StarDate 3/1
Chassis: Earthwerks Trooper
Power Plant: GM 120
Cruising Speed: 64 kph
Maximum Speed: 97 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Livingston Ceramics
Armament, FLE-4:
1 Martell Large Laser
2 Martell Small Lasers
1 Olympian Flamer
Armament, FLE-15:
2 Martell Medium Lasers
2 Martell Small Lasers
1 Olympian Flamer
2 SperryBrowning Machine Guns
Manufacturer: Earthwerks Inc.
Communications System: Neil 2000
Targeting and Tracking System: Dalban Hi-Rez-B
The Flea was probably the most produced BattleMech of the fallen Star League. It is believed by many historians that it was actually the first battle-tested 'Mech.
When it was first designed, this model was designated TRP-l, Trooper. Conceived at a time when the tank was still king of the battlefield, the Trooper at only 20 tons was a formidable fighting machine. However, today it is considered a light 'Mech and the few that are left are mostly used as Police Security units in populated areas.
The Trooper was originally produced by the now defunct Toddlette Industries. At the beginning of the First Succession War, T.I. experienced excessive losses to its holdings and was forced into bankruptcy. It was then purchased by Earthwerks, Incorporated who discovered while trying to restructure the company that almost all records concerning the BattleMech production facilities had been destroyed. This has made it virtually impossible to gain accurate production numbers, specifications on variants and to whom they had been sold.
Capabilities:
Originally designed as a tank support vehicle, the Trooper became the first of the light scout and recon 'Mechs. As the years went by and jump capable 'Mechs were produced the Trooper was slowly removed from scouting missions and given over to rear area and garrison duties. Today it is found in most major urban population centers in use by local authorities as both a police unit and city defense 'Mech. In its role as a police unit it is quite effective during public disturbances for crowd control. As city defense units, their speed, maneuverability, firepower, and numbers employed make them a formidable opponent.
The Trooper, now known as the Flea, has a minor heat buildup problem. This problem generally slows them down during prolonged combat missions. It is because of this tendency to overheat while running and using its weapons that have made it a more than adequate 'Mech employing CityTech.
The major drawback to the Flea is the lack of a cockpit ejection system for the MechWarrior. The so-called pilot ejection system consists of a trap-door located in the bottom of the upper structure which, when activated, opens and drops the pilot-cage to the ground. To soften the impact a number of different cushioning devices have been used and none of them appear to be of a standard design. This system is not very useful when the 'Mech has been knocked down or has collapsed on its legs. In this event the pilot may crawl out of either the top or rear hatch.
Battle History:
The changing of the 'Mechs name from Trooper to Flea is attributed to a story about Star League General Henry Monohans and his assault on the city Indian Ridge, capital of Phalan. When his 'Mechs attacked the city they were met by a large number of Troopers which delayed his taking of the city for two weeks. After the battle, General Monohans was quoted as saying that the battle for Indian Ridge was like fighting off fleas in a doghouse. The name Flea was then given to these 'Mechs by other MechWarriors and soon became so widely used that Earthwerks changed its official designation.
The Flea has proven itself hundreds of time in battle. When used as a defensive unit in confining terrain such as cities, mountainous, and heavily wooded areas, the Flea will give a good account of itself. In these situations, the more inexpensive Flea can afford to be used more recklessly.
Variants:
This report shows both the FLE-4 (formerly TRP-1) and the FLE-15. Although the "4" is the older of the two, the "15" is now more common. There are reports of variants where weapons were sacrificed for jump jets, but it is believed that these are used by the Bandit Kings as no official data on them is available.
Notable 'Mechs and MechWarriors:
MechWarrior James Bonham
While defending the city of Lewisburg, Bonham displayed tenacity and cunning seen only in a handful of MechWarriors. On the eighth day of the battle Bonham's 'Mech, "The Lone Star Express," was engaged by several larger 'Mechs and forced to fight. He damaged all of them and escaped, unscathed, into the bowels of the city. The next day Bonham learned his was the only active defending 'Mech left. Through stealth and luck he managed to hold off the invaders for another six days, damaging a reported 14 'Mechs and scoring 4 kills. So tenacious and skilful was his defense that the invaders formally offered him extraordinarily generous terms: If he agreed to cease resistance, he could leave unharmed, unransomed, and could even bear away all the spare parts his 'Mech could hold. Bonham's family's holdings were on the planet, and he knew that it was a matter of accepting these terms or becoming dispossessed. He opted to go home and leave the fighting, and was later recruited to become Defense Minister of Grynchfyn. Colonel James Bonham was killed several years later in an unfortunate hunting accident, and his 'Mech has been enshrined in the city where he made his stand.
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