Mad Dog (Vulture) Prime

         With its hunched shoulders and protruding head looking so much like a vulture that it earned its nickname in two places at the same time, this ‘Mech has one of the most distinctive looks of any. Tagged the Vulture by the Free Rasalhague Republic at the same time the Draconis Combine was labeling it the Hagetaga, which means the same thing, this ‘Mech’s bird legs enhance the comparison. This appearance is so striking that it must have been intentional. The huge twin missile racks on its shoulders give the ‘Mech its hunched look, but the overall appearance is changed little when most other weapons pods are installed.

         In its primary configuration, the Vulture serves mostly as a fire-support ‘Mech. Many Inner Sphere MechWarriors have commented on the sense of foreboding they felt at seeing a Vulture perched on a ridge, firing its missiles on the raging battle below as if waiting for its victims to die before swooping down for the carrion. The Vulture’s twin LRM-20 racks can certainly hasten along the enemy’s death, and it frequently uses its laser weapons to administer the coup de grace to wounded foes.
         Alternate Configuration A looks similar to the primary setup, but is different in function. Three SRM-6 launchers replace the LRM rack on each shoulder, giving this version of the Vulture immense muscle at short range. The autocannon and PPC in the arms can keep the enemy busy until the Vulture can bring its missiles to bear.
         A hybrid between the first two configurations, Alternate Configuration B incorporates several refinements, including Streak technology for its two SRM-6 racks and an Artemis IV fire-control system for its single LRM-20 launcher. This variant also carries three medium pulse lasers in its right arm and two extended-range large lasers in its left arm.
         So different in appearance from its counterparts that Inner Sphere MechWarriors originally thought it was a separate ‘Mech, Alternate Configuration C of the Vulture does not even look like a vulture. In place of missile racks and lasers, the Vulture C carries two powerful Gauss Rifles. So bulky are these weapons that this model must carry the ammunition in its puny arms. Weight restrictions prevent the model C from carrying any other weapons. Only by careful study of battle vids did strategists identify the leg and torso structure of this design as a Vulture.

         Though seen first in the Draconis Combine and shortly thereafter in the Free Rasalhague Republic, the Vulture has since appeared in the armed forces of all the Clans. Clan Ghost Bear uses it with the greatest frequency, but the Smoke Jaguars also favor the ‘Mech. The Vulture is somewhat less common among the other Clan forces.