V5.002CrabCRB-27-2 E{D{DA0A@@MM 4 4 3 2 11 5J   :!Lord's Light Particle Beam Weapon7Lushann Redbeam8Diverse Optics Type 28Diverse Optics Type 277 :::  8 8  M Soon after first delivery to the field, the Crab became synonomous with easy maintenance, primarily due to the fact that most of its' systems had been tried, tested, and refined to the point of near-perfection on other machines. The same is true with the new Crabs being produced by Alliance. The electronic marvel that was the Dalban Series K communications network has proved to be beyond Alliance's production capabilities, unfortunately. The Garrett Type 4 array has proved almost as capable, but lacks the more advanced functions like troop projections and satellite monitoring. Unlike the Crab variants that began to appear after the fall of the Star League, this machine has suffered no loss of protection after switching from advanced composite armor to standard. Its arms and legs are well protected and even its weakest points can withstand a direct PPC blast without a breach. The 'Mech's weapons systems have recieved a reworking, correcting problems voiced by pilots. A particle cannon has replaced the heavy laser in the right arm, giving the vehicle a desperately needed long-range weapon. Taking note of the tendency for pilot's to use the large claws the 'mech carries for hands as large clubs, knocking the weapons housed inside inoperable, the Alliance designers took the liberty to give the weapons an armored supsension sleeve, much like that on the Kuritan Dragon, to deal with the impacts of melee combat. The original Crab's secondary line of defense, a Ceres Arms laser cannon backed with an Exostar laser, was often inadequate. While the Ceres Arms laser was a good weapon, the Exostar was deemed a weapon of absolute last resort, relegated to use against infantry and other soft targets. Both systems have been replaced, with twin Diverse Optics Type 2 cannons. The cockpit, well insulated against the heat of a light-class laser, now heats up more severely, due to the increased heat of the bigger laser. In a final effort of innovation, the Alliance design team was able to squeeze in five Chilton 360 jump jets, greatly increasing the 'mechs maneuverability.      [ none ]Alliance Defenders LimitedAlpheratz / OA (ADL)Magna StarSlab/6Hollis Mark 1A Garret Type 4O/P 3000 Chilton 360