Truesdell UTA-219

Caught entirely off guard by the debut of the Kyroptera, Archer Unleashed immediately set out to create a ‘Mech that could rival it. After being beaten out two years in a row by Gotham Limited’s new machine, Archer Unleashed was finally ready to unveil their own new creation in 3089 - the Truesdell. Named after the head engineer of the stable, the Truesdell utilized cutting-edge equipment in a bid to take down the troublesome Kyroptera and it would prove its worth the very same year it debuted.

Capabilities
Engineers began by outfitting the Truesdell with the exact same engine their rival used, a 330 XL Fusion engine capable of producing speeds of up to 97.2 kph. Rather than utilize Improved Jump Jets however, they chose to go in a different direction. A Partial Wing system developed by Clan Jade Falcon was equipped which added both to the ‘Mech’s jump distance and its heat reduction capability. The tradeoff for these bonuses resulted in a slightly reduced output overall compared to the Kyroptera, with the Truesdell only being able to achieve a jumping distance of 240 meters. It was still more than enough to make it a viable threat to its rival.

The weapons and armor of the Truesdell were chosen to directly combat the Kyroptera. Though engineers knew this meant it could be flawed against other competitors, the fact that it would be enough to floor their rival was enough. Knowing that the Kyroptera used only energy weaponry aside from its dangerous Claws, the Truesdell was outfitted with ten tons of Reflective armor. Though this did provide excellent protection against energy weapon attacks, it made matters even worse when the inevitable melee combat erupted, making this armor be seen as a very poor choice by some.

The armor choice was seen as even riskier considering that the Truesdell’s entire loadout was based around close-range combat. Two Medium X-Pulse Lasers and a Streak SRM 2 could lay down suppressing or even direct fire, while a Small Shield and Medium Vibroblade offered additional defense and offense respectively. As a final protective measure, clan-made CASE II was added to protect the missile ammo.

Deployment
The Truesdell hit the arenas in 3089 as soon as it finished production and it won its first several matches with ease, with opponents being caught off guard by the extra performance allowed by the Partial Wing. The damage that could be done by the Vibroblade was also typically underestimated until it was too late.

When the Truesdell came up against the Kyroptera in the 3089 Class Three Championship, it fought a grueling battle. As everyone expected, energy weapons and missiles were only flung for so long before the two ‘Mechs came to physical blows. The Truesdell was only saved by its Small Shield as it managed to deflect some of the more brutal attacks it faced. Though battered and nearly destroyed, it managed to pierce the Kyroptera’s armor with its Vibroblade, slicing straight through to the engine and crippling the ‘Mech to win the championship.

Both ‘Mechs would face off against each other in the coming years with varying results, and both stables would continue to up the ante with newer designs meant to test the very limits of their opponents.