V5.00ZAkumaAKU-1X HEP EBA@MA 7 7 6 4 13 3  && + 4Lord's Light 2<Victory HeartbeatkGuided Technologies 2nd Gen8 Victory 23RShigungaMImperator Code RedlGuided Technologies 2nd Gen444<k  8MMMMMM     ll& During the Clan invasion, Theodore Kurita issued a general call to manufacturers to produce more cost-effective BattleMechs, both in initial investment and upkeep costs. Independence Weaponry, well known for their heavy and assault 'Mechs, responded with a low-cost alternative to their own Atlas-K: the AKU-1X Akuma. With a price tag comparable to the original Atlas-D, the Akuma shares many components with the older design. By creating a broader demand for the same set of parts, Independence Weaponry reduced the overall cost for both units. The primary cost-cutting measure employed in the Akuma's design was to make the Akuma smaller and lighter than the Atlas. The reduced weight and resulting smaller fusion engine represented a significant savings. In spite of its smaller size, however, the Akuma maintains the same ground speed and comparable armor protection. In addition, the 'Mech's head is adorned with a massive mask, giving it the frightening appearance of the mythical demon for which it is named. The Akuma's fearsome appearance is intended to distract or startle the enemy long enough for the Combine MechWarrior to get in the first shot. The 'Mech's armaments are an array of advanced weapons that work most effectively at short and medium ranges. Though the 'Mech is slow compared to others in its class, its intended use for defense or in slow advances against static or dug-in opponents keeps its low speed from being a design flaw. Central to the Akuma's arsenal is a Lord's Light 2 extended-range particle beam weapon and a large rack of medium-range missiles. Two Streak launchers provide a short-range backup to the MRMs. As the Streaks cannot fire without a lock-on, not a single shot of their expensive ammunition is wasted. Some observers consider the Imperator Code Red LB 10-X autocannon an extravagance, but most experts point out that it provides needed long-range firepower. Arm-mounted lasers provide reliable backup weapons in case the Akuma runs out of ammunition.  The 1XJ has often been derided as 'the same, only more so.' This has some merit in that long-range firepower is further weakened for incredible medium-range and point-blank assault capability. The ER PPC was changed out for a laser and the Streak launchers removed. This allowed upgrades of the medium range missiles and the autocannon. More surprising, however, are the retrofitted jump jets which give the Akuma expanded tactical options. It was this variant that created such chaos among Davion lines in 3064.  The Ryuken-go have always been the chief proponents of the Akuma, fielding this design in several assault lances. Other front-line units were slow to adopt the Akuma until it proved itself during the assault on Clan Smoke Jaguar, and since then demand has outstripped production. Recently, in the ill-fated attacks launched against the Combine by Duke Robinson, the Akuma 1XJ made its debut in the counterassaults that eventually took the Davion worlds of Breed and Kesai IV. As used to publish FanPro's publication: Record Sheets: 3067 As entered and supplied by Randall Bills Text from TRO 3067, entered by Chris "Dukeroyal" Mc Intosh, from text provided by Randall Bills.  [ none ]Independence WeaponryQuentinGM 270Durallex Special HeavyFoundation AKU Endo SteelSipher Security PlusMatabushi SentinelNone