Faced with possible retribution at the hands of 
angered Crusader factions following the annihilation of the 
Smoke Jaguars, the Nova Cat Khans looked for ways to 
bolster their PCG ranks.  The Crockett IIC, an upgraded 
reworking of the venerable Star League design, is the 
result of this initiative.
	Following the invention of the omnimech, many 
older, Star League  battlemechs were placed in Brian 
Caches and mothballed.  Many Crocketts found their way 
to Nova Cat forces after the second Exodus and were so 
preserved.  Now, in the current era, the Nova Cats have 
need of any forces, regardless of how antiquated.  Thus, 
this premier heavy trainer for the SLDF is being bought out 
of caches and upgraded, as well as being newly 
manufactured.

[Editors note: This design was just beginning refurbishment 
and production when the Nova Cats were exiled from the 
Clans.  As a result, the fate of maufacturing plans, 
patterns, plants and finished units is unknown.  It is very 
possible that other Clans now posses the capability to 
produce this 'mech.]

CAPABILITIES

	Weaponry on the Crockett consists largely of 
current Clan tech replacing older Star League arms.  Long 
range systems carry most of the punch: Two extended 
range large lasers and a gauss rifle, replacing an 
autocannon, provide a good chance of penetrating the 
armor of even heavy 'Mechs.  The supporting weapons 
have also been enhanced.  Two accurate pulse lasers 
replace the older design's small lasers for anti-infantry 
work, and the SRM-6 packs have been refitted with 
streak technology for improved range and damage.
	This large arsenal, combined with jumping, 
generated huge amounts of heat.  To combat this 
dangerous build up, Clan engineers installed ten additional 
double strength radiators that can dissipate the combined 
heat build up of both weapons and jumpjets.  This gives 
the Crockett great endurance and a high fire rate where 
other assault 'Mechs are limited.
	Standard models are equipped with an ECM 
system designed to improve protection in urban combat 
scenaries.  Given that most future Nova Cat operations 
are likely to be of a defensive nature in high-density 
garrisions, the equipment was deemed worthwhile.
	Less maneuverable than most Clan assault 
class 'Mechs, the upgraded Crockett's jumpjets,
uncommon on Clan 'Mechs, provide terrain handling rarely 
seen on such large machines.  Given the long ranges of 
the weapons carried, however, even the slow speed is 
less of a limitation.
	Another unusual feature for a Clan 'Mech is the 
lack of advanced composite armor or structure.  This is 
due to the fact that the older Crockett chassis proved 
incompatible with the new frame material.  The bulkiness 
of the material forced designers to use less material around 
joints, leading excessive formation of microcracks around 
structural defects.
	The fault went undetected in early prototypes,  
leading to the catastrophic failure of a test model.  The 
pilot of the machine was killed when a knee compression 
spar spontaneously collapsed, unbalancing and toppling 
the 'mech, crushing the head compartment under it.  The 
problem proved unsolvable and so the standard material 
was retained.
	To speed production, the Crockett uses the 
same armor as the Nova Cat's new heavy omni and 
namesake.  This compatability allows for quicker retooling 
of production lines and easier logistics.  This reuse of 
materials has also been applied to the communication 
system and targeting/tracking computers.
	With many post-invasion warriors in-experienced 
in combat, the Crockett's simple controls is a great boon to 
sibko trainers, allowing for an earlier start to in-cockpit 
training.  This results in freshly blooded warriors reaching 
the lines sooner.

DEPLOYMENT

	The new Crocketts were first tested under fire in 
a major raid by Clan Wolf forces.  Although both sides 
sustained heavy losses, the design proved successful.  
The high firepower, mobility and defensive 
counter-measures resulted in the 'Mechs taking the lowest 
proportion of  casualties of either force.  This staying 
power won the day, forcing the Wolves to pull out.
	Refitted and new production Crockett IICs have 
already reached troops at important Nova Cat garrisons, 
and were welcomed with open arms by anxious PCG 
commanders.  Plans are underway for shipping newly 
constructed units to outfits throughout the occupation 
zone.  Due to the time involved in transport from the home 
worlds, analysts expect the Irece Alpha facility, also 
producing Nova Cats, to be extended for Crockett 
production.
	Given the positive review of both commanders 
and pilots, reassignment of future production runs is likely 
to be allocated to front-line Nova Cat clusters.

VARIANTS

	As the design is still new, it is unlikely that any 
variants will be constructed.  Semi-modular mounting 
brackets and computer ports in the head, however, do 
allow for easy replacement of the ECM system with a 
choice of other electronic systems, such as active probes, 
Tag, advanced Angel ECM or the less common 
Watchdog system.
	The lack of high-power energy supplies in the 
slot and the close proximity of sensitive computer systems 
prohibit the mounting of a weapon in the location.