compiled overview of the 80
ton Thug 'Mech, from various
BattleTech novels and game sourcebooks:
"
the best defense is a strong offense."
Originally introduced in 2572 by
Maltex as a replacement for the
Warhammer, the THG-10E
Thug admirably fulfilled the role of an all-purpose
assault 'Mech. Maltex produced
Thugs until 2835, when their primary plant was destroyed. Since then,
Earthwerks started production of the new 11E under license from Maltex.
The
Thug is an impressive design that has withstood the vagaries of battle for centuries. Its
heat sinks allow it to sustain a continual barrage from its twin
PPCs, and it has enough armor to survive any return fire. Should enemies close with the
Thug, its pilots can engage their twin SRM launchers or devastate opponents with crippling physical attacks.
Twin Tiegart
particle projection cannons, located one each in the
Thug's arms, provide the knock-out punch needed by any heavy
'Mech. Though ten percent smaller than the Donal
PPCs carried by the
Warhammer, the Tiegart matches its larger cousin for power and damage. The Tiegart's major drawback is the scarcity of replacement parts. Even though several
redundant circuits provide backup power if needed, the
MechWarrior's control over the weapon suffers greatly without a steady supply of parts.
Secondary weapons include two
Bical-6 short-range missile launchers, one each in the
'Mech's right and left torsos. The SRMs provide short-range firepower and free the
Thug's arms for
hand-to-hand combat. When all four weapons fire at the same target, the effect on the enemy is devastating. Only the strongest
'Mechs can withstand such a massive barrage. The
Thug is equipped with
CASE, safeguarding the
MechWarrior from missile-load explosions.
After almost a full minute of long-range
bombardment,
Thug pilots often move in on damaged opponents. The reliable Bical-6
SRMs come into their own at close ranges; their barrage of
warheads exploiting the openings torn in a foe's armor by earlier fire. Special dilating covers on the
Thug's side torsos protect the launchers when not in use, which can also surprise an opponent not familiar with the design.
The superior
protection afforded by the
Thug's more than fourteen tons of Durallex
armor ensures the
Thug can withstand all but the most concentrated long-range firepower. Because they are built to last, these
BattleMechs see almost constant battle. The original equipment of the
Thug has to be replaced over the years as parts become
worn beyond repair or were destroyed outright. Ironically, technicians have had to modify stockpiled supplies for the
Warhammer to replace the
Thug's weapons. Newer
Thugs are now built with these parts, eliminating the need for extensive field modifications to make the weapons fit their new housings.
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