Overview Developed in the later years of the old Star League from the earlier Demolisher tank, and better known throughout the Successor States as the "Mech Slayer," the Devastator DVE-5B retained all of the important assets of its predecessor and added a number of improvements that increased both the survivability and the usefulness of this war machine. Although the number of these vehicles still in operation is greatly reduced from the morethan 500 builtduring the Star League days, Devastators can still be found in the arsenals of many of the Successor States and some of the more wealthy planetary military forces. Capabilities Resembling its predecessor to a large degree, the Devastator differs from the earlier machine mainly in its engine plant and in its array of weaponry. The most significant change was the replacement of the old Demolisher's inefficient internal combustion engine with a newer type Magna 240 Fusion power plant. The changeover eliminated the need for expensive power amplifiers in the system as well as reducing the load put on the vehicle's inherent heat sinks. The Devastator's main armament stayed the same as the Demolisher's: twin M.E. ( 'Mech Eater) Type 20 autocannon mounted in the main turret. Since these weapons are well known, it is sufficient to say that they pack a double punch that any sensible MechWarrior will tell you is terrible to behold. Because of the increase in the power grid, the Devastator is also able to mount a numberof weapons that simply could not be accommodated on the Demolisher. The lack of such weapons in the older tank caused a number of the 'Mech Slayers to become disabled through attacks by lighter 'Mechs coming in from behind or even by other armored vehicles and heavy weapons support troops. The Devastator mounts two Radon V Small Lasers in cupolas on the port and starboard forward hull as well as a Radon VI Medium Laser mounted on the forepeak. These energy weapons can be targeted independently by the Dynatec 1280 Tracking System installed for this purpose. In addition to lasers, the Devastator mounts a Torch XXVI Flamer unit on an auto-tracking tripod located on the top-rear of the immense turret, and a Javoc Short Range Missile 4-pack mounted on the after turret housing. These two weapons are primarily used for anti -armo r/i nf antry fire, but they are equally effective against 'Mech targets within their ranges. The armor of the Devastator was little changed from the Demolisher design, so much so that their protection is almost identical. Notes Devastators are used in a variety ot roles, the most important of which is planetary defense. Most Successor States have placed one or two of their remaining Devastators/Demolishers on key planets within their sphere of influence. The garrison that includes one of these monsters has little to fear from anything less than a company of raiding 'Mechs since few commanders are willing to risk the potential firepower of these monsters against lance-sized units. Some Successor States, such as House Liao, use their remaining Devastators as "Guards of Honor." During any pageant or military parade on Sian, four of these immense vehicles always lead the way, making even more of an impression than most 'Mechs. Devastators are also effective in attacking across open country. Restricted maneuvering areas should be avoided at all costs, however, with these vehicles. Caught in rough terrain orwithin a city-fight, they have proven themselves to be easy prey to any sizable assault force. It is worth noting that the reputation of these "Mech Slayers" has increased to such proportions over the centuries that currently it is more their reputation than their actual combat value that keeps them within the active forces of the Successor States. Sadly, this situation will not last as fewer and fewer operational Devastators and Demolishers are found in the field. Despite the uncontested fact that the Devastator is a considerable improvement over the still fairly efficient design of the Demolisher tank, both these behemoths appearto be headed for extinction from the battlefields of the Succession Wars. Though they are quite impressive as they rumble toward opposing 'Mech forces, their usefulness is far outweighed by the incredible logistical effort necessary to keep them operational. Spare parts for either of these vehicles are nearly impossible to come by within the borders of the Successor States. Replacement parts are usually scavenged from cannibalized sister-vehicles or fabricated from similar spares which never quite fit. It is an unfortunate fact that centuries of continual warfare have simply reduced all of the Successor States' repair and replacement capabilities. This situation is not apt to change in the foreseeable future. And because of that, Devastator and Demolisher tanks will eventually follow the path of another behemoth into extinction: that of Terra's ancient dinosaurs. Mass: 80 tons Movement Type: Tracked Power Plant: Magna 240 Fusion Cruising Speed: 35.42 kph Flank Speed: 52.3 kph Armor: Dinochrome 2000 Armament: 2 M.E. ( 'MechEater) Autocannon 20 1 Radon VI Medium Laser 2 Radon V Small Lasers 1 Torch XXVI Flamer 1 Javoc Short Range Missile Four-Pack Manufacturer: Halstead Industries Communications System: Omicron B Targeting and Tracking System: Dynatec 1280 Tonnage: 80 Movement Type: Tracked Cruise Speed: 3 Flank Speed: 5 Engine: 17 Tons Rating: 240 Type: Fusion Controls: 4 Tons Lift Equipment: 0 Tons Power Amplifier: 0 Tons Heat Sinks: 10 Tons Internal Structure: 8 Tons Turret: 3 Tons Armor: 10 Tons Loc. Points Front 40 Lt./Rt. Side 30/30 Back 20 Turret 40 Weapons and Ammo: Auto Cannon 20 14 Tons Auto Cannon 20 14 Tons Ammo 10 2 Tons Ammo 10 2 Tons SRM 4 2 Tons Ammo 25 1 Tons Med. Laser 1 Tons Sm. Laser .5 Tons Sm. Laser .5 Tons Flamer 1 Tons NOTE: All weapons have all-round firing ability except the three lasers which can only fire to the front and sides of the vehicle. 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