Crusader C CRD-5MC

         The Crusader is a popular design common throughout the Inner Sphere in many variants.   The availability of Star League technology has increased the proliferation of this ‘Mech, and also the diversity of its configuration.   Of the four factories producing Crusaders, three produce virtually the same model. This was the official Free Worlds League version, produced in Kallon Industries on Ascuncion and Bernardo, as well as the Brigadier plant on Oliver, which was captured by the Lyran Commonwealth in the Fourth Succession War and now produces the “Marik version” for the Federated Commonwealth.
         This model uses an XL engine and 13 double heat sinks, greatly improving sustained performance.   Free Worlds League designers equipped the CRD-5M with jump jets for mobility and Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment for greater safety.   A Lindblad Shotgun Anti-Missile system replaces one of the two machine guns, and a pair of Hovertec Streak SRM-2 Pods replace the old SRM-6s, trading firepower for ammo efficiency.
         TharHes Industries on Tharkad produces a similar version for the Federated Commonwealth. Strategists believe the existence of two versions of the Crusader fighting side by side will confuse the enemy.   The TharHes version, the CRD-5S, lacks the jump capability of the Marik version and carries three less double heat sinks, which is still plenty.   It keeps the firepower of the dual SRM-6 launchers and the second medium laser, giving up both machine guns and the anti-missile system.
         Field modification kits have turned up in Davion and Liao space that are almost identical.   Each adds three heat sinks and drops the SRM-6 launchers for Streak technology, double Federated SuperStreak Dual-SRM Launchers in one case and double Hovertec Streak SRM-2 Pods in the Capellan Confederation.   Each drops the medium lasers and both machine guns in favor of double medium pulse lasers, Magna 400P for Liao and Sutel Precision Line for Davion.
         A less extensive field modification has appeared in the Draconis Combine.   This mounts two Magna 400P Medium Pulse Lasers instead of the medium lasers and double machine guns.