Tonnage: 55
Chassis: Endo Steel
Power Plant: Pyre 330 XL
Cruising Speed: 64.5
Maximum Speed: 97.2
Jump Jets: Hawk Wing
   Jump Capacity: 180 meters
Armor: Phoenix Ferroplate with CASE
Armament:
   1 ER PPC
   1 LRM 15
   3 Small Heavy Lasers
Manufacturer: Storm Phoenix Combine
   Primary Factory: Shadow
Communications System: Thunderbird Standard
Targeting and Tracking System: Firesight Special with Targeting Computer and Artemis V FCS

Overview:
       The Viscacha is an extremely new Storm Phoenix design, resulting from Tai-shu Neko Brush's orders to Combine scientists to make a medium BattleMech with the best possible manueverability and accuracy.  Using the most advanced components avaliable, including the Artemis V fire-support system (a special raid was performed solely to capture this technology, solely for use on this Mech) the Viscacha fills its intended role well.

Capabilities:
        Accuracy is the most important feature of the Viscacha.  The extended-range PPC mounted on the left shoulder is wired to a targeting computer, while the missile launcher housed in the right arm carries the Artemis V Fire-Control System, the most sophisticated guidance system avaliable short of using a Streak launcher.  Three small heavy lasers round out the Viscacha's armament, and while nothing is done to increase the accuracy of these weapons, their range is so short that designers considered this not to be a problem.
        The other important concern for the Viscacha was manueverability. Designers gave it a top speed of 97.2 kph, unspectacular for its weight, but its 180-meter jump capability makes up for this deficiency somewhat.
        While armor was supposed to be a secondary concern for the Viscacha, designers decided to remove two of the Mech's many double heat sinks to increase the armor protection.  As a result, the final design of the Viscacha carries 9 tons of armor, good for its size.  The loss of heat sinks is nothing too severe, as a pilot will rarely fire off all of the Viscacha's weapons while jumping, which is the only way to overheat the Mech.

Deployment:
       Only five Viscachas have been produced so far, four of which are scattered about the Combine's Firestorm Regiment.  The fifth is reportedly in the possession of an Inner Sphere commando lance, although that report is unconfirmed, and the sheer improbability that any unit of the Inner Sphere could acquire any Storm Phoenix mech makes it unlikely.

Other notes:
       Lacking knowledge of the correct names, the Clans refer to the Viscacha as the Prowler.  The placement of the Viscacha's PPC can make it appear to be a backwards version of the Clan Wolf in Exile Pack Hunter.
 

 Viscacha

Technology Base: - Clan - Level 3
Equipment                                                   Mass
Internal Structure: - EndoSteel                         3
Engine:                330 XL                              12.5
    Walking MP:         6
    Running MP:         9
    Jumping MP:         6
Heat Sinks:            16(32) - Double                 6
Gyro: - Extra-Light                                          2
Cockpit:                                                          3
Armor Factor:         173 - Ferro-Fibrous         9

                           Internal          Armor
                         Structure          Value
Head                         3                 9
Center Torso           18               26
Center Torso(rear)                       8
R/L Torso               13               18
R/L Torso(rear)                            5
R/L Arm                   9               18
R/L Leg                  13               24

Weapons and Ammo                     Location   Critical  Tonnage
Small Heavy Laser                                LA          1         0.5
Small Heavy Laser                                LA          1         0.5
ER PPC                                                LT          2            6
Targeting Computer                              LT           2            2
LRM 15                                               RA          2         3.5
LRM 15 Ammo - Artemis V (16)         RA          2            2
Small Heavy Laser                                RT          1         0.5