In 2581, Krupp Stellar Technologies Inc. was awarded a Star League contract to produce a medium-weight combat BattleMech. Though well known for their weapons and battle computers, Krupp had yet to produce a 'Mech for the Star League military. Their engineers outdid themselves in the effort to perfect their design, which they named the Lancelot. The new 'Mech came in slightly over its intended weight, putting it in the heavy classification.
         The Star League Quartermaster Command had laid down relatively simple criteria for the prototype. They asked for a speedy Mech that could operate with limited dependence on ammunition or support, and that had sufficient firepower to be a viable force in combat. When finally introduced into service, the Lancelot more than fulfilled these requirements. Advanced technology made it faster than any other heavy 'Mech of the time, while giving it the punch of an assault 'Mech. It was perfectly suited to its role as an ammunition-independent harasser, often picking at the enemy from long range and moving away when threatened. Luthien Armor Works obtained copies of the blueprints after the Second Succession War and has managed to keep the Mech in production, though with significantly reduced capabilities.
         The ravages of centuries of warfare have forced the Lancelot into a role for which it was never designed, with equipment that cannot keep it alive for long against anything but the lightest BattleMechs. While it still packs a considerable punch, it no longer possesses the speed or heat-dissipation capability to deliver its formidable firepower consistently and safely.

         The deadly Lord's Light PPC serves as the main weapon system for the LNC25-02 Lancelot. Concentrated PPC fire opens huge rents in the armor of most BattleMechs, enabling the Lancelots secondary weapon systems to do serious internal damage to the enemy. The armor on the right torso is thin, but still substantial enough for the particle projector cannon to take one or two hits before being destroyed.
         The twin arm-mounted Sunglow heavy lasers continue the job at closer ranges. Together, they can boil away fifty percent more armor from a target than the Lord's Light PPC. If a Lancelot's pilot is willing to risk shutdown from overheating, he can use all three weapons to create a withering hail of fire.
         The biggest problem with the design is that it can no longer move faster than 64 kph and it lacks the armor to withstand more than a few solid hits. Because it has neither significant armor protection nor sufficient speed to get out of serious trouble quickly, pilots have taken to calling the Lancelot "the Coffin."