Fire Moth (Dasher) H

       Code-named the Dasher by the Royal KungsArmé because of its incredible bursts of speed, this ‘Mech is unlike any ever produced in the Inner Sphere, during the Star League era or since. It carries a load of weapons that is ample for a light ‘Mech produced in the Inner Sphere, despite being smaller than any other Clan ‘Mech yet seen in the field. An excellent reconnaissance ‘Mech because of its quick pace, the Dasher can get out of a tight spot by engaging its Myomer Accelerator Signal Circuitry. Its armor is thin, but the Dasher is so fast that it is difficult to hit.

       In its primary configuration, the Dasher can give a good account of itself against light ‘Mechs of the Inner Sphere. Its exceptional speed allows it to get into close range regardless of its opponent’s actions, and use its short-range missiles and medium lasers to good effect. If facing a larger enemy, the Dasher simply retreats to friendly lines, leaving its foe far behind. Another popular tactic is for the Dasher to race to the enemy’s rear, cutting down opposing ‘Mechs before they can respond. This has worked out badly on occasion, primarily because of the Rasalhagian practice of forming lances into a column. On several occasions, a Dasher has sped around a light ‘Mech, only to be cut down by a medium ‘Mech following several hundred meters behind.
       Alternate Configuration A has been seen only on rare occasions, but has been used to devastating effect. This configuration uses its Beagle active probe to locate hidden enemy positions and its target-acquisition gear to rain down flights of Arrow IV missiles from other members of its Cluster many kilometers away. It uses its Streak short-range missiles and anti-missile system to hold its place on the battlefield for as long as possible, then returns to the supporting ‘Mechs in its unit with amazing speed.
       Using its Guardian electronic countermeasures to protect its Starmates, a Dasher equipped with Alternate Configuration B leads a force into an enemy city or other built-up area where hostilities are expected. Its medium pulse lasers and machine gun can swiftly destroy enemy infantry, and the A-pod helps keep sappers off the ‘Mech’s legs.
       In Alternate Configuration C, the Dasher performs long-range fire support, a role for which it is not particularly well-suited. Though it carries double LRM-5 launchers and an anti-missile system to protect itself from return fire, it cannot carry nearly as many weapons as other Clan designs. However, no ‘Mech can fall back to a new position as quickly as the Dasher.
       When the Clans expect to mix it up with other ‘Mechs and have no other concern, they equip the Dasher with Alternate Configuration D. Though this variant occasionally has a problem with heat build-up, it can deliver an accurate and deadly hail of laser fire at opposing ‘Mechs.

       The Dasher is one of the less common Clan designs, not in general use because of the specialized roles it plays. It is seen most frequently among the forces of Clan Ghost Bear, who favor it over other reconnaissance ‘Mechs.