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Puma

Armament:

2 LRM 20s

1 PPC

2 Medium Lasers

1 SRM 4

1 Flamer

1 Small Laser

Manufacturer:    Pandora 'Mech Works Inc.

   Location:    (Unknown)

Communications System:    COMTEC 400E

Targeting & Tracking System: GroundTracker EE-4

Overview:

       In many respects, the Puma resembles designs that predate the 'Mech.   It is slow, bulky, and armed with a variety of weapons.   It poses a threat to small BattleMechs, but its size and immobility limit is usefulness.   The modifications in the latest model of the Puma, the PMA 005 BP, show some promise for giving this vehicle greater flexibility.
The Puma has had a poor image from the start because it was designed by a company that had previously built only BattleMechs.   The first model, produced in 2650, was the PMA 001, which had some success.   Its promise offset its problems, and so Pandora pushed forward.   The main weakness was that the environmental controls did not account for the modern battlefield, and many crews perished because of gas or radiation.   The temperature inside the PMA 001 issue exceeded 120 degrees during combat, hindering the performance of the crew and machinery.
       Later models of the Puma sought to correct those early difficulties but created new problems.   The modifications in the 002 made the quarters survivable, but affected the LRM ammunition-feed system to the point where it jammed frequently.   Engineers from Holly Inc. corrected the feed, only to have Pandora's engineers alter the coolant coils for the laser systems.   By the time of the 005 model, engineers had created a battle-worthy Puma, but it suffered from its bad reputation with the press and with tank crews.

Capabilities:

       The Puma's main strength is its firepower from a variety of weapons.   The Donal PPC mounted in the turret delivers the most damage, but the Puma also carries long- and short-range missiles, laser systems, and even a rear-mounted flamer.   The weapons mix allows the Puma to perform well in a variety of combat situations.
       The Puma PMA-005 BP has long-range striking power with the twin-mounted Holly Racks, mounted on the side of the tank in hinged armored doors that open forward.   The racks pivot 60 degrees forward, allowing the missiles to fire directly forward or angle to the sides, an unusual arrangement even in the vast arsenal of the Star League.   Veteran infantry have learned not to stand next to the Puma's missile doors.
       The Puma has a number of emergency hatches for the crew, which has improved its reputation somewhat.   The most innovative one is in the floor of the tank.   Activating the hatch sets off a small charge, blasting a foxhole or escape trench for those trying to leave the tank.   This is another unique feature of the Puma.
       The weakest part of any tank is usually the rear.   This is true of the Puma, but the PMA 005 BP protects itself with a Skylight Model 5 flamer and a Krieger small laser.   These light armaments are little use against 'Mechs, but they are effective in discouraging infantry who circle around behind the Puma.   The turret gunnery officer controls both of these systems, which means that the tank has great difficulty firing forward and backward at the same time.
       Military experts find fault with the Puma's armor configuration on several counts.   They consider the edges of the tank too sharp and the angle of the armor too steep to deflect shots.  
       Maintenance on the Puma initially was a nightmare for the technical services.   Due to the variety of systems and subcontractors on the Puma, spare parts are a problem.

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Type/Model:	Puma
Mass:	95 tons

Equipment:		Items	Mass
Internal Structure:	40 pts Standard	0	9.50
Engine:	285 Fusion	0	16.50
Shielding & Trans Equip:		0	8.50
Cruise MP:	3
Flank MP:	5
Heat Sinks:	20 Single	0	10.00
Cockpit & Controls:		0	5.00
Crew:	7 Members	0	.00
Armor Factor:	157 pts Standard	0	10.00

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		Internal	Armor
		Structure	Value
	Front:	10	52
	Left / Right Sides:	10	40/40
	Rear:	10	25

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Weapons & Equipment:	Loc	Heat	Ammo	Items	Mass
1 LRM 20	Right	0	6	2	11.00
1 LRM 20	Left	0	6	1	11.00
1 PPC	Front	10		1	7.00
2 Medium Lasers	Front	6		2	2.00
1 SRM 4	Front	0	25	2	3.00
1 Flamer	Rear	3		1	1.00
1 Small Laser	Rear	1		1	.50
TOTALS:		20		10	95.00
Items & Tons Left:				14	.00

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Calculated Factors:
Total Cost:	5,880,713 C-Bills
Battle Value:	905
Cost per BV:	6,498.02
Weapon Value:	1,067 / 1,067 (Ratio = 1.18 / 1.18)
Damage Factors:	SRDmg = 35; MRDmg = 27; LRDmg = 13
BattleForce2:	MP: 3,   Armor/Structure: 0 / 7
	Damage PB/M/L: 4/4/3,   Overheat: 0
	Class: GA,   Point Value: 9