Tonnage: 60
Chassis: Endo Steel
Power Plant: Pyre 360 XL
Cruising Speed: 64.5
Maximum Speed: 97.2
Jump Jets: none
   Jump Capacity: none
Armor: Phoenix Ferroplate with CASE
Armament:
   1 ER PPC
   2 LRM 10s
   2 ER Medium Lasers
   2 SRM 4s
Manufacturer: Storm Phoenix Combine
   Primary Factory: Shadow
Communications System: Thunderbird Standard
Targeting and Tracking System: Firesight Backtrack

Overview:
       The Rear Guard is undoubtedly the most unusual BattleMech fielded by the Storm Phoenix Combine.  Specialized for raiding missions, the Rear Guard's job is exactly what the name implies: cover the back of the raiding party and discourage pursuit while it returns to the dropship.

Capabilities:
        The speed of the Rear Guard is excellent for such a large Mech, though it lacks jump capability.  But that is where the similarities to other Storm Phoenix mechs--or any other Mechs at all--end.  The madness begins with the armor.  While the Rear Guard carries all the armor the chassis can stand, most of it is allocated to the back of the Mech, leaving the front very lightly protected.  Likewise, the Mech is well-armed, carrying an extended-range PPC, two medium lasers, and various missile launchers.  However, all weapons but the lasers are mounted in the rear of the Mech. The Rear Guard's targeting system is highly specialized to make it easier for pilots to use these backwards weapons.
        The purpose of all this, of course, is that the raiding party the Rear Guard accompanies can safely turn their backs on an enemy while retreating.  Anybody who tries to follow will get a taste of the Rear Guard's firepower.  It performs its task well, however, this Mech is wholly unsuitable for doing anything but the job it was designed for.

Deployment:
       Only a handful of Rear Guards exist, all assigned to Firestorm Regiment.  They are rotated into raiding parties when needed.

Other notes:
       Lacking knowledge of the correct names, the Clans refer to the Rear Guard as the Backfire.  The reasoning behind this should be obvious. Coincidentally, the tentitive designation of the Rear Guard during production was the Backfire.
 

 Rear Guard

Technology Base: - Clan - Level 2
Equipment                                                Mass
Internal Structure: - EndoSteel                         3
Engine:                360 XL                           16.5
    Walking MP:         6
    Running MP:         9
    Jumping MP:         0
Heat Sinks:            15(30) - Double                5
Gyro:                                                              4
Cockpit:                                                          3
Armor Factor:      201 - Ferro-Fibrous       10.5

                     Internal          Armor
                    Structure          Value
Head                           3                9
Center Torso            20               10
Center Torso(rear)                      30
R/L Torso                 14                7
R/L Torso(rear)                           21
R/L Arm                   10               20
R/L Leg                    14               28

Weapons and Ammo                     Location   Critical  Tonnage
ER Medium Laser                               LA          1           1
ER PPC (R)                                        LT          2           6
LRM 10 (R)                                        LT          1         2.5
LRM 10 Ammo (12)                           LT          1           1
SRM 4 (R)                                          LT          1           1
ER Medium Laser                               RA         1            1
LRM 10 (R)                                       RT          1         2.5
LRM 10 Ammo (12)                          RT          1            1
SRM 4  (R)                                        RT          1            1
SRM 4 Ammo (25)                            RT          1            1