Dragon

This article is about the 60-ton BattleMech. For other uses, see Dragon (disambiguation).
Dragon
Grand Dragon RGilClan v24.png
Production Information
Manufacturer(s)Luthien Armor Works[1]
Production Year2754[2][3]
ModelDRG-1N[1]
ClassHeavy
Cost5,036,800 C-bills
Technical specifications
'Mech typeInner Sphere BattleMech
Mass60 tons
ChassisAlshain Type 56-60H
ArmorStarshield
EngineVlar 300
CommsSipher CommSys 3
TTSEagle Eye SY10-10
Heat Sinks10 single
Speed86 km/h
Armament
B.V. (1.0)952
B.V. (2.0)1,125[1][4]


Description[edit]

The Dragon is a heavy BattleMech originally designed in a bid to replace the Shadow Hawk. A close assault 'Mech, its versatile design allows it to be used in both offensive and defensive operations. It boasts above-average firepower and plenty of ammunition for extended combat, while a Vlar 300 fusion engine gives it a high top speed for a heavy 'Mech. Armor coverage for the Dragon's ten tons is thick around the torso, and especially the rear, for when it is surrounded by opponents, while the squat design gives it a smaller profile and makes it harder to knock over. The lack of any especially heat-intensive equipment makes the use of only ten heat sinks a nonissue. The Dragon's only major problem is it requires frequent maintenance and/or overhaul of its hip actuator.[2][3][4]

Debuting in 2754 during the twilight years of the Star League, the Dragon was turned down by the SLDF in favor of an upgraded Shadow Hawk, though it would be quietly picked up by the Draconis Combine. With the dissolution of the Star League and the onset of the Succession Wars, the Dragon became the Combine's standard heavy 'Mech.[2] Multiple production lines on many well-defended worlds, including Luthien, meant the design was so prevalent every battalion and almost every company featured the Dragon, with some battalions comprised of nothing but these 'Mechs. So many were produced that the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth employed salvaged Dragons in their own arsenals, while many mercenary commands used captured or purchased models. The Free Rasalhague Republic would also adopt the 'Mech following their formation.[3][4]

The beginning of the end came around 3025 when the Grand Dragon, an improved version of the Dragon, entered the prototype phase. By 3040, initial production had begun on this upgraded model with several Dragon factories switching over entirely to producing Grand Dragons. Even as the Combine was phasing it out of service the original Dragon was not wholly abandoned and it saw combat during the Clan Invasion. By 3065 Luthien Armor Works had ceased production altogether on the Dragon, though it would remain within the DCMS' inventory for some time.[5][6]

Weapons and Equipment[edit]

The Dragon's primary weapons are an arm-mounted Imperator-A Autocannon/5 and Telos DecaCluster LRM-10 launcher set into its protruding chestpiece, giving it respectable long-range damage capabilities as it charges forward. Additionally, the use of Long Range Missiles grants the Dragon indirect fire capabilities. A 40-round autocannon magazine and 240-round LRM bay allow it to operate for extended periods away from supply lines. For close combat the Dragon carries two Victory 23R medium lasers, one rear-mounted in its torso and another in its left arm. The Dragon is also a proficient brawler, often finishing off an opponent with physical attacks, and its normally-delicate autocannon is wrapped in a thick protective sleeve for just such occasions.[7][3][4]

Variants[edit]

  • DRG-1C
    The 1C Dragon replaces the Autocannon/5 with a longer range Autocannon/2 and adds three additional tons of armor protection. This allows the Dragon to have an ever further direct fire reach, while reducing the direct fire capability at range by sixty percent.[8] BV (1.0) = 1,021, BV (2.0) = 1,215[9][10]
  • DRG-5N
    The 5N variant of the Dragon was used as a bridge between it and the Grand Dragon. This field upgrade, which utilizes formerly lost technology, upgrades its normal autocannon to an Ultra Autocannon/5, which is capable of firing at twice the rate of a standard model. Additionally, the rear-facing medium laser has been removed from the 'Mech. BV (1.0) = 1,053, BV (2.0) = 1,223[11]
  • DRG-5Nr
    A simple field refit used during the Jihad, this version mounts a C3 slave unit in the torso and a second arm-mounted laser, a return of the rear-firing laser, while replacing the original autocannon with a light autocannon/5.[12] BV (2.0) = 1,277[13]
  • DRG-7N
    Debuting during the civil war era, the 7N boasts superior firepower in the form of a Gauss rifle in the right arm and an AC/5 in the left arm, with a traditional medium laser in the left torso (firing forward now) and an MRM-10 launcher in place of the LRM launcher. The 'Mech is powered by an XL engine while its ammunition stores of sixteen Gauss slugs, twenty rounds of autocannon fire and twenty-four missile salvos, all stored in the right torso, are protected by CASE. BV: 1,322[14]

Custom Variants[edit]

Apocryphal Variants[edit]

Design Quirks[edit]

The Dragon has the following Design Quirks:[20]

Notable Pilots[edit]

See Category:Notable Dragon Pilots

Related BattleMechs[edit]

  • DRG-1G Grand Dragon - Though based on the same chassis, the improved version of the Dragon was generally considered to be a different 'Mech altogether.[21]
  • Great Wyrm - While rejected by the SLDF, their successors the Clans found the filed away design specs and Clan Mongoose updated and altered into one very first new 'Mechs built on Clan Homeworlds, the Great Wyrm.
  • Dragon II - The Dragon II was developed and introduced during the Dark Age. Instead of a brawler, it is more of a support unit.[22]

Notes[edit]

  • In German products, the unit's proper name was altered to Dracon. The model code was changed accordingly to DRC-1N.
  • In French products, the unit's proper name was kept as Dragon, which has the same meaning in both languages.

Gallery[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ a b c Technical Readout: Succession Wars, pp. 108–109: "DRG-1N Dragon"
  2. ↑ a b c Technical Readout: 3025, p. 74
  3. ↑ a b c d Technical Readout: 3025 Revised, pp. 72–73
  4. ↑ a b c d Technical Readout: 3039, pp. 142–143
  5. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050, p. 124
  6. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050 Upgrade, p. 66
  7. ↑ Classic BattleTech Introductory Record Sheets, p. 16
  8. ↑ BattleTech Record Sheets: 3025 & 3026, p. 135
  9. ↑ Master Unit List: Battle Values, p. 88
  10. ↑ MUL entry for the DRG-1C Dragon
  11. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged (Inner Sphere), p. 148
  12. ↑ Technical Readout: 3085, p. 190
  13. ↑ Record Sheets: 3085 Unabridged — Old is the New New, p. 88
  14. ↑ Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrades Unabridged: Inner sphere, p. 150
  15. ↑ Historical Turning Points: Galtor, p. 18
  16. ↑ BattleTechnology #21, p. 21
  17. ↑ Luthien, p. 69
  18. ↑ a b MechWarrior Online Inside Source, ISSUE.007.DEC.2012
  19. ↑ MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Heroes of the Inner Sphere
  20. ↑ BattleTech Manual, p. 91: "BattleMech Quirk Table - Dragon"
  21. ↑ Technical Readout: 3050, p. 142
  22. ↑ Technical Readout: 3145 Draconis Combine, p. 42

Bibliography[edit]

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