StarDrive 1/1
John A. Theisen
Chassis: Widdot T-1
Power Plant: GM 40
Cruising Speed: 43 kph
Maximum Speed: 64 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Riese-150
Armament:
1 Sutel IX Medium Laser
2 ChisComp 32 Small Lasers
Manufacturer: Let-teu H. Widdot Manufacturing, A.G.
Communications System: Myomagic LK
Targeting and Tracking System: Shure-Shott CL-541/9
Record Sheets: JNR-7P Junior
During the 25th century, advances in metallurgy and myomer technology made the BattleMech a viable battlefield weapon. Research in the Federated Suns, based on information from Terra, led to the experimental JNR-7A Junior, among the first prototype 'Mech designs to be manufactured in quantity outside the Hegemony proper. After extensive trials, Lord Davion approved the design and the Junior entered service, culminating with the JNR-7P production model.
The Junior, initially designed and constructed by Let-teu H. Widdot Manufacturing, A.G., was one of the first ultralight �Mechs ever built. It original purpose, was to serve as a testing platform, mounting them, BattleMech weapons, then field-testing for range, calibration, heat emission, and recoil effect.
After a decade of rapid growth and large profits, Widdot Manufacturing sold out to Federated, relinquishing patent and design rights to the weapons manufacturer. Federated, in turn, made arrangements with Corean Enterprises, and the Junior remained in continuous production for another century.
The Junior has been in and out of production during the last five centuries. At this time, new units are once again being built at a single small 'Mech facility on Quentin, though raids by House Kurita have interfered noticeably with manufacturing schedules. Though combat-obsolescent in some respects (an assessment that applies equally well to all ultralights), the Junior remains a cheap, popular 'Mech among a handful of Davion third-line House units, backwater garrisons, and some mercenaries.
Capabilities:
One of the first, and slowest, ultralight 'Mechs ever produced, the JNR was soon outpaced by newer and faster designs. What it lacked in speed, however, it made up in firepower; the Junior remains one of the best-armed 'Mechs ever built in its class. The Sutel and ChisComp lasers have always been relatively trouble-free, and enables the 'Mechs to operate without munition shortages. The light but well distributed armor is well-known for staying securely attached to the 'Mechs skeleton, and the Myomagic communications system has worked without major flaws.
The Shure-Shott tracking computer, is one of the most compact and sophisticated computers of its type ever built. The CL-541/9 has built-in redundancy systems and a complete self-diagnostic subroutine. This enables the computer to check itself and see if any components are operating at less than peak efficiency. As a result, sensor malfunctions can be minimized to some degree, enabling the 'Mech to remain a potent weapon even after certain critical damage. Unfortunately, the Shure-Shott was only designed for BattleMechs with three or fewer weapons and it has not been modified successfully, eliminating its use on larger designs.
The GM power plant has also given good service, except for one strange, incomprehensible flaw: the fusion override circuit has a peculiar tendency to shut down the reactor whenever the 'Mech stays very long in deep water. The problem does not appear to be heat-related, but seems to have something to do with a superstructure conduction-grounding effect, related to the way in which the reactor is mounted into the frame.
The 'Mech's slow speed and absence of jump jets have been sources of some regret, but nothing can be done to improve its maneuverability without sacrificing firepower.
Battle History:
During one of the battles for New Avalon, a Davion MechWarrior named Matthew Chisholm spent an afternoon searching for � and finding � advancing Kurita units. Not a native of the world, Chisholm became disoriented in the unfamiliar terrain, and then was cut off from Davion lines. The same force of heavy tanks and medium BattleMechs he had spotted kept him from returning to base.
Unable to outrun the Kurita forces, Chisholm's Junior was quickly hit by two salvoes, then left for destroyed. Chisholm, on the edge of a small lake when attacked, stumbled in and submerged his Junior entirely as he lost consciousness. Unfortunately, damage taken in the attack affected structural integrity and the cockpit was very slowly taking on water through a single leaky seam. For the next hour as the dispersed Kurita column passed by, the damaged 'Mech remained motionless while the water trickled in.
After regaining consciousness and enduring an agonizing wait, the wounded Chisholm slowly moved his 'Mech out of the lake and looked around; no sign remained of the Kurita force. He immediately signalled the Davion command post, giving a full report. To his amazement (and theirs), the Kurita column had not been detected by other Davion units. The information, though slightly outdated, proved of value. Reserves were committed in the area of the Kurita column's intended destination, helping turn the tide against them during a bloody but inconclusive night assault.
Notable 'Mechs and Mech Warriors:
MechWarrior Matthew Chisholm
A distant cousin of the commander of Chisholm's Raiders (a Davion mercenary unit), Matthew piloted a Junior, which he named the Mercury and painted a non-metallic silver. A rather average looking fellow of medium height, Chisholm always seemed cheerful and concerned for others, even after being wounded himself.
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