Executioner (Gladiator) A

         “What weighs ninety-five tons, can run at more than 80 kilometers per hour, can jump 120 meters, and carries a Gauss rifle?”
         “I don’t know, but I’m getting out of here.”
         This bit of low “MechWarrior humor” may never make it to the network holo-coms, but it accurately reflects the Inner Sphere’s inability to deal with the Gladiator.   Though some Inner Sphere ‘Mechs are better armored and others carry more weapons, none can match the Gladiator with a skilled pilot in one-on-one combat.   This OmniMech’s exceptional maneuverability allows it to position itself better than other large ”Mechs, and its speed lets it swiftly pursue smaller ”Mechs.   Such a ‘Mech would be a treasure for the dueling warriors on Solaris.

         Most Clan MechWarriors who pilot a Gladiator choose the primary configuration because of the exceptional firepower of the Gauss rifle.   This weapon combines with the pair of large lasers to deliver harsh punishment to opposing ‘Mechs.
         For extended missions where low ammunition supplies might cause problems, the Clans normally outfit the Gladiator with three large pulse lasers in the left arm and four extended-range medium lasers in the right.   The Gladiator’s sixteen double heat sinks allow it to use this array of lasers and still keep its heat under control.
         Somewhat similar is performance to the standard version is Configuration B, which carries the huge Ultra-20 autocannon in the left arm and an extended-range particle projection cannon in the right.   An extended-range medium laser and anti-missile system round out this variant’s weaponry.
Configuration C, the fire-support version of the Gladiator, is a relatively uncommon.   Its most distinguishing feature is the enhanced targeting incorporated into its weapons system.   The LRM-20 rack has an Artemis IV fire-control system, and the Ultra-20 autocannon links directly to the sophisticated targeting computer.
         A highly unusual design for the Gladiator has also been spotted on Pinnacle.   Configuration D features two SRM-6 launchers affixed to its left arm.   The right arm is a triangular pod with a large pulse laser at the top, a row of three medium pulse lasers below it, and a row of five small pulse lasers at the bottom.   This configuration has no right had, of course, and also requires the removal of the lower right arm actuator.    

         The Gladiator sees common service only with Clan Ghost Bear.   The other Clans treat the design as a maverick, using it only for independent actions or in concert with other service branches, such as infantry.