Robertson Technologies designed the Packrat Long-Range Patrol Vehicle as a mobile system that could travel with little or no support, cross through enemy lines, and create havoc with rear communications and supplies.   Although it was originally powered by fusion reactors to provide unlimited movement, internal combustion engines were later installed so that the fusion reactors could be used elsewhere.
         The Packrat is not heavily armed, nor does it have to be.   It carries troops into enemy areas, where they can sabotage or report on enemy positions and movements.   Much like the desert groups of Earth's Second World War, these men would operate alone, without support, and sometimes for months on end.

         The Packrat moves on a series of eight solid rubber tires, each with its own suspension system and support drives.   The PKR-T5 also supports a great deal of armor for a vehicle of it size.   Fifty-ton tanks support six tons of armor, but the Packrat, only a 20-ton vehicle, supports four tons of protection.
         The Packrat's systems are small, intended only to give the vehicle time to run from a confrontation.   The van supports a Harvester 20K SRM six-rack tied in with the efficient O/P targeting and tracking system. A flamer system is also mounted on the front of the vehicle for the infantry confrontations so common on long-range patrols.
         The interior of the Packrat is unlike that of any other vehicle produced before the fall of the Star League.   The supplies and repair equipment needed on a long patrol are stored efficiently, allowing plenty of room inside.   Also, a number of explosives and fuses are stored in the rear of the van.

The Packrat was not designed as a troop transport, but it can carry ten fully equipped personnel.   Fold-down cots can be installed inside the van to allow eight personnel to sleep.

The O/P communications system is the most powerful transmitter of its size.   It allows the Packrat to report troop movements and strengths to a receiving unit from a great distance.   The system can also jam any nearby transmissions if necessary.

The net result is a vehicle that can travel for a very long time without any support and can conduct reconnaissance in areas where a 'Mech might be too obvious or clumsy.

         During the endless battle for the planet Tannil in 2891, House Davion landed a large number of Packrats to help its defending units against attacks by Kurita raiders.   The Packrats dispersed into the Kurita-controlled area, and obtained the troop information that allowed the Federated Suns to launch the successful counterattack that drove the Kurita Guards off the planet, though just for a while.
         In 2944, House Steiner employed Packrats to prevent House Kurita from gaining control of the world of Carse.   The vehicles remained hidden during a temporary retreat of Steiner forces.   Then, after House Kurita secured the area, they wreaked havoc on the enemy.   Moving at night and far behind Kurita lines, they discovered the main ammunition dump for the attacking forces.   In a daring raid, they blew the dump to bits, limiting the amount of ammunition sent to Kurita's frontline MechWarriors.   The Packrats also conducted a series of raids on the enemy's communications center, cutting off troop movement commands that allowed Steiner forces to rally a full counter-offensive, routing the Kurita raiders.
         A House Liao invasion of the planet Lincoln [planet Lee, 3025 Revised Ed.] in 2990 was foiled by some carefully places Federated Suns Packrats.   Stationed over a wide area, these small vehicles shuttled several patrols into the rear of the striking Liao forces.   House Liao had landed a number of fighters on a field at Durban, where they were attacked by Davion infantry and Packrats.   The empty fighters did not have a chance.   In a matter of hours, the Liao forces were withdrawing under fire from Davion Aerospace Fighters.

         A large number of Packrat variants exist.   Most involve updated weapons systems, including small lasers and long-range missile systems.   Most variants are designed by the Federated Suns.

         Lieutenant Montgomery West
         Monty is one of many skilled and educated Packrat drivers for House Steiner's 421st Long-Range Patrol group.   He is also known for his practical jokes, some of which backfire on both him and his crew.   Though he is sometimes considered undisciplined, everyone respects him for his daring raid on a 'Mech repair facility on the Marik world of Oliver.

         Lieutenant Shormen Fielding
         Shormen is the commanding officer of the Draconis Combine Packrat named "Mickey Rat," after some long-forgotten cartoon character of the 20th century.   Assigned to the 2058th Deep Penetration group, the "Mickey Rat" is well-known for its activities on the planet Quinten.   There, Shormen led a small group of Packrats deep behind Davion lines and led two full 'Mech companies on a merry chase through the wilderness while the rest of the Kurita force hit the cities of Troy and Birmingham.   Many who know Shormen consider him to be crazy.