximity to the engine.
       The Wraith's armaments are also advanced. It carries Tronel XIII large pulse laser in its right hand, and also mounts two Tronel XII medium pulse lasers. These weapons provide extremely accurate laser fire, sacrificing range for damage. The range limitation is not a problem because the Wraith clearly has enough speed to close with the enemy.
       The chassis has an endo steel internal structure, which is protected by nine tons of ferro-fibrous armor. To offset the tremendous heat generated by jumping and firing pulse lasers, the Wraith is equipped with ten double heat sinks. To avoid the occurrence of serious heat spike, Wraith pilots are cautioned to avoid jumping full distance and firing weapons at the same time.
       All these factors combine to create a highly advanced 'Mech, well-suited to deep recon missions. Its designers hope that its large size will allow it to compete favorably with Clan recon 'Mechs, which tend to sacrifice armor for speed and firepower. The Wraith is far more resilient than lighter recon units, and can deliver accurate laser fire.
       As with the CGR-1A1 Charger, the Wraith's detractors claim that the 'Mech's unique design will make battlefield repair nearly impossible. Curtiss counters such arguments with a liberal warranty, and already produces large amounts of replacement parts that automatically ship with each unit. Few can argue with the obvious technical sophistication of the Wraith. It is a promising new entry into the Free Worlds arsenal.

       A company of Wraiths is stationed on Paradise, although it is unknown whether they are there to guard the Curtiss factories, or are simply awaiting purchase. The balance of the first run has been shipped to various Free Worlds units along the Marik-Steiner border. Production continues despite the stockpile, suggesting that Curtiss is also expecting to sell to House Kurita in the near future.