Recognized
as one of the most successful 'Mechs ever designed, the Archer has
been a keystone in every house military since the fall of Star League.
Countless thousands were produced for the Star League Army, and though
significant numbers were destroyed in the Liberation of Terra and
the Succession Wars, some factories continue to produce the Archer
even today. Its undisputed claim to fame is its outstanding performance
as a superior fire support 'Mech, a role it still fills admirably
today, some six centuries after its introduction.
Earthwerks Incorporated is building a newly redesigned Archer for
the Word of Blake, at the specific request of Precentor Martial St.
Jamais. Many of the Periphery realms, including the Taurian Concordat,
are somehow part of this equation, with this new Archer turning up
within the militaries of most. Capabilities
Earthwerks' new Archer employs extended-range laser weaponry, including
a single Large Laser and a pair of Mediums, and reduces the missiles
to LRM 15-racks. Artemis Fire Control systems have been mated to the
Delta Dart missile systems, though, increasing their effectiveness
nearly to that of the old 20-racks. This new Archer, while still able
to inflict nearly the same ranged damage potential, has increased
that potential measurably in the short- to medium-range brackets.
Though not built as a brawler, the ARC-8M has the armor protection
to engage in a close-range slugging match with most 'Mechs. CASE is
installed in both torso locations to protect the 'Mech from catastrophic
damage resulting from an ammunition hit. Its upper body traversing
assembly was completely redesigned to better protect the lower torso
and hip actuators. The upper body is also more compact, with sloped
armor for better deflection of weapons fire. Finally, its feet were
completely redesigned to make the Archer a more stable firing platform
as well as to give it better footing when walking or running.
Source:
Technical Readout Project Phoenix
Armament:
2 Delta Dart LRM 15 Missile Packs
1 ER Large Laser
3 ER Medium Lasers